'Olmert, Bush agree to shun Palestinian govt'

Jerusalem, Feb 18: US President George W Bush and IsraeliPrime Minister Ehud Olmert have agreed to jointly shun a Palestinianunity government unless it meets international conditions, Olmert'soffice said today.

An official in Olmert's office told Reuters that the agreement wasreached in a telephone conversation yesterday between the two leaders.

''We won't recognise a unity government that doesn't explicitlyaccept the conditions. This is the joint US-Israeli position,'' theofficial said, confirming Israeli television reports.

US officials had no immediate comment.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah reached apower-sharing deal with Hamas leaders to form a unity government intalks in Mecca earlier this month.

The unity government agreement makes no explicit commitment torecognise Israel or renounce violence, as demanded by Israel and theso-called Quartet of West Asia mediators.

Reuters

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