Qureia: Give peace a chance
Photo: AP
Qureia: Israel has a partner
Ynet interview: Outgoing Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia optimistic about peace prospects despite Hamas election victory, says Islamic group will back peace process if it sees genuine Israeli intentions
Despite Hamas' elections victory and rise to power, Israel has a partner for negotiations if it wishes to advance a genuine peace process, outgoing Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia told Ynet in an interview Saturday.
"Uunilateral moves would only increase the hostility between the two peoples," Qureia said. "On the Palestinian side there's a leadership headed by Abu-Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) that is willing to enter diplomatic negotiations immediately and reach a genuine, mutual peace agreement."
According to the outgoing PM, if the Palestinians see genuine Israeli intentions to advance the peace process, "even Hamas won't have a choice and it will be part of the process and back it."
Olmert is busy with the task of forming the coalition. In your eyes and in the eyes of the Palestinians, is there a preferable Israeli coalition?
"The coalition is an Israeli matter, but I hope the government that is established would make peace. When I say peace I mean a mutual peace agreement and not unilateral moves."
"Unilateral solutions are more unilateral than they are a solution. It means that with this solution the other side is dissatisfied. And when the other side is dissatisfied nothing has been achieved, even if this creates a certain reality for five, 10, or 15 years."
"The question is what will happen after that. Unilateralism was never the ideal solution."
And what is your estimate? In which direction are things moving following the elections in the PA and Israel? It appears there's no choice aside from a unilateral policy.
"I believe that the people on our side and also in Israel understand that steps based on the use of force and the principle of unilateralism don't stop the violence, but rather, only increase hostility and mutual suspicions."
"The people need something else, a different policy, a different attitude. I hope that Israel will have a coalition based on the principle of peace, and the only genuine peace is the one achieved through a mutual agreement, so that its supporters on both sides have something to fight for and to safeguard."
"We're willing to immediately enter genuine negotiations and we don't need to start from scratch. In the Taba talks, for example, significant progress was recorded on many issues so we can base it on what was achieved in Taba."
Most Israelis, following the PA elections, are more doubtful and suspicious: Are the Palestinians ready for genuine negotiations with a Hamas government in power?
"I don't agree with that. In order to draw public opinion and all the sides to the process and to back it, we must show there's something in exchange, that there's a genuine Israeli intention to go in the direction of peace."
"On our side, when the people, including Hamas, would see there's progress, that there's an intention on the part of Israel, everyone will support this move. But if there's no hope and the continuation of the collective punishment policy, building in the settlements, and the construction of the separation fence, then certainly people will believe and think there's no room for negotiations."
In light of the current situation in the PA, do you really believe there's willingness, and more so, ability on the Palestinian side to enter a process of negotiations?
"Certainly. The Palestinian side has complete willingness and complete ability to immediately enter highly serious diplomatic talks. The PA chairman and the Palestinian leadership are willing, at once, to enter such negotiations. And the argument that there's no partner is false. The partner exists and is ready and willing, but the question is whether there's a chance for a real solution and what the talks would center on. Are there real intentions to reach a solution?"
How do you see the future of the Palestinian people in the coming period, with the world moving in the direction of boycotting the Hamas government and curbing aid to the Palestinians because of Hamas? PA officials don't know how they'll be paid at the end of the month.
"There's no doubt that if the world chooses this move of boycotting and curbing aid, this would have negative consequences for the Palestinian people and turn the mission our leadership and all of us are facing into a very difficult mission."
"We're engaged in contacts with many elements in the world in order to reach understandings and soften the positions, in a bid to ensure continued international aid and support."
"Yet regarding salaries, even during our period (in power) we would have to somehow figure out every month how to pay salaries. This situation, to my regret, is expected to continue. At the same time, the Palestinian leadership continues with its efforts and contacts with the entire world in order to bring about a solution for the economic problems and ensure continued international support."
