CBJ Sep 2 - The decades-old quest for lasting Middle East peace begins new today with a warning from U.S. President Obama that "this moment of opportunity may not soon come again".

Following Tuesday's killings of four Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and Wednesday's separate meetings between Obama and Israeli Palestinian leaders, the two adversaries will begin negotiations under the eye of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned against more "Iranian-sponsored" violence and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for a freeze on Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the release of prisoners.

"I didn't come here today to make an argument. I came here to make peace," Netanyahu said. "President Abbas, we cannot erase the past, but it is within our power to change the future."

"Extremists and enemies of peace will do everything in their power to destroy this effort," added Obama. "The United States will put our full weight behind this effort, but ultimately, the United States cannot impose a solution. We cannot do it for them."

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg | NewsVine | Mixx | FaceBook | Twitter