In his first interview with an Arab television station and his first sit-down interview as President, Barack Obama Monday told Al Arabiya that Americans are not the enemy of the Muslim world and said Israel and the Palestinians should resume peace negotiations.
Although Obama expressed support for a contiguous Palestinian state, he hedged on specifying when or with what borders.
“I think it is possible for us to see a Palestinian state – I’m not going to put a time frame on it – that is contiguous,” the president told the Dubai-based station.
Obama reiterated America’s support for Israel.
“Now, Israel is a strong ally of the United States. They will not stop being a strong ally of the United States. And I will continue to believe that Israel’s security is paramount.” said the president.
Obama made no mention of the just ended Gaza war or the continuing Israeli blockade of the terrorist controlled territory.
For the full transcript click: http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/01/27/65087.html#004
