So, now we will be back to square 1. What a shame. This will not lead to a Palestinian state, but to bloodshed.

NORWEGIAN UN SUPPORT TO PALESTINE

Aftenposten 2011 09 05

Editorial

A Norwegian FM has been present for the first time since 1994 as a central actor at the EU’s FM summit. Then as now, the purpose was for the discussion of the Middle East, where Norway still is playing a central role. By now, Norway is not invited as a peace broker, but as the leader of th donor country group. This is a central role, though without the influencing power we once had.

Again, it is about the Palestinian’s place in the international community which occupies the international agenda.

There are many indications over the PA’s regime requesting to be recognized as an independent stateby and in the UN. We are aware of the USA vetoing if this issue is raised in the Security Council; but we also know the UN General Assembly is in support of the Palestinians, by an overwhelming majority.

FM Jonas Gahr Støre is now expressing himself in a fashion making it likely Norway will support the Palestinians. We are in agreement with Støre over this. Like him we can see the West Bank being systemically being expanded with Israeli settlements contrary to international law. We see the possibilities of a viable Palestinian state diminishing ever more. We see the will to genuine compromises diminishing every day under the present Israeli government.

This weekend, the Norwegian FM has set one important demand for the Palestinians: The text sent to the UN must contain a clear recognition of the Israeli right to live within clear and defensible borders. We are in agreement with Jonas Gahr Støre also in this.

The Palestinians are likely to receive enough support over their demand for a nation. Yet, reality is that this is of little practical utility. On the ground, a two state solution is being torpedoed by Israeli settlements and political bad will. We also observe President Obama lacking the authority needed for painful compromises. American policies in the Middle East are no more foreign policy, but part of next year’s elections.

Also for this reason there is little reason for optimism. For decades there have been talks over the many lost opportunities for peace in the Middle East. Unfortunately, this still seem to be the foundation of the lines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We have an understanding of the Palestinians wish for being supported by the UN over their own state. But we are aware of this being an empty vision. Realities take part on the ground. They do not favor the Palestinians.

TURKISH CANDIES

Dagbladet 2011 09 05

Editorial

Turkey’s relations to Israel is at low ebb after the country expelled the ambassador, downgraded diplomatic relations to a minimum; and halted all military cooperation. These initiatives are a result of the publication of the UN report related to the Israeli attack on the international Gaza convoy in last year, in which 8 Turks were killed. This report is very balanced; however, the Turks are in a rage over the Israelis all along having refused to express regret over the killing of the Turk activists. The hope was for the report leading to reconciliation; the contrary has taken place.

The Turks have been dependant on Israeli military cooperation, this they can live without.

To Israel, the Turkish reaction is a slap in the face; in particular with the Middle East being in change, and the new regime in Egypt being less willing to reconciliation with its Jewish neighbors. In the future, the country may become even more isolated in the region, while Turkey is playing an important role in connection with the uprisings in the Arab world. It would be a smart diplomatic move by the Israelis to express regret over what happened in last year; this is not likely to happen.

PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD

Dagsavisen 2011 09 05

Editorial

The Palestinian plans over applying for recognition of statehood has created diplomatic tumult. The Israeli government refers to it as “a greater threat than Hamas”. USA is warning of a veto and the right wing in congress is warning of blocking aid. The EU is deeply divided.

Yet: There are no doubts over the Palestinians being in their full right to apply for recognition. We fully support the establishment of a Palestinian state; and has the opinion the Norwegian government should do the same. It probably will. But it is of importance how it takes place. Therefore, it is of importance to await sending signals until it is known what shape the Palestinian application will have.

The Palestinians have two main opportunities: they can apply for UN membership. If so, it has to be treated by the Security Council. The US is guaranteed to lay down a veto; perhaps others also will. This will do the Palestinians more harm than good. The status of an independent state will make Palestine an independent state for practical purposes. Long and difficult negotiations with Israel are still remaining.

But it is the Israeli occupation and the destructive policies of the Israeli government which is the main obstacle for a Palestinian state. If the Palestinians are acting diplomatically clever, the UN initiative may create a new dynamic changing today’s deadlocked situation. If so alternative no.2 may be wise: being content with status as an observer country in the UN. It only takes a two-third majority in the UN. The Palestinians will achieve this.

But it is also of decisive importance that the resolution forwarded to the GA is constructive inviting to further negotiations. This is why Norway should encourage the Palestinians to proceed correctly. The recognitions may come.