Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Obama opens Mideast peace summit, says U.S. resolute
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Obama opens Mideast peace summit, says U.S. resolute
Reuters - 22 minutes ago
Send
IM Story
Print
By Matt Spetalnick and Jeffrey Heller
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Wednesday that "extremists and rejectionists" would not derail the relaunch of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations as he opened a peace summit shadowed by Middle East violence.
Wading into Middle East diplomacy in the face of deep scepticism over his chances for securing an elusive peace deal, Obama condemned as "senseless slaughter" a Hamas attack on Tuesday that killed four Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"The message should go out to Hamas and everybody else who is taking credit for these heinous crimes that this is not going to stop us from not only ensuring a secure Israel but also securing a longer lasting peace," Obama told reporters.
Obama said progress was made in one-on-one meetings he hosted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of direct Israeli-Palestinian talks to be held on Thursday for the first time in 20 months.
The summit marks Obama's riskiest plunge into peacemaking, not least because he wants the two sides to forge a deal within 12 months for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
"There are going to be extremists and rejectionists who, rather than seeking peace, are going to be seeking destruction. And the tragedy that we saw yesterday, where people were gunned down on the street by terrorists who are purposely trying to undermine these talks, is an example of what we're up against," Obama said.
With the clock ticking towards the September 26 expiration of an Israeli settlement construction freeze that also could undermine the talks, Israel's defence minister sounded a conciliatory note about the prospects for sharing Jerusalem, an issue at the heart of the decades-old conflict.
Netanyahu also seemed to soften his language, calling Abbas "my partner in peace" and pledging to seek an end to the conflict "once and for all," according to excerpts of a speech he is due to deliver at a White House dinner.
But Netanyahu also underscored Israel's demands that any final peace deal include security arrangements to ensure a future Palestinian state, which he says must be demilitarized and would not become an "Iranian-sponsored terror enclave."
Deep distrust between the two sides is one of the biggest obstacles to Obama's quest for the so-called two-state solution that has eluded so many of his predecessors.
There is also the danger that failure to achieve an accord could set back Obama's faltering attempts at winning over the Muslim world as he seeks solidarity against Iran.
HAMAS THREAT
Militants from the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas declared war on the talks even before they began and warned of further attacks, underscoring the threat hard-liners pose to the fragile peace process.
The attack could make Netanyahu even less likely to accede to Palestinian demands to offer a further freeze in Jewish settlement-building on occupied land in the West Bank.
The looming expiration of Israel's 10-month partial moratorium on new housing construction in Jewish settlements could represent an early stumbling block for the peace talks.
Abbas, who also met Obama privately before a joint White House dinner, has threatened to quit the talks if building resumes on land Israel captured in a 1967 war. Obama's aides have been scrambling for a compromise.
Netanyahu, who heads a government dominated by pro-settler parties like his own, has not given any definitive word on the issue. But his office said he told Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night there was no change in his cabinet's decision to allow the freeze to lapse.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who is attending the summit, wrote in the New York Times that Israeli settlements were blocking the road to a peace deal with the Palestinians, and Israel must extend its settlement moratorium.
JERUSALEM
Obama's talks with Netanyahu, Abbas, Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah were a warmup for the formal Israeli-Palestinian negotiations on Thursday at the State Department.
Weighing in on peace prospects, Israel's central bank governor Stanley Fischer said its economy, forecast for 3.7 percent growth this year, could improve to 5 to 6 percent annually if peace deals are forged with Arab neighbours.
Ahead of talks eventually expected to tackle volatile core issues that have long defied solution, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak told the Haaretz newspaper the Jewish state would be willing to hand over parts of Jerusalem under a final accord.
There was reason to doubt, however, that Barak's rare comments about the need to partition Jerusalem -- as a junior member of Netanyahu's coalition government -- marked a softening of the rightist prime minister's long-stated refusal to divide the holy city.
The Palestinians want a state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with its capital in East Jerusalem, which was annexed by Israel in a move not recognized internationally.
Commenting on Barak's remarks, a senior Israeli official travelling with Netanyahu said: "Jerusalem is on the table at talks, but the prime minister's position is that Jerusalem must remain undivided."
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Four dead in Mozambique after police fire on protest AFP - Thursday, September 2
Miners' morale leaps as Chile rescue drill inches closer AFP - 20 minutes ago
UK-World Summary Reuters - 22 minutes ago
Obama opens Mideast peace summit, says U.S. resolute Reuters - 22 minutes ago
Mexico drug kingpin says he received trailers of US cash AFP - 25 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
Diabetes drug fights lung cancer in mice: study
Biden launches new US mission in Iraq
GM's US sales plunge nearly 25 percent
US private employment slips first time in seven months
Blair memoir lifts lid on Iraq, alcohol and royals
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
'Prostitute' Carla Bruni deserves death: Iran media
Exercise cuts genetic obesity risk by 40 percent: study
Airbus begins building first A350 XWB jets
Blair memoir lifts lid on Iraq, alcohol and royals
Divided Fed warns on 'sluggish' recovery
More Most Viewed »
Obama endorses mosque plan near Ground Zero
Earth's upper atmosphere shrinking, scientists say
Tiger's ex breaks her silence on sex scandal
Belgian man dies of South Asian superbug
Most US students think Beethoven is a dog
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo!
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 2 September 2010 Obama opens Mideast peace summit, says U.S. resolute
Blasts kill 20 in Pakistan's Lahore, 170 hurt
|
Fix political impasse before you go, Iraqis tell U.S.
Target stores to sell Facebook gift cards
Biden launches new US mission in Iraq
GM's US sales plunge nearly 25 percent
Indian government begins allocating 3G bandwidth
60 states to lobby U.N. for currency transaction tax
|
Explosions Rock Propane Shop In PA Town, Neighborhood Evacuated
US deaths in Afghanistan hit record in 2010
US private employment slips first time in seven months
BBC staff vote for strike over pension overhaul
|
Queen Elizabeth II to Name Cunard's Latest Vessel
Blair memoir lifts lid on Iraq, alcohol and royals
Lebanon sends warrant for suspected spy to Interpol
U.S. Defense Department Did Not Apologize To Pakistani Delegation
Greece smoking ban takes effect
Survey: 77 Percent of American Workers Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Tourists Ordered To Evacuate North Carolina Islands Ahead Of Hurricane Earl
Police Lock Down Maryland Building In Standoff With Gunman
Sony unveils new e-readers, adds touchscreen to all models
Number of victims in Congo mass rape increases: U.N.
|
Pakistani Military Cancels Meet With DoD After Airport Humiliation
Nominees Announced For The 44th Annual CMA Awards
Group Turns Down FBI Protection Of Ground Zero Mosque
Palestinian forces arrest dozens of Hamas activists
The Wendy Williams Show Is Back; Kicks Off On Labor Day
Apple takes wraps off new lineup of iPods
|
Evacuations start as US braces for Hurricane Earl
Biden launches new US mission in Iraq
Media stocks beat market ahead of Apple launch
|
US forces officially begin new Iraq mission: Biden
Toyota's US auto sales drop 31.4 percent in August
IMF, Pakistan to issue statement on review Sept 2
WRAPUP 7-Blasts kill 20 in Pakistan's Lahore, 170 hurt
India tells Google, Skype to set up local servers
U.S. adds Pakistan Taliban to terror list
Thai PM calls economic meeting over currency
China slams allegations of exchange rate subsidies
Death toll in Pakistan blasts hits 18-official
Mob burns Pakistan police station after bombs
Blasts in Pakistan's Lahore kill at least 3
Katy Perry tops U.S. album chart for first time
|
Iran director banned from travelling to Venice fest
|
US-TECH Summary
Rodriguez's Machete plays tough themes for laughs
|
Sony unveils new e-readers, adds touchscreen to all models
Media stocks beat market ahead of Apple launch
Washington Post sportswriter suspended for Twitter hoax
'BRICI' countries to drive digital revolution: study
Hamas claims responsibility for West Bank attack
'Animal' Blair's memoirs risk opening old wounds
Israel and Palestinians set for face-to-face talks
|
US charges Pakistan Taliban chief over CIA killings
Pakistan boosts security after Lahore bombs
|
Dutch authorities release Yemeni suspects
Nokia to close down data access service Ovi Files
Netanyahu sparks 'cautious hope' at peace talks
Australia's Gillard inches closer to power
|
'Terrorists' will not block path to peace: Netanyahu
Sweden to reopen rape probe of WikiLeaks founder
Apple and TV networks clash over 99 cent rentals
Katy Perry Earns First Billboard #1 Album With "Teenage Dream"
Mubarak urges Netanyahu to act on peace chance
Diabetes drug fights lung cancer in mice: study
Merkel sticks to guns on 'brutal' austerity cuts
Pakistan flood victims await help, one month on
|
Biden says Iraq close to forming government
Mediator named in Tribune Co. bankruptcy case
Eminem And Rihanna Top Billboard Hot 100 For Sixth Week With "Love The Way You Lie"
Eminem Beats Out Debuts From Kem, Iron Maiden On Billboard Albums Chart
China coal trucks stuck in 120 km traffic jam
|
U.S. delays Web traffic rules by seeking more comment
U.S. charges Pakistani Taliban leader in CIA killings
|
ASCAP flips switch on free app
Chip revenue expected to grow 31.5 percent in 2010: Gartner
Dutch mother held, suspected of killing three babies
|
India to target Google and Skype for data access
Nokia to close down data access service Ovi Files
Thai Yellow Shirts convicted of slandering Thaksin
Police end hostage drama at U.S. Discovery Channel
China coal miner digs down to dodge housing costs
Qantas engine blast 'like fireworks', say passengers
Harvey Keitel to replace Steve Carell on "Office"?
Australian independent MP backs Gillard
Australia's Gillard inches closer to power
Apple TV takes aim at Web-connected living room
|
Coffins mis-labelled in Philippine hostage crisis
Apple and TV networks clash over 99 cent rentals
|
No Ordinary Family Having Contest To Find America's Most Extraordinary Family
U.S. delays Web traffic rules by seeking more comment
|
Country Artist Steve Richard Receives Two Final ICM Nominations
Lahore suicide blast death toll rises to 31
Nokia to close down data access service Ovi Files
|
Obama Denounces Israeli Settlers Senseless Slaughter
Apple unveils social network, new iPod and TV tool
Discovery Channel Hostage Taker Shot and Killed By Police; Hostages Released
ASCAP flips switch on free app
|
Slow funding hits Pakistan relief effort: UN
Sri Lankan fishermen hard hit by peace
Stocks Bounces Back As Factory Activity Index Rises
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Stand Off At Discovery Channel Headquarters
Key independent backs Australian PM to form government
Boris Karloff back in "Thriller: Complete Series"
iTunes To Feature Concert Listings, Social Networking
Three killed, flights halted as typhoon hits S.Korea
S.Korea bonds dip on firmer stocks, U.S. data
Dwayne Johnson to star in "Center of Earth" sequel
Seoul shares open up; techs rise
In the heart of a Somali pirates' lair
S.Korea seen intervening in NDF trade -dealers
"Sandman" comic book being adapted as a TV show
IMF tells Seoul not to meddle in monetary policy
Beirut's beautiful people splash out for Ramadan
IMF sees strong S.Korea growth, urges measured exit
Harvey Keitel to replace Steve Carell on "Office"?
Toronto park bans kite flying
US cracks down on Chinese honey smuggling ring
U.S. adds Pakistan Taliban to terror list
Justin Long reclaims his acting mojo in Distance
|
Harvey Keitel to replace Steve Carell on Office?
|
Dwayne Johnson to star in Center of Earth sequel
|
Sandman comic book being adapted as a TV show
|
Boris Karloff back in Thriller: Complete Series
|
Kelsey Grammer's ex among new Housewives cast
|
Ballet thriller Black Swan so bad it's good
|
Hoops drama Winning Season completely predictable
|
NATO air strike kills 10 civilians: Afghan president
Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan
S.Africa state workers reject offer, take to streets
|
Afghan leader condemns air strike as Gates arrives
|
Iran hardliners attack opposition leader's home: website
UK foreign secretary's aide quits over gay rumors
|
French government vows to face down pension strike
|
Apple TV a first step for more ambitious plans?
ECB holds rate as investors await bank measures
Gameworld: Tween players impacting online game development
Putin says no grain exports before 2011 harvest
|
Gates in Afghanistan to meet with Karzai, Petraeus
China landslides kill eight, 40 missing
Nations meet on climate cash, U.N. sees long haul
|
Hurricane Earl closes in on US East Coast
Baidu to focus mobile Internet investment on search
eBay Disallowing Third Party Checkout Systems In 2011
2 American troops killed in Afghan attacks
Flood-hit Pakistanis and Afghans may cross to Iran: UNHCR
|
Pakistan cricketers claim innocence in betting scam
Top Maryland Senator Indicted For Corruption
Driven by Germany, Europe posts 1% growth
Bumper-to-bumper as epic China traffic jam returns
VA Doctors See Link Between PTSD And Dementia
1 American servicemember killed in Afghan attack
Pakistan gets IMF relief, tightens security
Earl's Approach Puts NC Outer Banks Under Forced Evacuations
Explosions Ignite Massive Blaze At Philadelphia Welding Company
Pakistan cricketers in betting probe dropped
U.S. Announces $10 Million In Rewards For Pakistani Taliban Leaders
New York Cheese Maker Expands Recall
Japan's Ozawa pledges bold fix for economy if PM
Study Disputes Marijuana 'Gateway Drug' Theory
Two Indonesia police on trial for 'Qaeda' arms sales
Stalled funding hits Pakistan aid effort: UN
Apple TV a first step for more ambitious plans?
|
US defence chief Gates on surprise Afghan visit
AOL renews Google search agreement
|
Gameworld: Tween players impacting online game development
|
Dead suspect may be linked to 4 slayings in Calif.
U.S. delays Web traffic rules by seeking more comment
|
Time Warner struggling to find new studio boss
John Walker Lindh seeks Ind. prison prayer ruling
Binoche baffled by 'violence' of Depardieu criticism
US manufacturing sends Asian markets higher
Jewish filmmaker Schnabel tells Palestinian story
Samsung takes on Apple with iPad rival
Japan to sentence Greenpeace anti-whaling activists
Baidu to focus mobile Internet investment on search
|
Bids 'rolling in' for Carrefour's SE Asian stores
WRAPUP 5-Pakistan gets IMF relief, tightens security
Walkman outsells iPod in Japan for first time
Pakistani stocks end up; rupee firms; o/n rates down
Pakistan's forex reserves rise to $16.12 bln
Strong yen boosts Japan travel demand: executive
South Korea's Shinhan Bank seek former chief probe
Seoul shares gain 0.6 pct on techs, retailers
Rapper T.I. arrested for drug possession in LA
|
A Minute With: director Lee Daniels on Broadway
|
Time Warner Cable, Disney yet to reach deal
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights