Sources: Convergence Plan To Start In 2 Yrs.
 
Ehud Olmert plans to begin implementing the convergence plan to define Israel's permanent borders in the West Bank within two years, according to political sources
 
Following his visit to Washington, Olmert is expected to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, most likely at the Sinai resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Topping his list of priorities on the diplomatic front will be the "convergence plan" and the shaping of Israel's permanent borders in the West Bank. Diplomatic sources in Jerusalem said that Olmert would like to begin the implementation of the plan in two years; others suggest as early as 18 months. Until then, Olmert expects to focus his efforts on harnessing domestic political support and international backing for his plan.

According to the convergence plan, which Olmert presented prior to the elections, the settlements beyond the separation fence would be evacuated and attached to the large settlement blocs of Ma'aleh Adumim, Ariel, Greater Jerusalem and Gush Etzion. The IDF would be given free rein in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley would be Israel's eastern border.

Olmert has said that he will initially offer to negotiate with the Palestinians, on the condition that the Hamas government recognizes Israel, accepts previously signed agreements with the PLO and renounces terrorism. However, if negotiations do not advance, Olmert intends to carry out unilateral steps toward establishing Israel's borders.

In his talks with Bush, Olmert will assess how much leeway the American administration is willing to grant on the convergence plan. Olmert considers it of paramount importance to initiate the implementation of the plan during the Bush presidency, whose tenure ends in January 2009. The Israeli leader will seek to reach an agreement with the U.S. administration on the time that should be alloted to attempts at negotiations with the Palestinians, and try to achieve U.S. support for a unilateral Israeli move.

 
FULL STORY at
 
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/712364.html