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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Netanyahu 'will be peace partner' | Netanyahu 'will be peace partner' |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Israel's next prime minister, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, has said his incoming 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. |
| He said he would negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, a change of tack after being critical of previous talks. | 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. |
| Palestinian officials said Mr Netanyahu must back the idea of a Palestinian state to be considered a partner. | Palestinian officials said Mr Netanyahu must back the idea of a Palestinian state to be considered a partner. |
| 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. |
| It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words Saeb ErekatPalestinian negotiator Tough dealing ahead for Netanyahu Profile: Benjamin Netanyahu class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=6259&edition=1&ttl=20090325111303"> Send us your comments | |
| "Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included. | "Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included. |
| "This means I will negotiate with the Palestinian Authority for peace," he said. | "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. | "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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | "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." | "It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words." |