Olmert: Israel prepared for peace

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, at the U.S. summit, says he's extending his hand in peace to the Palestinians but warned the terror attacks must stop.

Speaking before representatives from some 40 nations attending the Middle East peace conference Tuesday in Annapolis, Md., Olmert said he witnessed the destruction caused by Palestinian rockets and suicide bombers during his tenure as mayor of Jerusalem. His remarks followed U.S. President George Bush's announcement of an "understanding" between Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to begin talks on a new peace treaty immediately.

"The absence of governmental institutions and effective law enforcement mechanisms, the rule of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing activity of murderous organizations throughout all the territories of the Palestinian Authority, the absence of a legal system that meets the basic criteria of a democratic government -- all of these are factors which deter us from moving forward too hastily," Olmert warned.

"We want peace. We demand an end to terror, an end to incitement and to hatred. We are prepared to make a painful compromise, rife with risks, in order to realize these aspirations."

Olmert said he recognizes Palestinian suffering and indicated Israel is willing to give up much of the territory won in the 1967 Six-Day War.

" I am convinced that the reality that emerged in our region in 1967 will change significantly," Olmert said. "This will be an extremely difficult process for many of us, but it is, nevertheless, inevitable. I know this, many of my people know this; we are prepared for it."