Olmert Optimistic Following Jericho Summit with Abbas

Prime Minister Olmert concluded a successful summit on Monday with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.  According to Olmert, the two spoke of substantive issues and the creation of a framework for final settlement negotiations, ahead of the planned US-sponsored peace conference, with the goal of establishing a Palestinian state.  However, it is doubtfull whether the two will succeed in resolving the complex problems on the table, while Hamas still controls Gaza and public support for Olmert is at an all time low.  08/07/07