By Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz – 21 May 2009
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1087231.html
A Majority of 76 Senators urged President Barack Obama Tuesday to advance Middle East peace talks while minding the “risks” Israel faces in a two state solution to its conflict with the Palestinians.
“As we work closely with our democratic ally, Israel, we must take into account the risks it will face in any peace agreement,” the Senators, from both sides of the aisle, wrote to Obama in a letter. The call came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Obama at the White House, where the U.S. President voiced support for creation of a Palestinian state.
The lawmakers added: “The United State’s friendship with Israel requires that we work closely together as we recommit ourselves to our historic role of a trusted friend and active mediator.”
They also called on Obama to insist on the “absolute Palestinian commitment to ending terrorist violence and to building the institutions necessary for a viable Palestinian state.”
“The more capable and responsible Palestinian forces become, the more they demonstrate the ability to govern and to maintain security, the easier it will be for them to reach an accord with Israel.”
With regard to the involvement of the Arab world in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the Senators said everyone in the region has a stake in the success of these negotiations and should contribute to a lasting and comprehensive resolution.
Democratic Senators Christopher Dodd and Arlen Specter and Republican Senators Johnny Isakson and John Thune were identified as having initiated the move.
