Posted on 11/11/2001 6:35:47 PM PST by Thinkin' Gal
Abdullah's peace plan: Arabs would guarantee Israel's security
By Douglas Davis
LONDON (November 12) - Jordan's King Abdullah II has disclosed the contours of a comprehensive agreement currently being discussed by the major international parties that could lead to the end of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
The plan is based on what Abdullah described as the "two basket approach," which will involve a collective Arab guarantee of Israel's security as well as Israel's integration into the region, coupled with the creation of a Palestinian state.
According to Abdullah, "The Arab countries will make a statement guaranteeing the security of Israel."
The initiative, which would involve an unprecedented public commitment by the Arab world to Israel's right to exist in the region, has, according to Abdullah, received the backing of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, Russia, Egypt, and Jordan.
The disclosure by Abdullah, who was on a state visit to Britain, was made in an exclusive interview with the London Times, published over the weekend.
Abdullah is understood to have canvassed the idea with the Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, and with several north African states, but major barriers have been encountered in Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
While still at the exploratory stage, the initiative outlined by Abdullah represents the clearest expression yet of how moderate states in the Arab world perceive a resolution of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Jordan yesterday urged US President George W. Bush to meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, saying it was necessary for stability and peace in the Middle East.
The remarks by government spokesman Saleh Qallab coincided with a special session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Both Bush and Arafat were at the session, but a one-on-one meeting was unlikely.
Qallab said Jordan "stresses the importance of a meeting between US President George Bush and the Palestinian leader to speed up the cessation of violence and bring about peace in the Middle East."
"Washington should cooperate with the Israelis and the Palestinian on equal footing," Qallab said in a statement read over state radio.
Qallab praised Bush's UN address, in which the president reaffirmed commitment to a Palestinian state, but warned that "if the United States did not swiftly put an end to the Israeli aggression, the doors of extremism and violence will remain wide open in this region and the world at large."
Gee, I'll bet that's truly reassuring for the people of Israel.
Jeremiah 24 bump
I thought Israel was well integrated into the area already?
but warned that "if the United States did not swiftly put an end to the Israeli aggression, the doors of extremism and violence will remain wide open in this region and the world at large."
So...they are threating the UNITED STATES, either allow them to "protect" Israel..or else?
Also today: Mice to guarantee the security of cheese.
In another announcement: Cats to guarantee the security of Mice.
Further announcement: Dogs to guarantee the security of Cats.
This would be laughable if it wasn't so stupid. Just what fools do Arabs take us and Israel for?
"But Abdul, what is in this box you're handing me?" "Don't worry, Moshe, it is a bomb and it guarantees your safety. By the way, I forgot to pick up milk at the grocery store - I'll be right back."
We already know that Palestinians consider a cease fire to mean only bombing two Israeli pizzarias a week, instead of the usual four.
I guess it all depends on what their definition of 'security' is.
you made me pull my bible off the shelf, very interesting...
They've been a lawless people for thousands of years.
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