Abbas: Arab Peace Initiative remains the only option
Speaking before the Arab League, PA President Abbas reiterates that the only way to peace is the Arab Initiative adopted in 2002 calling for a withdrawal to the 1967 lines.
Abbas said that attempts at temporary solutions to the Palestinian issue or to integrate it into a regional framework are not helpful. He further contended that the Palestinians remained opposed to any changes to the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted by the Arab League during the 2002 summit.
That proposal calls for the normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab world in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders and a solution to the Palestinian refugee issue based on international resolutions.
Abbas accused the Israeli government of actively working to destroy the possibility of two-state option over the past eight years by increasing construction and expropriation of lands in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
He said the policy is effectively creating a single-state reality on the ground and accused Israel of conducting a policy of apartheid.
According to Abbas, Israel’s demand for Palestinians to recognize the Jewish state is only an excuse to justify the perpetuation of 'the occupation.'
King Abdullah of Jordan also accused Israel of actively undermining the chances for peace, saying that regional peace and stability will only be possible should the Palestinian issue be resolved on the basis of a two-state solution.
He concluded by saying Jordan is opposed to any change in the status quo regarding prayer arrangements for the al-Aqsa Mosque or the authority of the Waqf over the Temple Mount.
Despite celebrations on the Israeli political right, US Ambassador Nikki Haley argued very early on that the administration still supported the two-state solution.
Palestinian leadership are still awaiting a US plan regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in order to size up the new American administration, along with the potential upcoming agreement between the US and Israel on construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and King Abdullah of Jordan are scheduled to visit the White House in the next two weeks.
Article reprinted with permission from TPS.
