Israel says: No peace for years

[Nfoukh]

No chance of peace for years, says Israel's Foreign Minister
By Amy Teibel in Jerusalem
Friday, 9 October 2009

There is no chance of an early solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and people must "learn to live with it", the Israeli Foreign Minister warned yesterday.
"Anyone who says that within the next few years an agreement can be reached ending the conflict... simply doesn't understand the situation and spreads delusions, ultimately leading to disappointments and an all-out confrontation here," Avigdor Lieberman said in a radio interview.
He added: "I am going to say very clearly: there are conflicts that have not been completely solved and people have learnt to live with it, like Cyprus." Mr Lieberman, the head of the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party, suggested that a long-term, interim deal with the Palestinians could ensure prosperity, security and stability, but tougher questions should be left until later.
"We have to be realistic," he said. "We will not be able to reach agreement on core and emotional subjects like Jerusalem and the right of return of Palestinian refugees."
Mr Lieberman does not lead Israel's negotiating team and his ideas will not necessarily translate into his country's policy towards the Palestinians, which is set by the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Nevertheless, the Foreign Minister's remarks overshadowed the arrival in Jerusalem of George Mitchell, America's Middle East envoy, who will try to get the stalled talks moving again.
The Palestinians have said they will not agree to an interim peace deal that would put off a resolution of the conflict indefinitely. The Islamist movement Hamas has said it is willing to agree to a long-term ceasefire but that it will not recognise Israel as a state.
Mr Mitchell met Mr Lieberman and the Defence Minister, Ehud Barak, yesterday, and will hold talks with Mr Netanyahu and the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, today.
The veteran negotiator tried to strike a determined, upbeat note on his arrival, despite rising tensions in Jerusalem and reports that more Israeli settlements are being laid out in Palestinian territories.
Speaking before talks with Israel's President, Shimon Peres, and Mr Mitchell said: "We're going to continue with our efforts to achieve an early relaunch of negotiations... because we believe that is an essential step toward achieving the comprehensive peace."

[WitchQueen]

This is Israel's typical cop out so they do not have to try for anything peaceful or helpful for that matter.
WitchQueen

[Arwen]

Well I hope both sides can continue to strive for some sort of agreement, Because if they stop talking there will for sure be absolutely no hope of any sort of peace.

[WitchQueen]

We all know there are two sides here. Even though I am Muslim now, I know that Jesus said you feed, cloth, visit sick and help the least of these you do it to me. It is obvious the Israelis have the upper hand and this is a no fight. As long as they continue to take land the fight is understandable.
They are probably waiting for the next American election to see who they can kiss up to next.
WitchQueen

[Arwen]

Why do you bring up religion? Do you not see this conflict as politcal? Or is it more pain and suffering committed by man in God's name, but the last thing he would want. Sorry I think America will always serve it's own interests before all else, but for sure it's not alone in this.
I'm sure you will either misunderstand or be offended by my reply, so I will take this opportunity to offer you an apology if in fact I've caused you offense, it's just my opinion, which in the grand scheme of things counts for little.

[WitchQueen]

I am not offened by your reply. You are entitled to your opinion. We must remember Moses gives us the ten commandments and thou shall not steal. I have seen Israel taking some of man's fruit orchard for sewage treatment plant, another mans complete farm, settlements, settlements. Another man must go through check points to tend his farm which is in the middle of settlements. Israelis just etch away at taking mor and more land.The Israelis acting like the Palestinians are the worst enemy you could fight. Israel spies on America. Can you believe that.
Why can't Jerusalum be capital to both Paleastinians and Israelis. Israelis just find ways to be cruel everywhere they can.
Abright spot is seeing Israeli and Palestinian girlls work together and write their own music about peace and I also believe there is orchestra of mixed young people. Another bright spot was Palestiian man tending to his garden and saying he wishes to make things nicer and not destruct.
I do not like suicide bombers, I do not like rockets but the Israelis have much more and they do not try for peace. Just take everything they can.
By the way it is bilions in financial aid. America gets privilege of air space if they need it. I do not see much more.
Please do not criticize America to me as I do not harm anyone here. We have many nice Americans who just want to work and take care of their families. And religion does matter.
WitchQueen
CNN reports Israelis talking Israeli arabs into selling kidneys. I saw the scar. The offer was $7000.oo . after the operation the amount was $3000.00 which was whittled away with charges. The young man got hardly anything for this and now was ashamed. World Focus and BBC give fair reporting and cover both sides but this was Cnn.These people are very poor and some subject themselves to this.
Scheming and scheming.

[Arwen]

Hi Witchqueen, What you say about young people from both sides coming together in music , art etc. yes this is a bright spot. Young people of today are the adults and maybe leaders of tomorrow and friendships formed now can have a positive effect on the politics of the future. Maybe it is naive of me to think this, but I like to see a positive amongst the negative.
Regards my remarks on America...please don't take them in a personal way. I have friends in America and have been there often. I do not includ American people as a nation in this. I am not blind to the faults of my own country and it's politicians for they usually have hidden agendas not always apparent. Unfortunately it is the way of things.