IBSA: Negotiations Must Bring an End to the Israeli Occupation
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| IBSA: India, Brazil and South Africa |
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BPNIC Briefing, June 2008
In Cape Town at the Ministerial Meeting of the
India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, May 11,
2008, the Ministers of the three nations supported
negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to bring
an end to the Israeli occupation. The Ministers expressed
their continuing support for the
Annapolis Peace
Process as well as the
Arab Peace
Initiative, and the recent Yemeni initiative aimed at
restoring
Palestinian unity.
The Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Celso Amorim, reiterated what was
said at the Annapolis Peace Conference, negotiations for a land for peace deal
must:
1. Remain a guiding principle for a durable, negotiated
solution.
2. Lead to a sovereign, democratic, cohesive and
economically viable Palestinian State in the territories
occupied since 1967.
3. Include efficient measures to protect and secure Israel
from acts of violence.
4. Be comprehensive and inclusive, and allow moderate voices
to be strengthened.
5. Include bold decisions, which will necessarily involve
concessions, and will no doubt be painful.
6. Prevail over rigid self-righteous positions, which only
lead to bitterness and hostility
Minister Amorim has also previously stated that after sixty years
of mutual distrust and continued violence, the time has come
to address the problem realistically and effectively. The
Palestinian-Israeli dispute has persisted for far too long.
It is essential that an independent Palestinian State be
established within a credible time horizon. At the same
time, conditions that permit the State of Israel to coexist
in peace with its neighbors must be ensured.
BPNIC continues to promote Brazil as key for
Palestinian-Israeli peace, and promote Brazil's interests in
the Middle East by urging its members to maintain contact
with Members of Congress, to support important initiatives
that would lead to the creation of a Palestinian State.
BPNIC also views that Brazil’s Jewish and Arab migrants, who
found shelter and refuge in Brazil, can be used as an
example for the friendly coexistence of the Jewish and Arab
communities, to strengthen the peace process and demonstrate
tolerance, and dialogue. The participation of Brazil will
reinvigorate the peace process since Brazil has good
relations with both the Palestinians and Israelis.
During the last few years Brazil has
strengthened relations with both Palestinians and
Israelis, and has participated actively in international
efforts towards peace, and expressed its confidence that the
Annapolis Conference will pave the way for a meaningful and
effective resumption of the peace process.
The nation of Brazil has also been following with concern
the continuous deterioration of living conditions in the
occupied Palestinian territories,
particularly in the Gaza Strip, were there is widespread
deprivation, poverty and frustration.
Brazil, together with its partners in the IBSA Fund, India
and South Africa, is engaged in developing social and
economic projects to the benefit of the Palestinian people.
Brazil continues to supports the efforts of the Quartet
Special Representative, Mr. Tony Blair, to stimulate the
Palestinian economy and consolidate institution-building in
Gaza and the West Bank.
Through the initiatives Brazil has been encouraging, the
BPNIC has participated in the
Palestine Investment Conference held in Bethlehem from
May 21-23, and is currently reviewing projects and engaging
in the exchange of ideas with the Brazilian Foreign Ministry
to significantly increase economic and technical cooperation
between Brazil and Palestine, in areas considered as
priority by the Palestinians.
Also during the month of May, BPNIC Executive Director,
Husam Bajis was invited to and spoke at the
Palestinian American National Conference which took
place in Chicago May 23-25. Mr. Bajis hopes that the
outcomes of such conferences will provide a substantial
boost not just to the Palestinian moral but also the
Palestinian economy, in order for peace to be lasting and
genuine. Through the
Bridges
to Palestine program, BPNIC has effectively participated
in meetings with civil societies, political parties, and
members of Parliament, and continues to prepare for and host
inclusive meetings designed to foster adherence to the
values of peace and coexistence between the Palestinians and
Israelis.
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