Thursday, October 11, 2007

Bipartisan Foreign Policy Leaders on Annapolis Conference (Prospects for Peace)

This is timely and thoughtful pubic letter by some of America's most respected senior statesmen/women, and it deserves wide circulation.
Bipartisan Foreign Policy Leaders on Annapolis Conference (Prospects for Peace)

The international conference should be inclusive:

• In order to enhance Israel’s confidence in the process, Arab states that currently do not enjoy diplomatic relations with Israel should attend the conference.

• We commend the administration for its decision to invite Syria to the conference; it should be followed by genuine engagement.

A breakthrough on this track could profoundly alter the regional landscape. At a minimum, the conference should launch Israeli-Syrian talks under international auspices.

• As to Hamas, we believe that a genuine dialogue with the organization is far preferable to its isolation; it could be conducted, for example, by the UN and Quartet Middle East envoys.

Promoting a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza would be a good starting point.

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