Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will try to reach an agreement in peace talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before a new Israeli government takes office, an official close to Mr Olmert said yesterday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mr Olmert intended on "reaching agreement with the Palestinians during the time he has left".

"Any agreement he reaches with the Palestinians won't be a personal agreement and he will make sure that the (new) Kadima leadership is briefed and on board," the official added.

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