Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon have agreed to a cassation of violence and on holding peace talks. This might be an opportunity to end the bloodshed that has continued since the Intifada that began in September 2000, which over the last four years has led to the deaths of approximately 4,700 people.
Each side has agreed to meet again in a week's time to discuss releasing Palestinian prisoners and the withdraw of Israeli forces from certain areas. Sharon has extended an invitation to Abbas to visit his ranch. These developments are very significant in that they make it possible to restart the gradual peace process that was agreed on in 2003. This is very encouraging because it means it becomes possible to ultimately achieve two countries at peace after beginning by dismantling the basis for terrorism.
People should not make hasty expectations, however. There's no knowing what the extremists will do, and there remains a mountain of difficult decisions to be made, including what to do about the future of Jerusalem, Jewish settlements, the West Bank barrier, and more. Both sides have to find a way to keep their hardliners under control. Abbas, in particular, needs to firm up his control over the Palestinian Authority since he is still new to his office, and it will be critical that he persuade armed groups to refrain from violence.
The process will require cooperation and support from the United States, other Middle Eastern countries, the United Nations, the European Union, and the international community as a whole. It is impressive to see Russia and Japan promising aid for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and domestic Palestinian industry. What is needed in the meantime is for the international community to help each side engage in honest dialogue and for it to maintain a balanced approach. Only by doing so will it be able to contribute to the establishment of a fair, permanent, and comprehensive peace. Korea, which depends almost entirely on the Middle East for its oil, needs to find a way to contribute to peace in the region.
The Hankyoreh, 11 February 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] World Must Help Make Use of Precious Opportunity |
