Kerry to present 'framework agreement' to Israel, Palestinians later this month

[Jefferson23]

In an attempt to re-energize the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, US Secretary of State John Kerry intends to present a "framework agreement" to both sides by the end of the month, London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Sunday.

Quoting anonymous Arab League sources, the paper reported the agreement will include security measures meant to assuage both sides.

On two visits earlier this month Kerry presented to PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu security “ideas” based on the work that a team of some 160 US officials, headed by retired US Marine Corps Gen. John Allen, drew up defining what it thought would be necessary for Israel’s security if a Palestinian state were created.

Those ideas reportedly included an IDF presence in the Jordan Valley for an extended period, between 10 and 15 years.

Netanyahu has for years been adamant in demanding an Israeli security presence – and not any kind of international force – along the Jordan River following a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Kerry-to-present-framework-agreement-to-Israel-Palestinians-later-this-month-335816

[blm]

1. He's doing the heaviest lifting of any SecofState in modern history. Corpmedia has him on ignore

for the most part. Imagine the heavy rotation of reports and breathless accolades if this work was being done by a media favorite like Condi or Hillary.

[azurnoir]

2. the Arab League and Abbas have already rejected the 'security' presence for 10-15 years

here are some of Abbas counter 'demands'

Sbeih said Abbas articulated his exact position on the peace agreement, which were as follows:

- Abbas would accept a Palestinian state with the entirety of East Jerusalem as its capital, with limited land swaps as long as the lands being traded were of equal value.

- He would accept an incremental withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian land, allowing them up to three years to leave.

- He would reject the idea of any permanent Israeli military presence in the Jordan Valley, but would welcome an international peacekeeping presence.

- He would refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.


more:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=659227

[Jefferson23]

3. Thanks for the link. I appreciate it. n/t

[Mosby]

10. why do you think he is refusing to recognize

Israel as a jewish state?

[Jefferson23]

11. Jordan and Egypt do not recognize

Israel as a Jewish state. Bibi made the demand in 2007, why was that so important?
The US recognizes Israel on a official level as the Jewish state? No.

This is an intended obstacle to use against the Palestinians for any final agreement.

How would Palestinians Israeli's be assured they would not lose rights as citizens if they
accepted such a thing? You think secularist Israeli Jews would agree to accepting Bibi's
definition of a Jewish state? Nope, I doubt it.

[azurnoir]

12. Why do you think Abbas is refusing? maybe 'cause the PLO recognized Israel over 20 year ago?

naw couldn't be has to be something much more nefarious than that, right?

[Botany]

4. John Kerry is doing a great job as Sec. of State

[Jefferson23]

6. I think you understand it quite well. n/t

[King_David]

7. LOL

[Jefferson23]

9. He's just gloating, that's what that is about. n/t

[azurnoir]

13. IMO it's become a generic phrase at this point in time

it'll be interesting to see what Kerry pulls out of the diplomatic hat