Palestinian state in 2 years gets qualified Quartet nod

[bemildred]

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The U.S.-led Quartet driving Middle East peace talks gave a qualified approval to a Palestinian plan for statehood within two years.

"Recalling that transformative change on the ground is integral to peace, the Quartet welcomes the Palestinian Authority's plan for constructing the institutions of the Palestinian state within 24 months as a demonstration of the P.A.'s serious commitment to an independent state that provides opportunity, justice and security for the Palestinian people and is a responsible neighbor to all states in the region," said the statement issued late Thursday by the Quartet, which includes the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia.

Israeli officials rejected the two-year plan for statehood proposed earlier this month by P.A. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, saying it amounted to a unilateral move.

The Quartet statement also called for adherence to earlier agreements "irrespective of reciprocity," a pointed reference to Israel's longstanding position that action on freezing settlements must be preceded by an end to terrorism.

http://jta.org/news/article/2009/09/25/1008143/palestinian-state-in-2-years-gets-qualified-quartet-nod

[Ozymanithrax]

1. They should be supported in their declaration of a state.

When declared, the US should recognize it. This should happen whether or not Israel agrees.

[Traveling_Home]

2. and whether or not the PA recognizes Israel? nt

[Ozymanithrax]

4. The Palestinian people have the right to a country...

even if the governments they choose range from dysfunctional to rabid.

I think a two state solution is the best possible considering the circumstances, and the Palestinian people should not be held from having that state. In the modern age no country should treat a people like the Jews were treated between 70 AD and the French Revolution, not even if it is we Jews who are doing it.

[LeftishBrit]

3. Good

Neither the Israeli hardliners nor Hamas seem all that keen on the idea; but it seems like the one thing that could really work. 'Unilateral moves' are sometimes what's needed.

[bemildred]

5. I think it's interesting.

Interesting to see if it "works", or how well it "works", or what it "works" to bring about.

The statements it makes are fairly assertive. One may expect various efforts of more or less duplicity to undermine and stall such a development, not least from the parties you mention. The tale will be told, IMHO, by the firmness and vigor with which those attempts at obstruction are dealt with.

There are also some fundamental flaws in the conception, one cannot permanently ignore and exclude the militant fraction of Palestinian society, for example, and such a political entity will still be far from true autonomy or independence. But one may hope that it could be the crystal around which something better could form in time. You have to start somewhere. The N. Irish experience is informative in that regard.

[azurnoir]

6. Sounds like it is not so "unilateral"

a move on the part of the Palestinians anymore, good for the Quartet

[bemildred]

7. Well, given the governments fondness for unilateral moves, I don't really see the issue there ...

They made a big fetish out of how unilateral the Gaza withdrawal was, the old don't want to look "weak" thing, and then soon after started complaining that they got nothing in return. I think they would do better to worry about looking stupid and belligerent, but what do I know?

[azurnoir]

8. Seems like more than some n/t