Peretz: New road map needed
Defense minister says, ‘Political stalemate has set in. We are in need of new road map that will combine Saudi initiative, current road map’s guidelines on Palestinian problem’; MK Ayalon: This approach will fail
The defense minister added that he supports the launching of peace negotiations with Syria. “The price tag (for peace) is known,” he said.
The defense minister presented to his faction members his diplomatic initiative, which is founded on a commitment to provide the Palestinian public with a realistic diplomatic horizon, in order to strengthen the moderate camp within the PA.
"Any stalemate will embolden the extremists," Peretz said, stressing that his plan does not include conceding areas in Israel that were defined as Israeli regions.
Peretz's plan, "to combine the Saudi initiative with the road map", is comprised of three phases: Stabilizing the economic and security situation, general negotiation on a permanent solution and extension of Palestinian sovereignty, and specific negotiation regarding the details of the permanent solution.
Peretz’s comments came one day after former Prime Minister Ehud Barak announced his candidacy for Labor Party chairmanship.
Prisoner release, outpost evacuation
In the framework of phase A, kidnapped solider Gilad Shalit will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. In addition, the ceasefire will be founded on preventive operations by Palestinian security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and on Palestinian-Israeli coordination.
This stage is set to bring about an improvement in the life of the Palestinians and a revival of the economic activity in the PA, through the implementation of the "Access and Crossings Agreement."
Additionally, illegal outposts that were built after March 2001 will be evacuated.
Phase B of the plan focuses on negotiations over a permanent agreement and extending the Palestinian sovereignty. During this stage, Israel will negotiate with Abbas, or any other official Palestinian representative willing to recognize the Quartet's conditions.
The negotiations will include, among other things, talks about security and customs arrangement in the Gaza port. The principles agreed upon will be presented to a multinational Arab committee, which will grant them its support.
The objective of the negotiations will be to achieve a two-state solution in the spirit of President Bush's vision and based on the Saudi initiative.
Phase C of the plan is comprised of specific negotiations regarding the permanent plan, that will be derived from the general ideas consolidated in Phase B. This phase is longer than the other two phases and is planned for 18 months.
At the end of the last phase: Implementation of the agreement and the creation of a Palestinian state. The process will continue a number of years, with the support of the international community.
Praise, criticism in Labor
Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon praised Peretz's three-phase plan, saying he is "glad about any policy that is founded to advance dialogue with our neighbors."
Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, saying "we always said we wanted to strengthen the moderates…This plan will serve as a basis for negotiation within the Labor party."
MK Ami Ayalon spoke against the policy suggested by Peretz, saying "such an approach of working in phases will fail."
Miri Chason contributed to the report
