An Israeli Peace Agreement - What Do You Think?

[liberalpragmatist]

Though this has little to do with the conflict with Lebanon, this is just to show that a peace treaty in that region between the Israelis and the Palestinians IS possible.

The Geneva Accord from 2003, a peace treaty negotiated by several opposition political figures from both Israel and the Palestinian territories.

http://www.geneva-accord.org/Accord.aspx?FolderID=33&lang=en

Background

The initial impact was dramatic and shifted the terms of the debate locally and internationally. It is based on the Clinton parameters of December 2000, which were, at the time, accepted by the Government of Israel and the PA as a basis for negotiations. It also builds on former permanent status negotiations including those held in Camp David and Taba, and compliments the Quartet Roadmap and vision of President Bush outlined in June 2002. The unique aspect of the Initiative is in its detailed nature providing workable solutions on all issues, and that it is the product of a joint Israeli-Palestinian effort.



The talks leading to the Initiative took place between teams comprised of professionals, some of whom participated in different negotiation rounds between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The teams were led by Dr. Yossi Beilin, from the Israeli side, and Mr. Yasser Abed Rabo, from the Palestinian side. In the course of time, other prominent individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds – including political, security, business, academic, and civil society activists became integrally involved in the process.



Over two years, both teams met, literally, hundreds of times, seeking to establish whether it was possible to reconcile those issues that had prevented the sides from reaching agreement in the past.



Both sides understood that it was necessary to reach a mutually agreed-upon solution to these issues in order to put an end to the cycles of violence. They also understood that it was crucial that they draw a permanent and recognized border between Israel and Palestine to avert the threat of unilateral actions undermining the viability of a two-state solution.



Discussions centered on the outstanding issues – the borders between the two states, the status of Jerusalem, refugees – with a view to realizing the endgame of the Roadmap and the vision laid out by President Bush. As they reached understandings on the different issues, both sides put their agreements in writing. After nearly two years of intensive talks, in October 2003 the two sides completed their work. They had produced a detailed and comprehensive draft model for a permanent status agreement.

Much more is on the site, including more detailed maps, lists of all the signatories, including several former Israeli and Palestinian cabinet ministers. There is a useful FAQ section and a detailed text of the entire accord.

For an overview of the accord and the public response see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_accord

[liberalpragmatist]

1. kicking this

In a last ditch attempt for relevance

:kick: