Negotiation of the Parties, by the Parties

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.