SAMED 1984 Consensus Statement

Home	Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group Consensus Statement November, 1984

N.B. - This statement, along with its corresponding supplement, were drafted almost twenty years ago. At the time, each document reflected a major step forward in the thinking of the communities -- particularly the Jewish and Palestinian communities -- at the time. Consequently, they should be read with that historical perspective in mind. We, the Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group, are 21 U.S. citizens of Christian, Jewish, and Palestinian (Christian and Muslim) background. We see the continuing stalemate between Israel and the Palestinian people as a central factor in growing extremism; in acts of terrorism by Palestinians, Israelis and others; in heightened political instability in the area; and in the threat of war which could escalate into superpower confrontation. Our Group believes that a negotiated settlement of the conflict is critical for the survival and dignity of Palestinians and Israelis alike. We believe that successful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians are the essential first step toward the achievement of peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Hence, the Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group urges that: the Palestinians, the Israelis, and the neighboring Arab countries mutually and simultaneously accept the legitimacy of the State of Israel and the legitimacy of self-determination for Palestinians including the option of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; the Palestinians and Israelis suspend military operations against one another; all acts of violence against innocent civilians cease, whether by Palestinians, by Israelis, or by others in the area; the Israeli government freeze all settlements on occupied territories; the representatives of the Palestinians and the Israelis, presently the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the government of Israel, recognize each other explicitly and simultaneously and then undertake mutual negotiations toward a just and lasting peace. In order to obtain such a negotiated settlement, we urge all involved parties -- including the President of the United States, the Congress, opinion makers, and U.S. organizations involved in the Middle East -- to help create the conditions necessary for these events to occur. *Please read the supplement to this document.*

Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group

Consensus Statement

November, 1984

N.B. - This statement, along with its corresponding supplement, were drafted almost twenty years ago. At the time, each document reflected a major step forward in the thinking of the communities -- particularly the Jewish and Palestinian communities -- at the time. Consequently, they should be read with that historical perspective in mind.

We, the Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group, are 21 U.S. citizens of Christian, Jewish, and Palestinian (Christian and Muslim) background. We see the continuing stalemate between Israel and the Palestinian people as a central factor in growing extremism; in acts of terrorism by Palestinians, Israelis and others; in heightened political instability in the area; and in the threat of war which could escalate into superpower confrontation.

Our Group believes that a negotiated settlement of the conflict is critical for the survival and dignity of Palestinians and Israelis alike. We believe that successful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians are the essential first step toward the achievement of peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Hence, the Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group urges that:

the Palestinians, the Israelis, and the neighboring Arab countries mutually and simultaneously accept the legitimacy of the State of Israel and the legitimacy of self-determination for Palestinians including the option of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip;
the Palestinians and Israelis suspend military operations against one another;
all acts of violence against innocent civilians cease, whether by Palestinians, by Israelis, or by others in the area;
the Israeli government freeze all settlements on occupied territories;
the representatives of the Palestinians and the Israelis, presently the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the government of Israel, recognize each other explicitly and simultaneously and then undertake mutual negotiations toward a just and lasting peace.

In order to obtain such a negotiated settlement, we urge all involved parties -- including the President of the United States, the Congress, opinion makers, and U.S. organizations involved in the Middle East -- to help create the conditions necessary for these events to occur.

Please read the supplement to this document.