Israel's Barak backs two-state plan

JERUSALEM, April 22 (UPI) -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has firmly aligned himself with the United States in seeking a two-state solution for Palestinians, observers say.

Speaking at a meeting Wednesday, The Jerusalem Post reported Barak saying, "An Israeli plan for a regional solution is a central axis of Israel's policy in the coming years and a key to ensuring Israel's future in the region. Israel must cooperate with the (United States) in formulating the details of the solution, which will also ensure Israel's security interests … and Israel's Jewish character, without allowing a right of return."

The newspaper said the comments from Barak put him on the side of the Obama administration on the two-state solution envisioned in an Arab-backed initiative, which Barak said should be the basis of Israel's approach to peace talks.

It also puts him at odds with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who on Tuesday rejected the two-state solution as "a dangerous plan, a recipe for Israel's destruction," the Post said.