Obama to Israel: Stop the settlements
Barack Obama and Mahmoud Abbas met on Thursday
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Friday, 29, May 2009 01:45
Barack Obama has once again demanded that Israel halt the construction of all settlements following talks with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.
During the discussions in Washington on Thursday, Mr Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to a two-state solution, claiming he believed it would provide "peace and security".
The president did however describe US as a "stalwart ally" of Israel and said it was in Washington's interests that the Jewish state was safe and secure.
And the best way to achieve that, Mr Obama said, was to the creation of a separate Palestine state.
He said that during talks with the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week he had made the US position clear and called for an end to Israeli settlements.
Discussing yesterday's talks, Mr Obama said: "The final point that I made was the importance of all countries internationally, but particularly the Arab states, to be supportive of a two-state solution.
"And we discussed how important it is that the Arab states... continue to provide economic support, as well as political support, to President Abbas's efforts as he moves the Palestinian Authority forward, as he continues to initiate the reforms that have taken place, and as he hopefully is going to be able to enter into constructive talks with the Israelis."
Mr Abbas told Mr Obama the Palestinians were committed to the road map peace deal but said urgent progress was needed.