Posted on 05/05/2003 7:08:35 AM PDT by SJackson
Abu Mazen: Waiving Right of Return an Israeli ‘Dream’
Public Dispute between Israeli FM, US Envoy over Palestinian Refugees 05/05/2003
[IMRA:" The Palestinian refugees problem “should be resolved on the basis of international legitimacy as stipulated by the UN resolution number 194 of 1948.”" in Arab parlance means no compromise on the right of return. Abu Mazen thus reiterates the position that after the Palestinians have an "independent state" per the daft roadmap that they will then insist on final status terms that insure the destruction of the Jewish State (a view of the right of returned held by the entire Israeli political spectrum) , launching the next round of war armed with sovereignty, a possible seat in the UN and a restored army and militias controlling areas that place most of Israel's population within firing range.]
Palestine Media Center- (PMC) [Oficial arm of the PA] http://www.palestine-pmc.com/details.asp?cat=1&id=766
Ahead of a Monday meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has definitely ruled out waiving the Palestinian right of return as a precondition for Israel’s approval of the internationally adopted “roadmap” to peace in the Middle East.
“This is one of their (Israelis’) dreams. We absolutely refuse to waive the (Palestinian) right of return as a precondition for Israel’s approval of the ‘roadmap’,” Abu Mazen said in his first meeting with the local press since his confirmation as prime minister last week.
The Palestinian refugees problem “is an issue for final status negotiations and may not be discussed now,” he said, adding that the issue “should be resolved on the basis of international legitimacy as stipulated by the UN resolution number 194 of 1948.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom on Sunday publicly raised Israel’s demand that the Palestinians forego the right of return for refugees in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state with provisional borders, already mentioned in the second phase of the “roadmap” plan.
“This (creation of a Palestinian state) will only be possible if they (first) give up on the right of return,” he said, adding, “Otherwise the plan won't be accepted by the Israeli public.”
Despite this public dispute, Abu Mazen confirmed that, “we definitely want to meet with (Israeli Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon to discuss how to cooperate in implementing the “roadmap” and the mutual obligations” arising therefrom, the Palestinian daily Al-Ayyam quoted him as saying.
“We have sent messages to the Israelis to arrange a preparatory meeting between us to be followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Sharon,” Abbas told reporters.
“These meetings are natural to discuss implementation of the roadmap and the mutual commitments that will be carried out by the sides, but until now we have not received any response, maybe because of the [Israeli] holidays,” he said.
On Sunday, Sharon told his ministers at a weekly cabinet meeting of his intention to personally head negotiations, which are set to resume with a new US-led peace initiative, Israeli public radio said.
Abbas said the Palestine National Authority (PNA) has accepted the roadmap “as is” and stressed that the Israeli side should give an immediate clear-cut approval of the “roadmap”.
“What is needed now is to hear from the Israelis that they have accepted (the road map),” Abbas said. “If the roadmap is re-opened it will never be closed...we have to move directly to implementing it.”
The Israeli Knesset was scheduled to hold a special session Monday to debate the “roadmap.”
Israel has listed 15 reservations about the document, which was presented after Abbas’ cabinet was approved by the Palestinian parliament on Tuesday.
The peace plan calls for a stop to violence in a now 31-month-old Palestinian uprising, a freeze in illegal Israeli settlement expansion on oc cupied Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and creation of a Palestinian state by 2005.
The Palestinian PM denied media reports that a Palestinian-Israeli security meeting was held.
“No security meetings were held, but such meetings will undoubtedly be held as the ‘roadmap’ stipulated” to hold them.
However, Mohammed Dahlan, the Palestinian Cabinet minister in charge of security affairs, told The Associated Press on Sunday that he would lead a Palestinian delegation for security talks with the Israelis on Thursday -- the first such meeting between the two sides since August.
Burns: “a Strategic Opportunity”
Mahmoud Abbas was scheduled to meet Monday with the US envoy William Burns, who met late Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Earlier, Burns met with Israeli foreign and “defense” ministers Silvan Shalom and Shaul Mofaz.
Sharon told Burns Sunday that the new Palestinian PM Abu Mazen must work to dismantle what he called the terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, Burns also met with the Israeli-Palestinian peace coalition, headed by former Labor MK Yossi Beilin and PNA cabinet affairs minister Yasser Abed Rabbo in Jerusalem.
Burns said that US President George W. Bush was committed to advancing the peace process, noting that the events in Iraq, Abu Mazen’s appoitnment and the publication of the “roadmap” had created “a strategic opportunity” for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Burns also stressed the importance of the mutual steps on the ground - a war on “terror” on the part of the PNA, and Israeli gestures that will aid the success of Abu Mazen.
A dispute emerged between Shalom and Burns over how to deal with reservations regarding the “roadmap,” with Burns insisting the Israelis and Palestinians had to discuss the issues between them and reach agreement.
“I think that it’s absolutely critical, and the president has made this clear on a number of occasions, that terror and violence be ended, that it's impossible to conceive of progress being made in the direction of the two-state vision unless there are decisive efforts to bring that about,” Burns said after his meeting with Shalom.
“That’s going to require a restoration of Palestinian efforts against terror,” he added. “It’s also going to require steps taken by all sides.”
Shalom raised Israel’s demand that the Palestinians forego the right of return for refugees in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state with provisional borders, already mentioned in the second phase of the “roadmap” plan.
But Burns told Shalom, “This is a matter between you and them.”
Shalom persisted, “It will be impossible. This will only be possible if they [first] give up on the right of return,” he said, referring to the setting up of a provisional state.
“Otherwise the plan won’t be accepted by the Israeli public.”
Burns replied, “I understand that this is a crucial matter for you, and we will have to weigh how we deal with it.”
This will be interesting. Can Hamas and the other terrorist groups be quiet long enough to gain a Palestinian state? My bet is they can't. Those leopards aren't changing their spots, even in their own best interests. And the Palie schools will still go on teaching hatred, the Pali media will continue preaching hatred, and until that changes, nothing will. The ultimate goal will remain the same.
How can you "restore" something that never existed in the first place?
And why are we pretending things are different exactly?
It's not like the quartet doesn't know this, it's a part of the new constituiton.
Article 32
The right of the Palestinian refugee to return to his home and the original home of his ancestors is a natural right which cannot expire. Its exercise may not be delegated nor surrendered.
An interesting question in view of the new Iraqi democracy.
Some Kurds are reclaiming their property.
Multi decade exiles are returning to Iraq to have a say in running the country.
Fifty years ago 20% of Baghdad was Jewish, now there are 50-150 Jews, depending on who's counting.
My guess, you're right, I think not.
PHASE I: the Palestinians immediately undertake an unconditional cessation of violence according to the steps outlined below; such action should be accompanied by supportive measures undertaken by Israel. Palestinians and Israelis resume security cooperation based on the Tenet work plan to end violence, terrorism, and incitement through restructured and effective Palestinian security services.
Palestinians undertake comprehensive political reform in preparation for statehood, including drafting a Palestinian constitution, and free, fair and open elections upon the basis of those measures.
Israel takes all necessary steps to help normalize Palestinian life. Israel withdraws from Palestinian areas occupied from September 28, 2000 and the two sides restore the status quo that existed at that time, as security performance and cooperation progress. Israel also freezes all settlement activity, consistent with the Mitchell report.
At the outset of Phase I: Palestinian leadership issues unequivocal statement reiterating Israel's right to exist in peace and security and calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end armed activity and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere. All official Palestinian institutions end incitement against Israel.
**Comically..this is what is supposed to occur right now...
Abu Mazen and the Vultures must wait for:
PHASE III: PERMANENT STATUS AGREEMENT AND END OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT 2004-2005: Progress into Phase III, based on consensus judgment of Quartet, and taking into account actions of both parties and Quartet monitoring. Phase III objectives are consolidation of reform and stabilization of Palestinian institutions, sustained, effective Palestinian security performance, and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations aimed at a permanent status agreement in 2005.
Convened by the Quartet, in consultation with the parties, immediately after the successful conclusion of Palestinian elections, to support Palestinian economic recovery and launch a process, leading to establishment of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders.
Such a meeting would be inclusive, based on the goal of a comprehensive Middle East peace (including between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon), and based on the principles described in the preamble to this document.
Arab states restore pre-Intifada links to Israel (trade offices, etc.). Revival of multilateral engagement on issues including regional water resources, environment, economic development, refugees, and arms control issues.
New constitution for democratic, independent Palestinian state is finalized and approved by appropriate Palestinian institutions. Further elections, if required, should follow approval of the new constitution.
Empowered reform cabinet with office of prime minister formally established, consistent with draft constitution. Continued comprehensive security performance, including effective security cooperation on the bases laid out in Phase I.
Creation of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders through a process of Israeli-Palestinian engagement. Launched by the international conference. As part of this process, implementation of prior agreements, to enhance maximum territorial contiguity, including further action on settlements in conjunction with establishment of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.
Enhanced international role in monitoring transition, with the active, sustained, and operational support of the Quartet. Quartet members promote international recognition of Palestinian state, including possible U.N. membership.
*****Kinda don't see right of return in there..nor compensation to Palestiunians who do not return.
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