Reuters
May 25, 2008
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said yesterday that he feared that the criminal investigation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the upcoming US presidential elections could hold up Middle East peace talks.
Senior aide Tayeb Abdel-Rahim reported the Palestinian president's comments to his ruling Fatah faction on developments in the US-brokered peace talks with Israel.
Abdel-Rahim said Abbas hoped "recent events, such as the obstacles facing the Israeli prime minister and the American preoccupation with elections, would not obstruct the peace process desired by Palestinians."
Israeli police questioned Olmert on Friday for a second time. Israel's chief prosecutor said Olmert is suspected accepting cash-filled envelopes from New York fund-raiser Morris Talansky in exchange for political favors.
Olmert, who was first questioned three weeks ago, has denied any wrongdoing but said he would resign if indicted.
Western diplomats and Palestinian officials said Abbas told them he believed Olmert was serious about reaching a final deal with the Palestinians despite his problems at home.
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