London talks end with failure
Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/5/1998

That the London meetings had failed was no surprise to any one. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu himself had stated on a number of occasions that he had no intention to accept the US-proposed 13.1 percent scope of Israeli troop redeployment in the West Bank. US and Palestinian officials too had very little to expect out of the London talks. Yet all parties headed to the meetings hoping that last minute surprises would bring about a miracle.

However, none of that happened and even among the Palestinians, there is a sense of discontent at the way the US handled the latest round of talks in London. "Instead of the US Secretary of State announcing her initiative for peace and issuing direct blame on the Israeli government, the US Administration decided to invite both parties for further talks in Washington next week," said a Palestinian official in Ramallah.

The official, who has been in close contact with the Palestinian team that accompanied President Yasser Arafat to the talks in London, said that President Arafat acceded to the US invitation for more rounds of talks in Washington. "Our sincere commitment to give every chance to the peace efforts was behind the decision to carry on with the talks though we do not expect any real results," he said.

"The question is not the venue where talks should take place. The question is whether Netanyahu is ready to move ahead or just wants to waste as much time as he can," said the official.

Palestinian minister for international cooperation, Dr. Nabil Shaath, was obviously disappointed at the way the talks ended in London. "Eight months have passed since the US Secretary of State took over and three months have passed since she dictated to Netanyahu what should be done with regard to the interim agreements and yet nothing has changed," he said. "If not now, when then?"

Palestinian sources in London said Netanyahu had come to London with a decision not to make a single step on the peace process but to open up outstanding issues that had been discussed for hundreds of hours in the past and no decision was reached on them. Chief Palestinian negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat said the US has assured the Palestinian team in London that there won't be another compromise with respect to the scope of the second phase withdrawal.

"The Americans have told us they are sticking to their initiative with respect to percentages and other components," Erekat declared. He added that, "The time has come to make decisions. At the end of the day we will know whether Prime Minister Netanyahu is playing games with everyone, or whether he really wants peace." Erekat stated that the U.S. has submitted its proposal which relates to a withdrawal of 13.1 percent and President Arafat has already accepted it.

"We did not accept the US proposal because this withdrawal is on such a wide scale. On the contrary, this is the minimum that we can agree to. And we're not talking only about percentages, but also about other items on the agenda, including the release of prisoners, security arrangements, the final status, and more. By the end of the day Netanyahu should say 'yes' to the proposals," said Erekat.

President Arafat had announced in London that Netanyahu would bear responsibility for the chaos that might effect the Middle East in case the London talks fail. "If Netanyahu is serious about his intention to make peace, today is the day to accept the US proposals about the scope of the second phase," said Arafat adding that "If Netanyahu is interested in the peace, and is seriously concerned, today is the day."

Former US Secretary of State James Baker, meanwhile, suggested that the US say publicly that it supports a 13.1 percent Israeli withdrawal. Baker censured the Clinton Administration's handling of the political process, saying that Washington today lacks the courage to pressure Israel, by going public with its peace initiative.

Appearing before ambassadors from Syria, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon in Washington, Baker stated that he is frequently in touch with Secretary Albright, and that her position is much tougher than the official US stance. He hinted that her policy is tempered by internal political considerations.

Previous Stories:
  London talks: background   (5/4/1998)
  Will London meeting be canceled?   (4/30/1998)
  Netanyahu fears US recognition of Palestinian state, as Ross and Indyk lack breakthrough   (4/27/1998)

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