June 3, 2016. President Francois Hollande of France Representatives from 30 countries were on Friday meeting in Paris to begin talks on pursuing peace in the Middle East, without the Israelis and Palestinians in attendance. French Foreign Ministry said the goal was simply to begin a process that would bring everyone back to the table by…
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Following is a copy of the official communique:
“The Participants met in Paris on June 3, 2016 to reaffirm their support for a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“They reaffirmed that a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to achieve an enduring peace, with two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. They are alarmed that actions on the ground, in particular continued acts of violence and ongoing settlement activity, are dangerously imperiling the prospects for a two-state solution.
“The Participants underscored that the status quo is not sustainable, and stressed the importance of both sides demonstrating, with policies and actions, a genuine commitment to the two-state solution in order to rebuild trust and create the conditions for fully ending the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and resolving all permanent status issues through direct negotiations based on resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and also recalling relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and highlighting the importance of the implementation of the Arab Peace Initiative.
“The Participants discussed possible ways in which the international community could help advance the prospects for peace, including by providing meaningful incentives to the parties to make peace. The Participants also highlighted the potential for regional peace and security as envisioned by the Arab Peace Initiative.
“The Participants highlighted the key role of the Quartet and key regional stakeholders. They welcomed the interested countries’ offer to contribute to this effort. They also welcomed France’s offer to coordinate it, and the prospect of convening before the end of the year an international conference.”
The America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) released this statement on June 3:
We appreciate the intentions of the foreign ministers meeting held in Paris today to seek a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The best way to further the peace process with the goal of a two-state solution—which we support—would be for the international community to do everything in its power to persuade the Palestinians to return to direct, bilateral negotiations without preconditions with Israel.
We regret that the communiqué failed to cite both Palestinian leadership incitement to violence and its refusal to negotiate directly with the Israelis. In order for this effort to truly further the prospects for peace, the foreign ministers should not take steps to internationalize the process and reinforce Palestinian obstinacy, but instead they should urge the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table.