February 15, 2012

We ask that Palestinian hunger striker Khader Adnan be evacuated, along with his family, to Switzerland, or another suitable country willing to receive him, so that his life can be preserved. We would hope that his family could then receive all the support it needs for his care, and that the Swiss could extend all courtesies, to respect their wishes and to offer humane assistance.

We asked that this be done on humanitarian grounds, without asserting any opinion as to the rightness of his cause. Moreover, by removing Mr. Adnan to a neutral country where he can receive the medical attention needed to preserve his life, it will calm the hearts of people in the region, who could boil over with tremendous and justifiable anger should he die in an Israeli prison. Instead people the world over would be according him the proper dignity and could, if they wish, celebrate the life, commitment and heart of a man who shows such resolve for justice. For the country that extends this humanitarian gesture, it will demonstrate to both sides the active role that the world community wishes to play in promoting understanding and peace in the region.

February 13, 2012

Today PLO Executive Committee member and lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi “described Israeli reactions to President Mahmoud Abbas’ address to the Arab League as disinformation to mislead public opinion,” reported WAFA.

On Sunday in Cairo Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly told the Arab League that he would send a message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterating the Palestinian Authority’s “terms of reference” for resumption of negotiations. They would include his oft-repeated demands of a full cessation of construction in the settlements and in East Jerusalem and acceptance of the two-state solution on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, which so far Israel has refused to do. He also asked for a release of Palestinian prisoners. He threatened that if Israel did not take these steps, the Palestinians would give up on negotiations and return to the United Nations.

Netanyahu’s office responded the same day, saying that in making this threat, Abbas has “turned his back on peace,” and that “Instead of entering into negotiations that will lead to an end to the conflict, Abu Mazen [Abbas] prefers to join up with the Hamas terrorist organization, the same Hamas that is hugging Iran.” 

Ashrawi called Netanyahu’s remarks “disinformation,” saying that Israel’s real aim in characterizing Abbas as having “turned his back on peace” for refusing to negotiate without these “terms of reference” was to cast Israel in the role of a victim in order to justify itself. 
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February 14, 2012, by our New Zealand contributor 

We are fully aware that years of effort have not to date brought a Palestinian state. Yet this is a new circumstance, because unlike past frameworks sponsored mainly from the offices of the U.S. State Department, we have, at this time, considerable support from Europe. Given this reality, we ask the Palestinians to have patience.

Patience is something that comes with heart and requires a resolute will. We know it is not an easy request, given past failed efforts. Nevertheless, we encourage the Palestinians to return to the table and to see what may blossom. Regardless of the continued demands for a full cessation of settlement activity, there is room for Israel to present her proposals on her eastern frontiers – on borders.

We at the Citizens Proposal insist that Israel make due and come forward with a comprehensive plan, fulfilling the Quartet's requests of the parties. Palestinian presence at talks, exploratory or otherwise, will provide balance and a fulcrum for leveraging efforts. Without it, the international community may be seen as unevenly making demands on Israel.

The world has grown weary of oppressor and oppressed. It sees two people in kinship, who should negotiate. The world has grown weary of stalling and unfulfilled presentations. Israel has given herself three months; let the Palestinians demand their presentation. Surely there is benefit in holding them to their word.  Without it, how can there be two states, arrived at through the negotiation of the parties, by the parties?

If the Palestinians allow Israel to force them back to the UN, the most they can get is a modicum of recognition, but at the end of the day they will not have a state. The quickest solution is to push Israel forward to an argument on borders. It should be the first point of business after Cairo.

February 9, 2012

We at the Citizens Proposal want to express our appreciation to Israeli President Shimon Peres and to PLO Executive Committee member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi for keeping the issue of borders squarely on the table of foreign policy choices.
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