Israel's PM Ehud Olmert (l) and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas (File)

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is scheduled to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday in Jerusalem.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the talks will focus on permanent-status issues, Israeli checkpoints and the fate of Palestinian prisoners.

The meeting, at Mr. Olmert's official residence, will be the first between the two since Mr. Olmert announced that he will step down after his Kadima Party chooses a new leader in September.

The two leaders re-started peace talks in November with the goal of reaching a deal by this year's end.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.