World Economic Forum on the Middle East: Sen. Kerry's remarks

[TayTay]

http://www.weforum.org/en/knowledge/Events/KN_SESS_SUMM_28780?url=/en/knowledge/Events/KN_SESS_SUMM_28780">From Friday, May 15th:

Enhancing Global, Regional and Human Security

• Ibrahim S. Dabdoub • John F. Kerry
• H.H. Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa • Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif
• Hanadi N. Al Thani • Danilo Türk
Chaired by • Klaus Schwab

http://www.mogulus.com/worldeconomicforum/ondemand/flv_23042365-3a8c-4abf-9a6b-fae9fb6482aa?initthumburl=&playeraspectwidth=4&playeraspectheight=3">Webcast

Friday 15 May
17.15-18.15

The recent financial crisis has heightened political tensions, increased extremism and complicated the pursuit of peace and prosperity in the Middle East. These problems – and potential ways to address them – were the focus of a debate among international political and business leaders.

“I think we’re in a unique moment,” said John F. Kerry, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Senator from Massachusetts (Democrat), USA. “The key question is whether we’re going to seize it.” Kerry listed a number of features that suggest the possibility of progress:
• growing concern among Arab leaders about extremism in Iran
• consensus among Arab leaders on promoting a peace plan in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• increasing comfort in the region and internationally regarding the general framework for peace
• the commitment of the Obama administration to support a resolution of the conflict

As Kerry characterized the administration’s position, we are “unflinchingly supportive of Israel, but we also know the facts on the ground must change ... Settlements must freeze.”