Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Video - Clinton: Our Commitment to Israel is Rock Solid.
Video - Clinton: Our Commitment to Israel is Rock Solid.(INN).U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Israel on Tuesday night for meetings with officials, in an attempt to achieve a ceasefire in the fighting between Israel and Gaza.
Clinton and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made statements to the press shortly before they met one on one.
Netanyahu welcomed Clinton to Jerusalem and noted that Israel was fighting against terrorists who fire barrages of rockets against innocent civilians.
"One of the things that we are doing is trying to resist and counter a terrorist barrage which is aimed directly at our civilians and doing so by minimizing civilian casualties, whereas the terrorist enemies of Israel are doing everything in their power to maximize the number of civilian casualties," Netanyahu told Clinton. "Obviously, no country can tolerate a wanton attack on its civilians."
Secretary of State Clinton said, “President Obama asked me to come to Israel with a very clear message. America’s commitment to Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. That is why we believe it is essential to de-escalate the situation in Gaza.
“The rocket attacks from terrorist organizations inside Gaza on these (Israeli) cities and towns must end and a broader calm restored," said Clinton.
"The goal must be a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security and legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike," she added.
The Secretary of State praised Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi for taking an active role in trying to achieve a ceasefire. “We appreciate President Morsi’s leadership. As a regional leader, Egypt” has the opportunity to promote the ceasefire process, she noted.
Netanyahu told Clinton he was ready to agree to a "long-term solution" as long as the rocket attacks from Gaza stopped.
"If there's a possibility of achieving a long-term solution for this problem by diplomatic means, we prefer it. But if not, I'm sure you understand that Israel will have to take every action necessary to defend its people," he said.
On Wednesday, Clinton will visit Ramallah and meet with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Read the full story here.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment