The Annapolis conference has no validity, Avigdor Lieberman said. He was speaking at a handover ceremony at the foreign ministry, prompting his predecessor Tzipi Livni to interrupt and diplomats to shift uncomfortably. At Annapolis, each side agreed to further discussions aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state. ."There is one document that obligates us - and thats not the Annapolis conference, it has no validity", Mr Lieberman said. In his speech, he admitted voting against Israel's ratification of the Road Map "but that is the only document that obligates us, it is the only document that was ratified by the government and the Security Council, and it binds this government as well".
"Those who think that through concessions they will gain respect and peace are wrong," the new minister said. "It's the other way around; it will lead to more wars."
Asked about the new foreign minister's comments, political sources close to Mr Netanyahu were quoted saying they largely reflected the new leader's position.
