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World Jewish News
U.S.: Still a long way to go toward Mideast peace
15.06.2009
The White House said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement of a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict was a big step forward but that there is still a "long way to go."
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs was referring to a Mideast policy speech given by Netanyahu at the Bar Ilan University on Sunday.
Gibbs said Monday that "I think the Netanyahu government took a big step forward yesterday in acknowledging for the first time the need for a two-state solution. I think the President believes that there is a long way to go and many twists and turns in the road to get there, but is pleased thus far with the progress that's being made. And I think yesterday's speech certainly is a big part of that."
When asked whether Netanyahu would be able to get the Palestinians on board with his Mideast plan, Gibbs said "I think we're working and discussing with all involved how we can move this process forward, how we can create a two-state solution whereby Israel and the Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. I think what Mr. Netanyahu said yesterday is an important part of that reform."
Meanwhile Monday, Netanyahu said that Israel cannot live side by side with a new Palestinian state if it must continually be in fear of attack from Palestinians.
In an interview with NBC's Today show, Netanyuhu repeated his ground-breaking statement, saying he would accept a Palestinian state. But at the same time, he said, it would have to be a demilitarized state.
On the issue of further Jewish settlements in territory the Palestinians wish to claim as their own in a new state, Netanyahu said "I think I made it also clear that I would not build new settlements." He said that he and U.S. President Barack Obama are trying to reach a common understanding of this.
Источник: Haaretz
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