Posted on 07/21/2005 4:43:05 PM PDT by SJackson
JERUSALEM, July 21 (Xinhuanet) -- US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said here Thursday night that the US hopes to convene an international conference after pullout to promote ties between Israel and the North African and Gulf countries.
The main aim of the conference would be to accelerate the renewal of contacts between Israel, northern African states and the Gulf region, Rice told Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom at ameeting in Jerusalem.
The United States and Russia will sponsor the conference, which will also deal with regional programs in the Middle East, she added.
Rice emphasized that after the withdrawal, the parties must return to the roadmap.
The first stage of its implementation will be the demand that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) fulfill its commitments to fight terror, she continued.
Rice arrived in the region Thursday evening for a whirlwind three-day visit that will include talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Her visit is aimed at demonstrating America's involvement on the eve of disengagement and strengthening efforts at coordination between Israel and the PNA.
Rice decided to make the trip in the wake of a terrorist attack in Netanya last week, which gave rise to fears in Washington of renewed fighting between Israel and the Palestinians and the possible collapse of the pullout process.
For the first time, Rice will visit Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his Sycamore Ranch home on Friday. She will also meetwith Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz.
On Saturday, Rice will travel to the Palestinian areas. She is expected to urge Palestinian leaders to make efforts to combat terror.
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Has anyone thought by pulling out of certain areas it would make it easier for Israel to strike back. Level the area then move right back in.
What do you know about Israel?
My opinion only, but minus the move right back in part, I think Sharon has thought of that.
I tell you, even with the security team she has, Condi is
taking her life in her hands going to the PA areas.
Brave woman.
I think we will hear some staunch rhetoric from her before
this term is over.
Aw, Jeeze, not another "international conference!"
If they were allowed to do that the war on terror would be over by now... We get to fight our front of the war but Israel has to negotiate with terrorists.
One of my favorite cartoons is Sharon telling Powell to "tell your president, in the war on terror you are either for us or against us!"
"Rice emphasized that after the withdrawal, the parties must return to the roadmap"
The pali's have never looked to the roadmap other than a nother way for them to get concessions without ANY action on their part... The RoadMap to Peace is a one way street!!!
I agree.
If in fact it's a development meeting with North African and Gulf states, excluding the Saudis and Egypt, it may not be a bad idea. Israel has a lot it could offer them in terms of economic development.
It's me, I have a visceral reaction every time I see an "international conference" involving Israel, since it always seems Israel is screwed at every "international conference". Maybe the development meeting isn't so bad, if Israel and the US together tell the rest that Israel's help with economic development is contingent on the others' stopping the antics of the Amalekstinians, and everyond stopping the bookoo bucks goint to the PA (US first, then the Gulf sheikdoms).
I'm not holding my breath that any good will come from this conference. Maybe I'm just cynical.
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