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Author : Fayed Mustafa
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to the Russian Federation
THE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI PEACE process that
started in Madrid 20 years ago has seen a large number of
"ups and downs," successes and setbacks, but it has failed
to overcome the resistance to the creation of an independ-
ent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders and
with the capital in East Jerusalem. The conflict can be re-
solved when the two states - Palestine and Israel - start to
exist side by side amid security and stability after the Pales-
tinian refugees issue is resolved on the basis of the relevant resolutions and international law.
The peace process in the Middle East cannot be successful as long as Netanyahu adheres to his
"no" policy. This came through once again in his speech at the U.S. Congress in May where Ne-
tanyahu said "no" to the division of Jerusalem, "no" to the dismantlement of settlements, "no"
to withdrawal from the Al Ahwar line (on the border with Jordan), and "no" to the return to the
June 4, 1967 borders. Striving for peace and the settlement policy are incompatible.
The Palestinian people are committed to peace as the Palestinian leadership "is knocking on all
doors" and putting forward initiatives to facilitate it. It has proven its adherence to peace on the
basis of international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab peace initiative, as well as to the inter-
national vision of the final settlement, namely the coexistence of the two states.
In the impasse that has emerged over the peace process in the Middle East, the Palestinian lead-
ership sees no otherOPTION but to apply to the United Nations for the recognition of the
State of Palestine within the June 4, 1967 borders.
It is perfectly obvious to the entire world that Israel rejects peace talks, bringing them to an im-
passe. Israel is against the creation of a Palestinian state as that will put an end to its settlement
activity in occupied territories and that is opposed by Netanyahu and his ruling rightist coalition
supporting such actions.
The Palestinian leadership abides by its international obligations, UN resolutions, decisions and
resolutions by the Middle East "quartet," and the treaties and agreements that have been signed
between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.
Russia was one of the first to recognize the Palestinian leadership; there is a full-fledged Pales-
tinian diplomatic mission in Moscow. We also highly appreciate the assistance that the Russian
Federation has provided to the PNA, as well as Russia's contribution to the establishment of
Palestinian state institutions.
After 63 years of banishment and privation, the Palestinian people deserve the right to live, like
all other peoples in the world, in their own free and independent democratic state, which will re-
spect human rights and international law, develop their culture and national identity, live in peace
and security with their neighbors, and make their contribution to global civilization.
The Middle East Peace Process: Prospects