American President Barack Obama confirms the US is committed to creating two independent states, Israel and Palestine, whatever time it takes to reach the goal. Obama stressed direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis is the only way to do so.
Obama spoke at a news conference in the West Bank with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
He confirmed the US is committed to creating two independent states, Israel and Palestine, however long it takes. Obama stressed direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis is the only way to reach the goal.
He says Palestinians should not have to confront the daily indignities that come with occupation.
Obama says the US needs a “viable and contiguous” Palestinian state co-existing alongside the state of Israel.
The US president condemned construction of new Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories.
“I told Mr. Netanyahu that it has been US policy not to consider settlement activity to be constructive, appropriate or advance the cause of peace,” criticized Obama.
Still, Obama acknowledged that Israeli politics is a complicated matter and that the issue of settlements cannot be “resolved overnight”.
“I want both sides [Israel and Palestine] to be doing what they can to build a sense of trust, and I hope that the US government will be helpful in that,” Obama said.
