JERUSALEM, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed at a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to hold further peace talks in the coming weeks, even though Olmert will soon stand down as premier. A spokesman for Olmert told reporters that the two had held "serious" discussions in Jerusalem and would meet again after Abbas returns from a trip to the United States later this month. "The meetings will continue ... as long as prime minister Olmert remains prime minister of Israel, and he does so until a new government is sworn in," spokesman Mark Regev said. He declined to give details on the content of the talks but added: "We have come a long way but more work needs to be done." There was no immediate comment from Palestinian officials. Olmert, facing indictment for corruption, has said he will resign once his Kadima party chooses a new leader. The party votes on Wednesday in a primary election. But even after resigning, Olmert would be able to continue as caretaker premier for weeks or even months, while the new party leader tries to form a new coalition government. Abbas is due to meet U.S. President George W. Bush in Washington around Sept. 25 and to be at the United Nations in New York the following day. Bush has urged the two sides to reach a deal on establishing a Palestinian state before he leaves office in January.
An Israeli woman plays with her child in Ma'ale settlement near the West Bank city of Ramallah September 14, 2008. Israel's vice premier presented a proposal on Sunday to pay thousands ...
