Thursday, April 7, 2011

Netanyahu in Germany: settlement issue should not hinder peace

The issues of settlements should not hinder a final peace solution with Palestinians, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Thursday at a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Netanyahu stressed that the only way to solve the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is through peace negotiations, and engagement between both sides. He added that any breakthrough would take a "good amount of time discussing" outstanding issues.

Most comments at the press conference centered around renewing peace talks. Netanyahu stressed that Israeli citizens "wait for peace, yearn for peace, and seek peace, security, and stability," adding that these three elements are necessities for Israel and will be of highest importance in negotiations.

The prime minister said that Germany and Israel were looking to work together in a "partnership to make peace."