Ramon says framework peace deal unlikely

A close ally of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is lowering already diminished hopes for a peace deal this year. At a Cabinet meeting Sunday, Vice Premier Haim Ramon said that even that more modest goal is unlikely to be met. Israeli and Palestinian leaders have already said their goal of reaching a final agreement by year's end is unlikely. But Olmert has been saying he hopes to forge a "shelf agreement" that could be implemented in the future when conditions on the ground improve.