Israel Matzav

US vows to 'assign blame' if 'proximity talks' fail

Shavua tov, a good week to everyone.

Just before the Sabbath started, Haaretz reported that the United States has sent a letter to the 'Palestinian Authority' indicating that it will be an active participant in the 'proximity talks' between Israel and the 'Palestinian Authority,' and that it will 'assign blame' in the event that the talks fail.

The U.S. government sent the document to the Palestinians responding to their inquires regarding the U.S. initiative to launch indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

"We expect both parties to act seriously and in good faith. If one side, in our judgment, is not living up to our expectations, we will make our concerns clear and we will act accordingly to overcome that obstacle," it was written.

This commitment by the U.S. was a determining factor in the Palestinians' and the Arab League's decision to agree to the U.S. proposal on indirect talks.

The document also reveals that U.S. involvement will include "sharing messages between the parties and offering our own ideas and bridging proposals."

The U.S. also emphasized that their main concern is establishing a Palestinian state.

"Our core remains a viable, independent and sovereign Palestinian State with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967," the document read.

Regarding the settlements, the U.S. noted its continued commitment to the road map, which dictates that Israel must freeze all construction in the settlements, and dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001.

In 2000, Bill Clinton blamed Yasser Arafat for the failure of the Camp David talks, telling Arafat that he had made Clinton a failure.

But this administration is unlikely to blame the 'Palestinians' regardless of what happens - they have been biased against Israel from Day One (and even before). And you can bet that a finding that Israel is at fault will not be glossed over the way that Clinton's accusation against Arafat was a decade ago.

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:54 PM