Obama tells Israelis: 'peace with Palestinians is possible'

[babylonsister]

Some good comments and observations at the end of this... "historic"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2013/mar/21/barack-obama-visits-west-bank-live


Obama tells Israelis: 'peace with Palestinians is possible' – live updates

Live• US president delivers key speech of Israel visit
• Delivers strong backing of right of Israel to exist
• But insists that Palestinians must be allowed viable state
• Settlement activity is 'counterproductive' to peace
• Obama criticises Hamas for refusing to renounce violence
• Abbas willing to drop key demand for talks to resume
• Read the latest summary



Matthew Weaver and Jim Newell
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 21 March 2013 11.54 EDT


US president Barack Obama waves after delivering a major speech at the Convention Center in Jerusalem. US president Barack Obama waves after delivering a major speech at the Convention Centre in Jerusalem. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Summary of Key Lines

Reinforcing Israel's bond with America - "But make no mistake: those who adhere to the ideology of rejecting Israel’s right to exist might as well reject the earth beneath them and the sky above, because Israel is not going anywhere. Today, I want to tell you – particularly the young people – that so long as there is a United States of America, Ah-tem lo lah-vahd."

Assad must go - "America will also insist that the Syrian people have the right to be freed from the grip of a dictator who would rather kill his own people than relinquish power. Assad must go so that Syria’s future can begin. Because true stability in Syria depends upon establishing a government that is responsive to its people – one that protects all communities within its borders, while making peace with countries beyond them.

Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon - "But Iran must know this time is not unlimited. And I have made the position of the United States of America clear: Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. This is not a danger that can be contained. As President, I have said to the world that all options are on the table for achieving our objectives. America will do what we must to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran."

The bit where he labels Hezbollah a terrorist organization - "I think about five Israelis who boarded a bus in Bulgaria, who were blown up because of where they came from; who were robbed of the ability to live, and love, and raise families. That’s why every country that values justice should call Hezbollah what it truly is – a terrorist organization.

Palestinians deserve a state of their own - "But the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and justice must also be recognized. Put yourself in their shoes – look at the world through their eyes. It is not fair that a Palestinian child cannot grow up in a state of her own, and lives with the presence of a foreign army that controls the movements of her parents every single day. It is not just when settler violence against Palestinians goes unpunished. It is not right to prevent Palestinians from farming their lands; to restrict a student’s ability to move around the West Bank; or to displace Palestinian families from their home. Neither occupation nor expulsion is the answer. Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people in their own land."

New settlements aren't helping the peace process - "Israelis must recognize that continued settlement activity is counterproductive to the cause of peace, and that an independent Palestine must be viable– that real borders will have to be drawn."

[LiberalFighter]

1. Just watched his speech at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center.

Mostly young audience. Very good response. They might be inclined to encourage Netanyahu to do more to end the conflict.