RAMALLAH
US President Barack Obama said that his country supported the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, Obama stressed that "no matter how difficult it may be, we can not give up peace".
"I have returned to Ramallah after five years as the US supports the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. Palestinians deserve to see an end to occupation, and move and travel freely in security. Palestinians deserve a future in which their rights are respected and tomorrow is better than today," Obama noted.
"Palestinians also deserve to have a state of their own," Obama stressed.
President Obama praised the efforts of Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials in erecting governmental establishments.
Obama underlined that the US was the biggest donor to improve the quality of living standards of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza.
In regard to his talks with Abbas, President Obama said he reiterated that the US was attached to the idea of a two-state solution formed by the peoples of Palestine and Israel.
"The only way to realize this goal is to facilitate direct talks between the two sides," Obama stated.
Obama listed the issues of ongoing construction of residential areas, Palestinian prisoners, and entrance into holy places in Jerusalem as some problems facing them.
"This is my message. No matter how difficult it may be, we can not give up peace," Obama also said.
