Kuwait- Kerry warns Israel of possible collapse of Palestinian Authority
Date
12/5/2015 10:40:08 PM
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON Dec 6 (KUNA) -- There are circumstances forcing the international community to question how long the Palestinian Authority (PA) can survive should the current status quo continue Secretary of State John Kerry said."The chances that it will collapse increase over time every day now ... are the Israelis prepared for this?" he asked at an US-Israeli political conference held by the Brookings Institution Saturday night.Kerry asserted that not only does the PA makes Israel safer but highlighted that the responsibilities of the West Bank would fall on Israel including additional USD billions needed in support services. If that happens it would lead to a one state solution and Israel would not become a democratic Jewish state the Secretary explained."If it is in israel's interest for it in fact to survive ... shouldn't there be more done in fact to sustain it?" Kerry wondered.He stressed that those who argue against the PA "simply don't believe in two states" and highlighted that "some ministers" in Israel fall into this category.Kerry urged for the violence to cease and noted that he has had conversations with leaders from both sides asked them to bring those responsible for "terrorist attacks" to justice."Israeli and Palestinian people deserve better but the current path is not leading to a peaceful future" he said.Palestinian "President (Mahmoud) Abbas has long been committed to nonviolence don't forget that" Kerry noted."Settlements are not an excuse for violence but the continued settlement growth raises honest questions about Israel's long term intentions and will only make separating from the palestinians much more difficult" he asserted."Increasing Palestinian civilian authority does not come at the expense of Israeli security in fact enhancing palestinian economy will enhance Israeli security" Kerry claimed.The Secretary concluded to the room of Israeli and American leaders "Now is the time to see beyond the politics and the pressures of the moment and to look to the future ... it is not a concession to do things that make you safer." (end) ak.bs
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