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"All-Clear" Signal from the U.S.

[Yediot Ahronot-Hebrew, 27July09] Shimon Shiffer - After both sides released emotional statements - Netanyahu on the continuing construction in eastern Jerusalem and the Americans on the possibility of cutting economic aid to Israel - there are increasing signs that both parties have decided to pour cold water on the high flames of their controversy and continue to try to find the desired formula for reviving negotiations between Israel, the Palestinians, and the Arab states. Certainly, at least for now, the Americans cannot point to any change in the known Arab approach to Israel. In other words, Obama's envoys are hearing one message from the Arab capitals: After you extract concessions from the Israelis regarding all of the territories, there will be something to talk about with regard to normalization of relations with the Jewish state, but not beforehand. George Mitchell also heard these words in Damascus. Bashar Assad is prepared to renew negotiations with Israel after he receives a commitment that the talks will be renewed from the point where they were halted by the previous prime minister - and that in exchange for a peace treaty Israel will commit itself to return the Golan Heights and half of the Sea of Galilee.
2009-07-28 06:00:00
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