Livni and Rice discuss Annapolis failings
Condoleezza Rice met with Israel's foreign affairs minister Tzipi Livni
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Friday, 07, Nov 2008 11:57
US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and Israel's foreign affairs minister Tzipi Livni discussed the perceived failure of the Israeli and Pakistan Annapolis conference peace negotiations yesterday.
"I know that there are doubts about this process," said Ms Livni told reporters.
"I think we need to remember that Annapolis came after seven years of intifada and terror, and after Hamas took control in Gaza."
The Annapolis conference started the first resolute Israeli-Pakistani negotiations in about ten years and was seen widely as a two-state success.
"Over the last year, the parties have really bravely demonstrated their commitment to substantive negotiations in an effort to reach a comprehensive peace covering all of the core issues," said Ms Rice.
With the approaching Israeli elections, Ms Livni is eager to cement the negotiation progress before her term in office is likely to end.
"I believe deeply that stagnation is not in Israel's interest, and it cannot be our policy," she said.
"The Israeli people do not need slogans; they need solutions. And any solution must provide an answer to Israel's interest: first and foremost, security and Annapolis and the process, preserve it."
Ms Rice further affirmed the US's commitment to the negotiation process and the future administration's dedication.
"Let me just close by saying that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one that should be resolved and should be ended because it will be so important to Palestinians to live in their own state and for Israel to live alongside a democratic neighbour who can help to secure the peace," said Ms Rice.
"The United States is fully committed to that goal, and I remain committed to that goal until the day that we leave office."
Ms Livni added: "I would of course like to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama on his historic victory, a man who has impressed Israelis during his visits here and throughout the campaign by what he represents.
"We look forward to working with the new U.S. administration when it comes into office in order to enhance the unique and unshakable U.S.-Israel partnership, a partnership which has truly been strengthened in the last eight years under the leadership and vision of President Bush, which is based on deep and uncompromising values."