Today's plenary session at the World Economic Forum featured footage from OneVoice supporters and members in Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Jerusalem setting forth a clear challenge for their leaders: sit down and solve this conflict now.
In introducing the event, WEF Founder Klaus Schwab called the meeting featuring OneVoice "a key session, if not the most important" at the WEF.
When given a chance to respond to the inspiring and powerful words coming from the Palestinian and Israeli grassroots, PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said that these statements put hope in his heart that peace could be forthcoming and credited the younger generation with catching on to the importance of peace faster than their elders. Abbas emphasized the importance of communication between Palestinians and Israelis but reminded those attending of the difficult circumstances of daily life in Palestine. "We are ready to start negotiations now with our Israeli neighbors under the auspices of the Quartet," he concluded, having noted that unilateral action in the case of the conflict has proved insufficient.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Tzipi Livni reacted to the statements from Israel and Palestine by saying that "they gave me hope, but our responsibility is to give them hope." She said that the main tasks that lies before her is convincing the Israeli people that an independent Palestinian state is not a risk for Israel, but rather a just and right vision. She called upon the Palestinian leadership to commit to a government that renounces terrorism, and emphasized that she does not regret withdrawing troops and civilians from Gaza. She indicated Israel's willingness to move forward and empower moderates, but asked if using the same language was just semantics or really meant that the leaders were talking about the same future and the same peace.
Vice-Premier of Israel Shimon Peres elected to focus on economic issues and outlined a plan for an economic free-zone shared by Jordan, Palestine and Israel which could profit all three nations. Peres indicated his commitment to a resolution that created a contiguous Palestinian state with equal land exchange to make this possible.
What do you think? Did these world leaders step up to the challenge? Soon you will be able to view this session on demand at http://gaia.world-television.com/wef/worldeconomicforum_annualmeeting2007/ or check out the statements from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah at
http://assets.onevoicemovement.org/video/wef/
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