Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà Center Photo: D. Hakes
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà greets Noam Shalit, father of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held captive for almost three years in Gaza by Hamas.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is visiting Syria, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza following Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's observation of the June 7 Lebanese elections. Throughout the visit, as part of his ongoing efforts to promote constructive dialog, he will hold meetings with representatives of all parties to the Israeli-Arab conflict.
His first meeting in Israel was held June 12 with Noam Shalit, father of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held captive for almost three years in Gaza by Hamas.
President Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will meet June 13 in Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and with Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. He will also be honored during an awards ceremony that afternoon.
On June 14, President Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will visit the home of Shaul Goldstein, head of the Regional Council of Gush Etzion Settlements, for a dialogue with local residents. Other Israeli events include a discussion June 15 with members of Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. President Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will address the human rights community in Israel, also on June 15.
He is scheduled to visit the Gaza Strip on June 16.