Abbas says new Israel PM must accept Palestinian state

[Violet_Crumble]

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AFP) — Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said on Saturday that the new Israeli government -- expected to be led by right-winger Benjamin Netanyahu -- must accept a Palestinian state.

"Any new government in Israel must make clear it is serious about following the path of peace by openly accepting a two-state solution, alongside all of the other arrangements we have agreed to in the past," Abbas said.

He said there could be no "serious negotiations without a complete halt to settlement expansion in Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied territories."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hsPV51ucDJjRhx2DrBiv7MtyJ0_g

[geek tragedy]

1. Of course, when the Obama admin demands

something similar, the Lieberman Lobby in the United States will accuse Obama of supporting Abbas against Israel.

[LeftishBrit]

2. Fair enough

Both sides have to recognize the other's right to exist; or to use a term I prefer, have to stop threatening and attacking each other.

[Violet_Crumble]

3. Abbas does support a two-state solution....

Hamas doesn't, and that point has been made multiple times here. Now the incoming Israeli govt doesn't support a two-state solution, and I think until it does and makes real efforts to show that it does, US military aid should be withheld...

[ProgressiveMuslim]

5. That's true, but I hope you recognize that a cessation of violence does not address the core issue

of this conflict.

It sure makes life nicer for the people of Israel while they are implementing an illegal occupation, though!

[rateyes]

4. Don't just halt settlements...move the hell out of the occupied territories...

give East Jerusalem as the capital city, and allow the Palestinians who've had their homes stolen from them to return to their homes.