Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, reacting to the Mecca Accord’s failure to explicitly recognize Israel, doubted whether the trilateral summit between himself, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas would take place. Given that the US is shunning the new proposed PA coalition, and the failure of Hamas to agree to the basic prerequisites for negotiations as set out by the Quartet, Olmert expressed concern that there would be no point to the meeting scheduled for Monday.
Rice, however, has not changed her plans. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch arrived in Israel today for preliminary meetings.
Rice, however, has not changed her plans. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch arrived in Israel today for preliminary meetings.