Wednesday, Mar 02, 2005
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By Hasan Suroor
LONDON, MARCH 1. An international conference on Palestine, hosted by the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, here on Tuesday, has called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to resume the peace process outlined in the U.S.-backed "road map.'' The one-day conference, attended by the U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, and the U.N. Secretary-General, Kofi Anan, besides representatives of several Arab countries, proposed the setting up of a U.S.-led group to "oversee'' the Palestinian security reforms envisaged in the road map to deal with militant groups. It also called for measures by the European Union and the World Bank to revive the Palestinian economy. A team from E.U. and the World Bank was expected to help the Palestinian Government in its economic reconstruction efforts.
Dr. Rice emphasised the need for both sides to show their commitment to the road map. In what was seen as an attempt to sound even-handed, she combined her appeal to the Palestinian leadership to crack down on militant groups with a reminder to Israel of its obligation to withdraw from Palestinian territories. In coming months, the task before the international community would be to help with Palestinian reforms and press for Israeli withdrawal, she suggested.
Commited to reform
The Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, said he was fully committed to reform and peace with Israel. He said his Government was prepared to work "hand in hand'' with Israel to push forward the peace process. "The peace that has become the dire need of Palestinians and Israelis is possible as long as we work in earnest,'' he said. But he also wanted Israel to reciprocate by keeping its side of the bargain. In his opening remarks, Mr. Blair said the aim of the conference was to promote efforts towards a permanent settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through a viable two-state solution — an independent Palestinian state existing side by side with Israel as envisaged in the road map. Calling for an improved security environment in the region, Mr. Blair said: "It is something that concerns all the countries representing here.'' Mr. Kofi Anan sounded an optimistic note saying that "the sense of expectation is palpable.'' He urged "key players'' to keep their eyes on the "ultimate prize of a lasting peace.'' Representatives of nearly 30 countries and organisations attended the conference, but Israel declined the invitation though it was reported to have been consulted on the proposals discussed at the meeting.
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