Peace on the horizon for Israel and Palestine?

By Nelson Alcantara l eTurboNews

Intense negotiations between officials from Israel and Palestine have led to a new agreement that could finally lead to a peaceful resolution between the feuding neighbors.

With the aim to create an independent Palestinian state by the end of 2008, officials from Israel and Palestine have committed to resuming long-stalled peace talks.

In Annapolis, Maryland, US President George W. Bush read a joint statement by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who pledged to begin the “first serious and substantive negotiations in seven years” month.

"We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis," the statement said.

"We agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements," it continued. "We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008."

The agreement comes following weeks of intense negotiations, leaving everyone wondering whether the two sides had agreed on moving forward with resuming peace talks. According to published reports, it was not clear until President Bush stepped to the podium in the majestic Memorial Hall at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had agreed to resume peace negotiations, with the first peace talks scheduled for Dec. 12 followed by biweekly talks after that.

The Palestinian leader gave an impassioned speech appealing to Israelis to support the peace process. He said war and terrorism "belong to the past."

According to an Associated Press account, after reading aloud the freshly reached agreement, Bush shook hands with Abbas and Olmert. Then those leaders shook each other's hands. “To maximize the moment of potential breakthrough, the three went through the gestures again. This time, they clasped hands together. And, for a moment, Bush stepped back and raised his hands to encourage the other two to come together for a handshake, which they did.”

with wire inputs

Printable Version | published Nov 27, 2007

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