Posted on 02/03/2010 12:23:54 PM PST by anotherview
Speaking at Herzliya Conference, Netanyahu praises Palestinian efforts to improve economy and build institutions, appeals to them to accept resumption of efforts toward peace accord.
Photo by: GPO
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he had reason to believe that long-stalled peace talks with the Palestinians could resume in a matter of weeks. Netanyahu did not give details, but an Israeli official indicated Israel would take a step to make it possible for the Palestinians to agree to talks.
He did not give details and spoke on condition of anonymity because no offer has been made.
Palestinians have been insisting that Israel halt all settlement construction before peace talks are restarted. They rejected a partial 10-month moratorium Netanyahu imposed in late November as insufficient, because it does not include east Jerusalem. Netanyahu was speaking at the annual Herzliya Conference.
"I have reason to hope realistically that in the coming weeks we will restart peace talks with the Palestinians without preconditions," he said.
Netanyahu praised Palestinian efforts to improve their economy and build institutions, but he appealed to them to accept a resumption of efforts toward a peace accord. "If this willingness indeed exists, we will see resumption of the process in the coming weeks," he said.
No Palestinian comment was immediately available. Palestinians have said they are considering an offer by US envoy George Mitchell to start a round of shuttle diplomacy with Israel.
A ping for your list
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find only things evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelogus
Who says Netanyahu is going to make more concessions? He didn’t say so. I certainly hope he does not.
Lather, rinse, repeat until Mashiach.
If youd like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
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They could also resume in weeks, or days even, with one precondition — the destruction of Iran’s nuclear weapons program and overthrow of its mullahcratic regime. Thanks anotherview.
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