FREEDOM FLOTILLA TRAGEDY IS EUROPE’S WAKE UP CALL FOR THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION (Poul Nyrup Rasmussen)

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Freedom flotilla tragedy is Europe’s wake up call for the two-state solution

by Poul Nyrup Rasmussen

The world awoke last week in horror and frustration, to an Israeli raid against the “freedom flotilla”, in international waters, that caused several dead and injured.

This outrageous attack shows that the Israeli Government’s policy vis a vis Gaza is a dead end: the embargo must be lifted now. Israel must stop the blockade of Gaza; goods must have access to the strip and people must have the freedom to travel.

The Israeli assault cannot be allowed to claim hope for peace as another of its victims: it should not close the window of opportunity to achieve a viable two-state solution. The on-going proximity talks must have all our support: it is the only solution. It is high-time for Benjamin Netanyahu to show that he is committed to the high standards demanded of peacemakers. I call the Labour party, the party of Yitshak Rabin, to also play a strong role in the coalition to promote the peace agenda. Today, more than ever, Israel needs to demonstrate that there is political will to enter into real discussions for a peace treaty. This starts by immediately freezing illegal settlements, which are a provocation.

The Palestinians must also do their part, burdened though they are with heavy hearts. We have seen outstanding efforts by Palestinian President Abbas and Prime Minister Faayad on institution-building. The two-year program has led to substantial progress and remarkable results in the West Bank. The EU should complement its involvement with a process aimed at the accession of Palestine to international organisations. It would allow the Palestinian Authority to integrate into many of the structures of the international system, exerting peer pressure for reform, while allowing public officials and politicians to familiarise themselves with such institutions. This would serve as a transition measure allowing them to be ready once the country becomes a full-fledged state. The Palestinian Authority deserves our support – on the ground and internationally.

Today, a wakeup call is necessary for all actors involved to keep track and even to accelerate negotiations for a peace agreement. Europe has an unquestioned responsibility, as it is becoming clear that the right wing dominated Government of Israel is not going to make things easy for a peaceful resolution, nor will the Obama Administration alone be able to push for it.

The EU Council in December 2009 made a first step towards breaking the deadlock; demanding an immediate resumption of peace talks with the view to a two-state solution. Despite any reservations, all relevant parties, should now take the EU Council Conclusions as a starting point for future negotiations. After years of discussions, the outlines of a viable two-state solution are well known and widely agreed upon - borders based on the 1967 lines with agreed reciprocal land swaps; Jerusalem as the capital of both states; robust security arrangements; and an agreed upon resolution of the refugee issue. Europe can and must contribute to confidence-building and mutual trust in the region with a series of moves. Firstly, the EU could play a role in the “proximity talks”, which should have a timeline, to move forward the Arab plan. Secondly, the EU should commit itself to upgrading its relationship with Palestinians (to an Association Agreement) and with Israel (rightly frozen until new progress is made). Finally, European member states should already make commitments for the post-peace deal period. The local actors will not jump into an unknown zone. They need commitments, both financial and on security. The EU should engage with forces on the ground in order to prevent any risk of violence – in a ‘UNIFIL type’ mission.

Let’s not wait for another disaster. There have already been too many innocent victims. It is time to accelerate talks. The EU is ready to help achieve the ultimate objective: two independent states living in peace alongside each other. Europe is ready to act as the alarm clock; let’s make sure that everybody hears the wakeup call.

(Poul N. Rasmussen è il Presidente del PES, Party of European Socialists)