WASHINGTON — US National Security Advisor James Jones said Wednesday that his country was disappointed that Israel and the Palestinians have not begun direct negotiations. ‘It is time to begin those negotiations and to put an end to excuses. It is time for all leaders in the region-Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab-to support efforts for peace. It is time for today’s leader to demonstrate the courage and leadership of Anwar Sadat, King Hussein, and Yitzhak Rabin,’ Jones said during an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP). Jones was representing President Barack Obama’s stand, that a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians would neutralize both the terror threat and the Iranian nuclear threat. He noted, however, that ‘in our pursuit of a two-state solution, we recognize that peace must be made by the parties and cannot be imposed from the outside.’ ‘At the same time,’ he added, ‘we understand that the status quo is not sustainable¦. It strengthens the rejectionists and weakens those who would live in peace.’ Addressing the Iranian and Syrian issues, General Jones said that ‘peace between Israel and Syria, if it is possible, […]