Palestinian PM doubts Israeli leaders willing to reach real Mideast solution

By Haaretz Service
Last update - 00:52 08/02/2009


No Israeli leader is willing to consider a "reasonable solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict said Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad at a Ramallah press conference Saturday.

"I do not know of a single Israeli politician from any party who I would expect to offer a reasonable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," AFP quoted the Prime Minister.

The statements were made three days prior to Israel's general elections. Fayyad stated he expects the new Israeli prime minister will not make the necessary concessions to reach a permanent agreement between the two nations.

"All of them want a partial solution, or they aim to improve the face and the conditions of the occupation while the settlements continue," said Fayyad, and added that even those who speak of a two-state solution do not offer a comprehensive solution.

"Whatever kind of state the Israelis talk about is a state of cantons in the West Bank or a deepening of the division between the West Bank and Gaza," AFP quoted.

Fayyad announced Saturday he would transfer 50 million dollars to Gaza residents whose homes have been wrecked during Israel's 22-day offensive in the coastal territory code-named Operation Cast Lead.

United States vice president Joe Biden indicated Friday that the U.S. would take action to help negotiate a just two-state solution for Israel and the Palestiniansns, and defeat extremists that stand in its way.

Biden added that the U.S. will promote regional peace between Israel and its neighboring countries based on the principals of the Arab peace initiative.