Obama calls for 'new beginning' with Muslim world

The Washington Times
By Christina Bellantoni

To punctuate his call for a two-state solution to end the stalemate between Israelis and Palestinians, Mr. Obama used the often avoided term "Palestine."

He lauded the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel but said "the pain of dislocation" for Palestinian people who live daily without peace or security is "intolerable," and pledged America would not turn its back on them.

"The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met," he said, to applause, promising he would pursue that solution with patience.

"For peace to come it is time for them and all of us to live up to our responsibilities," he said.

He said Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israels right to exist.

But in a line that drew applause, Mr. Obama repeated his promise the United States would not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements along the West Bank.

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