27 Sep 2012
Toronto, ON – Today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas re-affirmed his intention to persist in avoiding formal obligations to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, and instead to pursue unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN.
In response, Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:
“We are disappointed that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas continues to avoid direct negotiations with Israel, and has instead chosen to use the UN as a platform for symbolic gestures that will create neither peace nor a Palestinian state.
“Both Canada and the broader international community, along with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, have signed on to a clear framework for resolving the conflict. This consensus approach envisions the creation of a Palestinian state solely on a foundation of peace with Israel and including security guarantees to maintain that peace. Such a resolution will be determined only through direct negotiations, reconciliation and difficult compromises by both sides. On all three of these points, Israelis have shown not only willingness, but a demonstrable record of achievement.
“In refusing direct negotiations for all but a few months over the past three years, the Palestinian leadership is not merely undermining the established peace process. It is ultimately forestalling the creation of a Palestinian state at peace with Israel. In so doing, Mahmoud Abbas risks perpetuating this painful conflict for the next generation of Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.
For Information:
Steve McDonald, Associate Director, Communications
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
416-953-4417 – smcdonald@cija.ca