Israeli FM Challenges Palestinian Peace Conditions
By VOA News
01 April 2009
Israel's new foreign minister is challenging key conditions of past peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
Avigdor Lieberman said Wednesday that Israel is not bound by commitments it made at a U.S.-sponsored conference aimed at creating a Palestinian state.
The ultra-nationalist politician made the comments Wednesday shortly after Benjamin Netanyahu began his second term as Israel's prime minister.
In Qatar Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized Mr. Netanyahu, saying he "does not believe in peace."
Mr. Abbas told the Palestinian news agency the Israeli leader never believed in creating an independent Palestinian state and plans to expand Jewish settlements in territory claimed by the Palestinians.
He urged the international community to put pressure on Israel.
On Tuesday, Mr. Netanyahu said his new government wants peace with Arabs, but will not let anyone question Israel's right to exist.
He said he wants the Palestinians to govern their own lives, but in a way that would not threaten Israel's security.
The Israeli-Palestinian situation is complicated by divisions between Mr. Abbas' Fatah party and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Representatives from the rival groups resumed reconciliation talks in Cairo Wednesday to try to work out a power-sharing agreement. Previous talks have ended without success.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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