OBAMA “GRATEFUL” FOR ABBAS’ PEACE EFFORTS
New York, 19 Dzulqa’idah 1434/25 September 2013 (MINA) – Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that he was “grateful” for the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to broker a lasting peace with Israel.
“Sitting directly at the table, we’ve seen Palestinian and Israeli representatives discuss some of the most difficult issues that have been roadblocks to peace for too long. None of us are under any illusion that this would be easy,” said Obama.
Regarding the much sought-after two-state solution, Obama emphasized the potential benefits for future generations of Israelis and Palestinians, Anadolu Agency quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.
“It’s right for the Palestinian children. It’s right for the Israeli children,” Obama said.
Abbas concurred as he reiterated his dedication to the peace process, saying that he remains “fully committed” even in the face of mounting challenges ahead.
“And as you have indicated, Mr. President, we have no illusions that peace will be easy or simple. And we have to overcome several difficulties, but we realize that peace in the Middle East is not just important for the Palestinians and Israelis, it’s important for the entire region and the world,” he said.
Abbas urged leaders of the American Jewish community to support efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. He told a group of Jewish community leaders he met in New York Monday evening that this is the time to make peace.
“We have a real opportunity to achieve lasting, just, and comprehensive peace,” he said on the eve of the opening sessions of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “We can do it, make no mistake.
No one gains more from reaching an agreement than Palestinians, and no one loses more if we fail to reach an agreement. Failure in not an option for us,” he said, International Middle East Media Center (IMEMC) reports. (T/P09/E1).
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
