Israeli and Palestinian respond to Obama-Netanyahu meeting

2009-05-20 09:47 BJT

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Israeli and Palestinian officials have responded differently to a meeting Monday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama.

Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister says the talks were effective in terms of establishing how to move forward.

Danny Ayalon, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, said, "From Israel's point of view we are ready without any further delay to open up a dialogue, extensive and serious one, with the Palestinians."

But chief Palestinian negotiator was less satisfied with the meeting.

Saeb Erekat, Chief Palestinian Negotiator, said, "We believe President Obama has a choice. He has the choice of having the Israeli government comply with it obligations emanating under the road map. Or he can stay treating Israel (as) a country above the laws of man like other administrations, thus closing the chapter of peace."

On Monday, Obama opened his deepest foray into the Middle East issue.

He told Netanyahu he must stop expanding Jewish settlements on would-be Palestinian territories. He also urged Israel to grasp what he called the "historic opportunity" to make peace with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu says he is ready to resume peace talks with the Palestinians immediately but that any agreement depends on their acceptance of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.

Editor: Zhang Pengfei | Source: CCTV.com