ABBAS ENDORSES OLMERT

MANORAMA:

In an interview in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Abbas was asked about the March 28 election. "I hope Olmert wins," Abbas was quoted as saying.

WITH ENEMIES LIKE THIS, WHO NEEDS OTHER ENEMIES!?

ARUTZ SHEVA: Kadima continues to slip in the polls. While maintaining the lead, the latest Ha’aretz-Dialogue poll places Kadima at 37 seats, down five or more seats from earlier polls. The Labor Party continues to hold onto second place with Likud following in third place.

UPDATE: Xinhuanet (China): Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday night denied allegations that he expected Israeli acting prime minister Ehud Olmert to win in the upcoming general elections. Abbas office in Gaza said in an official statement that his comments may have been misinterpreted when asked a question regarding the predicted win of Olmert's centrist Kadima party. Abbas responded by saying:

"We respect the will of the Israeli people. If it will be that Mr. Olmert wins, I know him well and I believe that it is possible to work with him. Shimon Peres, number two in Kadima, is an old friend of mine. ..."

With denials like this who needs denials!?