Avigdor Lieberman lowers expectations for talks, says construction will restart
The Israeli foreign minister has spoken with Israel Radio:
Israel and the Palestinians are unlikely to reach an agreement within a year, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Wednesday.They better not! As for expectations, nobody really cares what Fatah thinks; they're not legitimate, and do not deserve any favors.
Speaking to Israel Radio, the foreign minister said that the Palestinians are making too many demands and that the Americans are forcing them to attend talks. Lieberman sought to lessen expectations, saying of the opening of new negotiations that, "It will be just another event like all such festive occasions."
Lieberman claimed that the Palestinians are only attending the talks because they are being forced to.by the Americans. His comments came after Israel Radio reported sources within the Palestinian Authority as saying that the Obama administration threatened to withdraw funding to the Authority, and to block other international funds, should Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas not agree to the renewal of direct negotiations.
According to Lieberman, Israel will not agree to US requests for a new freeze on settlement construction. Lieberman said that, after the end of the current freeze on September 26, building would restart in the settlement blocs and "natural growth" would be allowed elsewhere. There are settlements where each year a new classroom is needed, said Lieberman, including those which were established under Labor governments.
"Will we punish those who came as part of the Zionist enterprise?" he asked.
Labels: islam, Israel, United States
