Abbas made the remarks to reporters in a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Toni Blair following a meeting held between them in Ramallah.

He told the reporters that he is ready to start the preparations to make this meeting a success.

"I want to confirm my complete readiness to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert without any preconditions. We are ready to start preparations for such a meeting."

Blair voiced support for Abbas's efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas on a unity government in a bid to ease internatinonal pressure on the Palestinian National authority.

"I believe that such a government based on the quartet requirements does offer the possibility of re-engagement by the international community."

Israeli Prime Minister Olmert on Sunday said he would talk to Abbas, but warned no real progress could be made until an Israeli soldier is released.

The solider is currently held by Gaza militants with links to the ruling Hamas party.