Barack Obama: Palestinians deserve a state but must achieve it with Israel

Alex Spillius Telegraph 09/21/2011 14:12

Barack Obama pressed the Palestinians and Israelis to resume peace talks as he made a last-ditch attempt to avert a diplomatic crisis over the Palestinian Authority’s bid for full membership of the United Nations.

Addressing world leaders at the opening of the UN’s general assembly session, Mr Obama stressed that a lasting solution to the long-running conflict would not be reached through “statements and resolutions at the United Nations”.

"There is no short cut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades. Peace is hard work,” he said.

“Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians who must live side by side. Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians – not us – who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them: on borders and security, on refugees and Jerusalem.

“Peace depends upon compromise among peoples who must live together long after our speeches are over, and our votes have been counted. That is the lesson of Northern Ireland, where ancient antagonists bridged their differences. That is the lesson of Sudan, where a negotiated settlement led to an independent state, and that is the path to a Palestinian state.

The president hailed the “extraordinary transformation” brought by the Arab spring and observed how at the same event a year ago Tunisia, Egypt and Libya were all represented by authoritarian leaders now rejected by their people.

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