RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert plan to meet on Tuesday, Abbas's office said on Sunday.
The two leaders, who have pledged to meet frequently tohelp advance Palestinian statehood negotiations that resumedafter a U.S.-hosted Middle East peace conference in November,last held talks on January 27 in Jerusalem.
The talks planned for Tuesday will be held in Jerusalem,Abbas's office said.
U.S. President George W. Bush has voiced confidence thatIsrael and Abbas's Palestinian Authority can reach a peace dealbefore he leaves office in January.
Both sides have vowed to try to meet the target date but,citing the complicated issues that need to be resolved, theyhave voiced doubt an agreement can be reached this year.
(Reporting by Ali Sawafta, Writing by Jeffrey Heller inJerusalem)
