Senior Cabinet Minister Meir Sheetrit said that Israel should initiate
peace talks with the Palestinians based on the 2002 Saudi plan, which
proposes a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders in exchange for
full recognition of Israel.
As Olmert’s opponent in Kadima, Sheetrit is posing an option to Olmert’s convergence plan, recognizing that without a solid commitment to addressing the Palestinian question, there will be no security for the Palestinians or the Israelis.
"Kadima committed to reaching an arrangement and shaping Israel's borders. We should wait until we have a Palestinian partner, and we will help them establish a stable and thriving state," said Sheetrit. "They don't want to? So they'll remain as they are."
Sheetrit envisions the Americans taking part in the talks as well, which would also include the Saudis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"I propose that Olmert initiate a process in collaboration with the Americans and talk to the Arabs about the Saudi initiative,” Sheetrit said.
"Abu Mazen [Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas] could be invited to this discussion, to have a concrete discussion and finally, once and for all, to finish the matter one way or another. In other words, if you want peace, ahlan wasahlan we welcome you, we are prepared to make far-reaching concessions and to fix the permanent borders of the State of Israel."
Sheetrit stands alone according to government spokeswoman Miri Eisin who told reporters: "These are not the Israeli government's ideas. These are his ideas."
Sourced from Haaretz
