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Last update - 20:04 15/06/2009
U.S.: Still a long way to go toward Mideast peace
By Natasha Mozgovaya, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies
Tags: Bibi Speech, Israel News 

The White House said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement of a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict was a big step forward but that there is still a "long way to go."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs was referring to a Mideast policy speech given by Netanyahu at the Bar Ilan University on Sunday.

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  • here for the full text of Netanyahu's foreign policy speech.
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    Gibbs said Monday that "I think the Netanyahu government took a big step forward yesterday in acknowledging for the first time the need for a two-state solution. I think the President believes that there is a long way to go and many twists and turns in the road to get there, but is pleased thus far with the progress that's being made. And I think yesterday's speech certainly is a big part of that."

    When asked whether Netanyahu would be able to get the Palestinians on board with his Mideast plan, Gibbs said "I think we're working and discussing with all involved how we can move this process forward, how we can create a two-state solution whereby Israel and the Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. I think what Mr. Netanyahu said yesterday is an important part of that reform."

    Meanwhile Monday, Netanyahu said that Israel cannot live side by side with a new Palestinian state if it must continually be in fear of attack from Palestinians.

    In an interview with NBC's Today show, Netanyuhu repeated his ground-breaking statement, saying he would accept a Palestinian state. But at the same time, he said, it would have to be a demilitarized state.

    On the issue of further Jewish settlements in territory the Palestinians wish to claim as their own in a new state, Netanyahu said "I think I made it also clear that I would not build new settlements." He said that he and U.S. President Barack Obama are trying to reach a common understanding of this.

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      1.   Allowing any settlement growth = unlimited settlement growth 16:08  |  Natallie Durson 15/06/09
      2.   Israel needs to follow its own policy and not "understandings" 16:11  |  Realist 15/06/09
      3.   How would anyone accept the land grab and looting!? 16:12  |  American 15/06/09
      4.   Bibi moanings 16:34  |  Sam Soul 15/06/09
      5.   You just don`t get it, do you? 16:41  |  Johnboy 15/06/09
      6.   Everyone understands Mr. Netanyahu 17:05  |  Mark Lincoln 15/06/09
      7.   Stop forcibly annexing the land .. 17:16  |  un2here 15/06/09
      8.   What practical difference does it make .... 17:21  |  Axel 15/06/09
      9.   demilitarisation 17:22  |  dr.joji cherian 15/06/09
      10.   stop this entire charade 17:24  |  JL 15/06/09
      11.   What to do about settlers. 17:25  |  MIKE 15/06/09
      12.   It is getting ever so interesting 17:26  |  Mark B. 15/06/09
      13.   Settlements are temporary "bargaining chips." Aren`t they? 17:44  |  Lou Medel 15/06/09
      14.   Best Explanation of Settlements 17:53  |  Shimon Cleopas 15/06/09
      15.   Netanyahu hopes for `understanding` on settlements 18:18  |  r cummings 15/06/09
      16.   arabs terror-tories obstacle to peace 18:23  |  Joseph.E 15/06/09
      17.   "Peace" is a red herring 18:37  |  bernard ross 15/06/09
      18.   Israel controls America 18:42  |  observer 15/06/09
      19.   A palestinian state can`t live in fear from being attacked either 18:43  |  jens 15/06/09
      20.   No `New` Settlements 18:55  |  Mark Lincoln 15/06/09
      21.   What do you know Obama.. 20:09  |  David 15/06/09
      22.   Fly `Liberian` Flag, reference third/fourth Russian aliyah 21:23  |  Shaul Ben-Yimini 15/06/09
      23.   Nobody should tell Israel where to build houses 21:32  |  wibism 15/06/09
      24.   GAZA EAST 21:48  |  Arik Silverman 15/06/09
      25.   + and - and the way forward 21:51  |  Dolphin 15/06/09
      26.   Done deal 21:51  |  John 15/06/09
      27.   A real look 22:04  |  reality 15/06/09
      28.   What is the Problem? 05:39  |  Jasper 16/06/09
      29.   A real assessment 05:43  |  American 16/06/09
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