Seeds of Peace
Sovereignty means complete power, jurisdiction, or control over the body of politics of the state. It is associated with statehood and involves independence with no external control over all aspects of life, government, and resources. The issue of sovereignty is a dynamic asset of the human condition. It is a vision into the ideals we, the youth of our nations, hold for society. Sovereignty governs both political and philosophical interests of society. We recognize the basic universal necessity to feel respected and represented. We decided to learn from the past and not relive the life of terror, fear and war to begin a new peaceful existence. It is in this spirit that we call for the birth of a Palestinian State.
For the well-being of the Palestinian people and the world, the new state should have a democratic system. Thus, it would proudly join the democratic world in which it would become an active participant in peaceful world interaction. Under a democratic system of government the interests of the people in the development of their emotional fulfillment, pride, and contentment would be achieved.
The state would establish diplomatic relations with countries of the world in joining a global village. The establishment of a sovereign state would enable equality for the Palestinian government amongst the governments of the world. It would also create representation for the Palestinian Diaspora.
Such diplomacy would increase international trade and improve the economic status of the Palestinian nation. In order to develop the economy of each state, economic cooperation is required to bring prosperity and development to the region.
Developing a stable infrastructure is important for the living conditions of the Palestinian people, both economically and socially. This stability would ensure the benefit of the entire region, and would extend the ability for people to people communication.
The satisfaction with security for the Israeli people must be met as it is the fundamental concern for the establishment of a Palestinian state. The creation of a Palestinian state in itself would solve many problems of security. A Palestinian government could provide the authority over the actions of the people with greater efficacy than from an outside force. We recognize that an independent state has the right to a military force, yet in the prospect of trust, which is our most dire need at the given time, we must compromise on this issue.
Our expectations are that this new sovereign state would provide freedom of movement. To accomplish this, the borders between the contiguous nations, including the new state of Palestine would provide for safety, security, and ease of passage.
Many bridges need to be built to connect the hearts and minds of the two states to create a real trust, not between two governments but between two peoples. In order to achieve real peace, we need to have real partners. The compromise that is yielded in declaring a state of Palestine stands caressed in the warm glow of peace. We envision the formation of a society in the image of the peaceful coexistence, which we have come to appreciate at Seeds of Peace International Camp. This existence should evolve with trust provided through the initiation of cooperative social and educational programs and facilities. Uncovering our trust is the key to making agreements through negotiation, just as it is the key to the successful introduction of a state.
Conditions for a Sovereign Palestinian State
The emergence of an independent Palestinian state should be based upon the fulfillment of the following conditions. These conditions should satisfy the needs of the Palestinian people for self-expression while addressing the fears and concerns of the Israeli people. While the first condition is a prerequisite of statehood, the remaining conditions are concurrent; the obligation begins immediately and continues through the creation of a Palestinian State.- Formal and Final Revocation of the Palestinian Covenant The revocation of the Palestinian Covenant is still a disputed issue between our leaders. We recognize that further progress regarding sovereignty may be hindered unless this issue is fully and finally resolved. Therefore, we suggest the following solution:
- We call upon the Palestinian leadership to convene the Palestinian National Council ("PNC") for the purpose of deleting any and all articles that call for the destruction of the State of Israel. These include any and all articles that are inconsistent with all agreements signed by the parties, including the Oslo Accords, and the expressed desire of Palestinians and Israelis to live together in peace.
- These articles, which were referenced in President Arafat's letter to President Clinton, dated January 18th 1998 (Specifically, Articles 6-10, 15, 19-23, 30, and parts of Articles 1-5, 11-14, 16-18, 25-27, and 29) should be physically and permanently deleted from the Palestinian Covenant.
- Following revocation by the PNC, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, as Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization ("PLO") will deliver a public speech, both in English and Arabic, unequivocally supporting and approving the action.
- Immediately following this speech, the Prime Minister of Israel should publicly acknowledge the action of the PNA and affirm that this issue has been settled finally and fully to the satisfaction of the Israeli government.
- Provisions/Limitations on the Palestinian State Security Force While a Palestinian police force already exists under the terms of the Oslo Accords, a sovereign Palestinian state will need additional resources to insure the safety and security of its citizens and to meet the legitimate security concerns of Israel. To satisfy this condition, we recommend the following action:
- The establishment of a Palestinian State Security Force. This force would be used solely for internal defensive purposes. It would not possess offensive weaponry or acquire destabilizing weapon systems. The force would be limited in size and equipment by prior agreement. While the Palestinian security force will have sovereignty over all land within its jurisdiction, Israel will retain sole control over airspace but will agree to defend the state of Palestine from air attack should the situation arise.
- The Palestinian State Security Force will increase in size in proportion to the size of the territories within its jurisdiction.
- The creation of demilitarized zones. These zones will only be drawn in areas where there is potential for armed conflict (i.e. Hebron) and will be jointly patrolled by Israeli and Palestinian security forces.
- Addressing the Safety and Security Concerns of Israel We recognize that the State of Israel exists in an atmosphere of hostility and hatred. Various states in the region still refuse to recognize the right of Israel to live in peace and security with its neighbors; they threaten or act to destroy Israel through military means or by sponsoring terrorist activities against Israeli citizens. The birth of a Palestinian state, which shares political, economic and geographic ties with Israel, must address these concerns.
- A joint security task force will be established with the purpose of destroying extremist forces and stopping terrorist attacks. The Palestinian authority will work aggressively to stop terror and provide assistance to the Israeli government in this effort.
- The Israeli security forces will work aggressively to fight extremists within Israeli society.
- The obligation to fight terror should be consistently applied and enforced.
- Both parties recognize the importance of education in fighting terror and achieving safety and security.
- The Palestinian and Israeli Ministries of Education will develop a committee on "Educating for Peace." Representatives of this committee will work together to create a curriculum to implement education programs regarding peace in their schools. (Seeds of Peace would be happy to assist in the development and implementation of this curriculum). In addition, efforts should be made to educate Palestinian and Israeli adults regarding the benefits derived from peaceful coexistence. These educational programs should begin immediately and could include the creation of public service announcements or other campaigns aimed at reaching a wide segment of the society.
- Control of Borders While this condition overlaps previous conditions regarding security, it is necessary to determine and define recognizable borders of a future Palestinian State that exists on contiguous land. For an interim period of time, we recommend all borders should have both Israeli and Palestinian border control representatives. Eventually, however, the ultimate goal is to allow for the free flow of goods and people and to live side by side like Switzerland and France.
- Development of Economic Infrastructure An emerging Palestinian state must be able to provide for its citizens. In order to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region, it must first build a strong and viable economy that can provide jobs and expand opportunities for its people.
- Efforts should be pursued to grow an independent Palestinian economy. The average Palestinian must be able to reap the benefits of peace and independence.
- Economic initiatives with Israel and surrounding Arab countries should be encouraged to promote financial stability. Greater financial independence and stability will also enhance security measures.
- The Joint Fund for a Democratic Palestine ("JFDP") will be instituted to begin raising funds for and encouraging investment in a Palestinian state.
- Democracy Democracies seldom go to war against other democracies. Therefore, we should welcome the existence of a Palestinian state that is based upon the highest ideals of a democracy and reflects democratic principles. A democratic Palestine will be more likely to live in peace with all of its neighbors.
- The Palestinian people should commit themselves to a democratic form of government. Part of this commitment should include free and open elections with the principle of one person, one vote.
- Freedom of speech.
- Freedom of religion.
- Freedom of the press.
- Equal rights for all.
- Appropriate checks and balances on the exercise of power in order to preserve and protect these principles.
The Benefits and Interests of a Palestinian State
The New Palestinian Sovereign state will be of vital benefit to the region in numerous ways, particularly in the areas of security, economic cooperation and democracy. We believe that such issues hold the key to regional normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors.- Sovereignty: The Issue of Security The delegates of the state of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority hereby agree, that the rise of the Palestinian state will contribute to the security of both parties involved and in turn create regional stability in the area. This agreement is thereby witnessed by the United States of America, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Arab Republic of Egypt. AFFIRMING that the Government of the state of Israel recognizes the need for establishing a Palestinian state. ALSO AFFIRMING that the Palestinian National Authority recognizes the existence of the Jewish state of Israel, as its neighbor. EMPHASIZING that by the act of mutual recognition that will take place in due time, an end will be put to decades of hostility and violence. In achieving this agreement, all parties will benefit in the following ways: All parties believe that by establishing a Palestinian state, a sense of accountability regarding security will prevail.
- AFFIRMING that with greater control by the Palestinian government over both its people and their territory, they will ensure greater responsibility toward both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
- CALLS UPON both parties to ensure a joint effort to combat all acts of terrorism and violence.
- URGING both sides to commit themselves in establishing and/or creating, both international and national conferences, that would enhance security cooperation between all parties such as the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Middle East (CSCME).
- RECOGNIZING that both parties will refrain from the use of force and/or weapons, such as conventional, non-conventional and nuclear against one another.
- ACKNOWLEDGING that both parties will not support, cooperate or take part in any acts of hostile alliance and coalitions in the region.
- Sovereignty: The Issue of Economic Cooperation In order to create a stable environment for economic development, it is agreed that economic cooperation between all parties is necessary. Furthermore, this will ensure world recognition and acceptance of the new established Palestinian state into the global economy. We believe that the money invested previously in defense and military shall be shifted onto more peaceful and domestic use.
- EXPRESSING views of appreciation towards the international community for their financial support.
- ACKNOWLEDGING The importance of an economic partnership between both parties especially in areas of mutual interest. In that acknowledgment, the two sides agree to create an Israeli/Palestinian continuing committee for economic cooperation, focusing among other things, on the following:
- Development Programs prepared by experts on both sides shall address the issues of water, electricity, energy, finance, transportation, communication, trade, industry, and environment. In belief that a mutual interest exists in increasing the standard of living of all parties.
- An infrastructure is to be created dealing specifically with labor relations and employment. This will guarantee the employees working in both Palestine and Israel safety and security.
- ENCOURAGING both parties to cooperate in social welfare issues and human resource development plans.
- AFFIRMING that the new Palestinian state will remain using the Israeli Shekel. Once Palestinian economy is stabilized, a committee will be formed to study the prospect of a Palestinian currency.
- RECOGNIZING that the Palestinian state will have full authority and ability to both import and export products at their own will.
- ENCOURAGING multinational firms to start franchising and investing in the newly established Palestinian state.
- Sovereignty: The Issue of Democracy In attempt to establish a stable country all parties believe that democratization, the process which first began on 20 January 1996 must be continued. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of the acknowledgment of the basic human rights that any Democracy enjoys. In that, we have agreed to the following:
- RECOGNITION by all parties of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights chartered on the 10th of December 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
- BY ENSURING the freedom of speech, religion and press, the Palestinian state will reflect the needs and beliefs of the Palestinian people, and will specifically be implemented by the process of free elections.
- A system of checks and balances must be created to guarantee that no government entity will have more authority over the other.