This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7977002.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Israel FM rejects Annapolis deal Israel FM rejects Annapolis deal
(31 minutes later)
Israel's new ultra-nationalist foreign minister has said it is not bound by a US-sponsored 2007 agreement to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians.Israel's new ultra-nationalist foreign minister has said it is not bound by a US-sponsored 2007 agreement to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians.
"The Annapolis conference, it has no validity," Avigdor Lieberman said in his first speech since taking office. "The Annapolis conference, it has no validity," Avigdor Lieberman said.
He was speaking at a handover ceremony at the foreign ministry, prompting his predecessor Tzipi Livni to interrupt and diplomats to shift uncomfortably.He was speaking at a handover ceremony at the foreign ministry, prompting his predecessor Tzipi Livni to interrupt and diplomats to shift uncomfortably.
The Annapolis process was meant to lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. At Annapolis, each side agreed to further discussions aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state
Palestinian leaders say Mr Lieberman's stance could undermine stability. Palestinian officials said Mr Lieberman's stance could undermine stability.
"There is one document that obligates us - and that's not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity," Mr Lieberman said. "There is one document that obligates us - and that's not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity," Mr Lieberman said. He was referring to the international peace plan known as the Road Map, agreed in 2003.
"The Israeli government never ratified Annapolis, nor did parliament," he added."The Israeli government never ratified Annapolis, nor did parliament," he added.
Government sworn in
The Annapolis accords were seen as a last-ditch attempt by the previous US administration to realise what President George W Bush called his "vision" of peace involving a two-state solution.
The Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to launch "vigorous, ongoing and continuous" negotiations to reach a comprehensive peace deal, and make every effort to conclude it before the end of 2008.
Although the incoming Netanyahu government has avoided committing itself to establishment of a Palestinian state, the Road Map endorsed by Mr Lieberman was also meant to achieve that aim.
Mr Lieberman was a controversial choice for foreign minister in the government of right-winger Benjamin Netanyahu which was sworn in on Tuesday.
Asked about the new foreign minister's comments, political sources close to Mr Netanyahu were quoted saying they largely reflected the new leader's position.
The Road Map made progress towards a Palestinian state contingent on the Palestinian Authority's progress on suppressing activity by militant groups - the strongest of which, Hamas, actually ousted the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority from Gaza in 2007.