Palestinian leaders welcome Mr Obama's assertion that a future Palestinian state must be based on 1967 ceasefire lines. Equally, that will be roundly condemned by right-wing Israeli politicians. Abandoning settlements in the West Bank to make way for a Palestinian state is something they've vowed they will never do. Ultimately, as the president said, it is up to both sides themselves to restart peace talks, perhaps beginning with drawing up the size and shape of a future Palestinian state, with more difficult issues, like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return of Palestinian refugees, to be tackled later.

国际货币基金组织前总裁斯特劳斯-卡恩被保释

The judge hearing the case of the former head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who's facing trial for the alleged attempted rape of a New York hotel chamber maid, has granted him bail. He denies the charges. Steve Kingstone reports.

Five days after his arrest, Dominique Strauss-Kahn is to be freed on bail. His lawyers told the judge he was prepared to be placed under 24-hour home detention and wear an electronic tag which would monitor his movements. A bond of $1m was offered by the defendant's wife, who was in court for the hearing. After a brief recess, the judge approved that sum but also requested an insurance bond of $5m. Separately, a grand jury has indicted Mr Strauss-Kahn after deciding there is a case to answer. The former head of the IMF faces seven criminal counts. They include one charge of attempted rape and two allegations that he tried to force a 32-year-old hotel maid to perform oral sex.