Obama wants Cameron to back Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

Barack Obama will seek a joint Middle East agreement with David Cameron, insisting that a Palestinian state should be based on pre-1967 borders – a proposal rejected by Israel's prime minister as "unrealistic" and "indefensible".

The issue will be raised in private talks between the two men during the state visit by Obama and his wife to London, only the third by a US president in 100 years. Afghanistan, Libya, relations with Pakistan and the global economy – as well as the vacancy for the top job at the IMF – will also make up the agenda.

Despite the outright rejection by the Israeli premier, Binyamin Netanyahu, of a Palestinian state based on the borders that existed before the Six Day War, when Israel captured and occupied the West Bank and Gaza, Obama has already secured the political backing of the United Nations, European Union and Russia who, with America, are collectively known as the "quartet".

Signalling his determination to keep up pressure on Israel, Obama will be looking to enlist the public support of the UK prime minister. The aim is, in large part, to persuade the Palestinian leadership not to go to the UN in September seeking symbolic backing for an independent state.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/21/obama-cameron-pre-1967-palestinian-borders

[azurnoir]

1. Good News n/t

[DCBob]

2. I suspect they already have an agreement otherwise this would not have come out..

The pressure is mounting on Bibi.

[Fumesucker]

3. Maybe the Rapture Guy just missed the date by a few days..

Bibi and the entire right are not wrapped too tight.

[Kolesar]

4. Great article

The coming meeting between the two men follows evidence of a hardening of criticism of Israel by London. On the eve of the Obamas' arrival, Middle East minister Alistair Burt accused Israel of "unhelpful and destabilising activity" in announcing the building of 1,500 new settlement units in East Jerusalem ahead of a speech by the president on the Middle East on Friday.

"I am deeply disappointed with Israel's announcement on 19 May to build up to 1,500 settlement units in the East Jerusalem settlements of Har Homa and Pisgat Ze'ev," Burt said.

[lilyin]

5. I think he will

It's been in the works a while and there is no other solution that will work for BOTH sides, in my view. Israel will isolate itself if it does not agree to what President Obama suggested.

[Corruption Winz]

6. Good stuff...

So, this is how you deal with foreign matters? You get your stuff together, get the proper backing and then talk things out. Fascinating. I thought you just ran in there and played it by ear.

[joshcryer]

7. Does this indicate that Obama will back it in Sept?

Holy shit if so.

[MasonJar]

8. I often disagree with Obama, but I am with him on this one.

[harmonicon]

9. So, the real reason is to undermine the Palestinians?

That's sort of how it seems. Other countries have already recognized an independent Palestinian state, and if this move is just to suggest that "negotiations" should continue and sink a UN resolution, it is a move away from peace.

[JackRiddler]

10. Hm, I wonder if the US has a way to keep up the pressure on Israel?

It's not like American taxpayers finance their military and economy to the tune of $3 billion a year average, is it?

[bjobotts]

11. WRONG Obama mentions 1967 borders as a STARTING POINT for talks like all modern presidents have

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

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[AndiMer]

13. Recommend

Makes sense.

[dipsydoodle]

14. And so he should

Is that a fact ? Only the third visit by a US President in 100 years ?

Not so sure about this bit : the Palestinian leadership not to go to the UN in September seeking symbolic backing for an independent state. Israel is state so why not Palestine. Is this because of the "sovereign state" issues ?

[No Elephants]

15. If it works with Israel and Palestine, that will be good news.

[Change Happens]

16. My President!!!