Netanyahu ’may back two states’
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AP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mayıs 18, 2009 00:00
JERUSALEM - On the eve of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's crucial visit to Washington, his defense minister suggested the Israeli leader might endorse a Palestinian state when he meets with President Barack Obama.
That would be a significant shift for Netanyahu, who has made clear in the past that he does not think the Palestinians are ready to rule themselves. But that position has put him at odds with long-standing U.S. policy that supports Palestinian statehood as the cornerstone of Mideast peace efforts.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Saturday that he thought an agreement with the Palestinians could be achieved within three years.
"I think and believe that Netanyahu will tell Obama this government is prepared to go for a political process that will result in two peoples living side by side in peace and mutual respect," Barak told Channel 2 TV. However, he did not use the word "state," leaving open other options for Netanyahu.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Saturday that he thought an agreement with the Palestinians could be achieved within three years.
"I think and believe that Netanyahu will tell Obama this government is prepared to go for a political process that will result in two peoples living side by side in peace and mutual respect," Barak told Channel 2 TV. However, he did not use the word "state," leaving open other options for Netanyahu.