TEL AVIV - INTERIM Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert left on Saturday for the United States for talks with US President George W. Bush, who is preparing to hand over power to Mr Barack Obama, officials said.

'For Mr Ehud Olmert, it is a farewell visit to a close friend and an ally,' an Israeli official said on condition of anonymity. 'He wants to solidify the promises made to Israel by the Bush administration.'

During his three-day stay, Mr Olmert hopes to get commitments from Bush on Iran's nuclear programme, after Mr Obama indicated during the election campaign that he might be open to talking with Teheran.

Israel, the only nuclear power among Middle East nations, suspects Iran of covertly developing nuclear weapons - a claim that Teheran rejects.

Mr Olmert's trip is likely to be his last, as he is stepping down amid suspicion of corruption. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for February 10 next year.

Earlier on Saturday, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas urged Mr Obama - who takes office on January 20 - to apply himself to the Middle East peace process as soon as he enters the White House. -- AFP