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The resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians

9/15/2010

PM Netanyahu met in Sharm a-Sheikh (Sept14) with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, in the framework of the direct talks, followed by talks in Jerusalem (Sept 15).
- President Peres meets with Secretary Clinton (15 Sept)

- US Envoy Mitchell (Sept 15): "The president and the prime minister again reiterated their condemnation of violence that targets innocent civilians and reaffirmed their conviction that the goal of two states for two peoples can be achieved only through negotiations. The two parties agreed that their negotiators will continue these discussions next week to lay the groundwork for the next round of talks at the leadership level."

U.S. President Obama at the White House with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: Reuters)

Sharm el-Sheikh / Jerusalem - 14-15 Sept 2010

Briefing by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Mitchell on meetings with Israeli, Palestinian, and Egyptian leaders (14 Sept 2010)
President Peres meets with Secretary of State Clinton (15 Sept 2010)
Full transcript of remarks by President Peres and Secretary Clinton (15 Sept 2010)
Briefing by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Mitchell on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks (15 Sept 2010)

Washington D.C. - 2 Sept 2010

On August 20, 2010, US Secretary Clinton invited Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas to meet on September 2 in Washington, D.C. to re-launch direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues. President Obama also invited President Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah of Jordan to attend.

Photo: GPO

Documents and statements:

Remarks by Secretary Clinton With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (2-Sep 2010)
Briefing by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell on Middle East Peace Talks (2-Sep 2010)
Remarks by PM Netanyahu before working dinner with President Obama, President Abbas, President Mubarak and King Abdullah (1-Sep-2010)
Joint press conference with President Obama and PM Netanyahu (1-Sep-2010)
PM Netanyahu to Israel Cabinet (29-Aug-2010)

On Tuesday, I will leave for Washington to launch the direct talks between us and the Palestinians. We have insisted that these talks be held without pre-conditions and thus it will be. Our goal is to seriously and responsibly advance a peace agreement that will be based on the following principles:

First of all, the recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people, the end of the conflict and of claims on Israel, that will stem from recognizing it as the national state of the Jewish people, and the establishment of tangible security measures on the ground so as to ensure that there will not be a repeat in Judea and Samaria of what happened in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip after Israel withdrew from these areas. Of course, there are many other issues but I note these three principles as the basic components of Israel's approach.

I am convinced that if the Palestinian leadership approaches these talks with the same degree of seriousness as we will be able to advance toward a stable agreement that will ensure peace and security for both peoples and will contribute to the security and stability of the region. I am aware of the difficulties; I do not make light of them. I know that there will be many potholes, but the basic question is whether the Palestinian side will be as willing as the Israeli side to advance towards a peace that will resolve this conflict for generations to come.

There shouldn't just be a tactical halt between two wars or two outbreaks of terrorism, but a peace based on recognition, security, stability and economic prosperity between the two peoples that will endure for us and our children. This is my goal and I very much hope that it is the goal of the Palestinian leadership as well.

In the framework of these talks, of course, I will meet with US President Barack Obama and I also expect to see our neighbors there, the leaders of Egypt and Jordan, in addition to meetings with the Palestinians.
PM Netanyahu on talks at Cabinet meeting (22-Aug-2010)

"I welcome the . Since the Government's inauguration nearly a year and a half ago I have been calling for these direct talks. The achievement of a peace agreement between us and the Palestinian Authority is a difficult thing, but it is possible.

We are coming to talks from a real desire to achieve a peace agreement between the two peoples, while safeguarding Israel's national interests, foremostly security. I know that there is a considerable skepticism after 17 years having passed since the beginning of the . It is possible to understand why this doubtfulness exists. We are seeking to surprise the critics and the skeptics, but in order to do this we need a real partner on the Palestinian side. It is possible to succeed with a hand extended in peace, but only if someone on the other likewise extends one. If we discover that we have a real partner on the Palestinian side, sincere and serious in negotiations, negotiations which will require both sides to take necessary measures, not only the Israeli side but also the Palestinian side, if we discover we have such a partner, we will be able to shortly reach a historic peace agreement between the two peoples.

This agreement will be based on three initial components: First of all, on real and sustainable security arrangements on the ground; secondly, upon recognition of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people, and this means that the solution of a problem like the demand for return will be realized in the territory of the Palestinian state; and the third component, the end to the conflict. We are discussing a peace agreement between Israel and a demilitarized Palestinian state. This state, if it should be established after this process, is due to end the conflict and not to be a façade for its continuation by other means.

Security, recognition of the national state of the Jewish people and the end of the conflict - these are the three components that will ensure us a real and lasting peace agreement.
PM Netanyahu welcomes US invitation to begin direct talks (20-Aug-2010)

Statement by the Middle East Quartet (20-Aug-2010)

US Secy Clinton invites Israel and Palestinians to direct negotiations (20-Aug-2010)

"/NR/exeres/FAEBF855-726F-4763-8178-EED8F174ADF7.htm?NRMODE=Unpublished">Behind the Headlines: The resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians
PM Netanyahu addresses the Council on Foreign Relations (8-Jul-2010)

FAQ: The Peace process with the Palestinians

The Peace process - reference documents

Guide to the Middle East peace process

Videos:

• Remarks by President Shimon Peres and Secretary Clinton in Jerusalem (15-Sep-2010)

• Launching of talks: Remarks by Secretary Clinton with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (2-Sep-2010)

• Joint press conference: President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu (1-Sep-2010)

• Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians (20-Aug-2010)

• PM Netanyahu at Council of on Foreign Relations: "We can reach peace in a year" (8-Jul-2010)

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