Asserting that a negotiated political solution is the only path to enduring peace in the Middle East, the US has said it is committed to a two-state solution that results in a viable, independent Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.
Addressing the 7th Annual Middle East Institute Awards Banquet, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a top priority of the United States.
"A negotiated political solution is the only path to enduring peace. As President Obama has affirmed, we're committed to a two-state solution that results in a viable, independent Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel. But we know it won't be easy," she said.
"But, we are fully invested to give these negotiations their best shot to succeed, because failing to resolve this issue would have profoundly negative consequences over the long term - for the United States, for Israel and for the Palestinians," Rice said.
"While both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas have taken important steps, and the talks are continuing, we are seeing increased tensions on the ground. Some of this is a result of recent settlement announcements, so let me reiterate that the United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity. This is not new," she said.
"This has been US policy over decades and multiple administrations. The only way to resolve these kinds of critical issues is at the negotiating table."
"That's why President Obama has asked Secretary Kerry to lead a robust effort, working with the Middle East Quartet, to revive the Arab Peace Initiative in cooperation with the Arab League, and to strengthen our institution-building and economic support for the Palestinian Authority," she said.
"Ending this conflict surely will not solve all the region's challenges, but a peaceful resolution would go a long way to anchor stability, undermine extremism, and recast relationships between Israelis and Palestinians," said the National Security Advisor.
Rice said since January 2011, the over-riding interest of the United States has been to support a government in Egypt that legitimately reflects the will of the Egyptian people.
"The current interim government has laid out a clear roadmap for Egypt's return to democratic rule, and we strongly encourage Egypt's leaders to meet its commitments. These include rejecting violence and promoting an inclusive political process," she said.
"The outcome that we seek is one that produces a freely elected government that protects women and minority rights, upholds the rule of law, respects freedom of speech, assembly and religion, and allows for a strong civil society," Rice said.
"After the interim government took action inconsistent with these principles, particularly using massive violence against civilians, the US made clear that we could not conduct business as usual," she said.
