Concessions « The Irate Nation

Palestinian Leadership angers as Secretary of State praises “Unprecedented Restraint on the Policy of Settlements”

The Palestinian leadership accused the US of caving in over Israeli
settlements after Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State, praised Israel
for making concessions.

Having failed to force Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, to meet
US demands for a total settlement freeze, Mrs Clinton switched tack during a
one-day visit to Jerusalem when she called on both sides to resume peace
talks.

“What the Prime Minister has offered in specifics of a restraint on the policy
of settlements . . . is unprecedented,” Mrs Clinton said.

NATO leaders say peace in Afghanistan key priority

NATO leaders set restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan as the "key priority" of the alliance on Wednesday as members offered some concessions on the levels and mobility of troops battling Taliban insurgents there.

"There is a complete acceptance around the table that NATO's credibility is indeed on the line in respect of this mission," British Prime Minister Tony Blair told reporters as the 26-nation alliance wound up a summit in Latvia's capital Riga.

The most dangerous ground mission in NATO's 57-year history has been hampered by restrictions many member nations have placed on how their forces are deployed, trying to avoid the casualties suffered by Canada, Britain and the Netherlands.

In a summit declaration, the leaders said: "Contributing to peace and stability in Afghanistan is NATO's key priority."