US decision to stop "futile" demand to freeze settlement construction is "good for Israel and good for peace," PM says.
By JPOST.COM STAFFnetanyahu globes conference 311(photo credit: GPO)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said he is glad that the US gave up its demand to freeze settlement construction, in a speech in Tel Aviv on Monday."The decision is good for Israel and good for peace," Netanyahu told the Globes Business Conference.RELATED:Palestinian refugee top issue as Mitchell arrivesClinton's speech: Time to grapple with the core issuesIsrael pleased Clinton rejects idea of imposed solutionHe added: "The US understood after six months of futile discussion on the future of the settlements, the important thing is to discuss the core issues.""In order to reach peace, we have to discuss the issues that are truly delaying peace." The prime minister explained that those issues are "security, refugees, and recognition of the Jewish State." Netanyahu added that Israel was willing to consider a renewed moratorium, but "the Americans understood that the Palestinians will only start talking about significant matters on the 90th day of the second freeze."Netanyahu was set to meet with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell later Monday. Mitchell will also meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, in an attempt to begin a new phase in the diplomatic process.
