Palestine’s senior negotiator Saeb Erakat, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Israeli Minister of Justice Tzipi Livni- Photo: Reuters

After the two sides, headed by Israeli Minister of Justice Tzipi Livni and Palestine’s senior negotiator Saeb Erakat, wrapped up their talks, the US Secretary of State announced that the negotiation has obtained positive results in a frank and constructive atmosphere. The two sides agreed to begin official negotiation in the next two weeks and promised to exert every effort to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement within 9 months.

Though the two-day meeting was just an initial step to map out plans for more expanded talks, analysts say there were several positive signs. Before the talks, both Israel and Palestine showed a good will to seek peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said resumption of talks with the Palestinians was of vital importance for Israel. Tel Aviv agreed to free more than 100 Palestinian prisoners and declared its intention not to license any new construction of Jewish settlements on Palestinian territory in the West Bank, something that has undermined mutual trust in the past. In return, Palestine promised not to pursue diplomatic moves against Israel at any international forums. The Palestinians have also abandoned their pre-conditions that Israel vacate resettlement areas and accept pre-1967 borderlines as the basis for border negotiation. The two sides had a long time to prepare for these talks. 3 years ago, Mahmoud Abbas returned to the negotiation table just before Benjamin Netanyahu’s 10-month deadline for suspending the construction of settlements. But, the talks fell apart quickly. This time, the two sides have had 9 months to prepare for the talks and have pledged to discuss seriously all key issues. The US has played an important intermediary role in promoting this negotiation. Negotiations between Israel and Palestine had been suspended and reactivated several times over the past few decades. Their dialogue almost collapsed in September 2010 when Israel refused to stop building settlements on Palestinian territory. The resumption of the talks has been due in large part to US Secretary of State John Kerry’s tireless efforts. Mr. Kerry has had a very busy schedule of visits to the Middle East since he took office 5 months ago. These visits have resulted in the imminent resumption of negotiations. US President Obama not only wants to revive the talks but also to stabilize a region that is vital to US interests.

Much more efforts will be needed before peace is achieved in the Middle East. Many challenges lie ahead. There are serious splits within Palestinian groups. Even though, the international community is hopeful for long lasting peace in the Middle East.

Anh Huyen