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President's Trilateral Meeting with Israeli and Palestinian Leaders: Seeking a Two-State Solution

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The White House and State Department held a press briefing on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, regarding the President's trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. The meeting aimed to discuss the two-state solution and comprehensive peace, marking a significant moment in the Middle East peace process. The President, accompanied by Secretary Clinton, General Jones, and Senator George Mitchell, held direct and constructive meetings with both leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trilateral meeting was the first between Israelis and Palestinians at this level in nearly a year, with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas sharing the goal of a two-state solution and comprehensive peace.
  • The President conveyed his commitment to moving forward, emphasizing the need for all sides to summon the will to end the cycle of conflict.
  • Senator George Mitchell, the U.N. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, stated that the United States stands with both parties to help advance towards a two-state solution and comprehensive peace.
  • The meetings covered security and economic opportunity, with the United States seeking to re-launch negotiations and bring an end to the conflict that has done harm to both Israelis and Palestinians.
  • The President's speeches to the press highlighted the importance of taking risks for peace and working towards a comprehensive solution, stating, "Peace between Israel and the Palestinians is critical to Israel's security and is necessary for Palestinians to realize their aspirations."

Statistics:

  • The meetings between the President and the Israeli and Palestinian leaders lasted around 40 minutes each.
  • The trilateral meeting was attended by Secretary Clinton, General Jones, and Senator George Mitchell, along with Prime Minister Netanyahu's team and President Abbas's team.
  • The President's speeches to the press emphasized the need for urgency and the need to move forward, citing the importance of taking risks for peace.
  • The meeting marked significant progress in the Middle East peace process, with Senator Mitchell stating that, "We have made very substantial progress" despite the challenges.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc. (2009). "SPECIAL WHITE HOUSE/STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS BRIEFING (AS RELEASED BY THE WHITE HOUSE)"
  • White House Press Briefing (September 22, 2009)
  • George Mitchell's statement at the press briefing (September 22, 2009)
  • President Obama's speeches to the press (September 22, 2009)

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