Related: Full text of Obama’s speech at the United Nations
“I am convinced that there is no short cut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades,” Obama said at the UN summit in New York.
“Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the UN,” Obama told the UN general assembly meeting, he added.
Obama’s speech came as diplomatic efforts for Palestine’s UN membership have increased and thousands Palestinians rallied in the West Bank in support of the UN bid.
The American president recognized the right of Palestinians to own an independent State; however he said that the commitment of the US to Israel security is unshakable.
“Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians – not us – who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them: on borders and security; on refugees and Jerusalem,” Obama added.
President Obama is set to meet with the acting Palestinian Authority (PA) Chief Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Abbas presents his membership bid to the UN Security Council on Friday.
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