Statement by Nick Bunzl, IPF Executive Director on Tripartite Meeting in New York

Today's tripartite meeting in New York was potentially an important step toward resuming negotiations aimed at a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It must now be followed up by Israel and the Palestinians demonstrating the political will and courage to make the compromises necessary to end their conflict.

President Obama is correct that it is "past time to talk about starting negotiations -- it is time to move forward... permanent status negotiations must begin and begin soon." He is also correct that "success depends on all sides acting with a sense of urgency."

In this regard, President Obama's call for US Special Middle East Envoy George Mitchell to meet with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Washington next week and his pledge "to pressing ahead in the weeks and months and years to come" are welcome signs.

As the President stated, resolving this conflict is "not just critical for the Israelis and the Palestinians, it's critical for the world, it is in the interests of the United States."
 
Israel Policy Forum remains fully committed to supporting and encouraging the efforts of the Obama administration to reach the goal reaffirmed again today by President Obama: 'two states for two peoples living in peace and security'."