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June 2, 2008

Embattled Israeli PM Olmert to Meet Abbas Before US Trip 
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Two leaders resumed peace talks last November, but no progress has been made 






Ehud Olmert, left, and Mahmoud Abbas (05 May 2008 file photo)Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Monday before leaving on a three-day trip to the United States.

The two leaders resumed peace talks last November, but progress has been slow. The negotiations could be severely affected by growing calls in Israel for Mr. Olmert to step down over corruption allegations.

Officials with Israel's ruling Kadima party have said Friday they are preparing to find a replacement for Mr. Olmert in light of the growing scandal. Mr. Olmert has rejected the call to quit over allegations that he accepted bribes from a U.S. businessman.

Israel's announcement on Sunday that it intends to build almost 900 homes in the disputed eastern sector of Jerusalem is seen as further complicating the negotiations, and has been condemned by Palestinians as an obstacle to peace.

The Israeli Housing Ministry issued tenders Sunday for homes in two neighborhoods built on land that Israel occupied in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel incorporated the areas into Jerusalem's boundaries in a move not recognized internationally.

Palestinians want east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

The internationally backed road map for peace requires Israel to freeze all settlement activity.



Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.



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