Sharon’s peace plan: A Myth [Archives:2002/14/Viewpoint]

There is no doubt that having the Arab league summit endorse the Saudi initiative in last week’s summit in Beirut is a major landmark in the history of Arab-Israeli conflict. There is indeed a compromise by the Arab side, but still, this has been considered a sacrifice for the long-term solution of ending this political conflict that has been disrupting development and stability in the region.
With Yemen endorsing this initiative, the plan has been granted support of the Yemeni leadership in full to have a comprehensive – and as much as possible – just settlement.
However, it doesn’t look that the Israeli side will accept this initiative as it is. As a matter of fact, the Israeli government has already demanded changes in the plan and will probably draft its own version, which may drop many key issues that need to be resolved, including the Golan heights, and return of refugees.
Arabs must not have the illusion that the Sharon government will easily accept this plan. Hence, it is of great importance not to give any further compromises.
Arabs have expressed their desire for peace, and presented the proposal to the Israeli side and to the world as a good-will gesture. If there are points that could be negotiated, then that is OK. But we fear that Arabs may be requested – – with pressure from the US — to sacrifice even more for the ultimate “normalization” of relations with Israel.
It is of great importance to stand strong and say that is the best we can give. Let’s hope Israel seizes this opportunity to create history in making the first peace initiative to life.
We all need this peace, and we can achieve it if there is true will, which doesn’t seem to be evident with the Israelis yet.

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