TEL AVIV (AA) - Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader and Socialist International Vice-President Deniz Baykal has indicated today (Monday) that violence should not be an alternative in the Middle East and that every one must agree on this reality.
Although not on the official agenda, Baykal was requested by Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Labor Party leader Shimon Peres to deliver a speech as part of the Socialist International Council meetings today.
Baykal remarked that the current road map on the table seems to be the only and most realistic solution.
Baykal asked both the Palestinians and Israelis not to implement any policies that may hurt the peace process.
Baykal said that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain Palestinian territory is encouraging. Baykal called on both sides to deal with poverty and poor economic conditions in Palestine.
''As long as poor conditions prevail in Palestine, violence will likely continue and the Israelis will not be able to call themselves a part of the civilized world,'' told Baykal.
''All peace initiatives in the region must be supported by an international aid packet,'' expressed Baykal.
CHP leader Baykal commented that, if democracy is made a way of life in the region, the chances of peace and stability surviving in the region will tremendously increase. ''With the spread of democracy, human rights and mutual understanding, the Middle East could become one of the most prominent and progressive regions of the world. All of us have an obligation to contribute to the process in the region,'' noted Baykal.
(SOL-MS)
2005-05-23