Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has given his backing to Israel's plan for a demilitarised Palestinian state as a solution to the decades-old Middle East conflict. Speaking to reporters following talks in Rome with Israel's hardline leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, on the Israeli prime minister's first trip to Europe since his election, Mr Berlusconi described as "absolutely necessary" for peace a future Palestinian state that would be unable to maintain an army. The Israeli prime minister made Italy his first stop on his trip to Europe The Italian premier also supported the requirement that the new country recognise Israel as a Jewish state, a move that implicitly renounces claims to any return of refugees to land lost at the founding of Israel in 1948. The twin endorsement is in line with Mr Netanyahu's plan for peace outlined some nine days ago, and represents a decidedly warmer embrace of the Israeli leader's perspective than that accorded by the European Union as a bloc or by the United States.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has given his backing to Israel's plan for a demilitarised Palestinian state as a solution to the decades-old Middle East conflict.
Speaking to reporters following talks in Rome with Israel's hardline leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, on the Israeli prime minister's first trip to Europe since his election, Mr Berlusconi described as "absolutely necessary" for peace a future Palestinian state that would be unable to maintain an army.
The Israeli prime minister made Italy his first stop on his trip to Europe
The Italian premier also supported the requirement that the new country recognise Israel as a Jewish state, a move that implicitly renounces claims to any return of refugees to land lost at the founding of Israel in 1948.
The twin endorsement is in line with Mr Netanyahu's plan for peace outlined some nine days ago, and represents a decidedly warmer embrace of the Israeli leader's perspective than that accorded by the European Union as a bloc or by the United States.
Or maybe Israel could stop playing silly buggers and get real. keep to the Fen Causeway
