Olmert, Bush prepare for final meeting

Published: Nov. 6, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Israel's Prime Minister Olmert meets with Croatian Prime Minister Sanader in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert plans one last pitch to U.S. President Bush later this month before both leaders leave office, associates say.

Olmert is looking for commitments from Bush on the peace process with the Palestinians and Syria, the future of U.S. military aid and various arms deals, Haaretz reported Thursday.

Israel also wants the cancellation of the visa requirement for Israelis who want to visit the United States.

While Olmert is still looking for promises from Bush, the real questions being asked in Jerusalem relate to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, observers say.

Some questions to be answered relate to the level of military aid to Israel and how will Israel's nuclear ambitions and security requirements be met in the future.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was due in Israel Thursday in advance of the Sharm-Al-Sheikh summit next Sunday, where this past year's Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will be reviewed.

At the end of the month, Olmert will pay a farewell visit to Bush at the White House and the two will prepare for briefing President-elect Obama.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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