(IsraelNN.com) The “peace process” began in Madrid 18 years ago, but peace still is not likely "by 2020 or by 2030.” according to a Russian expert for Arab studies who spoke at a Jordanian conference under the title, Middle East 2020: Is a Comprehensive Settlement Possible?"
Analyst Sergei Demidenko, of the Institute of Strategic Studies and Analysis, poured cold water on the declarations of Western leaders who have been making non-stop efforts to revive what now is called the “diplomatic process.”
He said there has been no change in the same three issues, which have confounded world leaders trying to orchestrate an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. They are the status of Jerusalem, foreign Arabs claiming a home in Israel and Jewish development in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria.
“Any government that will come into power either in the Palestinian National Authority or in Israel would never agree to cede Jerusalem or to divide it even under threat of being ousted,” the Institute of Strategic Studies and Analysis expert told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
Demidenko’s view that the current political stalemate does not allow for any negotiations flies in the face of continued optimism in the Western world as well as in Russia that they can improve on the efforts of their predecessors.
Analyst Sergei Demidenko, of the Institute of Strategic Studies and Analysis, poured cold water on the declarations of Western leaders who have been making non-stop efforts to revive what now is called the “diplomatic process.”
He said there has been no change in the same three issues, which have confounded world leaders trying to orchestrate an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. They are the status of Jerusalem, foreign Arabs claiming a home in Israel and Jewish development in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria.
“Any government that will come into power either in the Palestinian National Authority or in Israel would never agree to cede Jerusalem or to divide it even under threat of being ousted,” the Institute of Strategic Studies and Analysis expert told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
Demidenko’s view that the current political stalemate does not allow for any negotiations flies in the face of continued optimism in the Western world as well as in Russia that they can improve on the efforts of their predecessors.