Cartographic moves
It seems as each day passes that we are getting closer to the possibility of implementing the roadmap . Recent conferences indicate that it is increasingly likely despite Israel's initial rejection which made everyone think that it couldn't happen.
The plan in itself does not embrace all Arab hopes but at least it requires that Israel withdraw from occupied Palestinian Authority lands, dismantle some of the illegally built settlements and cease the construction of any new ones. As for the Palestinians' right to armed resistance, an end to violence is not a decision the Palestinian Authority can make. It is a decision that must be made by the people, and will follow as a logical consequence of withdrawal from occupied territories and improvements in the living conditions of Palestinians.
It is true that Sharon has tended to deliberately provoke violence whenever hopes for a resolution to the conflict grow. The latest attempt was the announcement allowing Jews to pray inside Al- Aqsa Mosque. But Washington, following its entanglement in Iraq, may no longer allow Sharon to continue as he has always continued. It may well force Israel to accept the roadmap.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 5 -11 June 2003 (Issue No. 641)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/641/op6.htm