Olmert: “Right of Return, out of the question”

Friday March 30, 2007 08:07

by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, said on Friday that Israel will not accept the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees. He told the Israeli 'Jerusalem Post' that this issue is “out of the question”.

Israeli Prime Minister - Ehud Olmert

Olmert's statements came as his office declared that there is no formal reaction to the Arab peace Initiative’s call for the right of return of the Palestinian refugees, and the land-and-refugees for peace.

Olmert added that Israel will never accept the return of the refugees to Israel, and that he will never accept the return of any number of refugees.

The Arab summit in Saudi Arabia adopted on Thursday the Arab peace initiative that was passed in Beirut during the 2002 Arab summit. The plan, known as the Arab peace Initiative, calls on Israel to fully withdraw from the territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, and to recognize the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees.

The plan also calls for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as the capital.

Olmert also said that the Saudi peace initiative “does not mention the General Assembly Resolution number 194 on the refugees’ issue, and in this respect, the Saudi Imitative is better than the Arab Initiative”, according to Olmert.

Olmert added that Israel will not only reject the Right of Return, but will not recognize it either. He said that Israel should not be held responsible for the creation of the refugees’ problem although they were displaced by Israel.

Moreover, Olmert said that the Saudi Initiative “was interesting” because, according to him, it showed more sense of responsibility.

He also said that he “would love to meet King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia", but added that he didn’t think that such a meeting is being scheduled. Olmert reported that Israel is seeking ties with Saudi Arabia and “moderate Arab States”.

Yet, Olmert’s official response to the Arab league summit will be presented on Sunday during the weekly cabinet meeting.