Netanyahu says peace possible with Palestinians

31/03/09 18:13 CET

world news

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The incoming Israeli prime minister has promised to pursue peace with the Palestinians.

Addressing parliament before it votes to endorse his right and left leaning coalition cabinet, Benjamin Netanyahu said he’ll “seek peace along three tracks – economic, security and political.” However the leader of the right-wing Likud party made no mention of establishing a Palestinian “state” – a key demand of the Palestinian Authority, that is supported by Washington. The cabinet is one of Israel’s largest, with hard-liner Avigdor Lieberman as foreign minister and Labour veteran Ehud Barak as minister or defence. Some analysts say Iran’s nuclear programme will be its top security priority This will be Netanyahu’s second spell as prime minister. He last held office in 1999.More about: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…