U.S. denies dropping demand for Israel settlement freeze
Palestinians won't agree to talks until U.S. clarifies offer; Abbas to meet Mitchell aide in coming days.
By Natasha Mozgovaya Tags: Israel news PalestiniansU.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday dismissed Palestinian claims that the Obama administration had rescinded on its demand for Israel to halt activity in West Bank settlements.
"Our position is that settlement activity is illegitimate, and that the final resolution of borders has to be worked out that will give both sides, the Israelis and the Palestinians, the secure borders that they deserve to have," Clinton told Al Jazeera during a visit to Doha.
"It will be based, as I have said many times, on the 1967 lines, with the agreed swaps, and taking into account subsequent developments," she said. "Those are the very clear parameters that the United States believes that the parties should negotiate over.
"So that is, then, our condition. It remains our condition. And we think the best way to resolve the ongoing concerns that are reflected in the question and the feelings that so many people have is to get the parties into a negotiation facilitated by the United States, and to assist them in whatever way we can to reaching a resolution on borders, on refugees, on security, on Jerusalem that will, once and for all, end the conflict," Clinton added.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday he was still waiting for the United States to explain how it might help restart peace talks before he will consider reopening those negotiations.
A senior aide to U.S. mediator George Mitchell will meet Abbas in the coming days, a senior U.S. official said.
Nabil Abu Rdainah, an aide to Abbas, said Monday that the Palestinians were open to the U.S. proposal, but would not make any commitments until they had received clarification. "We have told the Americans we are ready for proximity talks but we want answers to certain questions."
Saying that Abbas had been waiting nearly three weeks for those answers, Abu Rdainah said Palestinians wanted to be sure that any talks would address all the "core issues" of the conflict. These are notably the establishment of state borders, the status of Jerusalem and the fate of Palestinian refugees.
Abbas has resisted U.S. and other Western pressure to resume negotiations with Israel which were suspended over a year ago. He has insisted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu impose a complete freeze on the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
"We are still awaiting the American administration's response regarding their proposals," Abbas said of suggestions that Washington could host "proximity talks" involving officials, but not leaders, from the two sides as a way of preparing for a full-scale resumption of negotiations.
He accused Israel of obstructing a process which has failed to produce a negotiated settlement and a Palestinian state in nearly two decades of talking. Israel says Abbas should return to talks, a view shared by the United States and its allies.
From Doha on Sunday, Clinton said that Washington appreciated Israel's partial settlement freeze and anticipated more "steps" in that direction.
"We do see the current Israeli settlement moratorium as a positive step in this direction, and we look for further steps," she said.
"The region and the international community can make clear to the Israelis, Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese that we support comprehensive negotiations that produce results. The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative is vital to our efforts to promote a comprehensive peace," she added.
Netanyahu, who says he is ready to talk without conditions, ordered a 10-month freeze on some settlement projects in much of the West Bank. But, in line with Israel's unilateral annexation of East Jerusalem and its suburbs, he has refused to include building there in any settlement pause.
That annexation is not recognized internationally, and Washington and its allies have long urged Israel to comply with a commitment under the 2003, U.S.-brokered "road map" peace plan to halt the expansion of all settlements.
The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now, which campaigns against the expansion of settlements and for a two-state solution to the conflict, said on Monday it had evidence building has continued - sometimes under cover of darkness - since Netanyahu's declared freeze in 34 settlements, a quarter of the total.
Diplomats say efforts to resolve the conflict, which was complicated by the seizure of the Gaza Strip in 2007 by Abbas's Islamist rivals Hamas, focus mainly on helping Abbas find face-saving ways to return to negotiations without securing the kind of settlement freeze that Netanyahu will not deliver.
Abbas noted that he would discuss any U.S. proposals with the Arab League. Diplomats say broader Arab backing for a return to talks with Israel would help Abbas make such a move, although few diplomats or regional officials hold high hopes of rapid progress toward a final settlement of the conflict.
Some Israeli officials, as well as diplomats, have suggested phased negotiations where the borders of a Palestinian state might be agreed in advance of a resolution of other issues.
Abbas has said he does not want a partial or interim deal.
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There's only one who rules over Israel. The G-d of Israel. Men are so temporary.
Sam, what a dumb statement. Don't you have access to a history book. For your information: The Balfour Declaration was incorporated into the Sèvres peace treaty with Turkey and the Mandate for Palestine. The Mandate for Palestine expired at midnight 14 May 1948, the day Israel declared statehood.
in Israel,s affairs. Tell us JJBD do you denegrate the US this openl with your fellow Americans in the USA???. Do you tell them to stick their 3 billion dollars where the sun dont shine. Hmm Josiah.
The American Constitution is not international Law. The Balfour declaration is not a law--it is what it says---a declaration. The only law that counts is Israel,s declaration of statehood in 1948. Those are it,s borders and are the same ones recognised by the UN when it accepted Israel as a member in good standing-----then. I am afraid it is no longer a member in good standing---given the dozens of UN Resolutions it is in violation of. Best get your money back from your history teacher sam---you were duped.
Palestinians are not going to have sovereignty over anything within the confines of Israel. Their dream of controlling half of Jerusalem would be a nightmare for Israel and its not going to happen. The U.S. is not a Global policeman and they should put their house in order first before meddling in the business of others. Obama is already a lame duck president!
US Congress+Pres.Harding signed Balfour Declaration&violate Art.VI of Constotition.Road Map&Freeze have not approved by Congress or signed by Congress & any President!Sec.Clinton&President that doNOT work by the Constitution resign!
it is the responsiblity of the genaral public to insure tha its government is acting in a mature way to advance any chances for peace. I am afraid that the current government have convinced the entire Arab people that the only way to free our land is the hezbullah model. Israel is acting like a spoil baby who respect no one. Israel will end up a hostige of its own behaivors.
"It will be based, as I have said many times, on the 1967 lines, with the agreed swaps, and taking into account subsequent developments," she said. "Those are the very clear parameters that the United States believes that the parties should negotiate over. " HC Well if that aint a deal breaker or what. Given that statement Israel has no reason to make peace, just sit around while they ensure subsequent developements create the Greater Israel. Lets Face it Clinton and Obama---you aint what we thought you were. Not to worry---the Bi National state will solve all this in due course. Only obsctacle will be coming up with a name but we will leave that decision to the majority of the citizens of the new nascent state. And it will not be Israel. Never miss an opportunity to let greed rule the day.
Absolutely true. I am a Christian Palestinian and my family has suffered for the past 62 years much like all other Palestinian families, regardless of religion. This is a conflict between Zionists on one hand and Palestinians and our supporters on the other.
In the meantime Israel grabs more and more land creating those "facts on the ground" that the US will assert at any meeting now belong to Israel. Hilary and the US are demanding and threatening Iran with dire consequences for matters of recent concern. Hilary and the US as chief advocates of Israel whisper to Israel that it might consider allowing a few acres from the agreed 1947-48 borders for the Palestinians to run around like cockroaches as General Raphael Eitan declared in April 1983. Thank you very much Hilary. Secretary of State of the United States of Israel.
""It will be based, as I have said many times, on the 1967 lines, with the agreed swaps, and taking into account subsequent developments," she said. " What developments? Sounds hardly "clear" to the rest of us.
U don't know the root of the conflict when u say things like "When the PA sees the threat of Christians & Jews gobbling up the whole thing entirely, they will cave and agree to things like exchanges of population". This is NOT a conflict between Jews & Muslims. Those who paint it as such, whichever side they support, deliberately do so to advance their own political agendas of dominion. There is only one truth; this is a conflict between Zionists & Palestinians. Though most Jews are Zionists & though most Palestinians are Muslims, some Jews are not Zionists & many Palestinias are Christians. Palestinian stuggle & resistance is against Zionists, not Jews. Zionists' expulsion & occupation is against Palestinians, both Muslim AND Christian. Uncontiously, or worse, deliberatle bluring this distinction has led Western & other non-Palestinian Christian Fudamentalists & Arab non-Palestinian, Iranian & other non-Palestinian Islamists to personally involve & worsen a conflict not their own.
"...taking into account subsequent developments..." is the caveat that is of concern. Netanyahu's statements on East Jerusalem and the statements made while planting trees in the settlements cause a reinforcement of concern about Israel's commitment and the USA fortitude to hold firm on 1967 borders or an equivalency.
Abbas. When Ben-Gurion was working to establish the Re-Birth of Israel,he stayed at Home & only on the rarest occasions did he leave Israel. But here you have this Mr. Abbas going every other day to some new city abroad,& when he's finished his rounds that might take a couple of years ,he starts the circle once again. His ears should,by now be attentive to the fun,& mockery his 'guests'bestow on him. Behind his back. In short he's a Nud-Nik !
You live for the day huh? You should hope you're immortal. I personally doubt you are. Do you think you can have your palestinian friends ask the Jordanians where the 78 percent of the mandate for palestine went?
You talked about Evengelical populating the area. What u missed which is more is that... Arab Nationalism and secularism is dissapearing in the middle east. Islamism is spreading fast.. See Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Irak, Jordan. All have one thing i common....their societies are becoming more conservative and they see Islam is the solution. This is bad news for Israel....becouse its offspring will know no deterent of any kind... they see as in hot areas like Afghanistan,...a win-win struggle...
The only option is for one state for two people. Most palestinians, arabs and muslims agree to a two state solution. (Please keep in mind that I said "MOST" so that the fanatics ont this website will not quote some of the extreme groups in arab of muslim societies.) Althought the arabs are willing to accept a two state solution, at this point Israel is not. Therefore, let's go to another option, one state, two people, bi ethnic, bilingal, bi national. It worked in Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and Bosnia.. This way all any jew in the world can come to Israel and settle (Alyia) and any palestinian can practice his right of return and settle in Palestine/Israel. It will take one generation for people to forget about blood shed in all the wars and arab and jewish kids will live together.
Headline: "U.S. denies dropping demand for Israel settlement freeze" Hillary: "Our position is that settlement activity is illegitimate," That doesn't actually say you are demanding that this activity be frozen, luvvie. Hillary: "and that the final resolution of borders has to be worked out that will give both sides, the Israelis and the Palestinians, the secure borders that they deserve to have," That doesn't say it either. Hillary: "It will be based, as I have said many times, on the 1967 lines, with the agreed swaps, and taking into account subsequent developments," Nor does that, which can only encourage Bibi to create more "facts on the ground" aka "subsequent developments". Hillary: "We do see the current Israeli settlement moratorium as a positive step in this direction, and we look for further steps," And THAT is nothing more than an affirmation that Bibi's little three-card trick has her squeeling with delight and clapping her teeny-tiny hands.
10-metre bargepole. Israel sits there demanding everything and offering nothing, other than inane lectures on what everyone else on the planet should do to make its life and landtheft easier. Israel is caught in a trap. Likud's manifesto asserts some made-up ethno-religious right to all of Palestine. Zio people voted for it, especially real estate developers and those wishing free land, cheap homes and big state subsidies. But Israel CAN'T DELIVER. Nobody else in the world agrees with their land claim. Israel can settle another million Jews in Palestine, it won't make a blind bit of difference. It will still be stolen land, over which Israel can never have sovereignty and will always face international opposition, internal dissent and armed resistance. Likud cannot go forward. It cannot go backwards. It is left just trying to keep the PM sign on Bibi's door for another three years (if that). It is like a child putting off the moment of truth by denial and bluff.
1. Yosemite - funny!! 2. Medel - pathetic and, as always, disingenuous.
Can Haaretz post the Arab and Israeli "peace proposals" here so that the readers might be stay informed?. It seems to me that the arabs demand that Israel return to the pre 1967 borders. but tjose borders don't exist. Thjat means they are referring to the 1947 borders, which also don't exist because the arabs did not recognize them either. Therefore, I conclude that the Arab proposa, as articu;lated by Abbas is to have no borders. Why do we need a Road Map when there is no destination but a round trip returning to the starting poin, and eventhat is not agreed upon. The US ought to quit pushing Israel around. Just because it can doesn't justify that. Do you know why is the world so anxious to dismember Israel in favor of the Palestinian Arabs? Its because it is run by Nazi-Fascist sympathizers; the same ones who dismembered Yugoslavia. Even the USSR signed a pact with Hitler. All the moslem countries were with the Nazis during WWII, and have remained so to this day.
notice the qualifier she added to her statement on returning to borders of '67 as a goal: "taking into account subsequent developments." What exactly does she mean by this? Sheik Jarreh? Silwan? The Old City? The large settlement blocs as faits acommplis? As for her appreciate of Israel's "temporary freeze" perhaps some reporter will ask here at her next press conference what she thinks of Peace Now's evidence that this agreement is being violated, making it into nothing more than a ruse. Where is accountability, Madame Secretary and why should Palestinians have any faith in your efforts when you trun a blind public eye to any and all of Israel's violations of what it says it has agreed to?
don't get away forever. Ultimately evil falls of its own weight. I will live to see the day when Israel/Palestine is reunited. A true democracy for all its citizens. One man, One Vote, No Apartheid, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. For EVERYONE. Pisrael. Salaam/Shalom
Discuss the option of recognizing American Evangelical Christians as the Lost Tribe of Israel and offering to include them into Aliyah. Some people on the Palestinian side are thinking that Israel will implode on it's own if they hold off from making peace for ten more years. Might be a good idea anyway. The United States will continue to be the World's Greatest Super Power for at least 50 to 100 years more. When the PA sees the threat of Christians and Jews gobbling up the whole thing entirely, they will cave and agree to things like exchanges of populations.
Solving the middle east conflict: clearly a job for the shnat-netzer tel aviv second options group. not only can these 11 people not manage to organise themselves into 2 agreeable groups to live in for 7 weeks, they also can't sustain a coherent facebook thread for more than 3 messages or so without some obcenity or offensive outburst. and i quote..."what the fuck do you think? we aren't paying for your shit?" They are also grammatically challenged, only adding to their struggle. However, they are clearly still overly qualified and definitely the next obvious choice for palestinian negotiations to have a future!