Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday reiterated his government will not halt construction in “Jewish areas of Jerusalem,” seemingly upholding a commendable policy.

What was conspicuously missing was a statement regarding so-called Arab areas of the capital, areas that Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni are preparing to hand over to the Palestinian Authority in ongoing talks towards a ‘final status’ agreement.

Olmert stated the Jewish area, [which would include N’vei Yaakov, Pisgat Ze’ev, Gilo and others] would continue growing. He also stated the same holds true for major Jewish centers in Yehuda and Shomron, referring to Maale Adumim and communities such as Ariel, which in a future Olmert agreement would serve as the hub for concentrated Jewish blocs in a greater Palestinian area.

This further strengthens reports that Olmert and Livni are planning major territorial concessions, in Jerusalem and throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

Rice also met with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who is leading the secretive talks with the PA towards reaching a final status agreement by year’s end.

Mr. Olmert made his remarks to visiting US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, who on Monday traveled to Jordan for a second meeting with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), concluding her three-day shuttle diplomacy mission.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)