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Netanyahu 'will be peace partner' Netanyahu 'will be peace partner'
(about 2 hours later)
Israel's next Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said his government will be a "partner for peace" with the Palestinians. Israel's next prime minister, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, has said his incoming government will be a "partner for peace" with the Palestinians.
The Likud leader pledged to work for peace, security and "rapid development of the Palestinian economy". He said he would negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, a change of tack after being critical of previous talks.
Correspondents say the right-winger is trying to temper his image as an opponent of the peace process.Correspondents say the right-winger is trying to temper his image as an opponent of the peace process.
He is under international pressure to commit to a peace formula based on the creation of a Palestinian state. Palestinian officials said Mr Netanyahu must back the idea of a Palestinian state to be considered a partner.
Mr Netanyahu was speaking at an economic conference in Jerusalem, a day after broadening what had been a narrow right-wing and far right coalition to include the centre-left Labour party. The incoming prime minister, who previously led Israel from 1996 to 1999, is also coming under international pressure to publicly support a two-state solution.
Obama factor
Mr Netanyahu was speaking at an economic conference in Jerusalem, one day after broadening what had been a narrow right-wing and far-right coalition to include the centre-left Labour party.
He said his previously-stated intention to shore up the Palestinian economy would not be a substitute for peace talks.He said his previously-stated intention to shore up the Palestinian economy would not be a substitute for peace talks.
"I think that the Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security and for rapid economic development of the Palestinian economy," he said. It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words Saeb ErekatPalestinian negotiator class="" href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/7901732.stm"> Tough dealing ahead for Netanyahu class="" href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/2393677.stm"> Profile: Benjamin Netanyahu
"Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included," he added. "Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included.
But there was no word about a possible two-state solution, which Palestinian negotiators have been urging him to adopt. "This means I will negotiate with the Palestinian Authority for peace," he said.
"I think that the Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security and for rapid economic development of the Palestinian economy," he added.
But Mr Netanyahu gave no hint of whether or not he would support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Palestinian negotiators have been urging him to back the plan, embraced by international mediators, including US President Barack Obama, and more moderate Israeli leaders.
In a televised news conference on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama - who also backs Palestinian statehood - said peace efforts would not get "easier" with a Netanyahu government, but were "just as necessary".In a televised news conference on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama - who also backs Palestinian statehood - said peace efforts would not get "easier" with a Netanyahu government, but were "just as necessary".
Reacting to Mr Netanyahu's comments, senior Palestinian officials said the incoming prime minister would be judged on his actions.
"Any Israeli government that accepts the two-state solution, negotiates with us on all core issues without exception, and agrees to stop settlement activity... will be a partner," senior negotiator Saeb Erekat told Reuters news agency.
"It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words."