Netanyahu, Livni to hold further talks

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 02-23-2009 13:57

In Israel, political rivals Benjamin Netanyahu and Tzipi Livni have held their first talks since the indecisive election on February 10th.

Livni has not ruled out negotiating a coalition government, but has said that joining hands with rightist parliament members risks betraying the confidence of voters.

Israel's Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meets Foreign Minister and Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem February 22, 2009.REUTERS/Ammar Awad

After more than two hours of talks, Likud leader Netanyahu vowed to press on with efforts to persuade centrist leader Livni, the country's foreign minister, to join him in a coalition government.

Netanyahu said he and Livni found many points of agreement and their disagreement could be overcome with good will.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud leader, said, "I believe this is the will of the people and I think we all have to listen to the voices coming from the people asking for unity at this time. I believe at the end, national responsibility will overcome differences and we will find a way to join hands for the sake of the state of Israel."

Livni said they are still at odds regarding talks with the Palestinians. But she agreed to hold further talks with Netanyahu.

Tzipi Livni, Kadima Leader, said, "We had no progress in core issues in a way that we can talk about a joint path. Therefore at the request of Netanyahu, there will be another meeting. There is no reason not to have it."