Channels

Photo: AP
US President Barack Obama
Photo: AP

Obama says 'failed' to push Mideast peace

In interview with ABC7, US president says he feels he hasn’t been able to achieve desired progress in Israeli-Palestinian peace process. 'Parties have to want it as well,' he says

US President Barack Obama believed he has failed to properly push for a resolution of the Middle East conflict.

 

In an interview given Sunday to the ABC7 affiliate station WJLA-TV, Obama said he believes he has failed at promoting the Arab-Israeli peace efforts.

 

Related stories:

 

When asked if he felt that there was "anything you believe you failed at, not because Congress wouldn't play ball, but that rests squarely on your shoulders?" Obama answered: "I have not been able to move the peace process forward in the Middle East the way I wanted."

 

"It's something we focused on very early. But the truth of the matter is that the parties, they've got to want it as well."

 


Obama: Disappointed in the peace process (Photo: AFP)

 

Negotiations between Jerusalem and Ramallah have been virtually nonexistent for the duration of Obama's term in office.

 

Talks resumed briefly two years ago before stumbling over the same set of problems, namely Palestinian demands for a freeze on Jewish settlements in lands they seek for their future state and an Israeli insistence on no preconditions for talks.

 

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently visiting Israel. Clinton will meet with President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

 

Although Clinton's agenda is expected to cover the breadth of US-Israeli relations, including the recent changes in Egypt and the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program, the spotlight will be on the lack of action in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.  

 

The flurry of visits by top US officials to Israel could reflect an administration attempt to shore up Obama's support among Jewish voters as the election nears. The president has pushed back forcefully against Republican claims that he is weak in defending Israel's security, and GOP candidate Mitt Romney is planning to visit Israel later this month.

 

AP contributed to this report

 

 

  • Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop

 

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.16.12, 09:58
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment