Olmert: US Money Toppled Me
Former "Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Olmert accused the "right-wing extremists from the United States of toppling his government with millions and millions of dollars."
In an interview with CNN, Olmert claimed that "the US money aimed to thwart his attempt to reach a lasting peace agreement with the Palestinians."
"My peace plan was supported by a majority of "Israelis"," Olmert stated, pointing out that "this plan could have been, and still can be, implemented were it not for superior powers in the US."
The former "Israeli" PM told CNN that he was working toward a peace agreement in 2008, knowing that this would mean handing over East of al-Quds to the Palestinians.
"But I had to fight against superior powers, including millions and millions of dollars that were transferred from this country [the US] by figures which were from the extreme right wing, that were aimed to topple me as Prime Minister of "Israel". There is no question about it."
Asked if there is still time for a two-state solution, Olmert responded: "There is time, but time is running out."
Olmert acknowledged that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas never said yes to his 2008 proposal, but also insists that "he never said no."
"So why not reintroduce this plan again," asked Olmert, "and present the challenge to the Palestinians?"
Olmert criticized "Israeli" PM Prime Benjamin Netanyahu's dealings with the Palestinians, saying, "The fact is that we don't negotiate with the Palestinians, and the fact is that we have not proposed anything."
When asked if Netanyahu will seek such a peace, Olmert said, "I certainly pray that he will," adding "I doubt that he will."
Source: CNN, Edited by moqawama.org
