Israeli FM: No return to 67 borders

Published May 24th, 2009 - 11:19 GMT

Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Sunday ruled out a withdrawal to 1967 borders. "A return to the borders of '67 today, as we are being pressured to do, would not end the conflict, would not guarantee peace or security," Lieberman said, according to AFP.

 

"It would simply move the conflict to within the '67 borders," he said.

 

He made these comments as the Israeli cabinet met in Jerusalem following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's discussions with US President Barack Obama at the White House.

 

On Sunday, most of the ministersslammed the idea of dismantling any settlements, including so-called outposts.

 

According to Lieberman, dismantling the outposts should come in the framework of the international 2003 "roadmap" for Middle East peace. However, Lieberman stated the plan may have to be re-examined.

 

"Removing outposts should be part of an overall policy and cannot be patchwork," Lieberman said. "The correct outline is the roadmap, which we might have to re-adopt on all its stages," he said. "And if it is necessary within the framework of the roadmap to remove outposts, we will do so."