Mid East talks promise hope according to Obama

US President Barack Obama praised a first round of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians due to begin later Monday in Washington as a "promising step forward", dpa reported.

Obama said in a statement that "hard work and hard choices remain ahead," but stressed his "belief that peace is both possible and necessary."

"The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith and with sustained focus and determination," Obama said.

"The United States stands ready to support them throughout these negotiations, with the goal of achieving two states, living side by side in peace and security."


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