Obama welcomes Netanyahu's 2-state speech

[June 15, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is welcoming Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu's call for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu said in Jerusalem that he would support a Palestinian state as long it is demilitarized and guarantees Israel's security.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Sunday that President Barack Obama welcomes the speech and is committed to two states: a Jewish state of Israel and an independent Palestinian state.

Gibbs says Obama will work with all parties to see that they fulfill their obligations and head toward regional peace.

Netanyahu had resisted endorsing the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a Mideast peace settlement, drawing intense pressure from the United States.

[Associated Press]

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