Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed on Monday to push on with talks with Palestinians under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Olmert voiced the determination in a speech at the opening of the winter session of parliament.
"I am determined to give a push and a chance to a substantial peace process" together with Palestinian National Authority Chiarman Abu Mazen (Abbas), Olmert told the lawmakers.
The time is over for making excuses not to talk to the Palestinians while the current Palestinian leadership under Abbas is serious about reaching a deal, said Olmert, whose speech frequently interrupted by catcalls from opposition lawmakers.
(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2007)
