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Clinton: U.S. committed to Mideast peace

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The United States is "deeply committed" to a Middle East peace plan, starting with renewed Israeli-Palestinian talks, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

"(We) have made clear many times, the President (Barack Obama) and I are deeply committed to a comprehensive peace beginning with a relaunch of meaningful negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians as soon as possible," Clinton said Friday in a joint media availability with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. "We believe a two-state solution is the best way to end the conflict and guarantee peace, security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

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Topics the two leaders expected to discuss also included Iran and the situation in Gaza, Clinton said.

"We have pursued a dual-track approach to Iran. We remain committed to a diplomatic, peaceful resolution," Clinton said. "But as the recent (International Atomic Energy Agency) report makes clear, Iran is not living up to its responsibilities, and we are working with our partners in the international community to increase pressure on Iran to change course."

Concerning Gaza, Clinton said its residents deserved hope for a better future and "making sure that they have that hope is in both the interests of the Israelis and the Palestinians."

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Barak and Clinton also planned to discuss Hamas's attempt to exert more control on Gaza and the captivity of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Hamas.

"We understand that we'll have to take tough decisions while not losing eye contact with our security needs and making sure that both sides will be able to live in security and peace," Barak said.

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