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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Glenn Petersen who wrote (5410)	10/16/2001 12:01:02 AM
From: Glenn Petersen	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Palestine state essential for peace, says Blair Arafat told to reduce violence to secure deal with Israel Ewen MacAskill, diplomatic editor Tuesday October 16, 2001 The Guardian guardian.co.uk Tony Blair yesterday used a meeting with the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, to make his most unequivocal endorsement yet of the creation of a Palestinian state. He told a joint press conference with Mr Arafat at Downing Street: "A viable Palestinian state, as part of a negotiated and agreed settlement, which guarantees peace and security for Israel, is the objective." The talks, set up before September 11, took place against a drive by the US to push Israel and the Palestinian authority beyond the present shaky truce to the negotiating table. Mr Arafat called for an "immediate" resumption of talks with the Israeli government on a peace settlement. Mr Blair reminded journalists that he had visited Gaza and spoke expressively about the injustices suffered by the Palestinians. He rejected a suggestion that his enthusiasm for the Palestinian cause was influenced by the attacks on September 11. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the main causes of resentment in the Muslim world towards the US, which has long backed Israel. The US and Britain are both anxious to reduce the tension caused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to blunt the message of Osama bin Laden, who in an videotaped statement last week identified himself with the Palestinian cause. Mr Blair's being pictured shaking hands with Mr Arafat will help counter Bin Laden's propaganda move. Mr Blair told the conference that Bin Laden did not speak for Palestinians or their cause. Mr Arafat, though in a delicate position because of Islamist support for Bin Laden within his Palestinian authority, repeated his condemnation of suicide attacks on America and described such violence as contrary to Islam. Mr Blair was scheduled to hold further talks by phone last night with the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon. A meeting between the two will take place in London next month. An Israeli government source said that, in spite of jitters about the consequences for Israel of the new international landscape, Mr Sharon was content that Britain was keeping Israel in the loop in its discussions with the Palestinians. The foreign secretary, Jack Straw, phoned his Israeli counterpart, Shimon Peres, on Saturday as part of the preparations for Mr Arafat's visit. Mr Blair and Mr Arafat discussed new US proposals that set a framework for discussions on the future of Jerusalem, which both states want as their capital; the future of Israeli settlements on the West Bank and Gaza; territorial boundaries; and the right of return of Palestinian refugees. Mr Blair told Mr Arafat he had to work harder to produce an end to, or at least decrease in, violence for talks to begin. The prime minister said he supported the UN resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which, among other things, call for Israel to leave the occupied territories, the West Bank and Gaza. He said: "The end we desire ... is a just peace in which Israelis and Palestinians live side by side, each in their own state, secure and able to prosper." Mr Blair, who was left in no doubt during his visit to the Middle East last week about the animosity generated in the Muslim world by Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said there was a "renewed sense of purpose to move things forward". Mr Arafat used the conference to call for a resumption of peace talks: "I call on the Israeli government to immediately rejoin us in the permanent status negotiations so we can reach a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to all issues on the agenda. That is an agreed agenda: Jerusalem, settlements, borders, refugees, security, water." He has made similar calls over the last few months, but has met with the same Israeli response: no talks without a complete end to Palestinian violence against Israelis. Mr Peres said yesterday: "What we have to do is to start introducing the complete ceasefire, then we can start completing [peace] negotiations."

To: Glenn Petersen who wrote (5410)	10/16/2001 1:04:13 AM
From: FaultLine	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 281500

I just watched PBS' Frontline Looking for Answers, the rise of Osama bin Laden . His relationship with supporters in Saudi Arabia is deep and disturbing. and now this: Muslim allies break ranks with US "The US's entire foreign policy structure in the region has been anchored in the strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia. If everything we're hearing is true, then we're facing a total meltdown. The whole war as currently conceived would have to be reconsidered, because Pakistan won't hold if Saudi support starts collapsing. Considering the quote above, I'd say the new few days just might be historic -- possibly the next step in the breakdown leading to WWIII. --fl

To: Glenn Petersen who wrote (5410)	10/16/2001 2:03:18 AM
From: jimbopost	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

The non-Islamic world has been subjected to a dichotomy: be destroyed by worldwide terrorist organizations OR attack the worldwide terrorists who claim to be Muslim. If the non-Islamic world does not attack, then the terrorists are free to destroy ALL, by whatever means, who are not in agreement. If the non-Islamic world does attack -- the question becomes a fundamental one of belief -- will the Islamic nations/people accept any terror in the name of Islam's Allah or will they accept the right of all religious people to purify their lives according to their belief it our all-inclusive Supreme Being? All nations/religions must repudiate terrorism as an abomination against our beliefs. Historical blame does not justify terrorist acts against people who had no participation in those historical acts and to those who do not approve nor continue them. All peoples believe in a just and understanding Allah/God. Who are these people who presume to steak for Allah/God? A phrase comes to mind "by their acts they shall be known." I sincerely hope this wasn't in reference to just 'good' people. In America our schools teach "Black, Asian, Hispanic, Native America, etc." studies so that we can appreciate what their individual cultures have added to our national culture. Contrast that with the Taliban! ------------------------------------- I apologize if this has been discussed before. Peace to all, JimBo

To: Glenn Petersen who wrote (5410)	10/16/2001 2:17:22 AM
From: ratan lal	Respond to of 281500

Relations between the US and two of its core allies in the war against terrorism, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, approached crisis point yesterday after the Saudi interior minister, Prince Naif, attacked the assault on Afghanistan while Pakistan pressed Washington to ensure that its bombing campaign would be short-lived. In the latest and most public of a series of disagreements between the countries that have evidently taken the US by surprise in HG had warned about this since day 1. Maybe they should monitor this thread for ideas and opinions. but by moving towards direct military relations Mr Powell was clearly holding out the prospect of future rewards if the Musharraf regime continued to play ball. If the US govt. can bribe a nation, I dont see it should be a crime for businesses to also give bribes to their overseas customers. Further underlining the tension that now racks the region, Indian troops broke a 10-month ceasefire with Pakistan last night when they fired shells into disputed territory in Kashmir, killing a woman and wounding 25. Oh my god, 1 whole woman killed and 25 injured (innocents i presume) by NOT-SO-SMART bombs and ONLY a few hundred innocnents killed by the smart bombs. Bush: "I think it is very important that India and Pakistan stand down during our activities in Afghanistan and, for that matter, forever." Or what? they will send their smart bombs to target military installations?