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Lieberman: Israel is changing its policies on peace
By Reuters
Tags: Avigdor Lieberman 

New foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Wednesday that Israel was changing its policies on the peace process and was not bound by commitments it made at a U.S.-sponsored conference to pursue creation of a Palestinian state.

During an official ceremony at the President's Residence on Wednesday, Lieberman said: "There is one document that obligates us - and that's not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity.

His speech was made in reference to a 2007 gathering in Annapolis, Maryland attended by participants from about 40 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Indonesia.
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"The Israeli government never ratified Annapolis, nor did Knesset," Lieberman said. He said that instead, Israel would follow a course charted by the U.S.-backed peace road map.

Lieberman said later that the declaration was not an empty statement, but "an expression of a change in Israel's policy regarding the peace process," Channel 10 reported.

The peformance-based plan made the creation of a Palestinian state contingent on the Palestinians reining in militants. It also obligated Israel to freeze all settlement activity on Palestinian land.

The joint statement drafted at the 2007 conference, which was hosted by then U.S. president George Bush, declared: "We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples, to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition, to propagate a culture
of peace and non-violence, and to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis.

"In furtherance of the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security: We agree to immediately launch good faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues, without exception, as specified in previous agreements.

A source in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party confirmed Wednesday that his new government intended to distance itself from U.S.-sponsored
understandings on working towards a Palestinian state.

Asked about ultra-nationalist Lieberman's remark that Israel was no longer bound by the 2007 framework, the source replied: "There is no problem here. He [Lieberman] is distancing himself from the Annapolis label, as the government intends to do."

Hadash MK Afu Aghbaria, meanwhile, urged the international community to impose a diplomatic embargo on Israel in the wake of Lieberman;s statements.

"It isn't surprising that a racist foreign minister would produce such vehement suggestions, only a day after the new government was formed," Aghbaria said.

A senior U.S. official said in response to the remarks that the Obama administration remains committed to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"It remains our view that a two-state solution, Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security, is in our interests and in the region's interests," the official, accompanying President Barack Obama to a G20 summit in London told Reuters.

"We have full confidence in, and will continue to support, the government of Israel, and we will work together for a durable and lasting peace in the region," the State Department said later Wednesday.

"As for statements made [by Lieberman], or comments made, I point you to Prime Minister Netanyahu's comments, that he will work for peace with the Palestinians and peace in the region," State Department said.

"We support the two-state solution, and we will continue to work for that. Whether or not the final position of the Israeli government as they come into discussions with us is one way or another - we haven't heard their proposals yet."

"Many of our policies are under review. The two-state solution, however, is not one that is under review," the State Department added.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas responded to the swearing-in of Benjamin Netanyahu's government by saying: "We want to tell the world that this man doesn't believe in peace and therefore we cannot deal with him... the world should put pressure on him."

It was the Palestinian president's first public comment about Netanyahu since he took office. His statement, made at an Arab summit in Qatar, was reported by the government-run Palestinian news agency in the West Bank.

A senior Palestinian official said the U.S. must act to enforce a two-state solution in accordance with the joint declaration drafted at the summit.

"This is a challenge to the international community and to the United States that adopted the two-state solution," said Nabil Abu Rdainah, spokesman for Abbas.

"The United States should take a clear position against this policy before things get worse," he added. "The international community should respond to these provocations that may undermine security and stability in this region."

Meanwhile, opposition leader Tzipi Livni said earlier Wednesday that she would back the new government when it is right and attack it when it is wrong.

Livni made the comments following the ceremony Wednesday in which Benjamin Netanyahu officially assumed the premiership. The ceremony took place for the first time at the President's Residence, a move aimed at giving added symbolism to the office of president.

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  • Lieberman inches closer to foreign ministry as coalition deal cements
  • Blair: 'There is no alternative to a two-state solution'
  • Netanyahu: Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work
  • Aluf Benn / Will Netanyahu attack Iran?
  • Netanyahu government / Who's who in the new cabinet
  • IN PICTURES / Netanyahu government is sworn in
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      1.   It would appear 16:14  |  Mark Lincoln 01/04/09
      2.   surprise,surprise... 16:14  |  had enough 01/04/09
      3.   when are we going to get rid of him 16:20  |  amos 01/04/09
      4.   Can we get this right, please? 16:26  |  Murray 01/04/09
      5.   Get out while you can 16:27  |  Potential refugee 01/04/09
      6.   shoe fits both feet? 16:31  |  Space 01/04/09
      7.   a good start 16:33  |  rm 01/04/09
      8.   The real face of Israel! 16:33  |  one how cares 01/04/09
      9.   Annapolis 16:33  |  Purple Canary 01/04/09
      10.   Lieberman`s latest pronouncement. 16:34  |  sandra chitayat 01/04/09
      11.   should the world make sanction against Israel? 16:35  |  me 01/04/09
      12.   Playing the fool for Israel 16:35  |  Natallie Durson 01/04/09
      13.   This man is going to be banned and locked up.... 16:37  |  Dutch 01/04/09
      14.   re n°3 16:37  |  Amihai 01/04/09
      15.   What about a Jewish State? 16:38  |  Johnny Weintraub 01/04/09
      16.   Perfect! 16:38  |  ed 01/04/09
      17.   Annapolis, Israel and the Palestinians 16:40  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      18.   Post scriptum. 16:42  |  sandra chitayat 01/04/09
      19.   Don`t you ever go to sleep, Natalie? 16:43  |  Yonatan 01/04/09
      20.   Down with this government 16:44  |  Shlomo from Tel-Aviv 01/04/09
      21.   Could this be just what Israel needs? 16:45  |  Yonatan 01/04/09
      22.   Bull in a china shop 16:49  |  Colin 01/04/09
      23.   Could this be the "right" (opp. of left) step? 16:50  |  Yonatan 01/04/09
      24.   This is really a HAMAS friendly government!!! 16:52  |  Eric 01/04/09
      25.   After this statement, any Western politician who shakes hands.... 17:02  |  Swiss (Dino) 01/04/09
      26.   Hamas verses Lieberman Netanyahu 17:09  |  AARON 01/04/09
      27.   Johnny Weintraub 17:10  |  Purple Canary 01/04/09
      28.   A wonderful appointment 17:11  |  David M 01/04/09
      29.   Throw his weight around, Colin? 17:12  |  Purple Canary 01/04/09
      30.   To Swiss (Dino # 25), the "neutral" bigot. 17:12  |  flyingdoc57 01/04/09
      31.   Perfect! 17:13  |  Steve 01/04/09
      32.   At Least He Is Frank 17:14  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      33.   Lieberman is a little man that was treated like CRAP in Russia 17:14  |  Russian 01/04/09
      34.   Weintraub on Recognition of the "Jewish" State 17:17  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      35.   Yaakov Sullivan:"At least he is Frank" 17:17  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      36.   Natallie Durson 17:18  |  Daniela 01/04/09
      37.   God bless Bibi and Liberman. 17:21  |  Muslim 01/04/09
      38.   Finally, CHANGE we can believe in! 17:24  |  Mongo 01/04/09
      39.   Leave Swiss (Dino) alone! 17:24  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      40.   Christopher, Oh, Don`t Be Sorry! 17:27  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      41.   I got! I got it! 17:28  |  Bwana Veritas 01/04/09
      42.   To "Yaakov" (yeah, right!) Sullivan. 17:36  |  flyingdoc57 01/04/09
      43.   Christopher and His Zionist Myths #39 17:38  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      44.   What`s the betting 17:39  |  Chris Linthwaite 01/04/09
      45.   Annapolis Was Never Ratified By Either Party 17:45  |  Jeff Northridge 01/04/09
      46.   lieberman declaring state policy 17:50  |  bashar 01/04/09
      47.   flyingdoc57 and His Tired Misinformation 17:51  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      48.   Congratulations 17:52  |  Erich 01/04/09
      49.   To "Yaakov" (yeah, right) Sullivan # 43. 17:55  |  flyingdoc57 01/04/09
      50.   Muslim,i wouldn`t bet on it!It doesn`t matter what lieberman or 17:55  |  dream on 01/04/09
      51.   A foreign minister who tells the truth! Lucky country. 17:56  |  Realist 01/04/09
      52.   Peace before war ? 17:58  |  PARIS 01/04/09
      53.   I agree with Yakov. At least Lieberman is being honest. 18:02  |  Canadain 01/04/09
      54.   Yaakoff,it`s funny how you can see "this racist lot holding the 18:07  |  open ur eyes dude 01/04/09
      55.   To Yaakov: "Zionist myths" ? Part 1 18:06  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      56.   Chris linthwaite,speaking about corruption,how much do you think 18:08  |  las vegas odds 01/04/09
      57.   Israel as obstructionist 18:09  |  david 01/04/09
      58.   Yaakov: "Zionist Myths" Part 2 18:09  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      59.   flyingdoc57 Poor Thing, Its All You Have Left 18:11  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      60.   "a performance-based roadmap to a permanent two-state solution... 18:14  |  saul a. readner 01/04/09
      61.   To "Yaakov" (yeah, right) Sullivan #47. "tired misinformation"? 18:16  |  flyingdoc57 01/04/09
      62.   Sullivan`s tired disinformation 18:16  |  peter 01/04/09
      63.   Jordan is Palestine 18:19  |  steve dill 01/04/09
      64.   Doomed 5 18:19  |  Pamela 01/04/09
      65.   11 Me 18:21  |  Pamela 01/04/09
      66.   Lieberman: Israel not bound by Annapolis 18:22  |  Walid K 01/04/09
      67.   IL gave and gave-all we got in return was Hamas and Hezballah 18:28  |  Alan SA 01/04/09
      68.   Natallie Durson USA 18:31  |  Pamela 01/04/09
      69.   As always, the question is, if not 2 states, then what? 18:32  |  Michael 01/04/09
      70.   Why nobody answers to flyingdoc57? 18:35  |  Democratic warrior 01/04/09
      71.   He`s right! The main obstacle to peace is the Israeli left! 18:35  |  Dr Eric 01/04/09
      72.   Yonatan 18:36  |  Tim 01/04/09
      73.   Answer to #12 - Natallie 18:36  |  Col [Res] Cohen 01/04/09
      74.   The first `diplomatic` move of Lieberman: 18:36  |  Axel 01/04/09
      75.   If that is the case 18:37  |  Chris Linthwaite 01/04/09
      76.   Lieberman as FM ? is that April fool ? 18:40  |  Omar 01/04/09
      77.   So, Livni was right to stay away. It already stinks! 18:41  |  Polygraph 01/04/09
      78.   More Slander From OPne Posting as Christopher 18:42  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      79.   Christopher Part II 18:45  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      80.   USUAL PALESTINIAN DEMAGOGUERY 18:47  |  JIM 01/04/09
      81.   peter of montreal on his tirade again 18:52  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      82.   Col [Res] Cohen,your right,,the muslims have Mecca and Medina, 18:53  |  how true 01/04/09
      83.   Arab palestine G-D forbid 18:55  |  Pamela 01/04/09
      84.   To "Yaakov" (yeah, right) Sullivan # 59 18:56  |  flyingdoc57 01/04/09
      85.   Arabs must focus on their bigger problems 19:00  |  Abdul Aziz Higazi 01/04/09
      86.   Patience 19:03  |  Yosemite 01/04/09
      87.   Natalie, Durson, Swiss (Dingo)... and other Jew haters.... 19:04  |  Israeli Observer 01/04/09
      88.   Like or hate him, Lieberman is correct here. 19:05  |  AA 01/04/09
      89.   Two state solution is dead. POliticials always live in denial 19:08  |  Biddut Miah 01/04/09
      90.   Yaacov:"Arab world recognizes Israel?"Part 1 19:09  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      91.   Netanyahu government just entered opposition 19:10  |  Observer 01/04/09
      92.   and this is just the first speech 19:10  |  rm 01/04/09
      93.   Lieberman 19:12  |  Ralph 01/04/09
      94.   #56 las vegas odds 19:13  |  Chris Linthwaite 01/04/09
      95.   Yaacov:"Arab world recognizes Israel?"Part 1 19:14  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      96.   Michael,,,,then status quo it is! 19:15  |  want me to tell u? 01/04/09
      97.   LIEBERMAN IS CONFIRMING THE OBVIOUS 19:19  |  indrajaya 01/04/09
      98.   GAME PLAYING 19:20  |  Mark of Lewiston 01/04/09
      99.   Biddut Miah, I`m Afraid You Are Right #82 19:25  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      100.   United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, as is, should... 19:27  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 01/04/09
      101.   Needless Agitation 19:30  |  leo 01/04/09
      102.   As long as the violence stops, 19:31  |  a wandering Jew 01/04/09
      103.   2 state solution is foolishness. 19:33  |  George Duraisingh 01/04/09
      104.   Required Reading for yaakov Sullivan 19:34  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      105.   flyingdoc57 Just Face It 19:34  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      106.   He`s pointing out what was already policy 19:42  |  David 01/04/09
      107.   Like it was any different 19:44  |  Sal 01/04/09
      108.   People killed by muslims, Response to "dream on" 19:45  |  Muslim 01/04/09
      109.   Obama not bound by Lieberman (luckily) 19:46  |  Markus Grafenburg 01/04/09
      110.   Isolate the Facist before Israel gets isolated 19:48  |  Advice 01/04/09
      111.   First day, first damage 19:50  |  Gila 01/04/09
      112.   Guess Hamas and Abbas hurt their people again 19:50  |  Shepherd 01/04/09
      113.   #81 Sullivan likes smoke and mirrors 19:51  |  peter 01/04/09
      114.   colin and leo 19:59  |  saul a. readner 01/04/09
      115.   axel in germany 20:02  |  saul a. readner 01/04/09
      116.   Yaakov - cut the hysterics 20:10  |  Nano 01/04/09
      117.   Lieberman is honest...but a tragedy 20:14  |  dan 01/04/09
      118.   # 108 " Count the dead" - Good idea most killing were by muslims 20:15  |  17 - 01/04/09
      119.   UN Security Council Resolution 242, Indeed!!! 20:17  |  Jehudah 01/04/09
      120.   Johnny Weintraub - Would you be against... 20:18  |  Euro 01/04/09
      121.   I love this guy! 20:18  |  4:20 01/04/09
      122.   FlyingDog crap 20:19  |  Sam 01/04/09
      123.   Buy him a shirt that fits, this is as embarrasing as his thought 20:21  |  Tom Lobo Meyer 01/04/09
      124.   All Star team 20:26  |  Donald 01/04/09
      125.   No Hysterics, Nano, just the horses mouth 20:28  |  Yaakov Sullivan 01/04/09
      126.   # 120 Euro German Catholic State with 31% Catholics? By all mean 20:34  |  17 01/04/09
      127.   Thanks, Jehudah. I also think 242 the way it is must be 20:37  |  Aviva Vildani 01/04/09
      128.   Lieberman is right 20:37  |  Brod 01/04/09
      129.   yes,muslim lets count all the dead as a result of muslim 20:45  |  dream on 01/04/09
      130.   # 115 saul 20:47  |  Axel 01/04/09
      131.   here is our excuse to cut Israel loose 20:48  |  sapphire 01/04/09
      132.   no chris,i`m saying your biased in your views when it comes to 20:49  |  las vegas odds 01/04/09
      133.   # 100. I too think it`s time to go back to 242 as is. Enough with 20:50  |  Yael 01/04/09
      134.   axel again 20:52  |  saul a. readner 01/04/09
      135.   swiss (dino) - 3. try 20:52  |  saul a. readner 01/04/09
      136.   # 127 aviva zionist daydreaming 20:53  |  Axel 01/04/09
      137.   sam,,how you like living on mexican land,land that was captured 20:53  |  another squatter,lol 01/04/09
      138.   He`s only telling it like it is. 20:55  |  Aaron 01/04/09
      139.   Whats the problem 20:55  |  Alisson 01/04/09
      140.   ABBAS - SWALLOW THE ARAFAT MEDICINE 20:58  |  CHOSEN WORLD 01/04/09
      141.   Lieberman knows less than nothing about foreign affairs 21:00  |  Uri Levy 01/04/09
      142.   #139 alisson 21:07  |  Axel 01/04/09
      143.   Lieberman is wrong 21:12  |  Frank 01/04/09
      144.   you must be so proud! 21:13  |  tad chase 01/04/09
      145.   Explanaion to the scared Haaretz 21:59  |  Gene 01/04/09
      146.   Rocket 22:05  |  Rob 01/04/09
      147.   Euro-"Would you be against?" 22:13  |  Christopher 01/04/09
      148.   MURRAY Get it right its simple.Ratified commitments stay 22:20  |  PETER SM 01/04/09
      149.   An Abba Eban he is not! 22:25  |  Shlomo 01/04/09
      150.   Lieberman Could Have A Little More Diplomatic About It 22:32  |  Jeff Northridge 01/04/09
      151.   Bibi, Barak & Lieberman: Running towards a cliff blindfolded 00:34  |  peacelover 02/04/09
      152.   sapphire 00:41  |  rich 02/04/09
      153.   Christopher- history lesson: 00:41  |  American 02/04/09
      154.   Sam in Houston 00:42  |  rich 02/04/09
      155.   This man is clearly one of the greatest dangers... 00:56  |  Esther 02/04/09
      156.   The arabs are panicking 00:57  |  Don Rosenberg 02/04/09
      157.   It`s Comedy Central 01:00  |  Giora Me`ir 02/04/09
      158.   Netanyahu is right. The Palestinians needs to be matured & more.. 01:03  |  Akram Zekaria 02/04/09
      159.   Two state solution was going nowhere fast 01:28  |  bronxite10 02/04/09
      160.   US should treat LIeberman the way it treated Hamas 01:29  |  Secular 02/04/09
      161.   Resolution 242 01:33  |  Chritsopher 02/04/09
      162.   #99 absolutely Yaakov - 01:34  |  kiwi girl - 02/04/09
      163.   FOR those who missed the rest of the news,Pres Peres 01:51  |  PETER SM 02/04/09
      164.   #68 Pamela 01:55  |  joan 02/04/09
      165.   Now a few weeks ago, I predicted this .... 02:09  |  Smadar 02/04/09
      166.   Love this guy. Next PM of Israel. Israel STAND UP AND BE COUNTED! 02:11  |  Alfred 02/04/09
      167.   Lieberman could be the best thing that happened 02:19  |  American in NY 02/04/09
      168.   Lieberman View`s 03:01  |  Le Corbeau 02/04/09
      169.   HE`S RIGHT: ISRAEL NEVER SIGNED ON TO ANYTHING 03:10  |  Arik Silverman 02/04/09
      170.   Sad 03:23  |  Joe T 02/04/09
      171.   Killing and lying remains Israel policy 04:09  |  Alan Woods 02/04/09
      172.   #84 flyingdoc57 misinformation 04:17  |  maoriboy 02/04/09
      173.   Reply to Yaakov Sullivan (Post No. 34) 04:24  |  Johnny Weintraub 02/04/09
      174.   AM in NY YOU have never understood,just repeated your jargon 04:34  |  PETER SM 02/04/09
      175.   LE CORBEAU Racist political agenda is the Hamas charter 04:48  |  PETER SM 02/04/09
      176.   Jeff Northridge 05:12  |  TonyL 02/04/09
      177.   If quartet road map followed in propper sequence, 05:21  |  Sarah 02/04/09
      178.   Get US out 05:36  |  steve 02/04/09
      179.   Israel never halts settlement construction 19:15  |  T A Sheppard 02/04/09
      180.   #175 Say Peter 20:31  |  ballistic 02/04/09
      181.   Say Bullestic #180,lets use your same theology on the ones 01:45  |  W mike 03/04/09
      182.   Jews and Russia (to Russian) 02:54  |  Oleg 08/04/09
      183.   There will never, ever be peace 19:36  |  Alex 25/04/09
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