Olmert adresses the Baker-Hamilton report

Ehud Olmert, Israel's PM, adressed earlier today reporters regarding the Baker-Hamilton report. In the report, it is stated that in return for a peach agreement with Syria, Israel will have to withdraw from the Golan Heights.

Olmert expressed the view that Pres. Bush believesthat negotiations with the present Syrian regime will be futile. Syrian subversive actions and its support of terrorist groups in Gaza and the West Bank are preventing a true negotiation with the Palestinian, in Olmert's opinion.

Olmert also said that he rejects the connection between the situation in Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said that he believes Pres. Bush shares that belief.

As to Iran, Olmert stated that any solution that will ensure that Iran will not have a nuclear capability will be acceptable to him.

The Baker-Hamilton report

The Baker-Hamilton comittee presented it's recommendations to Pres. Bush today. In the report, the comittee urges the president to initiate a process for complete peace between Israel and its neighbours. The comittee believes that by bringing an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the tension and violence in Iraq will diminish.
The comittee also suggested that the US army should take less of a fighting role in Iraq and assume a counsilatory role and focus on training the Iraqi forces to protect their own country. The comittee stated that the current American policy in Iraq is simply not working.
The comittee also counseled the president to begin talks with Syria and Iran in order to secure their aid to calm the tension in Iraq.
Pres. Bush has already stated that he is not obliged to adopt the comittee's conclusions but that he will review the report as well as reports of the Pentagon and a White House comittee on the subject of Iraq.

Qassam rocket lands in Negev

Another Qassam rocket was launched today from the Gaza strip. The rocket landed in open territory close to a kibbutz in the western part of the Israeli Negev.
The mayor of Sderot, whose city has been hit repeatedly by these rockets urged the government to hasten defensive work of public buildings in the city.
The Qassam launch is another breach by Palestinian militants of the ceasefire which was declared close to two weeks ago between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist groups.

Peretz: A negotiation will not be carried out over the media

Israeli Security Minister, Amir Peretz, addressed the issue of the two Israeli soldiers held by Hezbollah. The two were kidnapped in a surprise attack by Hezbollah on 12th of July in what prompted the war between Israel and Hezbollah last summer.
Peretz responded to questions revolving around the condition of the two soldiers and the efforts made in order to bring about their release. Peretz claimed that confidentiality must be maintained in order to secure the best result. The release of the two soldiers was one of the objectives of the war which many in Israel perceive as a failure. Peretz claimed that the utmost effort is being made to secure the release of the two soldiers.
Peretz also addressed the statements made by new American Secretary of Defense, Bob Gates, in which the latter stated that there is a possibility that Israel will be attacked by a nuclear Iran but there is only a small likelihood of an American attack on Iran. Peretz said that every statement will be studied.

Iran will complete all nuclear research and development by March

Iran will complete all nuclear research and development by March, so stated, Ali Largiani, the secretary of Iran's national security council. The statement was made as the five regular members of the security council and Germany meet to discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program.
Iran claims that it intends to use its nuclear program for civilian causes only, yet it is feared that a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran will make the world a much riskier place, because of the Iranian's regime unstable nature and ideaology.
Iran's support of terrorism in Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories and its threats to destory Israel lend credence to the fear of its antagonists.
Iran has so far rejected all international requests to halt its nuclear program.