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Israel pledges to work with U.S. for Mideast peace
By Natasha Mozgavaya, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service
Tags: israel news, Haaretz TV 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration pledged on Monday to work with the United States for Middle East peace shortly after U.S. President Barack Obama said he would push for Palestinian state.

"Israel appreciates President Obama's commitment to Israel's security and to the pursuit of peace," said a brief statement released by Netanyahu's office following Obama's comments.

"The government of Israel is committed to both of these goals and will formulate its policies in the near future so as to work closely with the United States," the statement said.
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On Monday in Turkey, Obama said his administration would seek the creation of Palestinian state, underlining that Israel and the Palestinians agreed on that goal under the U.S.-backed road map peace plan and during a 2007 conference in Annapolis, Maryland, that were supposed to revive the plan.

"Let me be clear: The United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," said Obama.

"That is a goal shared by Palestinians, Israelis, and people of good will around the world. That is a goal that the parties agreed to in the road map and at Annapolis," he added. "And that is a goal that I will actively pursue as president."

U.S. special envoy Mitchell is due to arrive in the region April 13 to advance the goal of the two-state solution and comprehensive peace. Mitchell is scheduled to meet with key officials in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Egypt, the Gulf, and North Africa.

Obama also urged Ankara to continue its active role in seeking a lasting peace settlement for Israel and the Palestinians.

"We must not give into pessimism and mistrust," Obama told Turkish lawmakers. "We must pursue every opportunity for progress."

He told the MPs that while all parties involved know that the path to peace will be difficult, both the United States and Turkey "can help the Palestinians and Israelis make this journey."

Obama also praised Turkey for its friendship and partnership in "Israel's quest for security" and for seeking "a future of opportunity and statehood for the Palestinians."

"We must pursue every opportunity for progress, as you have done by supporting negotiations between Syria and Israel," Obama said. "We must extend a hand to those Palestinians who are in need, while helping them strengthen institutions. And we must reject the use of terror, and recognize that Israel's security concerns are legitimate."

The U.S. president also sought to reassure the Turks over strained relations that have plagued the two countries since 2003, when Ankara opposed the invasion of Iraq and refused to let U.S. troops deploy on its territory.

Turkey has also criticized Washington for allowing Kurdish separatists to be based in northern Iraq from where they stage attacks into Turkish territory.

"I know there have been difficulties these last few years. I know that the trust that binds us has been strained, and I know that strain is shared in many places where the Muslim faith is practiced," he said.

"Let me say this as clearly as I can: The United States is not at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject," said Obama. But he added: "I also want to be clear that America's relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not be based on opposition to Al-Qaida."

"Turkey's greatness lies in your ability to be at the center of things. This is not where East and West divide - it is where they come together. In the beauty of your culture; in the richness of your history; in the strength of your democracy [and] in your hopes for tomorrow," the president said.

Obama arrived in Ankara on Sunday, with the aim of rebuilding ties with Turkey, a Muslim country with growing clout whose help Washington needs to solve confrontations from Iran to Afghanistan.

Trip signals Turkey's regional reach, economic power

His two-day visit is a nod to Turkey's regional reach, economic power, diplomatic contacts and status as a secular democracy seeking European Union membership that has accommodated political Islam.

It is the last leg of his eight-day debut trip on the world stage as president. It is also his first to a predominantly Muslim country as president, a visit closely watched in the Islamic world.

"I look forward to strengthening relations between the U.S. and Turkey and support Ataturk's vision of Turkey as a modern and prosperous democracy," Obama wrote in the guestbook at the tomb of the revered founder of modern Turkey, where he visited earlier Monday.

Obama held talks with President Abdullah Gul after the tomb visit and later met Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

The White House said at the top of his agenda was to discuss regional challenges, like the threat from terrorism, the war in Afghanistan, relations with Iran, and a goal of lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors.

Obama's motorcade got plenty of friendly waves from small groups along a route from the international airport to the city center lined with security personnel when he arrived on Sunday. A few people waved tiny Turkish flags. Former President George W. Bush got a mostly indifferent response from the public in visits to the Muslim world.

Turkey will not be the venue for Obama's promised major speech in a Muslim capital, but his April 5-7 trip will be a way to emphasize his message of reaching out to Muslims.

Later on in Istanbul, Obama will attend a reception of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, co-hosted by Turkey and Spain to bridge the gap between Western and Islamic countries.

Related articles:
  • Obama's agenda in Turkey: Iran, Israel and terrorism
  • Turkish FM: Turkey trying to ease U.S.-Iran tension
  • Jordanian king: Israel holding Mideast hostage by shunning Arab peace offer
  • Assad urges U.S. to take more active role in Mideast peace
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      1.   Part of what Obama actaully said.... 16:27  |  Esther 06/04/09
      2.   ... and something for the absolutionists and hotheads... 16:34  |  Esther 06/04/09
      3.   Turkey key ally for israel 16:50  |  Gil 06/04/09
      4.   "Every opportunity for progress" will present itself when... 17:10  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 06/04/09
      5.   Great speech, but sounds like a slap in the face to Lieberman 17:25  |  American in NY 06/04/09
      6.   Obama to Turkey 17:39  |  s.davies 06/04/09
      7.   Obama is on record: ANTI-Israel 18:05  |  Mike 06/04/09
      8.   Applied Anesthesiology by Dr. Obama 18:09  |  17 06/04/09
      9.   Only The Correct God 18:17  |  Shimon Cleopas 06/04/09
      10.   American #5... Lieberman can be no more than quirky episode... 18:18  |  Esther 06/04/09
      11.   #6s.davies-you got it-turkey&kurdistan-2states 18:21  |  Susanna/shoshana 06/04/09
      12.   #5 American NUTJOB in NY One tirck pony 18:23  |  *BEN JABO 06/04/09
      13.   And to the question of "two-state solution", why is it that when 18:23  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 06/04/09
      14.   american in NY-no opposition to Al Qaeda-Obama stayed in Pakistan 18:30  |  Susanna/shoshana 06/04/09
      15.   The Best Christmas 18:32  |  Shimon Cleopas 06/04/09
      16.   ben jobo-not only ww1&ww2 but kosovo-The U.S. also rebuilt EU aft 18:42  |  Susanna/shoshana 06/04/09
      17.   Obama is making it clear to Israel--start showing you want peace 18:50  |  Labhras 06/04/09
      18.   Obama is making it clear to Israel--start showing you want peace 18:50  |  Labhras 06/04/09
      19.   Obama`s position is the problem not the solution 18:51  |  Miriam 06/04/09
      20.   Obama is pro-American 18:52  |  Phil 06/04/09
      21.   #13 No need to wonder why JBI--you answered it u self 18:58  |  Labhras 06/04/09
      22.   shoshana 19:15  |  A.M. 06/04/09
      23.   For #12 Ben Jabber And His Ilk - The Beginning Of The End 19:15  |  chet 06/04/09
      24.   WATCH YOUR BACK, OBAMA 19:15  |  indrajaya 06/04/09
      25.   Clearly Israel Does Not, So?? 19:16  |  Yaakov Sullivan 06/04/09
      26.   If Israel`s `legitimate security needs` are part of the problem 19:28  |  Morris Valentine 06/04/09
      27.   Can Peace be realized? 19:42  |  Lisa Javner 06/04/09
      28.   The United States strongly supports the goal of two states, Israe 19:59  |  Joshua 06/04/09
      29.   # 6 davies 20:09  |  Axel 06/04/09
      30.   If O wants to bow 2 Saudi King,thats his biz.We dont do low bows 20:11  |  Alan SA 06/04/09
      31.   Netanyahu 20:11  |  Michael 06/04/09
      32.   It is a good start ! 20:12  |  Baroon 06/04/09
      33.   Strange Obama statement about Al-Qaida. 20:19  |  S 06/04/09
      34.   Obama to Turkey 20:42  |  s.davies 06/04/09
      35.   UN Security Council Resolution 242, as is, is the most... 20:42  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 06/04/09
      36.   More Eloquent Hot Air Signifying Nothing 20:54  |  Jeff Northridge 06/04/09
      37.   # 26 Morris Valentine...doublespeak 20:54  |  Lynn 06/04/09
      38.   # 33 S...maybe he is talking about certain 20:57  |  Lynn 06/04/09
      39.   # 30 Alan of SA...we aren`t very good at that 20:59  |  Lynn 06/04/09
      40.   To #29 Axel: it removes their sense of guilt. 21:28  |  Rami 06/04/09
      41.   I see the United States has 21:34  |  Chris Linthwaite 06/04/09
      42.   Israel 21:40  |  sam 06/04/09
      43.   #33 S 21:42  |  Chris Linthwaite 06/04/09
      44.   Living in a bubble 21:43  |  r cummings 06/04/09
      45.   Bibi has waited all his life to evacuate the west bank 21:52  |  Natallie Durson 06/04/09
      46.   Axel: things are not as simple as they seem 21:55  |  Lao-Tzu 06/04/09
      47.   #32 both sides need to show good will 21:59  |  Lynn 06/04/09
      48.   #19 Miriam 22:18  |  BDS 06/04/09
      49.   #34 Lynn 22:25  |  BDS 06/04/09
      50.   chet #23 is right on with his analysis 22:29  |  Yaakov Sullivan 06/04/09
      51.   S #33... Listening to the full speech of Obama on Al Jazeera... 22:37  |  Esther 06/04/09
      52.   Israel`s Peace Offers Are a Political Ponzi Scheme 22:39  |  Binyamin 06/04/09
      53.   Enormous US pressure will be required. 23:13  |  Ibrahim 06/04/09
      54.   Netanyahu knew it was coming 00:01  |  Stephen L 07/04/09
      55.   #31 correct key word is Annapolis, but 01:15  |  bronxite10 07/04/09
      56.   Obama is now mentioning road map,while Hillary is stone silent. 01:20  |  Sarah 07/04/09
      57.   Obama must also guarantee Palestinian security! 02:48  |  American 07/04/09
      58.   Jehudah Ben-Israel 03:13  |  joan 07/04/09
      59.   Lisa Javner 03:22  |  joan 07/04/09
      60.   To S 03:27  |  joan 07/04/09
      61.   #13 Then wonder no more, Jehudah 04:49  |  Johnboy 07/04/09
      62.   Why there is no peace 1 05:29  |  dovvod 07/04/09
      63.   No one can serve two masters 05:42  |  Shimon Cleopas 07/04/09
      64.   #38 You jest, American 06:41  |  Johnboy 07/04/09
      65.   #43 The only problem with your claim, dowod 06:51  |  Johnboy 07/04/09
      66.   No Miriam, the world does not. 06:53  |  BBSNews 07/04/09
      67.   #36 Bibi has a bit of a problem, Stephen L 06:59  |  Johnboy 07/04/09
      68.   #33 I see the subtly escapes you, S 07:08  |  Johnboy 07/04/09
      69.   #26 Well, the answer is pretty obvious, Morris. 07:19  |  Johnboy 07/04/09
      70.   #43 Esther ... didn`t I say you were better informed than me? 08:20  |  S 07/04/09
      71.   #60 Then think for once likkle johnboy 11:53  |  Ari ben Yisrael 07/04/09
      72.   #63 You kidding Australian 12:01  |  Joe F. Moer 07/04/09
      73.   Obama not anti Israel 13:50  |  Dr.Joji Cherian 07/04/09
      74.   Dowood, that editorial rings quite true... 16:42  |  BBSNews 07/04/09
      75.   Ester 17:58  |  readed in the void 07/04/09
      76.   # 26 morris, i can`t believe you`re unaware of HOW hamas won befo 22:43  |  eric 07/04/09
      77.   #71 Ari ben Yisrael tries it on 08:15  |  Johnboy 08/04/09
      78.   about peace 10:35  |  sedki 08/04/09
      79.   To JB (#69): Neither obvious, nor simple 06:02  |  Morris Valentine 09/04/09
      80.   To eric (#76): Doubting Morris 06:03  |  Morris Valentine 09/04/09
      81.   Ari Ben Yisrael - RE: 60 09:29  |  Angela 09/04/09
      82.   Morris how long have you been away-- 17:02  |  Labhras 10/04/09
      83.   #49 BDS...blowing oneself up among Israelis 01:08  |  Lynn 11/04/09
      84.   Steps 01:50  |  Halevi 11/04/09
      85.   They will live side by side... 01:20  |  McCain 16/04/09
      86.   Trouble brewing 11:59  |  Asher 17/04/09
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