By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that he is keen on holding serious peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
In a statement quoted by Radio Israel Thursday, Olmert said the issue of Jerusalem was not discussed in the recent talks.
The Israeli and Palestinian sides are holding semi-secret talks on the refugees, settlements, prisoners, and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Olmert, who is on a visit to the United States, hoped that a peace agreement with the Palestinians would be achieved by the end of 2008.
Meanwhile, Olmert said that he gets encouragement from the stand of the US Administration towards the Iranian nuclear issue.
The Israeli Prime Minister described Iran as a major danger, saying all means should be used to halt its nuclear programme.
It was reported Wednesday that US President George W. Bush will call European leaders next week to put pressure on Iran regarding the nuclear programme during a tour that will begin on June 10.
The White House said Bush will visit during the six-day tour a number of European countries.