Obama welcomes 'positive movement' by Netanyahu
Obama welcomes 'positive movement' by Netanyahu
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Tuesday, 16, Jun 2009 09:52
US president Barack Obama has cautiously praised Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his comments on a two-state solution in the Middle East.
At the weekend, Mr Netanyahu backed the formation of a separate Palestinian state, but only if it existed unarmed, had no control over its air space and refrained from smuggling weapons across its borders.
In the landmark speech he added though that the Palestinians had to accept Israel as a Jewish state.
Responding to the comments on Monday, Mr Obama said: "Overall, I thought that there was positive movement in the prime minister's speech. He acknowledged the need for two states."
The US president admitted there had been a "lot of conditions" outlined by Mr Netanyahu for the acceptance of a separate Palestinian state but said just the mention of a two-state solution showed successful negotiations could take place.
"What we are seeing is at least the possibility that we can restart serious talks," Mr Obama said.
He added both sides would have to make some difficult sacrifices and for the Israelis that would include an end to the construction of settlements in the West Bank.
Palestinian officials have rejected Mr Netanyahu's speech on Sunday claiming it "closed the door to permanent status negotiations".