Obama: Not giving up on Mideast peace
By The Associated Press
This article was originally published March 21, 2013 at 7:09 a.m. Updated March 21, 2013 at 7:45 a.m.
PHOTO BY AP PHOTO/CAROLYN KASTER
President Barack Obama waves as he leaves the stage after speaking at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, Thursday, March 21, 2013.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — President Barack Obama said Thursday that he is not giving up on stalled peace talks in the Mideast but that continued Israeli settlement-building in West Bank is not advancing the cause.
The president, appearing at a news conference with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank, said Palestinians deserve an independent and sovereign state and an end to occupation by Israel. He said the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state of Israel continues to exist if negotiations would restart.
"I absolutely believe that it is still possible, but I think it is very difficult," Obama said. He also said it would be helpful if rockets weren't still being launched into Israel.
Abbas said he told the American leader that peace with Israel should not be achieved through violence, occupation, settlements, arrests or denial of refugee rights.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Comments on: Obama: Not giving up on Mideast peace
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Read our Terms of Use policy.
You must login to make comments.