[05/September/2010]

GAZA, Sept 5 (Saba) -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to reach a permanent agreement with Palestinians, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

He added in statements to the Israeli army radio, "The future of Israel will be set through maintaining balance between security needs and implementing the concept of two states." Netanyahu had said during the Washington Summit, "Actual peace can only be achieved by exchanged compromises."

He also told the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, "I am aware of your people's need of solidarity, if believe we are able to achieve that and Israel's need for security." The Israeli government headed by Netanyahu is scheduled to meet later today to discuss the outcomes of the Washington Summit, and the decision to freeze settlements which expires on September 26, as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had requested an extension for an additional four months.

Saba