U.S. incorporating Livni's ideas into peace process

Last update - 02:46 08/05/2009

U.S. incorporating Livni's ideas into peace process

By Barak Ravid

The United States has adopted some of former foreign minister Tzipi Livni's recommendations about enlisting the Arab world into the peace process and have incorporated them into its Middle East policy, American and Israeli officials have told Haaretz.

Livni's recommendations, which she passed on to U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell during his visit to Israel a few days before she left her post, deal with enlisting the Arab world to take part in the peace process and to advance gradual normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel as part of a regional process.

Copies of the document were sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Advisor James Jones and Quartet envoy Tony Blair. It outlines three measures Arab states could take to build Israeli confidence in the peace process.

The document suggests that Arab leaders, even those who do not have relations with Israel, express public support in the peace process and the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, without trying to dictate a hard line to the Palestinians.They should also provide the PA with political support and assistance in isolating Hamas.

Finally, they should start establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, such as reopening Israeli commercial or diplomatic missions in Arab states, holding open and covert meetings with Israeli leaders and holding official visits in Israel.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1083992.html

I have not forgotten her "There is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza" statement, but she could be forgiven.