"Europe Shouldn't Rely on Chequebook Diplomacy"

How do you rate the chances of reviving the Middle East peace process following the last visit to the region by US Secretary of State Clinton?

Amr Moussa: The Middle East, and in particular the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, is experiencing an escalating crisis at the moment. When President Obama took up his post at the White House, he brought with him a great deal of courage and the prospect of change. Now people are expecting him to put his promise of "change" into practice for the benefit of everyone in this region, because they are hoping that Obama's policies will bring them a better life.

What has happened in the last few months, however, has little to do with true transformation. In fact, we have hardly seen any changes here, and we are very disappointed. This disappointment will hardly lead to the revival of efforts toward a peaceful solution.

On the contrary: the inertia will only encourage further entrenchment and tensions, which could lead to outbreaks of violence and to the utter failure of negotiations in the Middle East. Because peace can only be realised if it is a just peace.

The Arabs are extremely discouraged by the course of the Israeli-American talks thus far, as they have not made any progress on stopping the Israelis from building more settlements. American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ended her last Middle East trip without any notable successes that might have brought some momentum into the deadlocked peace process.

Will the Arabs modify their positions on these issues as the result of their frustration?

Amr Moussa: The Arab attitude is based on not holding any talks with Israel as long as settlements are still being built and the issue of Jerusalem is not on the table.

Negotiating under such circumstances is meaningless and in fact ridiculous. We have been trying to do so for years – and as everyone knows, these efforts have failed miserably. We demand a clear timeframe for talks on the final status; we will not engage in endless negotiations without guarantees for the Palestinians.

What do you think are the prospects for relations between the European Union and the Arab states?

Amr Moussa: As far as Arab-European relations are concerned, we recently succeeded in signing an agreement between the Arab League and the European Union with the goal of intensifying cooperation across the Mediterranean on the political, economic and social levels. We are striving to revive the comprehensive Arab-European dialogue. That's why we are planning an Arab-European summit in the near future.

With regard to the Union for the Mediterranean, which is seen as a replacement or extension of the Barcelona Process, it must be said that it is suffering under the hesitancy of its members and has hardly come to the fore yet as a political institution.

Isn't it time for Europe to play a more effective role in the Middle East peace process?

Amr Moussa: Europe already plays an important role, but it should not limit itself to financial aid, or "chequebook diplomacy". The Arabs expect an active European role, in keeping with the European Union's political weight, because this would bring more balance to the Middle East peace talks. On the rhetorical level, the EU espouses appropriate positions, but in practice often shows a lack of political will.

The Arab League has been trying for a long time to reconcile the hostile Palestinian groups. Why hasn't any breakthrough been achieved yet?

Amr Moussa: The enmity between the Palestinian Fatah and Hamas groups is indeed an embarrassing low point in the history of the national Palestinian struggle. Political disputes between parties usually take place in a sovereign state, but the state of Palestine doesn't even exist yet. The Palestinians must find a way back to national unity, because this fragmentation is not acceptable from an Arab standpoint.

Many Arab observers claim that Iranian intervention is blocking reconciliation between the hostile groups in Palestine. Do you share this view?

Amr Moussa: I do not wish to comment on such speculations. I only wish to see Fatah and Hamas take responsibility for this plight and sign the reconciliation paper drafted by Egypt as quickly as possible. The Palestinian situation can no longer sustain this division.

In recent months there has been much speculation about your possible candidacy as successor to President Mubarak in 2011.

Amr Moussa: Such a momentous decision depends on many factors. At present, we are far from being able to reach that decision.

Interview: Nelly Youssef

© Qantara.de 2009

Translation: Jennifer Taylor

Qantara.de

US President Obama and the Middle East
Old Wine in New Wineskins?
When US President Barack Obama took office, a faint breeze of hope blew through the Middle East. Yet after ten months of intensive efforts, the achievements appear modest. How much political capital is Obama willing to risk on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Birgit Kaspar reports

Egypt's Role in the Middle East
Midwife of Peace
In the Middle East it's rare to miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Time to change the software – the chances for solutions are looking good. The USA has regained respect in the region and Iran is occupied with itself. Egypt in particular can play a key role in finally creating stability. By Abdel-Monem Said

Political Elites in Egypt
Between the Moderate Islamists and the Liberals
In his detailed analysis, Gamal Abdelnasser takes a look at possible future developments of Egypt's political elites and explains why Amr Mussa is likely to step up as Mubarak's successor.