Germany encourages peace process revival
German FM says only a two-state solution can bring long-term security
BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s foreign minister is urging Israel and the Palestinians to “move ahead courageously” and swiftly to reopen negotiations toward achieving a two-state solution.
Guido Westerwelle said in a speech alongside his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman in Berlin that only the two-state solution “can guarantee Israel’s long-term security.”
Westerwelle stressed in his speech late Monday that “time is pressing.”
The minister also said sanctions against Iran are effective and that negotiations with Tehran on its nuclear program should be given a chance, while reassuring Lieberman that Germany “will not stand idly by and watch if Israel and its right exist is questioned.”
Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. Tehran denies that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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