Addressing a conference of Zionist leaders in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening, Olmert aimed a barb at Abbas, saying the Palestinian leadership has failed to stop attacks and dismantle violent groups, a requirement for peace talks, and "to my regret, there is no room for optimism on that issue in the near future."
Both Israeli and Palestinian officials said there were no plans for an official summit-like meeting. "This is not the forum where they're going to discuss the major issues," said Raanan Gissin, an Israeli government spokesman.
A Jordanian official said "no bilateral meeting" was planned. But bringing both leaders together was clearly a Jordanian attempt to build trust between them. The official requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the preparations.
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