Olmert to update Cabinet on talks with Abbas

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-08-2007 10:37

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem October 3, 2007, in this picture released by the Palestinian Press Office (PPO). Olmert will update his Cabinet on Sunday on his talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and their joint efforts to formulate a framework for full-fledged peace talks. (Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told his Cabinet that the upcoming US-sponsored Mideast peace conference will not replace direct negotiation with Palestinians.

Olmert added that he and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have so far made no agreements or deals. The two have met regularly in recent months in an effort to formulate a framework for fully fledged peace talks ahead of the conference. The meeting is expected to take place in the US city of Annapolis late next month.

Israeli and Palestinian teams responsible for drafting the document are to meet for the first time on Monday. And US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will return to the region next week to assess progress.