Palestinian official expects increased pressure following Israeli panel report against Olmert

Palestinian senior official expressed expectation Monday that pressures would increase on the Palestinians after a panel blamed Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, which may lead to his resignation.

The panel led by retired judge Eliahu Winograd formally handed to Olmert the interim report Monday afternoon, looking into Israeli leader's management of last summer's war with Lebanon.

The report, which may push Olmert to resign, called Olmert's decision-making irrational, irresponsible and lacking in caution.

"This should not happen at the expense of the Palestinian people," Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Azzam al-Ahmed told a news conference in Ramallah, adding that there was no "Israeli partner for the peace process."

"The Palestinians will face more difficulties after the publishing of this report," al-Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, al-Ahmed urged the international community to lift siege on the Palestinian government that comprises Hamas Islamists and the more moderate Fatah.

He bearded the Quartet committee, which groups the United States, the EU, Russia and the UN, responsible for the consequences of the siege imposed on the former Hamas government last year and remained in effect.

"If the siege continued, all Palestinian institutions would be asked to reconsider everything," al-Ahmed warned, without elaborating.

Source: Xinhua