Livni: A secure Israel a Palestinian interest
Foreign minister meets with Palestinian PM in US, says Palestinian state will be built on foundation of Israel's safety. Livni also meets with Russian counterpart to discuss mutually cancelling requirement for tourism visa for both countries
NEW YORK – "Israel's security must be in the interest of Palestinians and on the foundation of that security, a Palestinian state will be established," said Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Tuesday at the UN headquarters in New York City.
"Just as a strong Palestinian economy is in Israel's interests, so should Israel's safety be in the Palestinian's interests," reiterated Livni during a joint press conference with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
Fayyad echoed Livni's statements in his own speech to the assembled journalists. "A secure Israel is a Palestinian need just as it is an Israeli one," he said.
Later in the day Livni met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two mainly discussed the current proposal that would see both Israel and Russia rescind the tourism policy demanding visitors issue visas prior to traveling.
For Israelis the change would mean numerous Russian-born citizens could visit relatives and friends with considerable ease. The move is also expected to significantly bolster Russian tourism to Israel.
Livni and Lavrov issued a joint statement following their meeting, saying that they both intend to study the proposal and work towards a mutual agreement to cancel the need for visas "based on the friendship
between the two nations, in acknowledging the importance of human contact as a means of promoting economic cooperation, developing tourism and improving the quality of life."
While in New York Livni also met foreign ministers from Jordan and Mauritius.
