Jerusalem, Sept 10 (ZEENEWS.COM) Pledging to kickstart the stalled peace process, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that he is "dedicated towards advancing the peace process with the Palestinians" based on the terms of the internationally brokered "road map" plan.

During a joint press conference with visiting British Premier Tony Blair yesterday, Olmert said that he also intends to meet with Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

"I assured Prime Minister Blair that I am ready to work closely with the chairman of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Abbas to implement the road map," the Prime Minister said.

He, however, emphasised that there could be "no short-cuts" in the implementation of the 'road map' peace plan, which calls for the dismantling of Palestinian terror infrastructure as a pre-condition.

The announcement to meet the PA chairman shows a change in Israel's recent attitude as it had avowed not to hold any talks till the unconditional release of its abducted soldier, Gilad Shalit.

Olmert said that such a meeting could help in efforts to gain Shalit's release.

He did not elaborate as to when and how he intends to meet Abbas.

Blair, whose rule looks numbered as he came under flak within his own party before undertaking the trip to the region, was appreciated by his Israeli counterpart for working "actively to create stability throughout the Middle East."