Despite Netanyahu's acceptance Quartet statement, top minister says Jerusalem will demand several changes in the document, insist on freeze of Palestinian UN membership bid at the Security Council.
By Barak Ravid
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that he welcomed "the Quartet's call for direct negotiations between the parties without preconditions," the premier intends to present a list of qualifications to the Quartet's statement on a resumption of Mideast talks that in effect enfeeble that statement.
The plan, presented at UN Headquarters in New York by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, calls for Israel and the Palestinian Authority to renew direct talks within a month, to present proposals on borders and security within three months, and to reach a final agreement by the end of 2012.
Netanyahu's statement on Sunday, coming over a week after the Quartet on the Middle East published its roadmap for peace talks, was the result of two meetings between the PM and his top ministers.
The delay in Israel's response was due to ongoing talks with U.S. officials, in which Israel asked for certain clarifications and assurances regarding the Quartet's statement.
in full:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-demand-adjustment-of-quartet-mideast-peace-plan-official-says-1.387736