11.00-11.30: Presentations by the four country teams on their respective plans for Jerusalem [US, Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia].
11.30-12.15: Open discussion on Jerusalem. you are welcome to make a statement, but keep it short.
Media feel free to ask questions.
All of you should bring their individual proposals on Jerusalem along with maps.
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THE SAUDI-AMERICAN PEACE PLAN:
Regarding the City of Jerusalem
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America propose the following stipulations specifically related to the City of Jerusalem, in addition to the comprehensive peace plan:
1. Request that the states of Israel and Palestine commit to a productive effort towards the peaceful resolution regarding Jerusalem so that the city will remain one committed to peace and openness to the three Semitic faiths.
2. Reaffirmation of UN Resolution 242, with expected Israeli compliance and immediate action for withdrawal to the 1967 ‘Green Line’, with two significant alterations:
a. The recognized area of Mount Scopus and Hebrew University is additionally included under the sovereignty of Israel.
b. The Green Line is extended to allow Israel to encompass the Jewish and Armenian Quarters within the Old City, the Tower of David, and Mount Zion.
c. The resolution of additional border changes, resulting from such proposed actions as a ‘land swap’, ‘land purchase’, or the establishment of jointly protected no-man’s land, will be supported by both the United States and Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom and the United States both offer themselves as third-party mediators to facilitate further territory disputes.
3. Neither side will exercise sovereignty over the holy places within the Temple Mount complex. A joint Custodianship shall be shared with equal authority allotted to both Israel and Palestine. The Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque will be under the Guardianship of Palestine for the benefit of the Muslim people, and the authority over the Wailing Wall belonging to Israel. Any excavation, demolition, or alteration of any kind to the Joint Territory is contingent upon the mutual consensus of both parties.
4. To ensure the safe transfer of populations, belongings, and other transferable objects, security forces will be provided by a neutral United Nations effort to be determined by the UN Security Council, in accordance with the Charter.
a. An efficient timetable must be determined to prevent a prolonged Israeli presence within newly formed Palestine; a period of two years is suggested.
b. The United States has offered training for anti-terrorism personnel to Palestine.
5. Due to the deep concern of both the United States and the Kingdom regarding the separated status of the Mount Scopus Israeli territory, an immediate effort to alleviate the issue of a safe passage. The United States strongly encourages an equal land transfer agreement to bridge the gap. Saudi Arabia supports the establishment of a “no man’s land” to be patrolled by both states in cooperation for the preservation of peace and security.
6. In order to contribute to the development of both nations, Saudi Arabia and the United States call for the establishment of a Palestinian-Israeli Development Fund, and have each pledged to contribute the initial US $500 million.
a. The Funds are for the sole purpose of Social and Economic Development, to be equally distributed between the two nations.
b. It is particularly stipulated that any of the Funds shall not be contributed to the purchase of any arms or military finances.
c. To provide for the protection of a secure process, a portion of aid will be determined for the support of the UN force.
7. Through the establishment of diplomatic consulates in their capitals of East and West Jerusalem, the United States and the Kingdom will each open formal relations with Israel and Palestine. Along with Saudi Arabia, the twenty-two Arab nations and fifty-six Islamic nations party to the Arab Peace Initiative will consequently establish ties.
SAUDI-AMERICAN PEACE PLAN:
Additional Incentives and Reservations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has aligned with the United States of America to create an unprecedented joint peace initiative in an effort to secure the just and lasting reconciliation of the Arab-Israeli conflict. In an effort to provide each nation with the desired location for their capitals, we have further written a proposal specifically for the division of the City of Jerusalem to be included within the greater comprehensive peace plan. Taking into consideration the persisting impasse regarding the mutually-symbolic holy sites, the Kingdom and United States acknowledge the necessity of third-party mediation. Furthermore, it is our shared hope that a balanced compromise reached between two traditionally partisan powers will prompt a more accelerated negotiation. We have striven to be equally accommodating with both incentives and concessions.
Concerning the greatly contested status and boarders of Jerusalem, we recertify the sole legitimate source for providing a solution: the UN Security Council Resolution 242. In compliance with the rule of law of which Israel has consistently proven so adamant in violating, the occupying Israeli forces will withdraw from all land outside of the Green Line, dismantling any form of settlement illegally erected throughout the occupation. To reflect the reality of a modern day Jerusalem, two exclusive alterations to the border have been agreed upon: the Old City and Mount Scopus. Due to the location of Hebrew University, an unattached Israeli territory encompassing the site, two miles away from the proper borderline, is henceforth recognized as sovereign Israel. Furthermore, despite the Green Line’s legal demarcation of an undivided Jerusalem undeniably within Palestine, we propose the apportionment of the city in keeping with relevant demographic and religious significances. The Christian, Greek, and Muslim Quarters shall remain in Palestine; the Jewish and Armenian Quarters, as well as the oversight of the Tower of David, Mount Zion, and the Tomb of David, will transfer to Israeli territory. A joint authority mechanism will be inaugurated in regards to the Temple Mount complex. Belonging to neither country, the holy site will designated a collective Israeli-Palestinian guardianship for the administration of their selected religious leaders. Palestine bearing the Custodianship of the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque and Israel directing the supervision of the Wailing Wall, all excavations, demolitions, or alterations of any kind is contingent upon mutual consensus.
The remaining obstacles in reference to borderlines are the isolated status of Mount Scopus, and possible land-swap agreements to maintain Israeli settlements within its territory. In an attempt to resolve the Scopus Island, the United States wishes to mediate a land-swap to secure the area between the two Israeli borders that contains an existing Israeli settlement. Saudi Arabia is reluctant to sign our approval, and prefer to see the establishment of a “no man’s land” roadway to be patrolled equally and in cooperation by both police forces. Although the Kingdom will support any agreement Palestine deems acceptable, we strongly encourage the exploration of our proposal. We feel that the welfare of the Palestinian people would be further protected by such a solution, as it will have a bearing on a similar result for the safe passage between their two isolated territories: West Bank and Gaza Strip. We have ask for an ample amount of difficult concessions of the Palestinian people, and requiring Israel to discuss the means for a secure travel way between a mere two miles of land will lead to an identical security for Palestinians during their much longer trip.
Respectful of the security concerns appertaining to the transitional period, we have focused our plan on the participation of a United Nations presence within Jerusalem. Israel will undoubtedly insist upon the involvement of their military personnel to ensure the successful resettlement of their citizens, but such an assumption is unacceptable. A prolonged Israeli presence in Palestine will only serve to extend animosity and sustain the belief that Israel intends to continue its occupation. The exclusive outcome to promote reconciliation will be the absolute cessation of all military presence in Palestinian land. Due to our equal worry over the safety of both Palestinian and Israeli citizens while traveling between their territories, Saudi Arabia calls for the creation of a special UN Security Council Task Force to remain until the completion of population transfer occurs. While working concomitantly with the international personnel, Palestinian troops would receive a superior training for such shortcomings as counter-terrorism and intelligence. Israel has consistently demanded this exact thing: a sufficiently-trained Palestine finally able to prevent terrorism.
Pertaining to the heralded Palestinian-Israeli Development Fund, it is the Saudi and American intent to considerably alleviate much of both sides’ financial burdens in hopes of producing rapid development following a peace agreement. We each have pledged the first US $500 million of aid to be used for resettlement costs, civil renovation, economic advancement, cultural recovery, and other such development issues. Although the allotment of aid to further military arms procurement is forbidden, a portion of each side’s package will fund safety through support of the UN Task Force. Saudi Arabia also has privately pledged financial support for the religious and historic restoration of Palestinian Jerusalem. Moreover, the Kingdom guarantees an offer of interest-free loans through a joint initiative of the Saudi Development Bank and Supreme Islamic Authority for Palestinians returning to Jerusalem. Following a reached agreement and consequent end to the Arab-Israeli conflict, Saudi Arabia and every one of both our Arab and Islamic brothers will open relations with the fully recognized state of Israel. Along with such ties ensue the economic and security benefits accorded to one of our brotherhood. Middle Eastern and Islamic trade, crisis support, natural resource supplies, collective security, and political gains previously denied to Israel will benevolently be laid at their feet. The Kingdom and our global communities look forward to welcoming Israel safely at last into those international bodies politic from which it has so long been excluded.
Bonjour mes camarades,
Il me plaît qu’il y ait un dialogue sur ce sujet entre nous et aujourd’hui je vous offre mon plan en ce qui concerne la ville sainte de Jérusalem. La sécurité de Jérusalem et la garantie du libre accès aux lieux saints de toutes les religions sont d’une grande importance, comme on verra dans mon plan, qui a été traduit en anglais.
Président de France, Nicolas Sarkozy
Proposition for Jerusalem: “Le Plan Sarko”
The Arab-Israeli conflict has endured for the past sixty years, and it is time that we, as world leaders, try our best to devise a plan with conditions that are satisfactory and fair to both sides that will result in lasting co-habitation of the two countries. Security of both Israel and a modern, democratic, and viable Palestine is of utmost importance, as is reacquisition of holy sites, temples, and mosques on both sides.
In my June 2008 address to the Israeli Knesset, I urged the government to share sovereignty over Jerusalem with the Palestinians and to stop building settlements in the occupied territories, as there cannot be peace without recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of two states and the guarantee of free access to the holy places for all religions.
I call not for a division of the Holy City, but for a shared custodianship whereby the entirety of Jerusalem is equally the capitol of Israel as it is the capitol of a modern, democratic, and viable Palestinian state. I call for this action, as it compels both sides to respect the other’s capitol, and it will serve as a constant reminder to each side that their nation is recognized by the other. Furthermore, with Jerusalem as capitol of both Israel and Palestine, there is an immediate incentive to refrain from attacking any part of the city, which is ultimately what both sides want: a safe preserved Holy site.
As for the safety of those inside of Jerusalem and for the Holy city itself, I propose that there be UN international peace-keeping forces at least for the transition period if not longer, as Jerusalem is neither a soley Jewish holy place nor a Muslim holy place; it is a place of worship for many religons.
So in conclusion, the city of Jerusalem must be shared and established as capital of both nations. In addition, Jerusalem must exist with no religion-based restrictions, meaning that holy city of Jerusalem would welcome those of all religions.
Having personally witnessed the strife and turmoil caused by the controversy of Jerusalem possession, the Turkish government and myself strongly support the open discussion and negotiation of the issue. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem after the 1967 war is not recognized by most UN member states or international organizations. In visiting Jerusalem in 2005, it became apparent that Jerusalem would be a prime issue to be confronted during any viable peace negotiation regarding the greater Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Turkish government supports the 2002 peace plan constructed by the Saudi peace initiative and endorsed by the Arab League in regards to Jerusalem. This plan, which also received endorsement from acting Israeli Prime Minister Tzipi Livni, calls on Israel to withdraw from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and parts of Jerusalem. Under this agreement, East Jerusalem would act as the capital of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. This initiative would entail Israel’s falling back to the borders established by UN resolution 242 over 40 years ago. We propose a demographic-swap regarding the some 180,000 Israeli citizens currently living in East Jerusalem. These Jewish communities would have to be evacuated and the residents, if they chose not to obtain Palestinian citizenship, would have to find residence in Israel. In return, Palestine would accept the large Arab population that wishes to leave Israel for a Palestinian state. Although Israel would lose communities in East Jerusalem, the Jewish community in Israel would be reinforced with those leaving East Jerusalem. This process would be overseen with UN troops as well as the oversight of the United States and other global powers.
With the new Obama Administration and his support of the Arab Peace Initiative, Turkey sees hope in a peaceful solution. An East Jerusalem in Arab possession has been owed to the Palestinians since 1967, and with concession from the Israelis peace can become a viable reality. Israel must realize that peace is possible, but major concessions will need to be made on both sides.
1 December 2008
It is with my deepest regret that peace has yet to be achieved between Israel and the Palestine. I want nothing more than to once and for all see a two state solution be implemented and the Palestinians have their own independent state. Once the borders are drawn, which most fairly I support the Palestinian possession of the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Nazareth; I hope to see Jerusalem rightfully be the Palestinians once again.
With the full return of the Golan Heights, I will be open to full and final peace agreements with Israel. However until that return, I will push hard for Palestinian sovereignty and the Syrian refugees obtain freedom alas.
If the Arab world at large and Israel as a single unit can agree on a two state solution, the Middle East, I believe, can truly see peace. The Palestinians can obtain their land and identity back as their own Palestine, Israel can finally have their holy land after being brutally displaced all throughout history, the Syrian refugees suffering in the Golan Heights will finally be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and lastly, if we obtain peace, it will set a trend for the entire world to follow suit.
First, we must all act together, in a peaceful manner and through open dialogue. Israel, you need to stop building settlements, let the prisoners go, and give up the Golan Heights. Palestine, stop your terrorist bombings out of resentment: two wrongs do not make a right. All my other fellow Arab neighbors, we must be open to Israel’s requests, but back Palestine as our fellow Arab Muslims who have felt the wrath of Israeli expansionism since the Holocaust. If we can all sit down together and openly negotiate borders, things will begin to look up. The entire international community will finally begin to take us serious, and perhaps this will help all of our economies, for example the tourism industry, it would create jobs and increase our profits if we could resolve these issues at the grassroots level.
As far as Jerusalem goes, it is the original capital of Palestine, not Israel; therefore it belongs to the Palestinians. There is no realistic approach to splitting the city into halves in attempt to please both actors, resulting is going to be the suffering of one actor (the Israelis). The city of Jerusalem, despite its Jewish influence and population, needs to be returned. Regardless of the consequences, it is their city. With peaceful negotiations afterwards, we can work out a plan for the Israeli Jews to visit the religious and historical sites as pleased. Border in and out of the city should be very minimal, unless tensions arise again between the two groups.
I believe that it is time, once and for all, to work together as all Arab nations in obtaining peace and helping our fellow neighbors. We can all get along if we just ease up and think strategically about what the cons and pros are of the current situation. And in my opinion, the cons are far outweighing the pros in every aspect. No body is happy in Israel, so let’s work together once and for all. Both sides have to give something, and I think we all need to grasp that concept before progress can be made.
Cordially,
Bashar al Assad – Syria
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