Homeland Security Response Network
Prepared Citizens - Prepared Communities
Clinton Pushes For Palestinian State
JERUSALEM – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised Tuesday to work with the incoming Israeli government, but delivered a clear message that could put her at odds with the country's next leader: Movement toward the establishment of a Palestinian state is "inescapable."
At the same time, Clinton said she would not dictate orders to Israel, saying the Jewish state would determine its interests. She also pledged "unrelenting" support for Israel's security.
Clinton also said the U.S. would soon send two envoys to Syria for "preliminary conversations." It was the most significant sign yet that the Obama administration is ready to mend relations with the Damascus regime. The U.S. withdrew its ambassador in 2005, accusing Syria of supporting terrorism.
"We have no way to predict what the future with our relations concerning Syria might be," she told a Jerusalem news conference. "There has to be some perceived benefit of doing so for the United States and our allies and our shared values. But I think it is a worthwhile effort to go and begin these preliminary conversations."
Clinton lamented that President Barack Obama's attempts to reach out to Syrian ally Iran have so far been unsuccessful. The U.S. and Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and supporting anti-Israel militant groups.
Clinton, seeking to calm her Israeli hosts, said diplomacy should not be confused with softness.
"When we talk about engagement with Iran, do not be in any way confused, our goal remains the same: to dissuade and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and continuing to fund terrorism," she said. "Whatever we do will be done thoughtfully in consultation with our friends and Israel, most particularly Israel."
Clinton, making her first visit to the region as secretary of state, spoke ahead of a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister designate. Netanyahu's past criticism of peace talks and opposition to full Palestinian independence has raised concerns that his incoming government could clash with the U.S.
When asked about Netanyahu, she acknowledged the possibility of disagreements with any Israeli government and made clear the U.S. will push forward with its efforts to forge a peace deal that includes the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
"The United States will be vigorously engaged in the pursuit of a two-state solution every step of the way," she said. "The inevitability of working toward a two state-solution is inescapable."
Ahead of their meeting, Netanyahu showed signs of backing off his previous pledges to abandon the current round of peace talks, launched in November 2007 at a U.S.-hosted summit.
That message would mark a change in the Likud leader's long-stated position that peace talks are a waste of time because of the weakness of the Palestinian leadership. He has suggested in the past he would instead invest in the Palestinian economy while continuing Israel's military occupation of the West Bank indefinitely.
And Clinton signaled that open confrontation with Israel is unlikely, stressing the close relationship between the two countries and saying Israel must ultimately decide what is in its best interests.
"We happen to believe that moving toward the two-state solution, step by step, is in Israel's best interests. But obviously it's up to the people and the government of Israel to decide how to define your interests," she said.
Clinton also stressed the "unrelenting" U.S. commitment to Israel's security, specifically criticizing continuing rocket attacks out of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu, leader of the hardline Likud Party, is putting together a new coalition government after right-wing and Orthodox Jewish parties won a majority of seats in last month's Israeli parliamentary election. He is expected to be sworn in as prime minister within weeks.
His criticism of U.S.-led Mideast peace talks during the recent election campaign — along with his reliance on small hardline partners — has raised fears that his government could clash with the Obama administration.
Netanyahu planned to tell the secretary of state that his government will continue peace talks with the Palestinians, a lawmaker from Netanyahu's Likud Party said.
"I think that Hillary Clinton, when she comes today, will find Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to continue to hold negotiations, not only on economic projects but also political negotiations, a political process," said Likud lawmaker Silvan Shalom, a former foreign minister.
In Damascus, the U.S. Embassy announced that Jeffrey Feltman, the State Department's top diplomat for the Middle East, would lead the American delegation headed to the Syrian capital. Embassy spokeswoman Katherine Vandevate said the visit aims to build on his "substantive and constructive" meeting last month with Syria's ambassador in Washington, Imad Moustapha.
The U.S. ambassador was pulled out by the Bush administration in 2005 to protest Syria's suspected role in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The United States has also criticized Syria for supporting militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and has accused Syria of not doing enough to prevent foreign fighters from crossing into Iraq. Syria has said it is doing all it can to safeguard its long, porous border.
Clinton arrived in Jerusalem Monday evening from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, where she pledged $900 million in U.S. aid at an international donors conference for rebuilding the Gaza Strip after Israel's recent offensive against its Hamas rulers.
A packed schedule of meetings with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem included talks with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. On Wednesday, she is to call on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.
At the same time, Clinton said she would not dictate orders to Israel, saying the Jewish state would determine its interests. She also pledged "unrelenting" support for Israel's security.
Clinton also said the U.S. would soon send two envoys to Syria for "preliminary conversations." It was the most significant sign yet that the Obama administration is ready to mend relations with the Damascus regime. The U.S. withdrew its ambassador in 2005, accusing Syria of supporting terrorism.
"We have no way to predict what the future with our relations concerning Syria might be," she told a Jerusalem news conference. "There has to be some perceived benefit of doing so for the United States and our allies and our shared values. But I think it is a worthwhile effort to go and begin these preliminary conversations."
Clinton lamented that President Barack Obama's attempts to reach out to Syrian ally Iran have so far been unsuccessful. The U.S. and Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and supporting anti-Israel militant groups.
Clinton, seeking to calm her Israeli hosts, said diplomacy should not be confused with softness.
"When we talk about engagement with Iran, do not be in any way confused, our goal remains the same: to dissuade and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and continuing to fund terrorism," she said. "Whatever we do will be done thoughtfully in consultation with our friends and Israel, most particularly Israel."
Clinton, making her first visit to the region as secretary of state, spoke ahead of a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister designate. Netanyahu's past criticism of peace talks and opposition to full Palestinian independence has raised concerns that his incoming government could clash with the U.S.
When asked about Netanyahu, she acknowledged the possibility of disagreements with any Israeli government and made clear the U.S. will push forward with its efforts to forge a peace deal that includes the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
"The United States will be vigorously engaged in the pursuit of a two-state solution every step of the way," she said. "The inevitability of working toward a two state-solution is inescapable."
Ahead of their meeting, Netanyahu showed signs of backing off his previous pledges to abandon the current round of peace talks, launched in November 2007 at a U.S.-hosted summit.
That message would mark a change in the Likud leader's long-stated position that peace talks are a waste of time because of the weakness of the Palestinian leadership. He has suggested in the past he would instead invest in the Palestinian economy while continuing Israel's military occupation of the West Bank indefinitely.
And Clinton signaled that open confrontation with Israel is unlikely, stressing the close relationship between the two countries and saying Israel must ultimately decide what is in its best interests.
"We happen to believe that moving toward the two-state solution, step by step, is in Israel's best interests. But obviously it's up to the people and the government of Israel to decide how to define your interests," she said.
Clinton also stressed the "unrelenting" U.S. commitment to Israel's security, specifically criticizing continuing rocket attacks out of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu, leader of the hardline Likud Party, is putting together a new coalition government after right-wing and Orthodox Jewish parties won a majority of seats in last month's Israeli parliamentary election. He is expected to be sworn in as prime minister within weeks.
His criticism of U.S.-led Mideast peace talks during the recent election campaign — along with his reliance on small hardline partners — has raised fears that his government could clash with the Obama administration.
Netanyahu planned to tell the secretary of state that his government will continue peace talks with the Palestinians, a lawmaker from Netanyahu's Likud Party said.
"I think that Hillary Clinton, when she comes today, will find Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to continue to hold negotiations, not only on economic projects but also political negotiations, a political process," said Likud lawmaker Silvan Shalom, a former foreign minister.
In Damascus, the U.S. Embassy announced that Jeffrey Feltman, the State Department's top diplomat for the Middle East, would lead the American delegation headed to the Syrian capital. Embassy spokeswoman Katherine Vandevate said the visit aims to build on his "substantive and constructive" meeting last month with Syria's ambassador in Washington, Imad Moustapha.
The U.S. ambassador was pulled out by the Bush administration in 2005 to protest Syria's suspected role in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The United States has also criticized Syria for supporting militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and has accused Syria of not doing enough to prevent foreign fighters from crossing into Iraq. Syria has said it is doing all it can to safeguard its long, porous border.
Clinton arrived in Jerusalem Monday evening from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, where she pledged $900 million in U.S. aid at an international donors conference for rebuilding the Gaza Strip after Israel's recent offensive against its Hamas rulers.
A packed schedule of meetings with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem included talks with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. On Wednesday, she is to call on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by James Williams on -
Thats the crux of this donation ; do we seriously believe our government does not know full well where this will end up? Lets see 900 million divided by 50 thats how much per state ? I wonder if any of the fifty would funnel money to terrorist organizations!
I truly thought we had an economic crisis going on here at home ? I guess I can see how this money will come home to haunt us oh I mean help us! :(
-
Permalink Reply by James Williams on
-
How in the world does this work ? "Clinton also stressed the "unrelenting" U.S. commitment to Israel's security, specifically criticizing continuing rocket attacks out of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip." So we're giving your sworn enemy 900 million to what ? What a slap in the face to Israel let alone an insult to the American people whom could use these funds at home to bolster our faltering economy . Hell yes lets give this money to a group of thugs so it can ultimately end up in the Iranians hands or Russians coffers ! What is wrong with this picture the rest of the world must think we are complete morons ! We are financing our own demise! Why do we wonder how terrorists are funded , it seems pretty clear to me !!!
-
Permalink Reply by Chip Ridgely on -
What can the American people do about this? what is our govmt. thinking? I would love to know the thinking behind this when we need the money here at home for so many things and why do we care about the Gaza strip? if they hadn't fired rockets at Israel they (Israel) wouldn't have destroyed it, serves them right. If Canada or Mexico fired rockets across our border's we would have lit up em good, well at least the former administration would have, now I,m not so sure. I'm confused "This is still the USA" right!!!
-
Permalink Reply by Debbie on -
This is the beginning of the administrations policy stance on Israel. What we are seeing is America pulling support from Israel and the firming up of our support for their Arab neighbors. President obama has appointed Charles Freeman as the chairman of the National Intelligence Council. This position reports and advises the President daily on intelligence matters. Mr Freeman is a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia. In a speech to the Washington Institute on Foreign affairs in 2007 he stated that America's terrorism problem is due to Israel's brutal oppression of the palestenian people. Research Mr Freeman he is not a friend of Israel! Obama made no bones about wanting to start dialog with Iran and Syria. We are in the process of re opening our embassy in Syria. Syria has constructed a chemical weapons site with a missle base near by (posted on this site 2/19/2009) they have also massed thousands of troops on the northern border of lebanon. As far as Iran is concerned the IAEA reports they are much farther along on their nuclear plans than thought! And on and on it goes. It is extremely stupid to believe these people are going to back down! They have made clear their intent against israel! Now is not the time to adopt a position of pacification. However that is the path we are taking!
-
Permalink Reply by James Williams on
-
I know what we can do get loud ! Featured on the terror alert site this morning is the problem that Mexico has with the cartels on our southern border but the government is sending 900 million to a terrorist state to do with God knows what! People get vocal call, write, shout from the roof tops what ever it takes to let it be known that we do not approve of money that should be spent here in this country for our welfare & safety going to a cause that at it's very core is against every principle this country was built upon! This is a travesty that the silent majority needs to become anything but silent!
-
Permalink Reply by Debbie on
-
Hey Mr Mcleod, Thank You for the link! I am grateful this appointment is getting some coverage! Thank you Mr Williams for your post ,You are absolutely right we as citizens need to be more vocal . Write your representative, call them , tell them how you feel about policies you dont agree with! Even though it sometimes seems they forget, WE ARE THEIR EMPLOYERS! Knowledge is power (I dont know who said that it may have been a pubic service announcement lol) but part of being prepared is knowing what we are preparing for! I am so glad I found this site, it is uplifting to share ideas and information with other Americans without the filter of media and opinion polls!
-
Permalink Reply by James Williams on
-
Thanks Deb it is heartening to know that we still have Americans that use their Senses (mainly common) to discern what is going on around them & not take the boob tubes word for it!
-
Permalink Reply by James Williams on
-
This just out from debka file;
International aid to Gaza will end up with Hamas and… in Tehran
DEBKAfile Exclusive Report
02 Mar.: After the 80 delegations, led by US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, leave Sharm e-Sheikh Monday, March 2, the $4.5 billion they pledged to aid Gaza's reconstruction may be channeled through the Palestinian Authority, but it will eventually end up strengthening Hamas and paying Iran for arming the Palestinian Islamist terrorists. No more than 15 c on the dollar will reach the Gaza populace.
This is the money trail followed by DEBKAfile.
The truism that Hamas controls everything that moves in Gaza was amply borne out by the Quartet's envoy Tony Blair. He postponed entering Gaza for months over threats to his life. He finally went in – albeit not too far in – Sunday, March 1 under the protection of an armed Hamas escort.
While there, he may well have heard the whistle of the five missiles Hamas and its ilk fired into Israel that day, one destroying an Ashkelon school.
Ironically, Israel is one of the donors.
The free world and its donors are not contesting their division of labor with Iran – they put up the cash, part of which is diverted to this terror sponsor par excellence for missiles. The delegations meeting in Sharm e-Sheikh prefer to go home feeling virtuous, having shown their support for the most fashionable international aid cause in the world.
Hamas and its sponsors can then drop their public pose as victims and have a good laugh over the Western world's gullibility.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Permalink Reply by Debbie on
-
Goodmorning!
And the hits just keep on coming! The missile hits that is. I was finding it diffacult to come up with a correct adjective that would properly express my outrage! I believe NAIVE fits quite well according to Merriam-Webster the meaning is DEFICIENT IN WORLDLY WISDOM OR INFORMED JUDGMENT! I am continually dumbfounded at the worlds rush to defend and placate this situation! We continue to pour money and excuses into this conflict!
The most mind boggeling part of this is they have never misrepresented their goal the complete and utter distructsion of Israel!!
Sometimes I feel like I live in a parallel universe ! The world props up terrorists and dismisses its victims! They take there lead and direction from people who wire up their mother's, wife's and daughter's and send them off to blow themselves and innocents to peices!! and the world says there is justification in this!! I think the most appalling part of this is the fact that the rockets continue as the money pours in!! Like I said a parallel universe! Lord come soon! Thanks for letting me rant !
-
Permalink Reply by Chip Ridgely on
-
Good morning, my question is why are we even talking to Hamas and giving them money, is it kinda like ading and abedding terrorist organizations. I dont understand why Clinton is there at all. so many people have tried and nothing is ever go to change , do they think by pumping money into a bad situation its gonna get better, it never will and I believe it is a lost cause because they will never stop fighting and that money could do a lot of good here in the USA, like DEFENSE!!!!!
Thay say the final battle will take place there with all nations of the world present, seems like its all coming together, doesn't it?
Thank GOD we live in the Great USA!!!!!!!
Debbie said:Goodmorning!
And the hits just keep on coming! The missile hits that is. I was finding it diffacult to come up with a correct adjective that would properly express my outrage! I believe NAIVE fits quite well according to Merriam-Webster the meaning is DEFICIENT IN WORLDLY WISDOM OR INFORMED JUDGMENT! I am continually dumbfounded at the worlds rush to defend and placate this situation! We continue to pour money and excuses into this conflict!
The most mind boggeling part of this is they have never misrepresented their goal the complete and utter distructsion of Israel!!
Sometimes I feel like I live in a parallel universe ! The world props up terrorists and dismisses its victims! They take there lead and direction from people who wire up their mother's, wife's and daughter's and send them off to blow themselves and innocents to peices!! and the world says there is justification in this!! I think the most appalling part of this is the fact that the rockets continue as the money pours in!! Like I said a parallel universe! Lord come soon! Thanks for letting me rant !
-
Permalink Reply by Debbie on
-
I too am thankful and Proud to be an American! We are a people of great generousity and mercy! Our fellow countrymen are hardworking,dedicated and honest! I am not talking about poiticians and media pundits and opinion polls, I am referring to everday people like you and I and the others who are members of this site and the people who live next door! You brought up defense and I have to tell you I am a bit concerned about what will unfold as far as our new defense budget comes to light. I know Barney Frank has already made some disturbing comments about slashing the budget for defense! It becomes a hot button item during economic downturns, and we are currently in a doozy of a downturn! However it is my humble opinion that now more than ever we need a strong defense budget!
We as citizens need to let those who represent us know how we feel about the poicies our government sets in place write, call voice our opinions! That is one of the things which has made us a great society the voice of our people!
Yes it does seem as though a great many things are coming togeather!
About
© 2010 Created by Admin on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
