Condoleezza Rice pushes Palestinian state

cryptowonderdruginvogue · 10.15.2007, 07:22 PM

Maybe the Bush administration may leave a positive legacy just yet....

http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/266949

Rice pushes Palestinian state
TheStar.com - World - Rice pushes Palestinian state

October 15, 2007
MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH
Associated Press

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The time has come to establish a Palestinian state and it is in the interest of the United States to do so, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today in one of her most forceful statements yet on the issue.

The comments from Rice, after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, suggested that the Bush administration is determined to try to bridge the wide gaps between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a planned U.S.-hosted Mideast conference.

The gathering is expected to take place next month, though no date has been announced.

The Israelis and Palestinians are trying to work out an outline for a final peace deal ahead of the Annapolis conference, but tensions rose yesterday when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his cabinet that he did not regard that outline as a prerequisite for the meeting to take place.

The Palestinians said that without such a document, they would not attend.

Israel has been pushing for a vaguely worded document while the Palestinians want a detailed outline, complete with a timetable for establishing a Palestinian state.

“Frankly, it’s time for the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Rice said today in Ramallah, standing next to Abbas.

“I wanted to say in my own voice . . . to as many people as possible that the United States sees the establishment of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution as absolutely essential for the future, not just of Palestinians and Israelis but also for the Middle East and indeed to American interests,” she said.

``That’s really a message that I think only I can deliver.”

However, Rice was cool to the Palestinian plea for a deadline on reaching a final peace deal.

“I am not certain that a timetable that says we have to complete X by Y time is where we want to go,” she told reporters.

She also said a joint document “does not have to be detailed in order to be serial,” although she did indicate that substantive matters had to be discussed.

“We, frankly, have better things to do than invite people to Annapolis for a photo op,” she said.

The Bush administration has said it wants a working paper dealing with all the key disputes before the start of the conference. The issues include borders, the status of disputed Jerusalem, Israeli settlements and Palestinian refugees.

The chief Palestinian negotiator, Ahmed Qureia, has said one or two sentences outlining a solution for each issue would be sufficient.

Concerning Jerusalem, for example, he said it would be enough to declare that west Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel and east Jerusalem the capital of Palestine. The line of division would then be determined in negotiations.

Olmert hinted today that he is ready to share control of the city, saying that Israel could do without controlling some of Jerusalem’s outlying Arab neighbourhoods.

Olmert’s top ally, Vice-Premier Haim Ramon, has made such statements in the past, but it was the first time Olmert adopted this position.

Rice said ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a priority for President George W. Bush and praised Israel and Palestinians for making their “most serial effort” in years to end the conflict.

Olmert and Abbas have held several meetings in recent months, and the two sides have appointed negotiating teams to hammer out their joint vision for peace in time foMaybe the Bush administration may leave a positive legacy just yet....

http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/266949

Rice pushes Palestinian state
TheStar.com - World - Rice pushes Palestinian state

October 15, 2007
MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH
Associated Press

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The time has come to establish a Palestinian state and it is in the interest of the United States to do so, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today in one of her most forceful statements yet on the issue.

The comments from Rice, after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, suggested that the Bush administration is determined to try to bridge the wide gaps between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a planned U.S.-hosted Mideast conference.

The gathering is expected to take place next month, though no date has been announced.

The Israelis and Palestinians are trying to work out an outline for a final peace deal ahead of the Annapolis conference, but tensions rose yesterday when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his cabinet that he did not regard that outline as a prerequisite for the meeting to take place.

The Palestinians said that without such a document, they would not attend.

Israel has been pushing for a vaguely worded document while the Palestinians want a detailed outline, complete with a timetable for establishing a Palestinian state.

“Frankly, it’s time for the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Rice said today in Ramallah, standing next to Abbas.

“I wanted to say in my own voice . . . to as many people as possible that the United States sees the establishment of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution as absolutely essential for the future, not just of Palestinians and Israelis but also for the Middle East and indeed to American interests,” she said.

``That’s really a message that I think only I can deliver.”

However, Rice was cool to the Palestinian plea for a deadline on reaching a final peace deal.

“I am not certain that a timetable that says we have to complete X by Y time is where we want to go,” she told reporters.

She also said a joint document “does not have to be detailed in order to be serial,” although she did indicate that substantive matters had to be discussed.

“We, frankly, have better things to do than invite people to Annapolis for a photo op,” she said.

The Bush administration has said it wants a working paper dealing with all the key disputes before the start of the conference. The issues include borders, the status of disputed Jerusalem, Israeli settlements and Palestinian refugees.

The chief Palestinian negotiator, Ahmed Qureia, has said one or two sentences outlining a solution for each issue would be sufficient.

Concerning Jerusalem, for example, he said it would be enough to declare that west Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel and east Jerusalem the capital of Palestine. The line of division would then be determined in negotiations.

Olmert hinted today that he is ready to share control of the city, saying that Israel could do without controlling some of Jerusalem’s outlying Arab neighbourhoods.

Olmert’s top ally, Vice-Premier Haim Ramon, has made such statements in the past, but it was the first time Olmert adopted this position.

Rice said ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a priority for President George W. Bush and praised Israel and Palestinians for making their “most serial effort” in years to end the conflict.

Olmert and Abbas have held several meetings in recent months, and the two sides have appointed negotiating teams to hammer out their joint vision for peace in time for the gathering.

Abbas said he has asked for U.S. help in halting Israeli settlement expansion and the ongoing construction of Israel’s West Bank separation barrier.

Rice is on a four-day shuttle mission, trying to create common ground ahead of the Mideast meeting. A State Department official hinted yesterday that the conference might be postponed. However, aides to Abbas suggested today that the gathering would at most be rescheduled for early December.

Abbas and Rice met for 3-1/2 hours today at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Yesterday, Rice held a first round of talks with Israeli leaders.r the gathering.

Abbas said he has asked for U.S. help in halting Israeli settlement expansion and the ongoing construction of Israel’s West Bank separation barrier.

Rice is on a four-day shuttle mission, trying to create common ground ahead of the Mideast meeting. A State Department official hinted yesterday that the conference might be postponed. However, aides to Abbas suggested today that the gathering would at most be rescheduled for early December.

Abbas and Rice met for 3-1/2 hours today at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Yesterday, Rice held a first round of talks with Israeli leaders.

cryptowonderdruginvogue · 10.15.2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel

drill oil

H-O-L-L-E-R

ThePits · 10.15.2007, 08:11 PM

Too little too late

Lamont Cranston · 10.16.2007, 12:21 AM

It'll consist of The Gaza Strip, pretty much as it is now (i.e. "worlds largest prison") while the West Bank will in reality cease to exist: the Jordan Valley and East-Jerusalem and everything behind the 'Security Wall' will be totally annexed, what remains of the West Bank after that will be pockmarked with Israeli settlements (population: 247,300 and growing) and criss-crossed with Israeli only super-highways, what remains of the West Bank after that will be three small unconnected plots of land graciously designated for Palestinians, deep inside "Greater Israel". Any of you familiar with the Bantustans of Arpatheid South Africa?
So yes I suppose you could call this a state, or you could call it fried chicken.

pbradley · 10.16.2007, 12:44 AM

I would like to believe that this is solely in the interest of peace but I can't.

10.15.2007, 07:22 PM	#1
cryptowonderdruginvogue invito al cielo Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: the party Posts: 10,281	Maybe the Bush administration may leave a positive legacy just yet.... http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/266949 Rice pushes Palestinian state TheStar.com - World - Rice pushes Palestinian state October 15, 2007 MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH Associated Press RAMALLAH, West Bank — The time has come to establish a Palestinian state and it is in the interest of the United States to do so, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today in one of her most forceful statements yet on the issue. The comments from Rice, after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, suggested that the Bush administration is determined to try to bridge the wide gaps between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a planned U.S.-hosted Mideast conference. The gathering is expected to take place next month, though no date has been announced. The Israelis and Palestinians are trying to work out an outline for a final peace deal ahead of the Annapolis conference, but tensions rose yesterday when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his cabinet that he did not regard that outline as a prerequisite for the meeting to take place. The Palestinians said that without such a document, they would not attend. Israel has been pushing for a vaguely worded document while the Palestinians want a detailed outline, complete with a timetable for establishing a Palestinian state. “Frankly, it’s time for the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Rice said today in Ramallah, standing next to Abbas. “I wanted to say in my own voice . . . to as many people as possible that the United States sees the establishment of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution as absolutely essential for the future, not just of Palestinians and Israelis but also for the Middle East and indeed to American interests,” she said. ``That’s really a message that I think only I can deliver.” However, Rice was cool to the Palestinian plea for a deadline on reaching a final peace deal. “I am not certain that a timetable that says we have to complete X by Y time is where we want to go,” she told reporters. She also said a joint document “does not have to be detailed in order to be serial,” although she did indicate that substantive matters had to be discussed. “We, frankly, have better things to do than invite people to Annapolis for a photo op,” she said. The Bush administration has said it wants a working paper dealing with all the key disputes before the start of the conference. The issues include borders, the status of disputed Jerusalem, Israeli settlements and Palestinian refugees. The chief Palestinian negotiator, Ahmed Qureia, has said one or two sentences outlining a solution for each issue would be sufficient. Concerning Jerusalem, for example, he said it would be enough to declare that west Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel and east Jerusalem the capital of Palestine. The line of division would then be determined in negotiations. Olmert hinted today that he is ready to share control of the city, saying that Israel could do without controlling some of Jerusalem’s outlying Arab neighbourhoods. Olmert’s top ally, Vice-Premier Haim Ramon, has made such statements in the past, but it was the first time Olmert adopted this position. Rice said ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a priority for President George W. Bush and praised Israel and Palestinians for making their “most serial effort” in years to end the conflict. Olmert and Abbas have held several meetings in recent months, and the two sides have appointed negotiating teams to hammer out their joint vision for peace in time foMaybe the Bush administration may leave a positive legacy just yet.... http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/266949 Rice pushes Palestinian state TheStar.com - World - Rice pushes Palestinian state October 15, 2007 MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH Associated Press RAMALLAH, West Bank — The time has come to establish a Palestinian state and it is in the interest of the United States to do so, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said today in one of her most forceful statements yet on the issue. The comments from Rice, after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, suggested that the Bush administration is determined to try to bridge the wide gaps between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a planned U.S.-hosted Mideast conference. The gathering is expected to take place next month, though no date has been announced. The Israelis and Palestinians are trying to work out an outline for a final peace deal ahead of the Annapolis conference, but tensions rose yesterday when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his cabinet that he did not regard that outline as a prerequisite for the meeting to take place. The Palestinians said that without such a document, they would not attend. Israel has been pushing for a vaguely worded document while the Palestinians want a detailed outline, complete with a timetable for establishing a Palestinian state. “Frankly, it’s time for the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Rice said today in Ramallah, standing next to Abbas. “I wanted to say in my own voice . . . to as many people as possible that the United States sees the establishment of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution as absolutely essential for the future, not just of Palestinians and Israelis but also for the Middle East and indeed to American interests,” she said. ``That’s really a message that I think only I can deliver.” However, Rice was cool to the Palestinian plea for a deadline on reaching a final peace deal. “I am not certain that a timetable that says we have to complete X by Y time is where we want to go,” she told reporters. She also said a joint document “does not have to be detailed in order to be serial,” although she did indicate that substantive matters had to be discussed. “We, frankly, have better things to do than invite people to Annapolis for a photo op,” she said. The Bush administration has said it wants a working paper dealing with all the key disputes before the start of the conference. The issues include borders, the status of disputed Jerusalem, Israeli settlements and Palestinian refugees. The chief Palestinian negotiator, Ahmed Qureia, has said one or two sentences outlining a solution for each issue would be sufficient. Concerning Jerusalem, for example, he said it would be enough to declare that west Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel and east Jerusalem the capital of Palestine. The line of division would then be determined in negotiations. Olmert hinted today that he is ready to share control of the city, saying that Israel could do without controlling some of Jerusalem’s outlying Arab neighbourhoods. Olmert’s top ally, Vice-Premier Haim Ramon, has made such statements in the past, but it was the first time Olmert adopted this position. Rice said ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a priority for President George W. Bush and praised Israel and Palestinians for making their “most serial effort” in years to end the conflict. Olmert and Abbas have held several meetings in recent months, and the two sides have appointed negotiating teams to hammer out their joint vision for peace in time for the gathering. Abbas said he has asked for U.S. help in halting Israeli settlement expansion and the ongoing construction of Israel’s West Bank separation barrier. Rice is on a four-day shuttle mission, trying to create common ground ahead of the Mideast meeting. A State Department official hinted yesterday that the conference might be postponed. However, aides to Abbas suggested today that the gathering would at most be rescheduled for early December. Abbas and Rice met for 3-1/2 hours today at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Yesterday, Rice held a first round of talks with Israeli leaders.r the gathering. Abbas said he has asked for U.S. help in halting Israeli settlement expansion and the ongoing construction of Israel’s West Bank separation barrier. Rice is on a four-day shuttle mission, trying to create common ground ahead of the Mideast meeting. A State Department official hinted yesterday that the conference might be postponed. However, aides to Abbas suggested today that the gathering would at most be rescheduled for early December. Abbas and Rice met for 3-1/2 hours today at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Yesterday, Rice held a first round of talks with Israeli leaders.
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10.15.2007, 08:11 PM	#3
ThePits stalker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: London Posts: 505	Too little too late
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10.16.2007, 12:21 AM	#4
Lamont Cranston 100% Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 725	It'll consist of The Gaza Strip, pretty much as it is now (i.e. "worlds largest prison") while the West Bank will in reality cease to exist: the Jordan Valley and East-Jerusalem and everything behind the 'Security Wall' will be totally annexed, what remains of the West Bank after that will be pockmarked with Israeli settlements (population: 247,300 and growing) and criss-crossed with Israeli only super-highways, what remains of the West Bank after that will be three small unconnected plots of land graciously designated for Palestinians, deep inside "Greater Israel". Any of you familiar with the Bantustans of Arpatheid South Africa? So yes I suppose you could call this a state, or you could call it fried chicken.
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10.16.2007, 12:44 AM	#5
pbradley invito al cielo Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SoKo Posts: 10,621	I would like to believe that this is solely in the interest of peace but I can't.
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