Livni to US: Don’t ask Israel for shortcuts

Foreign minister meets with assistant to US secretary of state head of Thursday meeting with Condoleezza Rice. ‘Israeli public supports, will continue to support diplomatic process on condition it insures political, security interests important to Israel in long-run,' she says
Roni Sofer

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni met on Tuesday morning with Assistant US Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch to discuss diplomatic developments, in preparation for her meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who will arrive in Israel on Thursday.

Mideast Quartet

Livni firm on dismissal of interim agreement / Roni Sofer

Foreign affairs minister speaks with Ynet ahead of her upcoming meeting with Mideast Quartet, reiterates that while Israel genuine in negotiations with Palestinian Authority, it will not sign interim accords under current circumstances

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During the meeting, Livni told Welch that Israel would act in fulfillment of the diplomatic process in a way that will assure its interests.

“The world needs to back the process being conducted and not ask Israel for shortcuts that will harm its ability to secure its needs.”

“The Israeli public supports and will continue to support the diplomatic process on condition that it insures the diplomatic and security interests that are important to Israel in the long-run.”

Livni referred to the negotiations with the Palestinians and both sides’ demands and said, “The dialogue between Israel and the (Palestinian) Authority is the framework which will allow Israel to ensure its security needs and allow the Palestinians a change in the facts on the ground.

The change is needed in order to actualize any future agreement and based on these principles we will continue the talks,” said the foreign minister.

At the beginning of next week Livni will meet with the Quartet marking one year since the Annapolis Summit.

Amongst others, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner are expected to attend.

Former Palestinian Prime Minister and negotiation team chief Ahmed Qureia will represent the Palestinian side.