Jordan Times
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Palestinians, Israelis
can reach endgame - King
AMMAN (JT) - His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said that despite difficult
times parties to the Middle East conflict would face, they can get to the
endgame.
He said in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the issues on
the table are “complex and decades-old” and “real grievances must be faced - and
left behind” (see full text of the speech).
On the positive side, however, “Israelis and Palestinians understand their deep,
shared stake in ending the conflict. And a great amount of work has already been
done… the parameters of the solutions are in focus. I believe the parties can
get to the endgame”.
For this to happen, King Abdullah said it is vital that the international
community, particularly the EU, be engaged.
The union’s role is particularly significant in the aftermath of the hoped peace
settlement, he told lawmakers.
“Europe has a unique experience with the mechanisms and process of post-conflict
recovery and reconciliation. This includes creating a security framework that
can offer assurance to both sides. European peacekeeping forces have played a
constructive role in Lebanon. Your commitment can help bring great trust to a
Palestinian-Israeli settlement.”
The King arrived back home later yesterday.