Cameron, Obama claim unity in support of Israeli security
Jointly penned article by the UK, US leaders calls for sovereign Palestine, defends Libya offensive and bin Laden assassination.
By JPOST.COM STAFFDavid Cameron 311(photo credit: Reuters)
US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron said Tuesday that they are "unified in our support for a lasting peace between a secure Israel and a sovereign Palestine." In a joint op-ed article appearing originally appearing in the Times of London and also on the UK prime minister's website, the leaders also commented on their recent Libya offense and killing of Osama bin Laden, defending the actions as helping prevent terrorism and usher in a new era in the Middle East.The two wrote that despite hailing from two different political traditions, they see "eye to eye" in terms of "concerns" and "strategic possibilities."RELATED:UK, France lay red lines on terms for Palestinian state 'State must be able to defend itself against any threat’ The article said that the UK and US must "co-operate on ensuring our shared security," saying the death of Osama bin Laden was the most "significant blow" to al-Qaida "since its inception," but warning that terrorist plotting will not cease because of it. They stressed that working between the two countries to share information and strategically plan against terrorism was key in maintaining security.The two also provided context for those seeking to join a terrorist group such as al-Qaida, saying feelings of desperation and disrespect of rights can attract "young men and women" to "violent extremism."According to Cameron and Obama, the recent upheaval across the Arab world calling for democracy was "momentous" as people began "demanding the basic rights, freedoms and dignities" instead of turning to terrorism or more violent solutions.They used this rational to defend the Libya offensive, saying they were protecting "the Libyan people from Colonel [Muammar] Gaddafi’s regime." They claimed that they had inflicted serious damage on Gaddafi's "war machine and prevented a humanitarian catastrophe," saying that the work has never been solely completed by the US and UK, and relies on shared action.Click for full Jpost coverage of turmoil in the Middle East
