"Break the deadlock"

LR, here

"At the top of his three way meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders here at the Waldorf hotel in New York, U.S. President Barack Obama made the following statement, transcribed quickly from my notes of an audio recording of the 1230 pm statement provided to the press here. Obama:

"I have just concluded frank and productive meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas. I want to thank both for appearing here today, and look forward to this meeting, the first between the three of us since we took office. 

As I said throughout my campaign and at beginning of my administration, the U.S. is committed to a just,  lasting and comprehensive piece in the Middle East.

That includes the settlement of the Israeli Palestinian conflict that results in two states: Israel and Palestine, In which both the Israeli and Palestinian people can live in peace and security and result in better life for themselves and their future. 

That is why my Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell have worked tirelessly for comprehensive negotiations. ... 

We still have much further to go.

Palestinians have strengthened efforts on security. But need to to stop incitement and to move forward in negotiations. The Israelis have facilitated freedom of movement and taken important steps on reducing settlement activity. 

They need to translate [these effortrs] into real action on these and other issues. 

It also remains important for Arab states to take concrete steps to facilitate peace.

It's time to move forward, time to show flexibility and common sense and willingness to compromise to achieve our goals. 

Permanent status negotiations must begin and begin soon. 

And so my messge to these two leaders is clear:  

Despite all the obstacles, despite all the history, despite all the mistrust, we have to find a way forward. 

We have to summon the will to break the deadlock that has trapped generations in endless conflict and suffering. 

We cannot continue to be trapped in the cycle of taking steps forward and then steps back. 

Because of the urgency of this issue, I have asked Sen. Mitchell and Sec. Clinton to carry forward work we did here today.

The two leaders have agreed to send their teams back to Washington next week to meet with Mitchell. I have asked Secretary Clinton to report to me on the status of these negotiations in mid October.  

All of this know will not be easy – but we are here today because it is the right thing to do. 

Look forward to speaking with my colleagues, and we are committed to pressing ahead in the weeks, months, and years to come. 

It is absolutely critical we get this issue resolved. 

Not just critical for the Israelis and palestinians, and for the world and it is in the interests of the United States and we are going to work as hard as necessary to accomplish our goals."