Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert pledged on Monday that he will not miss any chance for peace with the Palestinians, the country's mass-selling daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website.
At a meeting of his ruling Kadima party in the afternoon, Olmert said, "there is no way I will ever allow us to miss any opportunity for peace that could perhaps lead to an improvement in relations between Israel and the Palestinians."
Olmert also called for unity within his party. "We will succeed in creating a change in public opinion and in the quality of life in the State of Israel if we act as a unified party," he said.
Olmert also expressed his desire to bring a bill before the Knesset (Parliament) to draft a constitution for Israel.
"In nearly 60 years of statehood we have never had a constitution, only the Basic Laws, which are spotty and weak at best," Olmert said.
Israel has no formal constitution and instead relies on a system of laws known as the Basic Laws which outline the nation's political structure.
Olmert added that he hopes the constitution will be approved during the winter legislative session by a wide and far-reaching majority.
Meanwhile, in a speech to the Labor faction, Labor Chairman and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that he would give the " utmost importance to talks between Israel and the Palestinians."
"Israel is very strong and will look for every way to make peace with its neighbors," he said.
However, Barak emphasized that Israel must protect its interests, including security, during peace talks.
Source: Xinhua
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