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Netanyahu: Israeli Government 'Partner For Peace'
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by Rachel Nixon | March 25, 2009 at 10:04 am
136 views | 14 Recommendations | 4 comments
Incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his government will be a "partner for peace" with Palestinians.
Speaking to an economic forum, Netanyahu said, "Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security and for rapid economic development of (the) Palestinian economy; I believe that this could be done."
At the speech in Jerusalem, Mr Netanyahu said he would negotiate with the Palestinian Authority - a change of direction after criticism of previous talks.
Some observers say that the prime minister-designate is trying to tone down his image as an opponent of the peace process with the Palestinians.
His speech came a day after the left of centre Labor Party voted to join a coalition government led by Mr Netanyahu of the right of centre Likud Party.
The incoming prime minister did not indicate whether he would support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Palestinian negotiators have been urging him to back the plan, embraced by international mediators, including US President Barack Obama, and more moderate Israeli leaders.
In a televised news conference on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama - who also backs Palestinian statehood - said peace efforts would not get "easier" with a Netanyahu government, but were "just as necessary".
Palestinian officials were sceptical of Mr Netanyahu's comments, but said he would be judged on his actions.
"As far as we're concerned an Israeli government that refuses the two-state solution and continues the settlement, will not be a partner to us," senior negotiator Saeb Erekat told the BBC.
He said the new Israeli government must be obliged to sign up to past agreements, in the same way that the Palestinian Authority was forced to after the militant Hamas movement won its legislative elections in 2006.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (4)
at 16:42 on March 25th, 2009
There appears to be no place here to get a word in edge-wise with the all knowing spokesperson for personal attacks on the politicians and the State of Israel.
at 16:43 on March 25th, 2009
Ahhh. ranting and hating and lying and hating and and and.....
at 16:49 on March 25th, 2009
Well, the words are great news, lets hope the actions that follow will equate the words spoken.
at 16:56 on March 25th, 2009
We are all listening and waiting and wondering and wishing and hoping and breathing and praying. But with all that you need a partner. Someone to want an agreed solution. Well the Syrian leader said that he can work with the "new" government. Maybe he knows something we ALL do not know.