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Kerry: coming days dictate future of the peace process
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned yesterday that what happens over the coming days, in his talks with Israelis and Palestinians, will “actually dictate what happens in the coming decades. We’re running out of time.”
Since taking office in February, Kerry has made a concerted effort to bring the two sides together for direct talks, becoming a regular visitor to both Jerusalem and Ramallah. Speaking yesterday to the American Jewish Committee in Washington, he warned that “A stalemate today will not remain tomorrow… In this conflict, the simple fact is tomorrow is not guaranteed to look like today.”
Although Kerry reiterated the Obama Administration’s “unshakable commitment to Israel’s security,” he also commented that those who believe the status quo of relative quiet can be maintained “are lulling themselves into a delusion.” Kerry explained his concern that “the absence of peace” could lead to “a negative spiral of responses and counter-responses that could literally slam the door on a two-state solution.” Although Kerry said that he fully understands “the challenges and predicament in which Israel finds itself,” he warned “if we do not succeed now, we may not get another chance.” He went on to outline the economic benefits that peace would bring to Israel.
Despite Kerry’s efforts, he has yet to achieve a breakthrough. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently stated his willingness to sit down with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas without pre-conditions. However, Abbas has insisted that Israel first freeze all settlement construction, agree to 1967 borders plus swaps, and release pre-Oslo prisoners.
Israel Radio news reports this morning that Kerry met yesterday in Washington with Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who is leading Israel’s efforts to renew peace talks. However, details of their discussions were not released. Meanwhile, media reports suggest that Kerry will return to Israel and Palestinian areas of the West Bank next week in an attempt to make further progress towards negotiations.