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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Some headlines and summaries from JTA
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Olmert praises House of Representatives
Ehud Olmert commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a bill that cuts off assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
Speaking Wednesday to both houses of Congress, the Israeli prime minister said the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act “sends a firm, clear message that the United States of America will not tolerate terrorism in any form.”
Olmert, who received several standing ovations, reiterated that he is ready to negotiate with P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas, a relative moderate from the Fatah Party, but would not entertain contacts with the Hamas-led P.A. Cabinet until the group renounces terrorism and recognizes the State of Israel. Olmert said if negotiations fail, he is ready to conduct a unilateral withdrawal from parts of the West Bank.
He also praised Congress for legislation known as the Iran Freedom and Support Act that would further isolate the Islamic republic.
Scottish church: Label settlement goods
The Church of Scotland called on European authorities to identify products made in Israel’s West Bank settlements.
The call came from the church’s General Assembly, which met in Edinburgh this week.
At the meeting, a committee reported that the church does not hold any investments directly relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ADL blasts church group on Israel
The Anti-Defamation League criticized the World Council of Churches for what the ADL called a one-sided statement against Israel.
The ADL said the council “needs a reality check” after criticizing Israel for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In its statement, the Geneva-based council, which includes more than 350 churches from around the world, called for a relaxation of sanctions on the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority.
The council condemned the killing of innocent civilians by both sides in the conflict and called for the Palestinians to “maintain the existing one-party cease-fire toward Israel.”
Recently, the council also called on Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program and recognize the State of Israel.
Republican chairman to Israel
The chairman of the Republican Party is slated to meet with top Israeli leaders.
Ken Mehlman is due to leave Wednesday evening for Israel, and will return on June 1.
He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to discuss Olmert’s plan, presented this week to President Bush, to pull out from more of the West Bank.
He also will meet with top military and intelligence officials, members of Olmert’s Cabinet and leaders of the opposition.
Mehlman, who is Jewish, also will visit his grandmother, who lives in Israel.
http://www.jta.org/
posted by Somebody @ 11:03 PM Permanent Link
 
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