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Photo: Dudu Fared
Uri Savir
Photo: Dudu Fared

Mediterranean pact needed

Israel should aim to form an alliance of all Mediterranean nations

The threat directed at us from Iran has forced us to think regionally and strategically.

 

Iran's immediate interest is directed southwards, towards the Persian Gulf and its oil reserves. The future of our power of deterrence must be directed eastwards, towards central Asia whereas the future of our regional peace efforts must be directed westwards, towards the Mediterranean Sea.

 

The Mediterranean is potentially important for regional peace. It features elements of joint identity, common social elements and economic interests.

 

The development of a Mediterranean community requires resolving the conflicts with the Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese, as well as stabilizing the situation in the Balkans, resolving the issues between Cyprus, Turkey and Greece, and handling the immigration issue from North Africa to southern Europe.

 

Israel is currently in need of a new political initiative, and with cooperation with the US it could lead such a move. An initiative of this type complements the Baker-Hamilton Report - the significance of which lies in it being bipartisan.

 

Therefore, according to the US and following the recent midterm elections, such an initiative would serve its interests in Iraq as well.

 

Such a move would have to comprise:

 

  • A declaration by 22 countries around the Mediterranean basin stating that they would relinquish terror.
  • Talks for a final-status agreement between Israel and Mahmoud Abbas according to the Clinton Parameters, while recognizing former agreements between the two sides.
  • Peace talks with Syria, taking into account former negotiations in which we gained significant achievements; defining the comprehensive peace identity, and recognizing Israel's need to deter Syria from a surprise attack.
  • Peace talks with the Lebanese government, with whom we don’t have any disputes.
  • Efforts by the US and the European Community to stabilize the situation in the Balkans and in Cyprus.
  • Granting an active role to south European states in the form of economic aid designated for post-conflict regions, and through economic and social openness towards immigration from the Maghreb.
  • Inclusion of the Mediterranean region into the European Community in order to gradually implement free trade in the Mediterranean.
  • Consolidation of an agreement with NATO for "Alliance for Peace" based on the model between NATO and East European nations. Such an alliance would contribute to stabilizing security in the region.
  • Cooperation on environmental issues in order to preserve natural resources that link the countries, namely, the Mediterranean itself.
  • Close cooperation in the tourist industry that could transform the Mediterranean into one of the world's leading tourist destinations.

 

The Mediterranean region is the birthplace of the three monotheistic faiths – Judaism, Christianity and Islam - and by conducting the right political dialogue we could create a new golden age in the region.

 

In face of the Iranian threat and the outcome of the second Lebanon war, we must not blindly accept political stagnation. Such an initiative as mentioned here, would force Arab nations to respond and they are likely to enjoy broad international praise.

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.24.06, 23:26
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