7 - 13 March 2002
Issue No.576
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 7 - 13 March 2002 Issue No.576 |
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Evading peace
The Saudi initiative restates Security Council Resolution 242, which stipulates Israeli withdrawal in exchange for full recognition.
When a well-known American journalist suggested that the upcoming Arab summit should adopt such a proposal, I thought it a way to break the impasse in the peace process. When the proposal came from the Saudi Crown Prince it gained impetus by taking on an official slant and assumed an additional dimension, for Saudi Arabia, like many other Arab countries, was neither party to the Security Council decision, nor is it required to recognise Israel or naturalise its relationship with it.
Israel is, therefore, being offered an extra dividend through this proposal, something that should act to motivate the Israeli government to abandon its aggressive policies and return to the negotiating table.
The most important thing about the Saudi initiative is that it represents a real test of the Israeli government's intentions. If Israel really wants peace it will accept the initiative. But if it dodges the bid it might never receive a better offer.
Unfortunately Israel's reaction is discouraging. When Israel asks for exchange visits with the Saudi side, it is trying to effect normalisation without withdrawing from the occupied territories, as the initiative stipulates. This does not suggest a desire for peace.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
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