Read The Israel-Arab Reader Online
Authors: Walter Laqueur
The Israel-Arab Reader (66 page)
As for Libya, they say there is nothing called Israel although the world's countries, including the two superpowers and the European, Asian, and African states, recognize Israel. The Soviet Union has recognized it and even helped it join the other members of the United Nations. The colonel [Al-Qadhdhafi] is free not to recognize it, but this does not mean that it is not recognized. He asks the entire Arab world to wage war. God has granted us a mind with which to think. We fought for many years, but where did we get? We also spent 100 billion [currency not specified] on wars, apart from thousands of martyrs, until we reached the present situation from which we are now suffering. I am therefore not ready to take more risks. Moreover, wars have generally not solved any problem. Regardless of the difficulties or obstacles surrounding the present peace process, our real effort focuses on removing these obstacles and bringing viewpoints closer. We are not at all pessimistic. Today's world is one of peace, peaceful negotiations, and fruitful dialogue, which leads to real results away from blood and fire.
All world public opinion supports the international conference with the exception of Yitzhak Shamir, who does not agree to it. He should respond to the call of peace because the peace-loving forces in Israel and elsewhere are increasing. War has exhausted the region's forces, including Israel. It has also lowered the people's standard of living in Israel itself and the entire region. Let me ask: Is it possible for this situation to continue? Shamir must respond to the call of peace sooner or later because this is the will of the people. Peace will come even though it seems to be a long way ahead. Israel will sooner or later respond to the international conference, and I am optimistic that peace is coming. . . .
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir: Peace Plan (May 14, 1989)
Basic Premises
3.âThe initiative is founded upon the assumption that there is a national consensus for it on the basis of the basic guidelines of the Government of Israel, including the following points:
a.
) Israel yearns for peace and the continuation of the political process by means of direct negotiations based on the principles of the Camp David Accords.
) Israel yearns for peace and the continuation of the political process by means of direct negotiations based on the principles of the Camp David Accords.
b.
) Israel opposes the establishment of an additional Palestinian state in the Gaza district and in the area between Israel and Jordan.
) Israel opposes the establishment of an additional Palestinian state in the Gaza district and in the area between Israel and Jordan.
c.
) Israel will not conduct negotiations with the PLO.
) Israel will not conduct negotiations with the PLO.
d.
) There will be no change in the status of Judea, Samaria and Gaza other than in accordance with the basic guidelines of the Government.
) There will be no change in the status of Judea, Samaria and Gaza other than in accordance with the basic guidelines of the Government.
Subjects to Be Dealt with in the Peace Process
4.âIsrael views as important that the peace between Israel and Egypt, based on the Camp David Accords, will serve as a cornerstone for enlarging the circle of peace in the region, and calls for a common endeavour for the strengthening of the peace and its extension, through continued consultation.
a.
) Israel calls for the establishment of peaceful relations between it and those Arab states which still maintain a state of war with it for the purpose of promoting a comprehensive settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict, including recognition, direct negotiations, ending the boycott, diplomatic relations, cessation of hostile activity in international institutions or forums and regional and bilateral cooperation.
) Israel calls for the establishment of peaceful relations between it and those Arab states which still maintain a state of war with it for the purpose of promoting a comprehensive settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict, including recognition, direct negotiations, ending the boycott, diplomatic relations, cessation of hostile activity in international institutions or forums and regional and bilateral cooperation.
b.
) Israel calls for an international endeavour to resolve the problem of the residents of the Arab refugee camps in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district in order to improve their living conditions and to rehabilitate them. Israel is prepared to be a partner in this endeavour.
) Israel calls for an international endeavour to resolve the problem of the residents of the Arab refugee camps in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district in order to improve their living conditions and to rehabilitate them. Israel is prepared to be a partner in this endeavour.
c.
) In order to advance the political negotiation process leading to peace, Israel proposes free and democratic elections among the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district in an atmosphere devoid of violence, threats and terror. In these elections a representation will be chosen to conduct negotiations for a transitional period of self-rule. This period will constitute a test for co-existence and cooperation. At a later stage, negotiations will be conducted for a permanent solution during which all the proposed options for an agreed settlement will be examined, and peace between Israel and Jordan will be achieved.
) In order to advance the political negotiation process leading to peace, Israel proposes free and democratic elections among the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district in an atmosphere devoid of violence, threats and terror. In these elections a representation will be chosen to conduct negotiations for a transitional period of self-rule. This period will constitute a test for co-existence and cooperation. At a later stage, negotiations will be conducted for a permanent solution during which all the proposed options for an agreed settlement will be examined, and peace between Israel and Jordan will be achieved.
d.
) All the above-mentioned steps should be dealt with simultaneously.
) All the above-mentioned steps should be dealt with simultaneously.
e.
) The details of what has been mentioned in (
d
) above will be given below.
) The details of what has been mentioned in (
d
) above will be given below.
The Principles Constituting the Initiative Stages
5.âThe initiative is based on two stages
a.
) Stage AâA transitional period for an interim agreement.
) Stage AâA transitional period for an interim agreement.
b.
) Stage BâPermanent Solution.
) Stage BâPermanent Solution.
6.âThe interlock between the Stages is a timetable on which the Plan is built: the peace process delineated by the initiative is based on Resolutions 242 and 338 upon which the Camp David Accords are founded.
Timetable
7.âThe transitional period will continue for 5 years.
8.âAs soon as possible, but not later than the third year after the beginning of the transitional period, negotiations for achieving a permanent solution will begin.
Parties Participating in the Negotiations in Both Stages
9.âThe parties participating in the negotiations for the First Stage (the interim agreement) shall include Israel and the elected representation of the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district. Jordan and Egypt will be invited to participate in these negotiations if they so desire.
10.âThe parties participating in the negotiations for the Second Stage (Permanent Solution) shall include Israel and the elected representation of the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district, as well as Jordan: furthermore, Egypt may participate in these negotiations. In negotiations between Israel and Jordan, in which the elected representation of the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district will participate, the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan will be concluded.
Substance of Transitional Period
11.âDuring the transitional period the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district will be accorded self-rule by means of which they will, themselves, conduct their affairs of daily life. Israel will continue to be responsible for security, foreign affairs and all matters concerning Israeli citizens in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district. Topics involving the implementation of the plan for self-rule will be considered and decided within the framework of the negotiations for an interim agreement.
Substance of Permanent Solution
12.âIn the negotiations for a permanent solution every party shall be entitled to present for discussion all the subjects it may wish to raise.
13.âThe aim of the negotiations should be:
a.
) The achievement of a permanent solution acceptable to the negotiating parties.
) The achievement of a permanent solution acceptable to the negotiating parties.
b.
) The arrangements for peace and borders between Israel and Jordan.
) The arrangements for peace and borders between Israel and Jordan.
Details of the Process for the Implementation of the Initiative
14.âFirst and foremost dialogue and basic agreement by the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district, as well as Egypt and Jordan if they wish to take part, as above-mentioned, in the negotiations, on the principles constituting the initiative.
15.â
a
) Immediately afterwards will follow the stage of preparations and implementation of the election process in which a representation of the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and Gaza will be elected. This representation:
a
) Immediately afterwards will follow the stage of preparations and implementation of the election process in which a representation of the Palestinian Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and Gaza will be elected. This representation:
⢠I) Shall be a partner to the conduct of negotiations for the transitional period (interim agreement).
⢠II) Shall constitute the self-governing authority in the course of the transitional period.
⢠III) Shall be the central Palestinian component, subject to agreement after three years, in the negotiations for the permanent solution.
b
) In the period of the preparation and implementation there shall be a calming of the violence in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district.
) In the period of the preparation and implementation there shall be a calming of the violence in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza district.
16.âAs to the substance of the elections, it is recommended that a proposal of regional elections be adopted, the details of which shall be determined in further discussions.
17.âEvery Palestinian Arab residing in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza districts, who shall be elected by the inhabitants to represent themâafter having submitted his candidacy in accordance with the detailed document which shall determine the subject of the electionsâmay be a legitimate participant in the conduct of negotiations with Israel.
18.âThe elections shall be free, democratic and secret.
19.âImmediately after the election of the Palestinian representation, negotiations shall be conducted with it on an interim agreement for a transitional period which shall continue for 5 years, as mentioned above. In these negotiations the parties shall determine all the subjects relating to the substance to the self-rule and the arrangements necessary for its implementation.
20.âAs soon as possible, but not later than the third year after the establishment of the self-rule, negotiations for a permanent solution shall begin. During the whole period of these negotiations until the signing of the agreement for a permanent solution, the self-rule shall continue in effect as determined in the negotiations for an interim agreement.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: Ten-Point Plan (September 4, 1989)
1. âThe necessity for the participation of all citizens of the West Bank and Gaza (including the residents of East Jerusalem) in the elections both in the voting and in the right to stand as a candidate for any person who has not been convicted by a court of committing a crime. This allows for the participation of those under administrative detention.
2. âFreedom to campaign before and during the elections.
3. âAcceptance of international supervision of the election process.
4. âPrior commitment of the government of Israel that it will accept the results of the elections.
5. âCommitment of the government of Israel that the elections will be part of the efforts which will lead not only to an interim phase, but also to a final settlement and that all efforts from beginning to end will be based on the principles of solution according to the U.S. conception, namely resolutions 242 and 338, territory for peace, insuring the security of all the states of the region including Israel, and Palestinian political rights.
6. âWithdrawal of the Israeli army during the election process at least one kilometer outside the perimeters of the polling stations.
7. âProhibition of Israelis from entering the West Bank and Gaza on election day with permission to enter only for those who work there and the residents of the settlements.
8. âThe preparatory period for the elections should not exceed two months. These preparations shall be undertaken by a joint Israeli-Palestinian committee. (The U.S. and Egypt may assist in forming this committee).
9. âGuarantee by the U.S. of all the above points together with a prior declaration to that effect on the part of the government of Israel.
10. âA halt to settlement.
PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat: Speech on the Intifada (September 1989)
In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in faith. If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (for varying fortunes) we give to men and men by turns: That God may know that those believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks martyr-witnesses (to truth). And God loveth not those who do wrong.
O the great masses of our Palestinian people, O the epic of the brave
intifada
[uprising] on the soil of the homeland, O steadfast heroes in the camps and on the borders of the homeland, O struggles in every field of struggle inside and outside the beloved homeland, victory is yours, as you are making your dear sacrifices on the path of national independence. Freedom and victory are yours as you daily create events of unique heroism and distinguished experience for your giant
intifada,
which has occupied its lofty peak since its first waves in the history of mankind as a major landmark and a new contribution to the experience of peoples struggling against the forces of colonialism, Zionism, racism, coercion, and injustice.
intifada
[uprising] on the soil of the homeland, O steadfast heroes in the camps and on the borders of the homeland, O struggles in every field of struggle inside and outside the beloved homeland, victory is yours, as you are making your dear sacrifices on the path of national independence. Freedom and victory are yours as you daily create events of unique heroism and distinguished experience for your giant
intifada,
which has occupied its lofty peak since its first waves in the history of mankind as a major landmark and a new contribution to the experience of peoples struggling against the forces of colonialism, Zionism, racism, coercion, and injustice.
O women of my country; O heroes of my country; O brave and heroic youths and men of my country; you continue the march with more resolution and stronger will as you are entering the 22d month of the sacred stones
intifada.
Despite all repressive and terrorist attempts and despite the great sacrifices, you have continuedâwith legendary courageâto raise the banner of resistance. And, with your stones, you are pounding the structure of the transient occupation and building our forthcoming Palestinian state, making the certain date of independence and freedom nearer for our people. Who in the world, beloved ones, could have believed or predictedâin those days of January 1987âthat the
intifada
would continue and escalate? Who in the world was ready to admit our people's great ability to continue the march to achieve the goal which we will not relinquish, the goal of independence, freedom, and victory. Many people refused to believe our signs. Many people were not interested in our talk about the escalating volcano inside and outside the homeland. Many people were also not interested in our talk about the gathering storm throughout the region. Then the
intifada
came, the
intifada
came so that we could storm the walls of the world's conscience. Its news also reached every house around the world and our people's cause has recorded its shining and prominent regional and international presence. The phoenix has set out each day to occupy new positions, which would not have existed without the great sacrifices and the procession of martyrs who fill the path of heroism and gloryâthe path of the dear sons and righteous beloved ones. This is in addition to the sacrifices and heroism of our wounded, prisoners, and detainees that emerged through this mammoth popular momentum of the great people of the
intifada,
through their inspiring legendary steadfastness, and through this firmness and resistance of our heroes in the positions of combat and conflict. . . .
intifada.
Despite all repressive and terrorist attempts and despite the great sacrifices, you have continuedâwith legendary courageâto raise the banner of resistance. And, with your stones, you are pounding the structure of the transient occupation and building our forthcoming Palestinian state, making the certain date of independence and freedom nearer for our people. Who in the world, beloved ones, could have believed or predictedâin those days of January 1987âthat the
intifada
would continue and escalate? Who in the world was ready to admit our people's great ability to continue the march to achieve the goal which we will not relinquish, the goal of independence, freedom, and victory. Many people refused to believe our signs. Many people were not interested in our talk about the escalating volcano inside and outside the homeland. Many people were also not interested in our talk about the gathering storm throughout the region. Then the
intifada
came, the
intifada
came so that we could storm the walls of the world's conscience. Its news also reached every house around the world and our people's cause has recorded its shining and prominent regional and international presence. The phoenix has set out each day to occupy new positions, which would not have existed without the great sacrifices and the procession of martyrs who fill the path of heroism and gloryâthe path of the dear sons and righteous beloved ones. This is in addition to the sacrifices and heroism of our wounded, prisoners, and detainees that emerged through this mammoth popular momentum of the great people of the
intifada,
through their inspiring legendary steadfastness, and through this firmness and resistance of our heroes in the positions of combat and conflict. . . .
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