Sunday, February 22, 2009

Netanyahu: I won't be bullied on unity coalition

Moments after meeting with Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni for coalition talks, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday warned he would not be bullied into forming a unity government.

"Unity can be achieved by dialogue, not by dictates, not by arm-wrestling," said Netanyahu. "That's what we will do today - we'll begin the effort to join hands, first with Kadima, and tomorrow with the Labor Party."

Livni has vowed she will not join a government that does not advance the peace process.

Netanyahu added: "I have no doubt that whoever sees the state's best interest will place unity as a central goal.... A real attempt needs to be made to reach a joint position, out of mutual respect and real discussion."