Ynez https://blog.dnevnik.hr/ynez

utorak, 27.11.2007.

Mideast peace conference in Annapolis

Mideast peace conference is being held in Annapolis, Maryland (USA). The conference itself is an attempt to find a solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas was not invited due to their policy against Israel and being labeled as a terrorist organisation. Hamas however, did not stay quiet, they organised a rally in Gaza, with the presence of other factions showing their support against talks in Annapolis.
More than 40 countries are attending the conference, including Saudi Arabia and Syria who do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Many Israelis and Palestinians are sceptical after failures of the Oslo talks and Arafat-Barack talks in Camp David. Many Palestinians think it will only serve the interests of Israel.

President George W. Bush while addressing the audience said:
- Israelis and Palestinians agreed to begin final status negotiations,
- The time is right to achieve peace,
- Terrorism is the enemy and it not the way to achieve peace,
- America will do everything to support Israelis and Palestinians to achieve Peace but cannot do it for them,
- Israel must remove its unlawful outposts and end its occupation.
He also said that Arab states have a vital role to play: they should show strong support for Abbas and work for normalization of relations with Israel.

President of Palestinian Authority Abbas in his speech said:
- Freedom is the ray of hope for Palestinians,
- Annapolis conference carries a symbol of freedom for the Palestinians,
- He also said, he was deeply encouraged by the participation of other countries in the conference,
- We realise the heavy burden on our shoulders on achieving Peace,
- Final status negotiations must be comprehensive and deep.
At the end of his speech, President of PA Mahmoud Abbas promised an independent state by uniting Gaza and the West Bank.

Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert said:
- Living under ongoing uncertainty is the reason to be here,
- Israelis need Peace and demand an end to terror,
- We are willing to make painful compromises for Peace to prevail,
- We want two states for two people, and a democratic and terror free state for the Palestinians,
- I believe there is no other path than the path of Peace,
- There isn't a single Arab state from the North, South and Eeast which we do not seek Peace with, and we say 'Ahlan w sahlan' (Welcome).

Points that will be discussed in further negotiations:
- Jerusalem – Palestinians want Eeast Jerusalem as their capital
- Borders – removing road blocks
- Palestinian right of return – there are thousands of refugees living in camps in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon
- Release of Palestinian prisoners
- End to all jewish settlement expansions in the West Bank

Talks in Annapolis have one goal, and that is Peace, which will lead to stability of the entire region. There is a risk of failure, but there is no harm in trying.

by Ynez

Sources:
Wikipedia
Al Jazeera TV


27.11.2007. u 20:18 • 1 Komentara • Print • # • ^

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