Clinton. Will supervise talks
Photo: Reuters
WASHINGTON – United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is scheduled to visit Jerusalem in 10 days, and supervise direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The State Department on Sunday issued a statement, saying that the first meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will take place in Egypt on September 14 as planned, but will then move to the heart of the conflict – Jerusalem.
Pessimism
Ronen Medzini
Foreign minister does not share cautious optimism as to future of peace talks; doubts comprehensive agreement can be reached even in generation's time
The prime minister noted that past lessons must be considered in the future: "In order to succeed this time we must learn the lessons from 17 years of negotiations, and think creatively and outside the box in order to reach practical solutions.
"I believe it is possible," he added, "And I am ready to come to an historic compromise with our neighbors, as long as it safeguards our interests, and especially our security."
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his pessimistic view, saying that "signing a comprehensive peace agreement is not an attainable goal – not next year, and not in the next generation."
Speaking at aYisrael Beiteinu event for Rosh Hashana, Lieberman added that "Abbas won't sign. Even historic compromises or painful concessions won't help."
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