Sunday, April 12, 2009

Palestinians: Israel must adopt 2-state solution


Chief Palestinian negotiator says Israel must declare support for Palestinian statehood
Ynet and AP

The chief Palestinian negotiator said Saturday Israel must declare its support for the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state if peace talks are to resume. If Israel wants to engage in political negotiations, it must accept a two-state solution, agreements signed and halt settlement activity," Saeb Erekat said.


Erekat said that just as the international community boycotts Gaza's Hamas rulers because of their refusal to recognize Israel, pressure must be put on Israel to recognize the idea of Palestinian statehood.


"Failure to apply the same standards would mean pushing this region into the hands of extremists," Erekat said.


Jordan calls for immediate talks

Senior officials from several Arab states met in Jordan Saturday and reiterated their support for the Arab peace initiative. Jordan's king Abdullah called for the immediate launch of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations on the basis of the two-state solution, stressing that time was of the essence.


Peace talks should take place in the framework of efforts to secure regional peace, "which will reinstate Arab rights and guarantee the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the Palestinian homeland," Jordan's king said.


Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said the collective Arab position is a "Commitment to the Arab peace initiative, the establishment of an independent

Palestinian state and the comprehensive and lasting solution that we all seek for the conflict in this region."


King Abdullah will convey that message to President Barack Obama when the two meet, Judeh said, adding that no date has been set yet for a visit.


Comment: A strong statement must immediately follow from Israel-you see what is happening, yes?

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