Israel has promised solutions for many of the day-to-day concerns of Palestinians in Israeli-controlled areas, Palestinians President Mahmoud Abbas said after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Abbas and Olmert met for three hours Monday in the West Bank town of Jericho, and both said they talked about fundamental issues that are to pave the way toward Palestinian statehood. Olmert promised Abbas that negotiations on a final peace deal would start «soon.» Later Monday, Abbas said he believes Olmert is serious about making progress. The two leaders also talked about easing the lives of Palestinians, including the removal of Israeli army roadblocks and the release of Palestinian prisoners, the Associated Press reported. «After this meeting, I can say that many of the daily issues that concern the Palestinian people will find a solution,» Abbas said later Monday, but did not elaborate. «I came here in order to discuss with you the fundamental issues outstanding between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, hoping that this will lead us soon into negotiations about the creation of a Palestinian state,» Olmert said, standing next to Abbas and framed by the Israeli and Palestinian flags. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the two leaders agreed to hold more talks until the fall, but made no major announcement. --MORE
