Olmert doubts peace deal can come in 2008

[July 28, 2008]  JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he doesn't believe a peace accord can be reached with the Palestinians in 2008.

Speaking to the parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Olmert says the status of Jerusalem is unlikely to be resolved that quickly.

A participant in the meeting says Olmert told the committee that there "is no practical chance" of reaching an overall understanding on Jerusalem this year.

At a U.S.-hosted peace conference last year, Israel and the Palestinians pledged to make all efforts to secure a peace deal by the end of President Bush's tenure in 2008.

Olmert added that on other core issues, like refugees and borders, the sides were closer to each other.

[Associated Press]

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