[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA:

"Peace talks are taking place with the pragmatic Palestinians, who recognize
Israel's right to exist, who seek to realize their national rights but
choose the path of peace over terrorism. With such partners, who support the
Two State Solution, peace can be attained. The conflict is solvable."

Once again FM Livni tells the world that the PA leadership is simply
fantastic - setting the stage for the world to blame Israel for any
problems.

To succeed in these efforts, all peoples of our region must have the courage
to recognize the fact that we, Israelis and Arabs alike, face common
challenges. We must together take responsibility for our region's destiny,
engage in dialogue, promote mutual projects and deny the extremists the
ability to dictate the agenda.

And once again FM Livni declines to explicitly tell Arab leaders that they
can contribute to situation by helping to stop the flow of weapons and other
support to te terrorists.]

------------------

FM Livni's 14.4.08 Address to the 8th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development,
and Free Trade

http://tinyurl.com/6axa6x

Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to pay tribute to the State of Qatar, under the leadership of
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, for hosting this conference
on a topic of global concern.

I would also like to express our respect and appreciation to His Excellency
Shiekh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have come here to Qatar, in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, as
a representative of the Government of Israel to an Arab state, with which we
have maintained official relations, even in difficult periods, and with
which we hope to strengthen our ties.

The continued dialogue between Israel and Qatar is a living testimony to the
importance attached by both sides to this ongoing relationship, which serves
the interests, not only of both sides, but of the entire region. We hope
that other Arab states will follow the example of Qatar, as a means for
promoting co-existence, understanding and peace in the entire region,
especially in a period of time in which a genuine peace process is taking
place between Israel and the Palestinians. To the Arab states of our region,
some represented in this conference, we extend our hand in friendship.

The road to peaceful relations - just like the road to genuine democracy -
begins with dialogue, mutual recognition and the free exchange of ideas.

Democracy

We are gathered here to discuss Democracy. But what is democracy?
It may seem self evident, but it is not always so.

We all share the same understanding that:
. Democracy is not just a word.
. Democracy is a way of life.
. Democracy is a value system.
. Democracy does not belong to any specific faith or national identity.
There is no contradiction between democracy and religion, or between
democracy and patriotism.
. Democracy is the natural birth-right of every human being.

At its heart, democracy is a system and a set of universal values, that
promotes diversity, freedom of worship and freedom of speech. In so doing,
it creates the space and the opportunity for each faith, for each identity
and for each individual, while reflecting local cultures, traditions and
values.

Moderates and Extremists

But there are those who do not share our perception of democracy.
I am referring to the extremists, who not only reject the genuine values of
democracy, but also fight to deprive others of their rights and use violence
as a legitimate tool in their battle.

On the other hand there are the moderates, who accept the principles of
democracy, recognize the legitimacy of others and renounce violence.

This is the greatest conflict today - between the moderates and the
extremists. This is also the new challenge of the entire region.

We, the moderates of the region, are all members of the same camp, facing
the same challenges posed by the extremists.

It is true that even amongst us, within the pragmatic camp, there may be
differences of opinion and conflicts. Israel and the moderate Palestinian
leadership are in the midst of a process in order to resolve such a
conflict.

It is this vision of peace that binds together Israelis, pragmatic
Palestinians and moderates throughout our region.

The extremists have, unfortunately, the ability to block or prevent our
vision of peace.

Therefore, it is quite clear now that Israel poses no threat to the
stability and the peace of the region. It is equally clear now that the
threat comes from the radicals, who refuse to recognize our democratic
rights.

When I say "our", I mean the rights of Israelis, moderate Palestinians,
moderate Arab and pragmatic Moslem regimes alike.

We must cast aside the outdated perception that the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict is the cause for the extremists, and understand that our ability to
come to terms depends on the extremist's capability to prevent it.

The threat of the extremists to the peace process and regional stability, is
also via their abuse of democracy.

Democracy and Elections

Democracy is not just a technical process.

Today, in different parts of the world, extremists are entering the
democratic process via elections - not to abandon their violent agenda - but
to advance it.

It is the full right of democracies to defend themselves from those who wish
to exploit the system in order to reach a position of power, and then abuse
that power to enforce their radical ideology and disregard the values of
democracy.

This is true for both Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority, in which the
political process has been infiltrated.

In both these cases, Lebanon and the PA, the outcome is a lack of stability.

We witness another breach of democracy, while three abducted Israeli
soldiers are still held in captivity, for no reason, denied access of the
Red Cross or a sign of life. I would like to take this opportunity to call
for their release. This is a matter of human rights, not politics.

No true democracy on earth allows armed militia, or groups with racist or
violent agendas, to participate in elections. I have checked this matter,
and in various constitutions around the world, it is prohibited. Also in
Israel, a racist party cannot run for elections.

I have called on the international community to adopt a universal set of
standards for participation in democratic elections. This universal
democratic code requires that all those seeking the legitimacy of the
democratic process, earn it by respecting such principles as state monopoly
over the lawful use of force, the rejection of racism and violence, and the
protection of the rights of others.

The choice should be made before elections take place - Terror or politics -
but not "political terrorism".

The goal of such a universal code is to protect core democratic values from
those determined to destroy them. The democratic process is not just a
right - it is also a responsibility.

The Peace Process

According to the understanding of our new regional challenges, Israel left
the Gaza Strip, dismantled all settlements, and gave an opportunity for
Palestinian self rule, as a first step on the path towards a Palestinian
state.

For this reason, we launched the Annapolis process, to reach a peace
agreement [implementation of which is subject to the Road Map].

Peace talks are taking place with the pragmatic Palestinians, who recognize
Israel's right to exist, who seek to realize their national rights but
choose the path of peace over terrorism. With such partners, who support the
Two State Solution, peace can be attained. The conflict is solvable.

There is no hope for peace with the extremists, who reject the two state
solution, refuse to even recognize the existence of Israel and choose the
path of violence.

With the legitimate Palestinian government, representatives like Mahmoud
Abbas, Abbu Allah and Salam Fayyad, we share the vision of two states living
side by side in peace and security.

We recognize the fact that the Palestinian people have legitimate rights and
aspirations. We have no interest in ruling their lives. Israel is committed
to the establishment of a Palestinian state, as a nation state for the
Palestinian people and a peaceful neighbor to Israel.

Equally, the people of Israel are entitled to those same rights. There is no
place for terrorism, and no justification for terrorism. Just as a
Palestinian State is an Israeli interest, so Israeli security must be a
Palestinian interest.

Israel is deeply engaged in a peace process. The attainment of peace is an
Israeli strategic objective, and it is clear that it entails further
territorial concessions. Stagnation is not our policy. We have no interest
in wasting time, or establishing facts on the ground that will impede the
creation of a Palestinian state.

As the Israeli chief negotiator, the responsibility lies heavy on my
shoulders, as this concerns our future. The talks are based on trust, and
some principles:

. The talks are bilateral only.
. Everything is on the table, yet nothing is agreed until everything is
agreed.
. We do not share information with the media, or the public. There is a
price that we pay. Lack of information leads to an incorrect image that
nothing is happening. But the right thing to do is to continue to work
seriously and discretely.
. Any future agreement is subject to full implementation of the first stage
of the road map, for we cannot afford an additional terror state in our
region. We are in need of a legitimate Palestinian government, like the one
in the West Bank, which has effective control of both the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip.

This is evidently clear with the violent takeover by the Hamas of the Gaza
Strip. Although Israel fully withdrew all its forces from the Gaza Strip,
dismantled all settlements and allowed for self Palestinian rule in this
territory, instead of coexistence, we have received terror in return.

Gaza is not just an Israeli problem. It has become an obstacle to the
formation of a Palestinian state.

In parallel to the negotiations, we must make changes on the ground. We must
advance on the issue of security for Israel (terror attacks continue), and
capacity building and economic promotion for the Palestinians.

We have also decided not to allow the daily frustrations to stop the talks.
Although It is not easy for Israel to negotiate peace in days of terror, and
not easy for the Palestinians while Israel acts against terror in Gaza. But
we must continue - for stopping the talks serves the interests of those who
do not want peace.

The role of the Arab and Moslem world

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peace requires historical reconciliation. We are ready and willing to walk
this path. But, all sides must choose to walk with us. The hearts and minds
of the entire region must be prepared for this historical process.

Some of the states in the region, including Qatar, have taken important
steps forward in this effort. By encouraging dialogue and acceptance of each
other we can teach our children the blessings of coexistence. We can create
the environment in which a genuine, dignified and lasting peace is possible.

We can promote mutual understanding by removing incitement and hatred
material, and replacing it with messages of hope and mutual acceptance. This
is the only way. To create public support for the decisions the leaders need
to make.

I would like the public to understand that the region is changing - as is
evident and demonstrated in this wonderful gathering.

To succeed in these efforts, all peoples of our region must have the courage
to recognize the fact that we, Israelis and Arabs alike, face common
challenges. We must together take responsibility for our region's destiny,
engage in dialogue, promote mutual projects and deny the extremists the
ability to dictate the agenda.

In conclusion,

Democracy is a choice and an ongoing responsibility.

From its founding, Israel made a choice to be a genuine democracy. We are
both a Jewish State and a democratic one, and there is no contradiction
between the two. We respect the equal rights of the Arab citizens, who are
also represented in our parliament.

There is much for us to do - we do not deny that Israel is still a young
democracy, and we do not claim to be a perfect one.

This International Conference on "Democracy, Development and Free Trade" is
an ideal venue and surrounding for a rich and creative exchange of ideas and
experiences.

I wish you all a successful and enriching conference. The countries of the
world and of the region can only benefit from this distinguished gathering.

Thank You.
_____

See http://www.qatar-conferences.org/democracy2008/index.php