In quotes: Olmert in Congress

Mr Olmert focused on the key issues of the Palestinians and Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's address to a joint session of the US Congress in Washington has delivered key warnings to both the Palestinians and Iran.

Mr Olmert was becoming only the 10th foreign leader to be given the honour of a joint address under George W Bush's administration.

ON US-ISRAELI RELATIONS

Israel is grateful that America believes in us. Let me assure you that we will not let you down.

ON HAMAS

The Palestinian Authority is ruled by Hamas, an organisation committed to vehement anti-Semitism, the glorification of terror and the total destruction of Israel.

As long as these are their guiding principles they can never be a partner. Therefore, while Israel works to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian populations are met, we can never capitulate to terrorists or terrorism... We will not yield to terror.

ON MAHMOUD ABBAS

From this podium today, I extend my hand in peace to Mahmoud Abbas, the elected president of the Palestinian Authority.

ON THE MIDDLE EAST 'ROADMAP'

The roadmap was and remains the right plan. The Palestinian leadership that fulfils its commitments and obligations will find us a willing partner in peace. But if they refuse, we will not give a terrorist regime a veto over progress or allow it to take hope hostage. We cannot wait for the Palestinians forever.

Our deepest wish is to build a better future for our region, hand in hand with a Palestinian partner. But if not, we will move forward - but not alone. We could never have implemented the disengagement plan without your (US) firm support.

ON THE IRANIAN NUCLEAR DEBATE

This challenge, which I believe is the test of our time, is one the West cannot afford to fail. A radical Iranian regime has declared the United States its enemy. The president believes it is his religious duty and his destiny to lead his country in a violent conflict against the infidels... we deeply appreciate America's leadership on this issue.

He said a nuclear Iran would be a "terrorist state" that "could achieve the primary mission for which terrorists live and die: the mass destruction of innocent human life. History will judge our generation by the actions we take now.