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Abbas says to discuss settlement, prisoners issues with Olmert

RAMALLAH, June 2 (KUNA) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Monday that he would present during a meeting Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issues of settlements in the West Bank and specifically in the city of Jerusalem and the issue of prisoners.
The President added during a press conference held with German Foreign Minister Frank Steinmeier in the presidential headquarters in Ramallah that the Palestinian National Authority can not accept such actions by the Israeli government which will be an obstacle to peace.
He added that the PNA always draws the attention of the international community that the continued Israeli settlement expansion would make it difficult to reach a political agreement.
He renewed his welcome for any Arab or international effort to reach a solution with Hamas.
The President also weclomed the Doha agreement resolving the Lebanese crisis, as well as efforts being exerted on the Syrian-Israeli track.
On the other hand, Hamas conered the decision to convene a meeting this afternoon between Abbas and Olmert as a step to legislate settler incursions in the Palestinian territories and to cover up the crime.
Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas spokesman, said "the meeting was a life boat for the Israeli Prime Minister to escape and strengthen the safety net granted to him by the U.S. through meetings that are empty in content and useless, especially after attempts to overthrow Olmert in the wake of investigations conducted with him on file corruption. (end) nq.tg KUNA 021622 Jun 08NNNN