Sunday, September 19, 2010

Lieberman tells British FM freeze can't continue


JPOST.COM STAFF
09/19/2010

FM: Those looking for excuses to derail talks will find them whether or not the freeze continues; we've done our part, now it's the Palestinians' turn.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman spoke with his British counterpart William Hague over the weekend, stating that Israel cannot continue the 10-month moratorium on building starts in West Bank settlements which is scheduled to end on September 26. "The Palestinians wasted nine months and in the tenth month of the freeze they didn't come to the peace talks out of good will to reach a peace agreement, but rather because they were forced to do so. Those looking for excuses to derail the talks will find them whether or not the freeze continues. We've done our part and now it's the Palestinians' turn. Israel will speak with the Palestinians, but without preconditions."

Lieberman added in his discussion with Hague that the international community should give Israel incentives and not merely pressure the Jewish State. He emphasized the fact that Israel has waited a long time for an upgrade in its diplomatic standing with the European Union.

Lieberman and Hague announced that the British foreign minister will visit Israel in December.

The foreign minister was scheduled to arrive in Prague on Sunday where he will meet with senior Czech officials, including the prime minister. Lieberman was scheduled to fly to New York next week where he will address the UN General Assembly.

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