September 23, 2009
Posted: September 23rd, 2009 11:14 AM ET
Obama calls for restarting Middle East talks on two-state solution .
Obama calls for restarting Middle East talks on two-state solution .

UNITED NATIONS (CNN) – President Barack Obama made a strong call Wednesday for renewed efforts to reach a Middle East agreement that creates a secure Israel and an independent Palestinian state.

"The time has come to re-launch negotiations - without preconditions - that address the permanent-status issues: security for Israelis and
Palestinians; borders, refugees and Jerusalem," Obama said in his first speech as president to the U.N. General Assembly.

"The goal is clear: two states living side by side in peace and security - a Jewish State of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people."

His statement prompted applause, and Obama received an ovation when he later stated: "The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple
an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians.

"And nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks against Israel over a constructive willingness to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and its right to exist in peace and security."

Filed under: United Nations


seebofubar   September 23rd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Just who does this idiot think he is. Take care of your own screw ups before you start medeling in things you know nothing of. What a grand mistake this man is.

Andrew   September 23rd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Its nice to see a president attempt this with a balanced viewpoint. Past attempts at the peace process have failed because we tell palastine that we all need to work together all the while we are giving isreal a piggy-back ride and they are just laughing in the face of palestine. Really need to approach this with a mindset that we have to do what is best for BOTH nations and not just make peace for isreal.

Counting the days until the Obamanation is GONE and America can prosper again   September 23rd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

Ahhh, the Obamanation's true colors are showing at last. Wonder what the teleprompter had to say about all this – oh wait – it had his speech.

Randolph Carter, the elitist, narcissistic Obamabot   September 23rd, 2009 12:30 pm ET

"We can all be so glad that ACORN/SEIU, George Soros and the dope smoking, non working Oprah watchers stole this election and stopped our country dead in its tracks rather than letting us move forward to prosperity and liberty."

Stopped dead in its tracks, eh? Because things were running so smoothly last fall? Have a nice day!

Tumes   September 23rd, 2009 12:30 pm ET

It would be great to start a dialogue with Israel, unfortunately the US does not negotiate with terrorists...

LacrosseMom   September 23rd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Our Nation has been at war for EIGHT years! Are we safer? No. There are more terrorists today in the world than in 2001. We must find a way to win over the hearts and minds of the Muslim world. Peace will come from the mothers & fathers of the Middle-East who are sick and tired of war.

The United States has reason to apologize for attacking and invading a sovereign Iraq. Bush LIED! The reason we attack Iraq, was to get back control of that country's OIL. We should apologize to the millions of Iraqis who have been killed, maimed and displaced all because of our ...... greed.

And Bush should be on his knees asking forgiveness of all the Military families who lost their precious sons and daughter in a war for OIL! How about the thousands coming home from Iraq & Afghanistan maimed, damaged psychologically for life?!

The price of war is too high. TEN BILLION A DAY for OIL.

Natty   September 23rd, 2009 12:28 pm ET

Israel is the European's middle east colony. In my opinion it has the same dynamics as the former South Africa. A bunch of basically European peoples claim that the land is bestowed by God to them, come from way across the water and commence to war the current occupants off the land. Then they corrall them in small tracts of land (like "townships" & "reservations") and control them with brutality & "pass laws". You dont think that's gonna cause a backlash? I predict that Israel will go the way of South Africa. The European expansion of the last 500 – 600 yrs. has meant nothing but genocide & hardship for almost all the worlds non-white peoples, and Israel is the latest attempt to prove that they have the blessings of God to do these things. This is the cause of the judgement to come. In my opinion of course.

Mike   September 23rd, 2009 12:26 pm ET

A well delivered speech with good messages for all sides. The countries involved don't need to be called out in an obtuse way, they simply need to know where the US stands on their behalf. He essentially did call out Iran, Syria and other Muslim states causing unrest in the area, while at the same time announcing the US understands the legitimacy of a Palestinian state. As Rollins mentions, the details are for back rooms, not presentations to the entire UN.

Rob   September 23rd, 2009 12:24 pm ET

Obama's speech and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee at McDonald's. In other words, this speech, despite the praises from the libs posting here and the tingly feelings on the legs of MSNBC anchors, will do absolutely nothing...except fuel the fires of radical Islamic terrorists to attack Israel.

Obama is continuing his task of the wimping of America.

Oh and flora, maybe if you stop the Islamo-terrorists from wanting to destroy Israel you'll have a better chance at peace. I know you're probably busy watching your buddy Ahmadinejad spew his hate and deny the Holocaust, and probably won't read this, but you want peace you stop the Islamic terrorists/dictators/despots first. Don't send Obama to do a man's job. Don't send Obama over to apologize to these whack-jobs and basically tell them the US will look the other way if they want to attack Israel.

get a life loser   September 23rd, 2009 12:23 pm ET

Did he apologize for our country first? That's the most important first step….

"…Gee, guys, I'm sorry that we retaliate when you attack us…or kidnap and behead our citizens…..the whole muslim nation is just misunderstood by my ignorant countrymen…..but, through hope and change, heavy taxation, 'fairness," and redistribution of earned assets to the undeserving,…I think they'll learn…"
-–
Cuckoo, Cuckoo, Cuckoo

Thomas   September 23rd, 2009 12:20 pm ET

I just wish our policy of kissing Israeli butt would change.

It is about time that Israel abides by the UN resolutions!

First comply, then we can talk about support.

redleg   September 23rd, 2009 12:15 pm ET

We already have a two state solution. What Palestinians want is for them to be Jordan and Palestine, not Jordan and Israel.

aneanderthal   September 23rd, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Bozo the fake president is chastising Israel for protecting their national interest, protecting their sovereignity and their constitution, as well as their citizens and not acting like he is and putting us in harms way and destryoying their country economically. Like Fidel and Hugo say he is the best president this country has ever had. You can't ask for a better endorsement than those two. Killers and thugs just love this president.

RNC = DNC = politics as usual   September 23rd, 2009 12:01 pm ET

Restaring the MidEast peace process! Iran, NK must comply with treaty!

Let me get this straight: While using the same words and edicts as former presidents, he is deploying more troops worldwide and carrying out illegal assassinations in Somolia. And terrorists hate the US the same as before.

What was The Change again?

Scott, Tucson   September 23rd, 2009 11:54 am ET

Obama problem is He's perceived as pro-Palestinian and not to be trusted. He already disc Poland much to the Pole's dismay.

Obama worst president EVER   September 23rd, 2009 11:51 am ET

I guess Obama thinks Israel is almost as bad as America.

Sean   September 23rd, 2009 11:50 am ET

Good luck to you Mr. President, but you're obviously up against a monumental challenge. Maybe some day things'll get worked out in that area of the Middle East...

Idiot_Pelosi   September 23rd, 2009 11:48 am ET

Can't wait for ISRAEL to tell OBUMMER to go jump in the lake.

Padraig   September 23rd, 2009 11:46 am ET

Tell Hamas and the other radicals of stop sending missles over to Israel. That would be a good start. The other is the 330 million dollar economic aide package that was sent ot them. I wonder how much went into building homes instead of buying weapons.

Debra R   September 23rd, 2009 11:42 am ET

Spoken like a true lawyer...the middle is usually a dangerous place to be with these entities..step carefully POTUS

coffic   September 23rd, 2009 11:41 am ET

I would have liked to hear Obama emphasize, "Palestine, absolutely no more rockets should be launched into Israel!! It will not be tolerated!!"

Dominican mama 4 Obama   September 23rd, 2009 11:35 am ET

Well said President Obama. He drew a standing ovation from world leaders simply for making sense!!!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   September 23rd, 2009 11:33 am ET

If the President can broker a peace deal, his presidency will be a success.

flora   September 23rd, 2009 11:30 am ET

Obama is right! Is time to stop having a spoil brat Israel on our hips
Stop Israel with stalling for a lasting peace.

D   September 23rd, 2009 11:29 am ET

Rhetoric. There will be no action from the Israelis and the Palestinians, and no action from Obama, will continue to speak out of both sides of his mouth to appease anyone and everyone he can.

TCM   September 23rd, 2009 11:21 am ET

Did he apologize for our country first? That's the most important first step....

"...Gee, guys, I'm sorry that we retaliate when you attack us...or kidnap and behead our citizens.....the whole muslim nation is just misunderstood by my ignorant countrymen.....but, through hope and change, heavy taxation, 'fairness," and redistribution of earned assets to the undeserving,...I think they'll learn..."

aneanderthal   September 23rd, 2009 11:21 am ET

What a genius. why didn't anybody think of that before. I tell you the man is an absolute genius in the way he has handled everything. We have full employment and the economy is just humming along here, the government control of health care is being shoved down everyones throat and we will soon have that operating like the post office and AMTRAK. North Korea hasn't fired off any nuclear weapons since July and Iran is plunging ahead with its nuclear weapon program and we have caved in to the Russians and stopped the missle shield program while they are providing one to Iran. And to top it all off, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez say he is the best president the US has ever had. We can all be so glad that ACORN/SEIU, George Soros and the dope smoking, non working Oprah watchers stole this election and stopped our country dead in its tracks rather than letting us move forward to prosperity and liberty.

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