Liberman: Peace deal must be based on Israeli security, stable Palestinian economy

FM meets with Kerry, US senators to discuss peace process; raises "next-day" issue of return of refugees to any future Palestinian state.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, HERB KEINON
John Kerry and Avigdor Liberman. (photo credit: Matty Stern/US Embassy Tel Aviv)
John Kerry and Avigdor Liberman.
(photo credit: Matty Stern/US Embassy Tel Aviv)
                   
Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman met on Friday morning with visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry and a delegation of visiting US senators to discuss the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
"Any agreement between Israel and the Palestinians must be based on a solid foundation of security for Israel and a stable economy for the Palestinians," Liberman said.
However, Lieberman also raised a "next-day" issue regarding the signing of any future peace deal that would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The foreign minister said even if an agreement was reached, various Arab countries currently hosting Palestinian refugees would want to send the some three million people to the independent Palestinian areas, which would create a "very difficult humanitarian situation".
Liberman warned that such a move would cause frustration, violence and a deterioration of security if the Palestinian infrastructure could not handle such a mass influx of people.
Liberman thanked Kerry, Senator John McCain and Senator John Barrasso for their efforts invested in the peace process.
"It is very important to continue the dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians," he added.