Obama calls for support of Mideast

US President Barack Obama Tuesday called for the international community to get behind the "pursuit of peace" between Israel and the Palestinians, saying leaders of both sides are willing to "take  significant political risks."

   

"Friends of Israel, including the United States, must recognize that Israel's security as a Jewish and democratic state depend on the realization of a Palestinian state," Obama said.

   

The US president said that breakthroughs on both Israeli-Palestinian peace as well as on Iran's nuclear programme would have "profound and positive impact" on the entire region.

   

Obama also vowed that the US would continue to work with governments that do not meet, "at least in our view, the highest international expectations."

   

Along those lines, the US would maintain a "constructive relationship" with Egypt's interim military government, but would not send military support until it was clear Egypt was pursuing a "more democratic path."

   

-Sapa-dpa