RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — President Barack Obama says Palestinians deserve an independent and sovereign state and an end to occupation by Israel.

Obama spoke at a news conference in the West Bank with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He says Palestinians should not have to confront the daily indignities that come with occupation.

Obama says the U.S. wants a viable and contiguous Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state of Israel.

He says the only way to achieve that is through negotiations.