Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he was convinced his country's security needs and the Palestinian desire for statehood could be reconciled as the two sides began the first round of direct talks in nearly two years, DPA reported.
Netanyahu said many issues remained in "contention" as negotiations began, but reiterated that he saw in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a "partner for peace."
"I am fully aware and respect your people's desire for sovereignty," Netahyahu said in Washington, where US Secretary of State of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was hosting the relaunch of the talks. "I am convinced it is possible to reconcile that desire with Israel's needs for security."
Netanyahu said it would be up to both sides to make "painful concessions" and recognize the others' right to exist in order to achieve a lasting resolution of the long-running conflict.
"Together we can lead our people to a historic future that can put an end to claims and to conflict," Netanyahu said. "A true peace, a lasting peace would be achieved only with mutual and painful concessions from both sides."
