Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed Tuesday he would push for a comprehensive peace settlement with the Palestinians but cast doubt on meeting a US-backed goal of sealing it this year. "We have a desire to reach an agreement within the year 2008. But I am not sure we will make it," he said during a visit to Tokyo.
Despite his reservations, the Israeli leader said Tuesday there was "no better opportunity" than now to reach a settlement on the conflict. "We are determined to make a giant step forward to end this dispute once and for all," he said. "We want to make every possible effort to seize this opportunity.
"We are making an exceptional effort to resolve the outstanding disputes with our Palestinian neighbours. We are hoping to conclude an understanding that will lead to a two-states solution, the Palestinian state and the state of Israel," he said.
As part of his efforts to reach a peace deal, Olmert is expected to meet in Tokyo with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is on a three-nation tour of East Asia.
