Dr. Erekat on Olmert’s Statement: “Prime Minister Olmert only seems interested in playing the blame game”

In response to statements made on Sunday by out-going Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert blaming the Palestinian leadership for failure to achieve a peace agreement during his time in office, Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erakat said “it is unfortunate that Prime Minister Olmert thinks it appropriate to make such statements at this time. They are both regrettable and unconstructive.”

“Prime Minister Olmert seems only interested in playing the blame game,” Dr Erakat added.

“The Palestinian leadership has been consistent in its position on negotiations. It is a position consistent with international law, with numerous UN Resolutions and with the international consensus that exists today on how to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” Dr Erakat said. “Whilst in negotiations, Olmert and his government were busy drawing up plans for the devastating assault on Gaza, and approving the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements.”

Dr Erakat concluded by saying “we look forward to the day when there will be an Israeli leader who has the vision to deliver real peace, not just speak about it.”