Secretary of State reveals a plan by Tony Blair to bring $4 billion of investments to Palestine
By Francis Matthew, Editor at Large
Published: 22:59 May 26, 2013
US Secretary of State John Kerry announced his renewed determination to make the peace process in Palestine work, while also revealing a plan by Quartet Ambassador Tony Blair to bring $4 billion of investments to Palestine.
The plan to build a powerful private sector in Palestine includes investment from local, regional and international businesses designed to dramatically lift the Palestinian economy.
Over 300 key business and society leaders representing a large part of the Palestinian and Israeli GDPs were in attendance to hear US Secretary of State John Kerry, President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Simon Peres speak at the World Economic Forum in Jordan.
Kerry was clear that the political leadership of Palestine and Isreal still had to reach an agreement, when he said that the two great peoples of Israel and Palestine should not be known for what they failed to do, or even worse refused to do.
“This economic plan does not replace the political process and the Two State Solution, and the lack of peace is the greatest danger to the region,” he said.
As a new Secretary of State, he recognised that he had been warned not to go near the Middle East, and commented that “I understand that the search for peace in Middle East is diplomatic quicksand. But cynicism never built anything and we all have to work for resolution of the conflict.”
Kerry spoke out unequivocally in favour of the Two State Solution, saying that it is the only sustainable answer. He dismissed any thought of a one state solution of Greater Israel as leading to decades of violence.
Kerry said that he had met the leaders of the Arab Peace Initiative last month who have updated their offer should be peace be achieved with Israel.
“No one is talking temporary borders or solutions. We are talking final and complete solution to be found in the next few months.”
Abbas
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke earlier warning that the Two State Solution needs to be implemented before the wave huge of young Palestinians dismiss normal politics and turn to more radical solutions.
“Our young people are losing hope and do not believe they will get two state side by side. With this despair a desperate and radical element will prevail in the future. Give youth hope and a legitimate right to self determination.”
Abbas called for political leaders on both sides to prioritise the Two State Solution. He said he is deeply concerned the lack of progress will reinforce the dangerous status quo, which is untenable and will create a catastrophe. Abbas also called for the release of all Palestinian political prisoners.
Israel President Simon Peres described the Arab Peace Process as a meaningful change and a strategic opportunity. He called for two states to live side by side in peace and respect.
Peres said that “our leaders” must make the effort to bridge the gap between Palestine and Israel, in a clear hint to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to restart the peace process.
“All these differences can be resolved in open and honest negotiations,” Peres said.
“Sceptics do not make history.”
The session was started by leading representatives of the business communities from both sides, Palestinian Munib Masri and Israeli Yossi Valdi issuing a stirring a call to action to both their leaders to break the impasse on the peace process and seek the implementation of the Two State Solution.
Over 300 key business and society leaders representing a large part of the Palestinian and Israeli GDPs were in attendance to hear US Secretary of State John Kerry, President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Simon Peres speak at the World Economic Forum in Jordan.
Kerry was clear that the political leadership of Palestine and Isreal still had to reach an agreement, when he said that the two great peoples of Israel and Palestine should not be known for what they failed to do, or even worse refused to do.
“This economic plan does not replace the political process and the Two State Solution, and the lack of peace is the greatest danger to the region,” he said.
As a new Secretary of State, he recognised that he had been warned not to go near the Middle East, and commented that “I understand that the search for peace in Middle East is diplomatic quicksand. But cynicism never built anything and we all have to work for resolution of the conflict.”
Kerry spoke out unequivocally in favour of the Two State Solution, saying that it is the only sustainable answer. He dismissed any thought of a one state solution of Greater Israel as leading to decades of violence.
Kerry said that he had met the leaders of the Arab Peace Initiative last month who have updated their offer should be peace be achieved with Israel.
“No one is talking temporary borders or solutions. We are talking final and complete solution to be found in the next few months.”
Abbas
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke earlier warning that the Two State Solution needs to be implemented before the wave huge of young Palestinians dismiss normal politics and turn to more radical solutions.
“Our young people are losing hope and do not believe they will get two state side by side. With this despair a desperate and radical element will prevail in the future. Give youth hope and a legitimate right to self determination.”
Abbas called for political leaders on both sides to prioritise the Two State Solution. He said he is deeply concerned the lack of progress will reinforce the dangerous status quo, which is untenable and will create a catastrophe. Abbas also called for the release of all Palestinian political prisoners.
Israel President Simon Peres described the Arab Peace Process as a meaningful change and a strategic opportunity. He called for two states to live side by side in peace and respect.
Peres said that “our leaders” must make the effort to bridge the gap between Palestine and Israel, in a clear hint to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to restart the peace process.
“All these differences can be resolved in open and honest negotiations,” Peres said.
“Sceptics do not make history.”
The session was started by leading representatives of the business communities from both sides, Palestinian Munib Masri and Israeli Yossi Valdi issuing a stirring a call to action to both their leaders to break the impasse on the peace process and seek the implementation of the Two State Solution.
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