The vision of Middle East peace outlined by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in his speech in Kentucky on Monday is identical to that of both Israeli and Palestinian seekers of peace - two states side by side, with secure and recognized borders, in the heart of an open and flourishing region where different religions and cultures will live together in tolerance. This vision was embodied by the Oslo Accord, whose process has been diverted from its path.
One must therefore welcome the fact that the American government, after a careful process of consideration and preparation, decided to express a clear and binding declaration of supporting the solution of two states for two peoples. Powell's declaration, with its polished and well-thought-out formulations, will serve as a road map that will guide the Bush administration's steps in the region in the coming years. The secretary did not confine himself to a quasi-prophetic vision of the end of days; he laid out the practical steps that both sides must take.
From the Palestinian Authority, what is needed is "a 100 percent effort to end violence and to end terror." Not more empty statements by the Palestinian leadership, but a readiness "to arrest, prosecute and punish." One can assume that Powell is aware of the internal difficulties facing PA Chairman Yasser Arafat. Nevertheless, he did not flinch from demanding that Arafat wage a real war against terror and incitement.
In addition, the Palestinians much convince the wounded and skeptical Israeli public anew that they "accept the legitimacy of Israel as a Jewish state. They must make clear that their objective is a Palestinian state alongside Israel, not in place of Israel." In other words, a rejection of the "right of return" in its original sense.
Nor did Powell spare criticism against Israel. The country must "end its occupation," he strongly declared, and end settlement activity, "which severely undermined Palestinian trust and hope." Powell even warned Israel that the continuing violent repression not only hurts its victims, but also corrupts the souls of young Israeli soldiers, who "learn only that Palestinians are to be feared, seen as enemies." One can only hope that the administration will show determination when it comes to translating lofty principles into prosaic diplomacy.
It was evident from Powell's speech that he was trying, without blurring his own stance, to avoid a clash with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He chose not to deal with the Israeli demand for seven days of "absolute quiet." Instead of polemicizing, the secretary announced that he was sending a new peace envoy to the region, retired general Anthony Zinni, who would be staying here indefinitely, and would have no other responsibilities. His mission was defined as "immediate," and next week he will begin parallel talks with senior negotiating teams from both sides.
This is good news. But there is virtually no doubt that Zinni, like his predecessors, will encounter fierce opposition. If so, America's determination will be put to the test. In a key sentence in his speech, Powell pledged that the administration now plans "to conduct serious diplomacy" and provide "active engagement." These will indeed be needed in order to get the Middle East back onto the path of peace
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