Sixty years have passed since the United Nations resolved to
settle the Arab-Israeli conflict by creating two homelands for two
peoples. The failure to achieve this two-state solution has meant
decades of suffering for both peoples, yet the justness of this
solution remains valid.
The two-state solution is the best way for Israelis and
Palestinians to establish peace and security for themselves and for
one another. The Annapolis conference is meant to revive this
peace-making effort. It is a new beginning for a long-overdue
process.
While no core issues or timetables are to be negotiated at
Annapolis, the fundamental commitment to a peaceful solution will
be re-established. This is to be followed by intensive talks on all
outstanding issues, with the aim of finally putting an end to
mutual suffering and beginning an era of mutual building.
In this regard, it is well to remember the guiding vision of
"two states for two peoples" - a new Israeli-Palestinian reality in
which two-nation states will exist side by side in peace and
security.
Just as Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people, so
Palestine will be established as the homeland and the embodiment of
the national aspirations of the Palestinian people - wherever they
may be.
The burden of solving the Israel-Palestinian issue lies with the
parties, and the compromises which must be made in the negotiations
ahead will be difficult and challenging.
Many complex core issues must be addressed, while at the same
time, the situation on the ground cannot be ignored. For this
reason, while negotiations on the shape of the two-state solution
move forward, the actual implementation of the vision remains
dependant upon fulfillment of the performance-based roadmap as
accepted by the two sides.
In the first phase of this document, the Palestinian Authority
(PA) has obligated itself to stop all terrorism against Israelis
everywhere. For this reason, PA roadmap commitments must be
completed before the establishment of the Palestinian state -
especially those concerning security issues.
Israel, for its part, has shown its readiness to meet its own
obligations under the roadmap as well, and has implemented a number
of measures to support the process.
Beyond undertaking to freeze all settlement activity and to
remove illegal outposts, Israel has released almost 800 Palestinian
detainees, removed 25 roadblocks and checkpoints in the West Bank,
transferred to the PA about $250 million in tax and customs
revenues, joined with international partners to promote Palestinian
infrastructure development projects, and reconvened several of the
bilateral committees established in the Oslo Accords - all in order
to address the ongoing needs of the PA.
While the responsibility to solve the conflict lies with the
sides, the Annapolis meeting must also be followed by an
international effort to provide a supportive environment for the
sides in their effort to reach agreement.
For example, the Paris Donor's Conference scheduled for next
month will provide an opportunity for international donor states to
help the PA advance in the process.
The international community has an important role to play by
enhancing the functioning of the PA and improving economic
conditions for the Palestinians at large. This is crucial to win
the support of the population, which needs to see some of the
fruits of peace-making even while negotiations are taking
place.
Working for the realization of a peaceful solution to the
conflict would be a daunting challenge even without the background
of a worldwide escalation in Islamist extremism.
For this reason, the Arab and Muslim worlds in particular have a
special role to play in backing the moderates and isolating the
extremists. When agreements between the parties are reached, even
on smaller issues, the support of the moderate Arab states is
crucial, especially in confronting those extremists determined to
prevent any success.
Similarly, as advancements are made, so should normalization
progress between the Arab world and Israel. With the support of the
region's moderates, the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue should lead to
enhanced ties and cooperation throughout the Middle East.
While committed to promoting peace, Israel still has a
responsibility to defend its citizens from terrorist attacks.
Unfortunately, the extremists will do everything in their power to
try to stop the peace process.
Therefore, it must be remembered that Israeli efforts to create
a new reality of peace with the moderate Palestinian leadership do
not mean that Israel will cease to confront the extremists.
The Annapolis meeting has the potential to restart the process,
to change the face of the Middle East. Israel hopes that all
parties involved will seize this opportunity, and do everything
possible to help clear the path toward peace.
The author is Israel's ambassador to China
(China Daily November 27, 2007)
