Low expections for Mideast peace conference

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-24-2007 13:36

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Mussa (R) meet in Cairo. (AFP/Cris Bouroncle)

As Palestinian and Israeli leaders prepare to resuscitate the peace process next week for the first time in seven years, analysts aren't expecting much.

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians spans 60 years. In all that time, they've fought over borders, security, settlements, the status of Jerusalem and the fate of Palestinian refugees.

Analysts are skeptical about how much can be achieved in Maryland.

Jeffrey Arinson, Middle East Institute, said, "I think Annapolis is going to be a photo-op. I think there will be no substantive This will be declared a success first of all. We know that. Whatever happens, the US will champion this as a success."

Dennis Ross, Washington Inst. for Neat East Peace, said,"Annapolis is going to be an event. Now events are fine if they lead to something. Events that stand on their own are not going to be very productive. So the real issue is what comes after Annapolis. What's been planned."

Palestinian children hold placards during a demonstration against the closure of the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip. (AFP/Said Khatib)

The US government is sponsoring the conference to launch the first round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in seven years.

Both sides have appointed negotiators to write a joint document of principles for a future peace deal to be presented in Annapolis.

But the negotiators haven't been able to agree on a detailed text.

A more general joint statement is expected to be released at the conference.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei