Olmert: Plan marks revolutionary change in outlook

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert praised an Arab peace plan that calls for the full recognition of Israel as a major breakthrough in Arab relations with the Jewish state, but he flatly rejected its demand for the return of Palestinian refugees, Israeli media reported today.

In a string of interviews with Israeli media ahead of the Passover holiday, Olmert said there can be a comprehensive deal to end the Middle East conflict within five years, but stressed that no immediate peace agreement seemed likely.