Olmert calls on his successor to continue peace talks

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 03-31-2009 14:59

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has called on his successor Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue peace talks.

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R),  Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (C) and Defense  Minister Ehud Barak attend a Knesset (Israeli  Parliament) session in Jerusalem. Benjamin  Netanyahu is set to become Israel's new premier  on Tuesday.(AFP/Menahem Kahana)

In his final address to the parliament, Olmert said he had transferred all data and documents relating to the peace talks to Netanyahu. Monday's special session of the Knesset marked the 30th anniversary of the peace treaty with Egypt.

In return, Netanyahu pledged to make every effort to achieve peace with Israel's neighbors and the Arab world. But he made no mention of Palestinian aspirations for statehood.

In the past, Netanyahu has said he is willing to negotiate with the Palestinians. But he also says he wants to focus on shoring up the Palestinian economy rather than on territorial issues that have blocked progress in negotiations.