Episcopal Press and News
World Council Head Says Middle East Peace Process is in Severe Crisis
Episcopal News Service. June 8, 1995 [95-1135]
(ENS) Returning from his first official visit to Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, World Council of Churches General Secretary Konrad Raiser said that the peace process in the Middle East is in "severe crisis."
"The possibilities of a second round of negotiations in the current peace process seem slim," he said. Both Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said that the narrow majority they have in the Knesset (Parliament) was forcing them to be "cautious about taking further dramatic initiatives ahead of the 1996 elections," he said. "Both emphasized security concerns which seemed to override their commitment to furthering the peace process."
Speaking for the Palestinians, Raiser said that Chairman Yasser Arafat described "a complete impasse in the peace process, due to Israeli intransigence and a sense of abandonment by the international community. We heard warnings from many on the Palestinian side that, unless the peace process is brought back on track, a general uprising and possibly uncontrollable violence will be the result."
The WCC policy has consistently affirmed the mutual recognition and self-determination of the Israeli and Palestinian people as the only basis for peace.
As a result of their conversations with religious and political leaders, Raiser and his delegation:
- affirmed a joint statement by the heads of Christian communities in the area contending that Jerusalem "cannot belong exclusively to one people or only one religion" but that it requires a "special judicial and political stature which reflects the universal importance and significance of the city."
- listened to numerous complaints about the Israeli policy of land confiscations which could alter the situation before negotiations.
- heard growing cynicism on all sides about the peace process, concluding that there is a growing danger that a clear understanding of what peace implies is being lost.
- urged Christian leaders to continue their key role in keeping open the lines of communication among all communities, even though the Christian presence has dwindled to under 2.5 percent in Israel and the West Bank.
Raiser said that he was aware that the Israelis "have invested considerable hopes in the peace process and, in this way, they should be supported and nourished." He warned, however, that "for a legitimate peace process to continue, it is essential that the Palestinian people, who are unequal partners, be supported and encouraged not to give up hope for peace."