“The only way forward – no matter how difficult it is – is the solution of the two states”
The former prime minister George Papandreou, In his extensive article on his personal website, he places and comments in detail the developments in Gaza by talking about “the horror of Gaza, the Palestinians, together and a few still hostages” and which must be done immediately.
Mr Papandreou argues that while the movements of the international community seem to be hopeless, there are solutions for peace, which are still undermined and canceled again and again by extreme nationalist voices, both in Israel and in Israel. Palestine.
“The only way forward – no matter how difficult it is – is the solution of the two states. And Greece, Hellenism, with its historical relationship with Israelis and Palestinians, and their dispersion, must raise the voice of logic. A voice that bridges and reconciles the peoples, ”proposes George Papandreou. He explains that “some are afraid that the recognition of Palestine is hostile to Israel, or even a” reward “for Hamas. Is neither one nor the other. Recognition reinforces the moderate political path, and those who fight for peace and peaceful coexistence. It strengthens the voices of both the Palestinian and the Israeli logic. “
“The Netanyahu government and Hamas feed on one of the logic of the other – each denying the legality of the other side. Palestine recognition can break the vicious cycle of denial and violence »he stresses.
The former prime minister notes the impressive mobilization of civil society within Israel. And Democratic Israel said it clearly: “It’s time. To end the war. To turn everyone home. To become peace. “
“With the recognition of Palestine, Greece and Europe stand by the courageous voices of Israel …. This recognition does not isolate Israel. On the contrary, it reinforces the forces of logic – Israeli and Palestinians – that raise their voice for peace and stand in solidarity with the democratic forces of the area. Those who do not confuse Israel with its government, whether ignorant or deliberately, not only misleads and impose an unfair moral judgment on an entire people. “emphasizes Mr. Papandreou.
He points out the horrible living conditions in Gaza and the need for immediate humanitarian solidarity while underlines the catalytic role that Greece can play, reminiscent of Andreas Papandreou’s initiatives in the 1980s, fully acknowledging PLO and PLO. The right of Israel and to renounce terrorism.
The former prime minister proposes a European roadmap with a strong and leading role in Greece to leave today’s passive, if not paralyzed, attitude towards this conflict. As he points out, “a European plan for Israel-Palestine peace with Greece as a mediator and catalyst includes:
1. Recognition and Frame of Peace
2. Humanitarian guarantees and reconstruction of gauze
3. Civil Society, Youth and Humanitarian Solidarity for Peace
4. Balanced and effective sanctions and strategic influence
5. Protection of SMEs and credible information
6. European unity
7. A Greek Mediterranean Initiative. “
“Inactivity is not neutral; it is complicity.
Greece, forged in the struggle for freedom and as the birthplace of democracy, has a duty to lead.
The recognition of Palestine is not the end of diplomacy -it is the beginning, “George Papandreou concludes in his article.