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Netanyahu sees German role in Mideast peace process

Israel Materials 30 November 2010 02:16 (UTC +04:00)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Germany could play a central role in finding a solution to the Mideast conflict, DPA reported.
Netanyahu sees German role in Mideast peace process

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Germany could play a central role in finding a solution to the Mideast conflict, DPA reported.

"Germany can help create peace between Israel and its neighbours," the premier said after a meeting with German President Christian Wulff in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu said he was ready to resume the stalled peace talks in order to achieve "a historic compromise" with the Palestinians. The talks have been deadlocked over Israel's settlement polices in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Wulff repeated his call for all sides in the conflict to show a willingness to compromise, and urged Israel to adopt a constructive attitude on settlements and the Gaza Strip, which is suffering the effects of an Israeli blockade.

Before meeting Netanyahu, Wulff visited the tent erected by the family of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas militants in a cross-border raid in June 2006.

The president handed the soldier's parents a copy of the resolution passed by the German parliament, calling for Shalit to be released.

"The international community has to make it clear that the prisoner of war must be released," said the president, calling on Hamas to allow access by the Red Cross and contacts with his family.

Wulff, who arrived in Israel on Saturday on a four-day visit, has already met with President Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

On Sunday, he visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

Wulff is scheduled to hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday.

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