By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas vowed Monday “to contribute to the success” of a planned international meeting on Middle East peace.
Olmert and Abbas made the pledge in a joint statement issued at the end of their meeting earlier in the day in Jerusalem.
During the private meeting, the two leaders stressed their commitment for a two-state solution and decided to appoint a joint ministerial committee to advance the goal, said the statement.
Some high-ranking Israeli and Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, attended the first part of the meeting, during which Abbas asked Olmert to release Palestinian prisoners as a goodwill gesture for the holiday of Ramadan.
According to the statement, Olmert agreed to propose the request to his cabinet, but the two sides did not discuss the number of prisoners to be released.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation on security. Olmert said that he fully understands the importance of the freedom of movement for the Palestinians and he hopes to make progress on the issue soon.
The plan for boosting the movement between Palestinian cities is expected to be submitted to the prime minister on Sunday, reports said.
For his part, Fayyad spoke about his role in building the Palestinian security and civil organizations as well as future relations between the two governments.
David Baker, an official from Olmert’s office, told Xinhua that the meeting was very “productive” and “positive.”
Olmert’s spokeswoman Miri Eisin said “no dramatic decisions have been made” and it is just “part of ongoing contact” between the two sides.
Olmert and Abbas are scheduled to meet again in two weeks before the latter attends the United Nations General Assembly session