Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M): “The only way to resolve this conflict in the long term”
The two top politicians from the Middle East, Israel’s former prime minister Ehud Olmert and the Palestinians’ former foreign minister and UN ambassador Nasser al-Quidwa are currently traveling around with a peace proposal that has been supported by, among others, Pope Francis, French President Emmanuel Macron and the EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.
During Saturday, top politicians visited Stockholm and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
– I am grateful that there are forces from both sides with backgrounds in both Israel and Palestine who want to find concrete ways forward towards a two-state solution. Many of us are talking about it as the only way to solve this conflict in the long run. But we also feel a great deal of frustration that we do not see concrete proposals and therefore it was very interesting to take part in their proposals, says Maria Malmer Stenergard.
– There are constructive forces that really want to move forward, want to find a peaceful solution and want to get a ceasefire as soon as possible. This is so we can work towards a two-state solution and release the hostages but also reduce the suffering in Gaza.
This is what the peace plan looks like
The Middle East politicians’ plan for a two-state solution includes, among other things, a demilitarized Palestinian state, an exchange of certain lands, a corridor between the West Bank and Gaza – and an international administration of Jerusalem.
There is great opposition to such a solution from both Israelis and Palestinians, but Maria Malmer Stenergard believes that it is possible to move forward with the proposal.
– I think you have to have the attitude that it will work and I am convinced that there are forces that also want to conduct negotiations and reach an agreement where both peoples can live side by side in peace.
“Can’t get any worse”
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmer believes that it is time to get over the hatred and resentment on both sides.
– The situation we are in today, it cannot get worse. It can only get better. The challenge we face is not about forgetting anything and not forgiving anything – but looking ahead with hope, says Ehud Olmer to TV4 Nyheterna.