What conflict?

By Jeremy Last - Thursday 29th November 2007


The plan announced in Annapolis to “conclude an agreement” solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before the end of 2008 was greeted with scepticism.

After months of doubt over whether the US-hosted peace conference would take place at all, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US President George W Bush revealed a joint declaration on Tuesday, aimed at kick-starting negotiations towards a settlement.

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But despite the attendance of representatives from more than 20 Arab states at the Maryland venue, including the deputy Syrian foreign minister, as well as the positive impressions from the speeches by the three leaders, both Israeli and Palestinian politicians back home were less than expectant that the plan to come to fruition.

The declaration, signed by Abbas, Olmert and Bush, stated: “We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations, and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008.”

Both sides will set up negotiating teams and the first negotiations are due to begin on December 12. Abbas and Olmert agreed to hold biweekly talks and Russia announced it would be hosting a follow up peace conference.

Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter was the most prominent Israeli politician to express his doubts over the proposals, claiming the Palestinians have yet to show any serious commitment to peace.

“The first stage is the Road Map,” Dichter said, referring to the peace plan launched by Bush in 2002 which calls for an end to terrorism as a first step. “The Palestinians failed to implement the timetable over the past two years. The timetable wasn't realistic to begin with, and it's still not realistic today, although it does steer us in the right direction. I suppose that by the end of 2008 we will know better how they can perform."

According to the declaration, the Road Map will still be the main barometer of progress.

Hamas leaders were also unimpressed by the results of the conference.

Hamas Gaza spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, said Abbas has no right to be representing the Palestinian people.

Abbas "has no mandate to discuss, to agree, or to erase any word related to our rights," he was quoted as saying by news agencies. “He is isolated and only represents himself."

And a spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees announced the beginning of operation "Autumn Storm" in response to Annapolis which will see rockets launched at Sderot and the western Negev.

The presence of Muslim leaders from countries including Qatar, Morocco and Pakistan was seen as a major plus point in comparison with previous peace efforts such as the 2000 Camp David talks which did not have the support of the majority of the Arab and Muslim world.

In his speech Abbas said he was “proud of this broad Arab and Muslim contribution and the broad international participation because it shows the support of sister countries for the Palestinian people and their leadership to establish peace.”

Looking to the future, Abbas added: “Such support endorses our approach, which calls for an historic and balanced settlement that will ensure peace and security for our independent state, for Israel and for the entire region.”

Olmert also spoke strongly about his hopes for the future. “We want peace. We demand an end to terror, an end to incitement and to hatred. We are prepared to make a painful compromise, rife with risks, in order to realize t

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