18 March 2009

In a clear message to Israel and Palestine, US President Barack Obama said, during a special address to the Turkish parliament, the United States strongly supported “the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.” Obama's speech was met with reactions which was mainly positive.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Obama's statements in Turkey. Leading Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat hailed "the statements by President Obama confirming the principle of a two-state solution."

Israel should understand "that the track leading to an end of the occupation since 1967 of the Palestinian and Arab territories and to the start of a two-state solution is the only track that can be followed," said Erakat.

At the same time, the Israeli government hailed what it said was Obama's commitment to “Israel's security”.

However, Environment Minister Gilad Erdan was less positive. "Israel does not take its orders from President Obama. In voting for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli citizens decided not to become the 51st state of the United States," he said in a speech to parliament.

Erdan said the government would act in Israel's interests, although Obama was "a friend of Israel and the United States an important ally, and whatever happens between us will be the result of a dialogue."

Meanwhile, Iranian President Ahmadinejad welcomed Washington's diplomatic overtures, but urged Obama to take concrete steps to back up his words and promises.

"Actions speak louder than words," said President Ahmadinejad. "We have yet to see Obama bring any fundamental changes to Washington."

According to Ahmadinejad who was speaking in Kazakhstan during an official visit, a change in tone does not amount to a change in US policies. Ahmadinejad added Tehran would reconsider ties with Washington once the US officialdom sets the record straight.

On the other hand, Ahmadinejad welcomed Kazakh proposal to host the creation of a nuclear fuel bank from which countries could purchase fissile material for peaceful energy use.

The proposal appears aimed at offering countries a way to obtain fissile material without pursuing enrichment.

For his part, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem welcomed Obama’s proposal for “two-state solution” warning from the nature of US-Israeli relations especially under the new radical Israeli government.

Moallem linked the two-state solution with Palestinian refugees’ return and the implementation of the international resolutions. In a press release to Al-Manar TV, Moallem said “there’re no preparations for any US-Syrian meeting in Istanbul, but it may happen by coincidence.”

The Syrian FM participates in the 2nd Forum of the Civilizations Alliance in Istanbul which is attended by the US President too.