On a recent trip to Jerusalem, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed that the United States has remained in close contact with both Israelis and Palestinians in an effort to reach a peace agreement that will end conflict and all claims.
Both parties are now five months into peace negotiations. While it is a tough road, it is not an impossible mission. The plan is to narrow the differences on a framework that will provide the agreed guidelines for permanent status negotiations. "This will take time and it will take compromise from both sides," said Secretary Kerry, "but an agreed framework would be a significant breakthrough. It would address all of the core issues, including borders, security, refugees, Jerusalem, mutual recognition, and the end of conflict and of all claims.
The possibilities provided by peace are dramatic and they are worth struggling for: Two states for two peoples living side-by-side in peace and stability and security. Peace is possible today, said Secretary Kerry, "because the leaders – Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and President [Mahmoud] Abbas – have both each taken significant steps for peace."
"In the weeks and months ahead," said Secretary Kerry, "both sides are going to need to make tough choices to ensure that peace is not just a possibility but is a reality for Israelis and Palestinians for now and for future generations.. . . .It is hard work, but with a determined effort, I’m convinced that we can get there."
Both parties are now five months into peace negotiations. While it is a tough road, it is not an impossible mission. The plan is to narrow the differences on a framework that will provide the agreed guidelines for permanent status negotiations. "This will take time and it will take compromise from both sides," said Secretary Kerry, "but an agreed framework would be a significant breakthrough. It would address all of the core issues, including borders, security, refugees, Jerusalem, mutual recognition, and the end of conflict and of all claims.
The possibilities provided by peace are dramatic and they are worth struggling for: Two states for two peoples living side-by-side in peace and stability and security. Peace is possible today, said Secretary Kerry, "because the leaders – Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and President [Mahmoud] Abbas – have both each taken significant steps for peace."
"In the weeks and months ahead," said Secretary Kerry, "both sides are going to need to make tough choices to ensure that peace is not just a possibility but is a reality for Israelis and Palestinians for now and for future generations.. . . .It is hard work, but with a determined effort, I’m convinced that we can get there."
