Netanyahu speech 'flipped peace process on its back'

Palestinian officials reject major speech by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu outlining terms for two-state solution

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Monday, 15, Jun 2009 01:05

Palestinian officials have rejected a major speech by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlining terms for a two-state solution in the region.

On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu backed the formation of a separate Palestinian state, but only if it existed unarmed, had no control over its air space and in no way smuggled weapons across its borders.

In the landmark speech he added the Palestinians had to accept Israel as a Jewish state.

In response though, Palestinian officials said the announcement had "closed the door" on any moves to reach an agreement between the two sides.

Commenting after Mr Netanyahu's speech, Saeb Erekat, the Palestinians' senior negotiator, said: "Netanyahu's speech closed the door to permanent status negotiations.

"We ask the world not to be fooled by his use of the term Palestinian state because he qualified it. He declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel, said refugees would not be negotiated and that settlements would remain.

"The peace process has been moving at the speed of a turtle. Tonight, Netanyahu has flipped it over on its back."

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas's spokesman also criticised the speech.

"Netanyahu's remarks have sabotaged all initiatives, paralysed all efforts being made and challenges the Palestinian, Arab and American positions," Reuters news agency reports Nabil Abu Rdainah as saying.

The United States, however, welcomed the move by Israel and described it as a "step forward".

A White House statement said US president Barack Obama believed any solution should ensure "both Israel's security and the fulfilment of the Palestinians' legitimate aspirations for a viable state", and he welcomed Mr Netanyahu's endorsement of that goal.