Editorial
Palestinian bid for statehood
Time to break new ground
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has gone to New York to speak at the United Nations with great hopes and anticipation, in making his bid for membership in the UN as an independent sate. However, this hope is not without forebodings. It does not come without its share of opposition.
The forces which go against the Palestinian bid for a full membership as an independent sate in the UN are not negligible. For one, Israel accuses Palestine of rushing and circumventing direct negotiations, which it sees as the only method to achieve peace.
This position sounds fair as far as rhetorical discourse is concerned but it must not be forgotten that the Palestinians have attempted a series of negotiations on a halt to Israeli settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem only to be refused by Israel. Therefore, where is the room for direct negotiations and dialogue which Israel speaks of? If there is a true desire for Israel to engage in direct talks, why have they taken so long and allowed innocent casualties?
As if the lack of any direct talks was not frustrating enough, Palestine is also faced with the lack of US opposition of settlement activity. Furthermore, the US threatens to veto a full membership application by Palestine, a recurring reminder of its close alliance with Israel.
Envoys of the quartet on the Middle East should take a pro-active role in mediating acceptable solutions in the light of the latest developments. The Palestine move does not preclude new talks but it should be able to negotiate from a position of strength.
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