Palestinians disappointed with Obama speech

PA leaders express discontent with Obama's failure to address peace process in AIPAC speech

Elior Levy|Published: 03.05.12 , 16:14

RAMALLAH - Palestinian leaders expressed disappointment on Monday with US President Barack Obama's AIPAC speech, accusing the leader of failing to promote a vision for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

"President Obama's statements aren't only disappointing, but also lack a vision for the future of peace," PLO Executive Committee Member Hanan Ashrawi said. "It was clear to everyone that his speech was a campaign speech."

Speaking to reporters in Ramallah, Ashrawi expressed misgivings over the US' ability to broker peace in the region, reproving the Obama administration for "doing everything to please Israel."

The politician also voiced concern about the discourse between the US and Israel over Iran's nuclear program, warning that the threats that dominate the conversation could have dire consequences.

"It's easy to start a military adventure, but it would be very difficult to contain it," she said.

Abbas' final peace effort?

Ashrawi said that the Palestinian Authority intends to send Israel a missive that would sum up the efforts done over the past few decades to reach peace between the sides. The message will be Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' "final effort to renew the peace process," she said.

According to Ashrawi, if the missive goes unanswered, the PLO will redefine the ties with Israel. She stressed that all the agreements signed with the Jewish state and the cooperation on security matters would be reexamined in order to make sure they benefit the Palestinians, and not just Israel, "as they currently do."

Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat said ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with Obama that the two leaders cannot ignore the Palestinian issue.

"The key to peace and stability in the region is the termination of the Israeli occupation of Arab territories," Erekat said in an interview with the Al-Ayyam newspaper. "Ignoring the issue would undermine this peace and stability.

"Regardless of the content of Netanyahu and Obama's conversation, the peace issue and the two state solution will remain the central topic that must be addressed," he added, alluding to reports that the Washington meeting is to revolve around Iran's nuclear development.