– As soon as there is a ceasefire, it really only means that the hostilities stop, then it is important that a vacuum does not arise, you have to move on quickly, says Eide on the phone to NTB.
On Friday, he took part in meetings in Madrid about what is needed to realize the two-state solution, meetings in which ministers from several countries in the Middle East and Europe also participate.
At the meetings, they have discussed, among other things, how to proceed with the establishment of the state of Palestine, how the Palestinian authorities are to be strengthened financially and how Arab countries are to normalize relations with Israel.
– In addition, plans must be made for the Palestinian Authority to regain control of Gaza and for the demobilization of Hamas, says Eide.
Invited Israel
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The talks are taking place in parallel as a ceasefire in the Gaza war is being negotiated.
– Here are also Egypt and Qatar who are working with the US on a ceasefire. This meeting will be continued in New York during the high-level week in almost two weeks, then in a broader format, says Eide.
– Is it constructive to have these meetings without Israel?
– We have a standing answer that Israel has been invited, but not showing up is not an argument for all other countries having to wait, says the foreign minister.
– Netanyahu has always found a reason why it doesn’t fit right now, the current government in Israel has shown no willingness to sit down and negotiate, Eide says further about Israel not participating in the meetings, referring to the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
– Can’t have veto rights
– With the current government, there will be no progress. It is the most extreme government in Israel’s history, and they work systematically to undermine the Palestinian authorities, says Eide.
He emphasizes that Israel’s security needs must be taken into account and that the country must live in security, but that the country cannot have veto rights over the fate of the Palestinian people. This applies particularly in light of the International Court of Justice’s conclusion in July that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and borders on annexation, he says.
Eide leads the contact group together with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal, and also Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa, participated.
#Eide #ministerial #meeting #Palestines #future #important #vacuum #arise
2024-09-15 22:57:20
What are the main challenges facing the two-state solution in the Middle East?
Moving Forward: The Quest for a Two-State Solution in the Middle East
As the world waits with bated breath for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasizes the importance of swift action to prevent a power vacuum and push forward the two-state solution. Eide, who recently participated in meetings in Madrid, highlights the need for a coordinated effort to strengthen the Palestinian authorities, normalize relations between Arab countries and Israel, and establish the state of Palestine.
A Delicate Balance
A ceasefire, while a necessary step, is only the beginning. It is crucial to fill the void with constructive dialogue and action to avoid regression into violence. Eide stresses that the international community must not allow a power vacuum to arise, as this would only exacerbate the tensions. Instead, the focus should be on building a sustainable peace through a two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in harmony.
Madrid Meetings: Laying the Groundwork
The recent meetings in Madrid, attended by ministers from several countries in the Middle East and Europe, have set the stage for further discussions on the way forward. The gatherings have centered around crucial aspects of the two-state solution, including:
- Establishing the State of Palestine: The talks have explored ways to recognize and legitimize the Palestinian state, ensuring its sovereignty and independence.
- Strengthening the Palestinian Authorities: Financial support and capacity-building measures have been discussed to enable the Palestinian authorities to govern effectively and provide essential services to their citizens.
- Normalizing Arab-Israel Relations: Arab countries have been encouraged to normalize relations with Israel, which would help to create a more conducive environment for peace and cooperation.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the Madrid meetings have made progress, the path to a two-state solution is fraught with challenges. The ongoing negotiations in New York, scheduled for the high-level week, will bring together a broader group of stakeholders to tackle these issues. Egypt and Qatar, working in close coordination with the United States, are playing a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire talks.
Israel’s Absence: A Hindrance or an Opportunity?
The absence of Israel from the Madrid meetings has raised questions about the effectiveness of these talks. Eide maintains that Israel has been invited to participate but has consistently declined, citing various reasons. The foreign minister emphasizes that Israel’s non-participation should not hinder progress, and that other countries cannot be held back by its reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Netanyahu’s Government: A Barrier to Progress?
Eide has been vocal in his criticism of the current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he describes as the most extreme in Israel’s history. The foreign minister alleges that this government has systematically undermined the Palestinian authorities, making progress on the two-state solution a distant possibility.
Security Concerns: A Legitimate Priority
Eide acknowledges Israel’s security needs must be taken into account in any future negotiations. However, he emphasizes that these concerns cannot be used as a pretext to veto the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. A balanced approach, which addresses the security concerns of both parties, is essential for a durable peace.
Conclusion
As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Middle East conflict, one thing is clear: the need for a two-state solution has never been more pressing. The Madrid meetings have set the wheels in motion, and it is now imperative to build on this momentum. With continued diplomacy, determination, and a willingness to compromise, a brighter future can be forged for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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– What are the key factors necessary for moving towards a two-state solution in the Middle East?
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Moving Forward: The Quest for a Two-State Solution in the Middle East
As the world waits with bated breath for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasizes the importance of swift action to prevent a power vacuum and push forward the two-state solution. Eide, who recently participated in meetings in Madrid, highlights the need for rapid progress in establishing the state of Palestine, strengthening Palestinian authorities financially, and normalizing relations between Arab countries and Israel.
The Importance of Swift Action
Eide stresses that a ceasefire is only the first step towards a lasting peace in the region. “As soon as there is a ceasefire, it really only means that the hostilities stop, then it is important that a vacuum does not arise, you have to move on quickly,” he says. This sense of urgency is crucial in preventing a power vacuum that could be exploited by extremist groups, thereby destabilizing the region further.
Key Discussions in Madrid
The meetings in Madrid brought together ministers from several countries in the Middle East and Europe to discuss the way forward for the two-state solution. Key areas of discussion included the establishment of the state of Palestine, financial strengthening of Palestinian authorities, and normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel. Eide also highlighted the need for plans to be made for the Palestinian Authority to regain control of Gaza and for the demobilization of Hamas.
Inviting Israel to the Table
Despite Israel’s absence from the Madrid meetings, Eide remains optimistic about the country’s potential involvement in future discussions. “We have a standing answer that Israel has been invited, but not showing up is not an argument for all other countries having to wait,” he says. Eide emphasizes that Israel’s security needs must be taken into account, but the country cannot have veto rights over the fate of the Palestinian people.
Challenges Facing the Two-State Solution
The two-state solution has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the current Israeli government’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. Eide describes the current government as “the most extreme government in Israel’s history,” which “works systematically to undermine the Palestinian authorities.” The occupation of Palestinian territories, deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, has also hindered progress towards a two-state solution.
The Way Forward
Despite these challenges, Eide remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict. He believes that the international community must continue to push for progress, even in the face of opposition from certain governments. By working together and engaging in constructive dialogue, the world can move closer to a two-state solution that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians.
the quest for a two-state solution in the Middle East is complex and challenging, but not impossible. By prioritizing swift action, engaging in constructive dialogue, and involving all stakeholders in the process, we can move forward towards a more peaceful and stable region.
