Lieberman with Clinton
Photo: Shahar Azran
Foreign minister: US wants to bridge gaps
Lieberman tells reporters in Washington both sides displaying 'good will' to overcome conflict
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israeli reporters in Washington Thursday that the US administration was displaying "good will to bridge the gaps" in relations with Israel.
Lieberman, who is currently holding a series of meetings with US officials, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at Bar Ilan University had "dramatically changed the atmosphere" in Washington.
Meeting with Clinton
Yitzhak Benhorin
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He said there was still a minor conflict between Jerusalem and US President Barack Obama's administration on the issue of "natural growth" in the settlements, but that there was "good will on our part and on the American side to reach agreement".
Lieberman added that Israel would not construct new outposts in the West Bank, but that it would also refuse to "choke our people."
"The settlements are not an obstacle to peace," he said, adding that he had stressed during meetings that Israel was ready to start negotiations with the Palestinians immediately.
During his meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, the foreign minister said Jerusalem had "understandings with the previous administration on the matter" of construction in settlements.
Clinton reiterated the stance voiced by Obama, saying that the United States wanted to see a complete halt to settlement activity and that there were no such understandings.
Lieberman told reporters he identified 20 points for discussion with the US regarding Iran, Syria, and the Palestinians. The points on which he believes agreements are minimal include the removal of checkpoints and illegal outposts in the West Bank, the establishment of a Palestinian security force, and a number of economic issues.
