Abbas and Annapolis
In his interview with Lally Weymouth, while visiting the US for the UN meeting, Pres. Abbas of the PA-West Bank, stated quite categorically "we will not accept anything less than 100%" of the West Bank and Gaza, i.e. Israel must return to the pre-June 1967 borders! Now that's what I call chutzpah.
The trouble is that the Olmert Govt. doesn't seem to have any "red lines" and seems to be trying to "strengthen" Abbas by making gestures (releasing prisoners) and concessions. This includes the possible division of Jerusalem, as floated by Vice PM Ramon, and the transfer of Israeli territory to make up for any West Bank land not included in the agreement (since Israel wants to retain the areas of Ma'aleh Adumim, Ariel, and Etzion).
Until now Olmert has talked about agreeing on "principles" only. But in their meeting on Tuesday in Jerusalem, Abbas made it clear that he was not interested in principles only, and teams of aides are working on the actual wording of an agreement to be unveiled at the International Conference in Annapolis. The problem is that if you agree in principle to 100%, then you can't go back and say "no, I meant 99%."
Also, Israel has made it clear that they will not continue to negotiate with Abbas if he makes a deal with Hamas, and in effect reinstates their PA Unity Govt. So Abbas chose Tuesday to specifically announce that he is re-entering negotiations with Hamas thru Egyptian intermediaries. This is putting his finger in Israel's eye. Where is the indication of a peaceful intent, where is any sign of compromise. In the J'sam Post on Tuesday it was reported that Abbas' spokesman thratened that if there is no agreement at the Conference (i.e. insufficient Israeli concessions), then we can expect another intifada! That is how they negotiate, with threats, there is no making peace with these people.
In his speech at the UN, Pres. Ahmedinejad of Iran quoted his version of history, stating that since WWII the US and its allies have controlled the world, but now Iran and others are opposing that control. Pres. Abbas seems to have taken a leaf from this book, because he said in his speech that before the establishment of Israel, Palestine was 100% theirs. This is a fiction, Palestine was then controlled by the British, with a Mandate to establish a "Jewish homeland." When the UN became involved this became the partition plan for two states Jewish and Arab. But, since Jordan was also established out of the Palestine Mandate, that should have been sufficient for them.
Now the Palestinians claim the whole of Palestine, but are willing to let us keep part as our sovereign State (as recognised by the UN in 1948). It makes one wonder at the chutzpah. We were attacked, we won all the wars, and now we have to make all the concessions so that the International Conference can be a success. And it is a trap, with everyone there, except perhaps the US, being anti-Israel. If there was a hope that the Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, would recognize Israel, well think again. I am afraid of a solid anti-Israel phalanx, after this Israeli Government has given everything up "in principle."
The trouble is that the Olmert Govt. doesn't seem to have any "red lines" and seems to be trying to "strengthen" Abbas by making gestures (releasing prisoners) and concessions. This includes the possible division of Jerusalem, as floated by Vice PM Ramon, and the transfer of Israeli territory to make up for any West Bank land not included in the agreement (since Israel wants to retain the areas of Ma'aleh Adumim, Ariel, and Etzion).
Until now Olmert has talked about agreeing on "principles" only. But in their meeting on Tuesday in Jerusalem, Abbas made it clear that he was not interested in principles only, and teams of aides are working on the actual wording of an agreement to be unveiled at the International Conference in Annapolis. The problem is that if you agree in principle to 100%, then you can't go back and say "no, I meant 99%."
Also, Israel has made it clear that they will not continue to negotiate with Abbas if he makes a deal with Hamas, and in effect reinstates their PA Unity Govt. So Abbas chose Tuesday to specifically announce that he is re-entering negotiations with Hamas thru Egyptian intermediaries. This is putting his finger in Israel's eye. Where is the indication of a peaceful intent, where is any sign of compromise. In the J'sam Post on Tuesday it was reported that Abbas' spokesman thratened that if there is no agreement at the Conference (i.e. insufficient Israeli concessions), then we can expect another intifada! That is how they negotiate, with threats, there is no making peace with these people.
In his speech at the UN, Pres. Ahmedinejad of Iran quoted his version of history, stating that since WWII the US and its allies have controlled the world, but now Iran and others are opposing that control. Pres. Abbas seems to have taken a leaf from this book, because he said in his speech that before the establishment of Israel, Palestine was 100% theirs. This is a fiction, Palestine was then controlled by the British, with a Mandate to establish a "Jewish homeland." When the UN became involved this became the partition plan for two states Jewish and Arab. But, since Jordan was also established out of the Palestine Mandate, that should have been sufficient for them.
Now the Palestinians claim the whole of Palestine, but are willing to let us keep part as our sovereign State (as recognised by the UN in 1948). It makes one wonder at the chutzpah. We were attacked, we won all the wars, and now we have to make all the concessions so that the International Conference can be a success. And it is a trap, with everyone there, except perhaps the US, being anti-Israel. If there was a hope that the Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, would recognize Israel, well think again. I am afraid of a solid anti-Israel phalanx, after this Israeli Government has given everything up "in principle."
posted by Jack Cohen at 7:39 PM
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