WASHINGTON - In a clear message to Israel's new rightist government and to the Palestinians, American President Barack Obama demanded that both sides adhere to their Road Map and Annapolis Conference
obligations.
"In the Middle East, we share the goal of a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors," Obama said during a special address to the Turkish parliament. "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."
Obama in Turkey (Photo: Reuters)
"That is a goal shared by Palestinians, Israelis, and people of good will around the world," the president said. "That is a goal that that the parties agreed to in the Roadmap and at Annapolis. And that is a goal that I will actively pursue as president."
The comments marked Obama's first response to belligerent statements made by incoming Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in his induction speech.
Obama, who is currently visiting Turkey for the first time as president, said he expects the road ahead to be difficult, and added that "both Israelis and Palestinians must take the steps that are necessary to build confidence." He did not, however, outline any specific steps that must be adopted at this time.
"Both must live up to the commitments they have made. Both must overcome longstanding passions and the politics of the moment to make progress toward a secure and lasting peace." he said.
The president added that both the US and Turkey can help the Palestinians and Israelis achieve peace.
"Like the United States, Turkey has been a friend and partner in Israel’s quest for security," he said. "We must reject the use of terror, and recognize that Israel’s security concerns are legitimate."
Turning his attention to Iran, Obama said that "the peace of the region will also be advanced if Iran forgoes any nuclear weapons ambitions."
"As I made clear yesterday in Prague, no one is served by the spread of nuclear weapons," the president said. 'This part of the world has known enough violence. It has known enough hatred. It does not need a race for ever-more powerful tools of destruction."
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