Sen. Kerry tells PM Arabs play critical role in process
Prime minister meets with members of US Foreign Relations Committee, says Palestinian track must be independent from dealing with Iran threat. Committee chairman says he was 'encouraged' by meeting, raps Israel on settlements
WASHINGTON - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his visit to Washington on Tuesday, meeting with members of the US House Foreign Relations Committee. The prime minister said he told the senators who participated in the meeting that the threat from Tehran remains a strong p
art of any equation for negotiations.
Democratic Senator John Kerry, who serves as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said he was "encouraged by a number of things (Netanyahu) said."
Kerry said he had stressed to Netanyahu "the importance of Israel moving forward, especially in respect to the settlements issue." The senator also acknowledged to the prime minister that the issue was not "a one-way street" and that Arab steps toward joining the "regional road map" to peace were also critical.
Netanyahu with the committee members today (Photo: AP)
The prime minister summed up his visit to the Senate and Congress, saying that Israel and the United States see eye-to-eye on the need to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. "I was assured by President Obama yesterday that the US is committed to preventing that from happening," Netanyahu said.
"The other important issue is the peace process. I said that we are ready to begin negotiations immediately, and to bring other Arab nations into the fold. President Obama has also said that the Palestinians and the Arab nations must do their part for the peace process. This is important progress," the prime minister said on his way to meet with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon.
"We intend to pursue the peace track independent of what happens in Iran," Netanyahu said, adding that "in point of fact, it should be done in parallel."
Earlier in the day Netanyahu met with a group of Jewish lawmakers from both houses, lead by Representative Henry Waxman and Senator Carl Levin. Later on he will meet with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the congressional leadership.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
