U.S. President Barack
Obama says Israeli and Palestinian leaders must find a way to resolve issues
and restart stalled peace talks despite all the history and mistrust between
the two sides.
Before meeting Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Mr. Obama told both leaders that it is
time for them to find a way to break the deadlock.
As the men stood before reporters in New York City, Mr. Obama coaxed the two
Mideast leaders into a handshake and stood back as they gripped hands.
Following the talks, Mr. Netanyahu said there was general agreement that the
peace process must be resumed as soon as possible and without preconditions.
Mr. Abbas repeated Palestinian insistence that Israel stop settlement activity
in occupied territories. Palestinians have made the issue a key condition of
going back to the negotiating table.