HA’ARETZ
1. LIVNI AND QUREIA AGREE ON NEGOTIATIONS FRAMEWORK.
On eve of Bush visit, Israel and Palestinian Authority agree in principle that „core issues” will be discussed by special committee; other issues to be discussed by separate teams; Olmert and Abbas will resolve differences
2. Youths who fled Africa learn Hebrew and music in Jaffa.
IN NEW REFUGEE HEBREW INSTRUCTION CENTER, ALL PUPILS KNOW WHAT WAR MEANS.
MA’ARIV
1. Further progress toward prisoner deal.
OFER DEKEL MEETS WITH BARGHOUTI IN JAIL.
PM’s envoy for abductees and MIA affairs met with Tanzim leader in prison. Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai: „A lot must be done for Shalit; Barghouti will likely be on the release list.”
YEDIOT AHRONOT
1. ASHKELON ROCKET CAME FROM IRAN.
Senior IDF officers: Rocket shipment, made in Iran, smuggled to Gaza by sea, on raft.
2. WALL STREET COLLAPSE, TENSION IN TEL-AVIV.
Fear of fall on Israel bourse due to collapse in New York.
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Yediot Ahronot discusses US President George Bush’s upcoming visit: „In his last year in office, Bush is concerned about his historic legacy. First, he wants to prove that despite the complications in Iraq, the US has still succeeded in forming a coalition – which includes Israel and moderate Arab countries – against extremist Islam. Second, he is coming to calm Israel and his Arab allies after the publication of the embarrassing American intelligence report, according to which Iran froze its military nuclear program in 2003 and is years away from developing a nuclear weapon. He will recommit to doing everything in order to deny Iran this kind of weapon. Third, he wants to continue the Annapolis conference and show that it was not an empty vision. Fourth, he wants to strengthen the weak Olmert and Abu Mazen so that they may continue the negotiations. Finally, he wants to show greater personal involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.”
Ma’ariv says that Galilee Bedouin towns lag far behind their Jewish neighbors in many respects and suffer from, „institutionalized discrimination against Bedouin.” The editors warn that the poverty and distress of the Galilee Bedouin will be fertile ground for anti-Israeli extremists.
BreuerPress
