Enough Is Enough – Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Following messages of support sent via video by World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders from Jerusalem, Ramallah and Tel Aviv, Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Davos reiterated their commitment to finding a two-state solution and to resuming long-stalled negotiations.
"Leaders here have listened to these [young] voices," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum. "They have asked you to deliver a new vision with no delay or excuses."
Responding to the messages for peace, Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority; Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization Executive Committee, said that the Middle East is in dire need of peace, with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict being one of the most serious that requires a solution.
Noting previous agreements signed with Israel, as well as other peace initiatives, such as the UN-sponsored Road Map, President Abbas called for resuming negotiations that will ultimately lead to a Palestinian state.
"What is required now is for us to trace the beginning and the end of this peace process," he said. "Our hand remains outstretched to start the negotiation process. Fear and despair must be replaced by hope and forgiveness."
Tzipi Livni, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, said that a Palestinian state is "not an illusion" but something that is achievable.
"There is a Palestinian state at the end of the process…this is a step-by-step process that gives a political horizon," she said. "We must stick to the vision of two states living side by side, living together in peace."
Livni reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the Road Map, but said that the current Palestinian government has to fulfil its part of the agreement, including accepting Israel’s right to exist and renouncing terrorism. She added that in order to realize the two-state vision, moderates on both sides need to fight against the extremists who want to destroy it.
"I know there is an expectation to see us advancing," Livni said. "I know it’s not easy … but we want to negotiate, to talk, to share ideas and to find common denominators."
Adding to the discussion, Shimon Peres, Vice-Prime Minister of Israel, said that the problems are solvable and appealed to the international business community to invest in the region, particularly in a proposed shared economic zone between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories.
"Companies are looking for emerging markets," Peres said. "If you are global you must be interested in the globality of peace."
Closing the session, Schwab said that Peres’ appeal to investors is already being answered, announcing that the Forum is in the advanced stage of creating an Israeli-Palestinian business council to stimulate foreign investment.
"We have heard from the young people the expectations of hope…we have heard from the leaders," Schwab said. "I hope we all join the efforts to find a lasting solution."
Document Sources: World Economic Forum
Subject: Palestine question, Peace proposals and efforts
Publication Date: 24/01/2007