Haim Ramon – gradual peace
Photo: Yossi Rot
MK Ramon: We'll make peace in stages
Kadima member Haim Ramon says new party to implement Road Map gradually, introduce European-style social-democratic economic policies, work to change system of government
Gradual peace process and new system of government: Knesset Member Haim Ramon, formerly of Labor, outlined Friday three main objectives to be pursued by PM Sharon's Kadima party – gradual implementation of the Road Map peace initiative, the introduction of European-style social-democratic economic policies, and an amended system of government.
Ramon said a new government system is essential in order to allow government to achieve their objectives.
Speaking before industrialists and businesspeople in Tel Aviv, Ramon promised progress in the peace process under Sharon.
"As opposed to (Labor leader) Peretz and (Likud leader) Netanyahu, when we'll need to take decisions, Sharon will be able to make decisions such as the withdrawal from Gaza," Ramon said.
The Knesset member added the current system of government does not allow politicians to govern, because they are forced to waste valuable time in political maneuvering required for survival.
"We should act to change the system, whether to a presidential rule or another system," he said. "The prime minister today invests 30-50 percent of his time for survival. The problem is that not only does one need to forge a coalition, but also must set up a coalition within one's own party."
'Likud is radical'
Turning his attention to the Likud, Ramon said "(Benjamin) Netanyahu and (Uzi) Landau oppose the Road Map," charging the two would not agree to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the creation of a Palestinian state.
"Look what happened in the last elections. Two-thirds of Likud voters voted in the primaries for candidates who objected to the Gaza disengagement. If that's not radical Right, what is?" Ramon said.
"Then there is Kadima. The prime minister said: 'We'll progress in stages and in a very measured and cautious way'. We don't have aspirations to strike a final-status agreement within a year, but rather, in a phased way, in stages. Exactly the way it was with the Oslo (agreement,)" Ramon added. "To my regret, both Netanyahu and (former Prime Minister Ehud) Barak deserted the Oslo way."
Ramon also charged both Likud and Labor were attempting to blur their identify in an effort to mislead the public.
"Most of the public is not socialist. Most of the public rejects reckless capitalism. Most of the public doesn't believe we can reach a heavenly peace deal and that reality cannot get stuck in a status quo," he said.
