Still hope for peace

 
Translated from the Norwegian

For the first time in several years, Norway has been able to bring together a Palestinian Prime Minister and an Israeli Foreign Minister at an international donor meeting.

Today, Norway will chair a meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), the international donor forum for the Palestinian people, in New York.

The participants will include high-level political representatives from Arab countries, the UN Secretary-General, the US and Russian Foreign Ministers, the EU and the Quartet’s special envoy, Tony Blair.

As has been said time and again, the coming months are vitally important for the Middle East. There are many issues to which solutions have yet to be found, many deep wounds left by the conflict, and many unresolved tensions. Experience tells us not to be too optimistic. At the same time, it is important that we support the political initiatives being taken. We must not give up our hope of peace.

For the first time since 2001, direct political talks are taking place between Israel and the Palestinians. President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert regularly discuss fundamental issues related to the conflict and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. There is no need for alternative communication channels. It is enough that the parties have direct contact.

Building trust

The US is actively supporting these talks. The Arab countries are more closely involved than in previous negotiation rounds. This summer, President Bush invited the parties to a high-level political meeting in Washington. Will the meeting result in a declaration of principles on the establishment of a Palestinian state? Or will the parties move closer to agreement on the most important remaining issues – the return of land to the Palestinians, refugee issues, Israeli settlements, and the status of Jerusalem? This remains to be seen, but it is vital that the meeting is more than just a photo opportunity.

Today’s AHLC meeting in New York is not about these issues. Nevertheless, the fact that the meeting is taking place is still politically significant. The meeting will build trust, establish contacts and lay an important foundation for the future of the process. Economic stability and development in the Palestinian Territory are essential for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The next step may be to organise a donor conference for the Palestinians.

Numerous problems remain. It is a tragedy for the Palestinians that they, an occupied people, are split internally following the collapse of the coalition government. The split puts the Palestinian leaders in a difficult position. Israeli leaders too have to strike a balance between competing interests.

Norway has an important role as regards building consensus in the donor community and supporting the highly necessary reforms being implemented by the Palestinian Prime Minister. Today’s meeting will provide the Prime Minister with an opportunity to outline what is being done. It will also give donors the opportunity to normalise their support to the Palestinian Authority following a long period with temporary solutions.

The Palestinians will now be given greater control over their budgets. We want to move away from the situation where the Palestinian economy relies almost exclusively on emergency assistance.

Long-term development and capacity-building are required. We also need to continue to provide humanitarian assistance. Gaza and its large population must not be forgotten, as the Palestinian Prime Minister has emphasised strongly. Norway will propose that the donors establish a budget support fund for the running of hospitals and schools, and the salaries of health personnel and teachers.

Under pressure

The Palestinian economy is under severe pressure due to the conflict and Israel’s closure regime in the West Bank and around Gaza. The business sector in Gaza is in danger of total collapse. The situation in the West Bank is somewhat better, but the separation barrier will also have a serious effect there once it is completed.

The Israeli closure regime needs to be modified if sustainable economic development is to take place in the Palestinian Territory. Israel states that the borders with Gaza are closed due to the threat posed by militant Palestinian groups, and that the separation barrier and the many checkpoints in the West Bank help to prevent attacks on Israel.

Israel’s security needs must be taken seriously. Rocket attacks from Gaza are unacceptable, and serve to heighten Israel’s unease. I saw the consequences of such attacks myself when I visited Sderot in August.

At the same time, the security measures are creating hardship and great frustration among Palestinians. That is why Israel and the Palestinian Authority must reach agreement on an effective form of cooperation that will allow changes to be made to the closure regime. It is therefore vital that this issue is included in the direct talks now taking place between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

High risk

A further condition for a lasting political solution is Palestinian reconciliation. This is something the Palestinians themselves have to work on. A united Palestine can only have one central authority, led by the President.

Many problems remain, and the risk of setbacks and new outbreaks of violence is great. However, there are also new opportunities. We know that the population wants peace. We must never give up hope or our efforts to secure a robust and just peace agreement that enjoys broad popular support. Norway will do what it can. Today’s meeting is simply one part of our efforts.