PM Netanyahu: Israel agreed to new settlement freeze, but U.S. retracted offer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a meeting with the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee at the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in Jerusalem on January 3, 2011. (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

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PM blames Palestinians for deadlock in peace talks, says U.S. officials due to arrive in Israel to push forward talks on core issues.

January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / HAARETZ) --- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that he had agreed to the U.S. suggestion of a three-month extension to the West Bank settlement freeze, but the Americans were the ones who retracted the offer.

"The United States asked us to consider extending the freeze by three months, and the truth is that we were prepared to do so," Netanyahu said while speaking before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Netanyahu said that contrary to what was reported, Israel did not refuse extending the freeze on West Bank settlements by three months, saying it was eventually the "United States who decided against that direction, rightfully, in my opinion."

In early December, the Obama administration announced that Washington was "ending the contacts to try to achieve another moratorium" after months of heavy negotiations to offer Israel a series of U.S. guarantees in exchange for the freeze.

"I told Obama that I am prepared to go with this to the cabinet and that I will be able to enforce the move, but then I received the surprising phone call from the Americans who said they no longer demand that Israel extends the freeze," Netanyahu explained.

"The Americans were right in saying that the settlement freeze will lead to a dead end, in which we would have entered an endless path of settlement freezes, but despite it all I agreed to go through with it," he emphasized.

Netanyahu told MKs that U.S. officials will arrive in Israel in mid-January in order to push forward the peace process and discuss core issues in talks with Palestinians.

Moreover, Netanyahu again reiterated his stance that the Palestinians were responsible for the deadlock in peace talks.

"During the cabinet meeting on Sunday, I called on Abu Mazen [Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas], to hold direct negotiations, but I got no answer," he said.

"We took many actions in order to move the peace process forward but the Palestinians did not even advance one millimeter despite the settlement freeze. The Palestinians entered talks only toward the end of the freeze and the only subject they wanted to discuss was an extension of the freeze."

Netanyahu also noted the Palestinians' attempts to pursue unilateral statehood, saying that these moves will fail and will not yield any results.

"We are aware of their steps – even the congress opposed these unilateral steps and it seems that the Americans will not be partners to a forced agreement," he said.  (*)

Russian president's visit to Israel cancelled due to Foreign Ministry strike

FILE : Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev

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January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / HAARETZ) --- Foreign Ministry workers threatened to cause problems upon Dmitry Medvedev's arrival, so the planned visit was cancelled to avoid an embarrassing diplomatic incident.


Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is enraged at employees of the Foreign Ministry after Russia and Israel agreed to cancel Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's planned visit to Israel.


The Russians decided to cancel the planned trip that was supposed to occur in two weeks' time, due to fears that Foreign Ministry workers, who are demanding improved salary conditions, would embarrass the Russian president upon his arrival in Israel.


Employees of the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that they would 'ruin' the visit of the Russian president, as part of a series of steps they would be taking to secure their improved work conditions.


The workers made clear to the Russians, via the Russian-language Israeli media, which is monitored closely by Moscow, that they would not participate in preparations for Medvedev's visit.


The Russians, who realized that they were facing an embarrassing diplomatic incident, cancelled Medvedev's visit in order to save face. An official Foreign Ministry statement to this effect is expected to be made public by Monday evening.


Foreign Minister Lieberman voiced his intense displeasure with the cancellation of the visit, which held special importance for him, in light of his recent efforts to secure a closer relationship with Russia.


The Foreign Ministry workers' committee responded to the cancellation, saying, "Regretfully, the stupidity and negligence of the Finance Minister and his deputies are harming the national interests and foreign relations of the country. We call upon the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to take responsibility and act immediately to save Israel's Foreign Ministry."


The management of the Foreign Ministry publicized a letter on Sunday announcing that in response to the steps taken by the Foreign Ministry workers, all ministry appointments will be frozen and overtime pay will be suspended until the end of the workers' action.


Foreign Ministry workers have been trying to improve their salaries relative to the pay scale of Defense Ministry and Mossad workers. Foreign Ministry management sketched out a compromise proposal with the Finance Ministry several days ago, in which the salaries of diplomats would increase by between 8% to 10%, on average.


Most of the Foreign Ministry workers that attended a meeting last week voted against the proposed compromise deal and in favor of taking increased steps to disrupt the activities of the Foreign Ministry.  (*)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemns 'barbaric' Egypt church attack

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January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / EXPATICA) --- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday condemned as "barbaric" the bombing of a church in Egypt that killed 21 people on New Year's Day.

"I received the news of the awful attack on a church in Alexandria with disgust and anger," Merkel said in a letter of condolence to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, according to a government statement.

"The (German) government deplores in the strongest terms this barbaric act of terror in which Christians, but also Muslims, lost their lives."

She added: "I thank you for the measures already introduced to protect Coptic Christians in Egypt and am convinced that you will do everything in your power to prevent further incidents like this in the future."

Twenty-one people were killed early on Saturday and 79 wounded when an apparent suicide bomber blew himself up as hundreds of worshippers were leaving the Al-Qiddissin (The Saints) church in Alexandria.

The bombing has further underscored the vulnerability of the Copts, who make up about 10 percent of the country's 80-million population and complain of discrimination.  (*)

Medvedev congratulates Brazil's new president Dilma Rousseff

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a congratulatory message to Dilma Vana Rousseff Linhares upon assuming presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

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January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / KREMLIN.RU) ---Dmitry Medvedev sent a congratulatory message to Dilma Vana Rousseff Linhares upon assuming presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

The message reads, in part:


“Our strategic partnership with Brazil is among the priorities in Russia’s foreign policy. It is founded on genuine affinity, mutual respect and trust between the two peoples. We are drawn together by similar long-term national interests and substantial accumulated experience in productive cooperation.


Our states cooperate closely on a broad range of international issues in order to promote democracy, strengthen stability and security, and engage in equitable international teamplay, including within the framework of the UN, G20, BRIC, and other international forums, as well as within mechanisms for dialogue between Russia and regional Latin American associations, such as Mercosur, the Rio Group, and OAS.


In recent years, important prerequisites have been created for expanding our trade and economic relations. We see increasing and diversifying turnover and implementing joint projects in high-tech areas such as space, energy, telecommunications and military technical cooperation to be a current priority. Putting greater focus on innovation would be particularly significant in fully unleashing our potential in economic cooperation.


It is important to note that our humanitarian contacts have grown significantly. This has become possible due in large part to allowing visa-free travel for short-term trips by our citizens and the re-establishment of direct airline routes.


A promising area of cooperation will be the exchange of experience in organising major international sporting events such as the Olympics and Paralympics in 2014 in Sochi and in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the Football World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and in Russia in 2018.


I am looking forward to working with you constructively and productively. I expect that through our joint efforts, we will be able to ensure a high level of momentum in the multidimensional and mutually beneficial Russian-Brazilian relations, for the benefit of both nations.”

FILE : Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (left) and Dmitry Medvedev

President Dmitry Medvedev also sent a message to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva upon completion of his term as President of Brazil.

The message reads, in part:


“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your enormous input into strengthening the friendship and constructive cooperation between our nations.


In the last eight years, Russian-Brazilian relations have reached a level of true strategic partnership and have become even more trusting and intense.


I warmly recall your visits to Russia and the cordial welcome I received in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro. I am certain that your personal input largely influenced the fact that regular Russian-Brazilian contacts at the highest level have promoted the consolidation of multifaceted, mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries and broadened reciprocity on the international arena, including within the framework of the UN, BRIC, and G20.


I am confident that Russia and Brazil will continue actively implementing the enormous potential of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and in the interest of international peace and stability.” (*)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Expresses Condolences to President of Egypt

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev

January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / KREMLIM.RU) --- Dmitry Medvedev sent his condolences to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Hosni Mubarak following a terrorist attack in Alexandria.

The message reads, in part:


“It was with great sadness that I learned about the explosion that shook a Christian church in the city of Alexandria on the night of January 1, 2011.


Please pass my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and my wishes for a fast recovery to the injured.


I decisively condemn the extremists’ bloody attack and would like to assure you that Russia has and will continue to stand by Egypt and its people in the systematic, uncompromising fight against the cruel threat of terrorism.” (*)

Arnold Schwarzenegger leaves office, vows ‘I’ll be back’

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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January 03, 2011 (KATAKAMI / RIA NOVOSTI) — Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is stepping down as California governor on Monday, is considering a return to cinema screens.

The world’s best known action star, Schwarzenegger, 63, was the state’s Republican governor for seven years. He was first elected to the post in October 2003 and was re-elected in November 2006.

When he became governor of the nation’s most populous state, he said he would “blow up the boxes” of state government. Now ‘Governator’ is leaving office with low approval ratings as the state is mired in debt and high unemployment.

He will be succeeded as governor by Democrat Jerry Brown, who held the post from 1975 to 1983.

As Schwarzenegger is about to leave, many are asking what the actor-turned-politician will do next. The possibilities include continuing work on environmental and reform issues, writing an autobiography and making a big Hollywood comeback.

Spokesman Aaron McLear said Schwarzenegger is sorting out “an absolute flood of every conceivable offer” from the corporate world, real estate ventures and the entertainment industry.

In the interview with Daily Variety, Schwarzenegger said returning to acting roles would not be a problem for him. “It is like bicycling, or like skiing,” he said. “You get on it and you feel like there is no time lapse there at all.”

Schwarzenegger’s most recent appearance was in Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables, where he made a cameo appearance. Schwarzenegger also appeared in a handful of films since his election as governor.

Among other offers Schwarzenegger received, was the one from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev who said the ‘Governator’ could even become the mayor of Moscow if he had Russian citizenship.

Schwarzenegger arrived in Moscow in October at the head of a delegation of high-tech executives and venture businessmen. During his visit, he came to Russia’s high-tech research hub of Skolkovo and shared his ideas of how to deal with Moscow traffic jams and tackle climate change.  (*)

LOS ANGELES, January 3

South Korea's president calls island attack an opportunity for change

A man watches a broadcast of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak's New Year policy address in Seoul on Monday.

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January 3, 2011 (KATAKAMI / CNN) -- South Korea's president said Monday the country should respond to the attack on Yeonpyeong Island the same way the United States reacted to the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York -- by using the event as an opportunity to reflect on security and overhaul the country's defenses.


Speaking during his New Year's address, President Lee Myung-bak called the November attack a turning point and warned North Korea that any future "provocations" would be met with "stern, strong responses."


"The shelling of Yeonpyeong Island ... served as an opportunity for us to reflect on our security readiness and overhaul our defense posture," he said. "Peace cannot be obtained without a price."
Tensions have been running high between North and South Korea ever since the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan last March, killing 46 sailors.


Full coverage of the Koreas' conflict




South Korea and the international community blamed the North for the sinking, but Pyongyang has denied the accusations.


Last month, North Korea said the South's navy fired into Northern waters and, in retaliation, it shelled Yeonpyeong Island, killing four South Koreans.


"We cannot let North Korea covet even an inch of our territory. Any provocation that would pose a threat to our lives and property will not be tolerated," said Lee.


Over the weekend, officials in North Korea called for better ties with South Korea, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. North Korea urged dialogue and cooperation in 2011 and asked the South to end its military exercises.


South Korea's president said in his televised address that North Korea needs to work toward peace with deeds as well as with words.


"I remind the North that the path toward peace is yet open. The door for dialogue is still open. If the North exhibits sincerity, we have both the will and the plan to drastically enhance economic cooperation together with the international community," he said.


The U.S. special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, is expected to travel to South Korea, China and Japan this week to discuss next steps on the Korean Peninsula. His first stop is Seoul. (*)

Iranian President Ahmadinejad's 34-year-old Peugeot sold for $1m

Old: The 34-year-old car is wanted by a number of foreign suitors, according to an Iranian newspaper

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(KATAKAMI / DAILY MAIL.CO.UK) --- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has received a $1million bid for his 34-year-old car, only a day after it was put up for sale.

The Iranian president, who is auctioning his 1977 white Peugeot sedan to raise money for a low-income housing project, has been made the offer by a foreign source.

The project is aimed at disabled and young people in a move by the 54-year-old, who took charge of Iran in 2005, to appeal to fulfill a campaign promise to put a roof over the head of every poor Iranian.

An Iranian Sunday newspaper said various bids from abroad have been received by the multilingual website set up yesterday for the auction, including $1 million, but it did not elaborate on the identity of the bidders.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The top bidders will be invited to the auction, which will be held in mid-February in the south-western city of Abadan.
  
And online offers can be made until the end of January.

Foreign bidders paid £43 to register, while locals pay around £30.

The president had made a point of being seen in the humble white Peugeot 504 sedan when he was Tehran mayor before becoming president in 2005.

The car would probably be worth around $2,000 on the local market.

Lack of housing has always been a major concern in Iran, where a quarter of the 75-million population live in rented apartments and nearly a third of a family's income goes to pay the rent.

Official statistics say the government has built more than 140,000 housing units in the first half of 201l. It has promised to build nearly 1 million units by March 2011.

(*)

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak says door for inter-Korean dialogue still open

Jan. 1, SEOUL, South Korea -- President Lee Myung-bak gives a New Year's message at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 1. (Yonhap)

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SEOUL, Jan. 3 (KATAKAMI / Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said Monday that the door for inter-Korean dialogue remains open but North Korea should first show its seriousness about the talks.

"I remind the North that the path toward peace is yet open. The door for dialogue is still open," Lee said in his New Year's address broadcast live.  (*)

Photostream : Dilma Rousseff Sworn-In as Brazil's First Woman President

Newly sworn-in Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (L) waves as she parades atop of a Rolls Royce vehicle beside her daughter Paula after receiving the presidential sash at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on January 1, 2011. Rousseff, who beat opposition candidate Jose Serra in a run-off election last October with 56% of the votes, has become the South American nation's first female president. (Photo by MAURICIO LIMA/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff and her Vice President Michel Temer walk up the ramp to Planalto Palace after bidding farewell to outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Newly sworn-in Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (L) receives the presidential sash from outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, 1 Jan 2011. As reported by the Voice of America, Dilma Rousseff took the oath of office Saturday during a ceremony in the capital of Brasilia, taking over from her highly popular political mentor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, known to many as "Lula." Ms. Rousseff served as his chief of staff for five years and, in her first speech to Congress, she promised to continue many of the former president's economic and social welfare programs. Under Mr. da Silva, Brazil emerged as one of the world's major economies, along with Russia, India and China. It is estimated that 30 million people joined the middle class during his eight-year presidency.

Brazilian President-elect Dilma Rousseff (2-L), her vice president Michel Temer (L), outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2-R) and his wife Marisa Leticia (R) walks to the stage to transfer the presidential band at Planalto Palace during the inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, on January 1, 2011. (Photo byMAURICIO LIMA/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (L) greets Colombia's President Juan Manual Santos as her Vice President Michel Temer stands with them, during a reception at Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff poses with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a reception after she was sworn in to office, in Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff speaks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a reception after she was sworn into office, at Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff talks with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a reception after she was sworn in to office, in Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates (L) speaks with Spain's Prince Felipe (2nd L), Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez (R) and El Salvador's President Mauricio Funes during a reception for Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff in Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff (3rd L, facing camera) embraces former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as Vice President Michel Temer (2nd R, facing camera) embraces Lula's wife Marisa Leticia, as Lula da Silva leaves Planalto Palace, in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

Photostream : Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez meets U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L), Chilean President Sebastian Pinera (2nd R) and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, during a reception for Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, second left, shakes hands with Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, next to Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos, left, and Chile's President Sebastian Pinera during the inauguration ceremony of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, unseen, at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L), Chilean President Sebastian Pinera (2nd R) and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, during a reception for Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in Planalto Palace in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, speaks with Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez during the swearing-in ceremony of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, unseen, at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. The man at center is unidentified. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Photostream : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visits Brazil

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, poses for photos with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting at the Planalto palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010. Abbas is on a three-day official visit to Brazil. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres).

Brazil's President-elect Dilma Rousseff greets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as she enters Congress to be sworn in as successor to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia January 1, 2011. Rousseff is the first woman to become Brazil's president, taking the reins of an emerging giant with a booming economy, vast new oil reserves and growing international diplomatic clout. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

A boy photographs Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, during a ceremony to set the corner stone of the future Palestinian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010. Abbas is on a three-day official visit to Brazil. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

In this handout provided by the Palestinian Press Office, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone for the building of the Palestinian Embassy on December 31, 2010 in Brasilia, Brazil. This act is seen as symbolic of a general movement in South America to recognise the Palestinian state. It has however received sharp criticism from the United States lawmakers and Israel. Doves were released during the ceremony to represent peace. (Photo by Thaer Ganaim/PPO via Getty Images)