Ban says world must give new PA gov't time to recognize Israel

Sorry fellah, you've got the wrong shoe on the wrong foot. Arabs refused to recognize Israel and attacked it on 5/15/48. Israel was willing to accept a Palestinian state, however, Arabs wanted to be pigs about it and grab the whole kit and kaboodle. It seems Arabs prefer to live on handouts from UNWRA rather than perform productive labor.

Sorry to offend with Mr.Einstein. He did not believe in God and Prayer, I Believe in God,Prayer,love & war when it is necessary.Time will prove that Israel is infinite."endless" God put Israel back into the Land that he gave to Jacob.changed his name to Israel. and said: You will be a NATION in the Land.infinite, endless! they have been all this time, not just May 14,1948.I saw the Star of David go up at that time. Never to be plucked up by PLO or Bush & Rice USA or anyone. God Gave Them an Army and he expects them to use it in the Phase that is soon to come. ( i will hold on all Scriptures) Mr.Einstein was a man of wisdom in the Field of science. I feel he Judged all men of faith by one apostate Religion. going for Universal control with the now time EU. All nations are working against Israel now, like MY English book of 1611 AD. William Tyndale 90% translation. Israel is a Nation that God said he will fight for the rest of the way. Israel will survive it all. ok?

that you didn't understand what i said? it's really very simple; but i'll give you an analogy to help you understand: let's say you were a captain, and i was a sergeant who despised you and knew your leadership ability sucked; i'd be forced to salute you by tradition...although it wouldn't be you i saluted...it would be your rank...and i would resent having to do so. and let's say someone like dana is also a captain, who i knew had earned her rank because i recognize and respect her leadership ability and her knowledge. it would be her i saluted and i would do so freely. you understand now, paul? respect and recognition cannot be given...it must earned. you could be given the rank of general; but you cannot be given respect... your rank may be respected...but never you... and people will resent having to display it... and by demanding it; you'll get even less... understand now? i don't even think i tried to rhyme that one; did i?

Before you resort to name calling, read up a bit on the subject of which you know zilch. You were given a reference, which you didn't have the intelligence to research. There were pro & con's on clusters. Don't claim to be an "EQUALIZER" when you don't have the intelligence to do a bit of research, especially when it's handed to you on a platter.

You drove us into this situation, and you made us inflexible. Don't you have radicals too in Israel?

What exactly do they need more time for...to kill each other over more cabinet posts and forming a government?? Please...This is the most pathtic attempt at forming an internationally recognized government by the PA. They are viewed as a joke by most democratic civilizations! Even the IRA got it together by now!

Quoting Tamir,"No conection between Gaza and West Bank means no peace." An inflexible and an untenable posture will remain the epitaph of your people, compliments of the radicals among you!

GH DATES TO REMEMBER MARYLIN 1917 BALFOUR DECLARATION 1920 SAN REMO 1922 MANDATE FOR JEWISH HOMELAND 1924 ANGLO-AMERICAN CONVENTION 1925 CONGRESS GUARANTEES MANDATE AND JEWS SETTLEMENT IN ALL PARTS [US STATUTE] 1947 UN RATIFIES FOREGOING 1969 ALSO IN VIENNA CONVENTION FOR TREATIES JEWISH SETTLEMENT GUARANTEED BY TREATY 1979 PEACE TREATY EGYPT /ISRAEL 1995 PEACE TREATY JORDAN/ ISRAEL PUT THIS THROUGH YOUR PRINTER AND STOP WRITING TOTAL AND ABSOLUTE CRAP TO HAARETZ

When asked to be president of the state of Israel Einstein replied: 1.where will the Palestinians go? 2.Israel is a Fascist State.

As you correctly put it: Both PA and Hamas have already recognised the fact of Israel's existence.The 'recognition' is simply a red herring so that Israel can continue its Occupation.Here are somethings that the world community will most likely consider,if Israel does not withdraw to pre 1967 borders(242) and recognised the right of refugees(194): 1.immediate move for de facto suspension of Israel throughout the entirety of the UN system(2)The GA adopt comprehensive economic,diplomatic and travel sanctions against Israel(3)The Unity Government sue Israel before the IJC for inflicting acts of genocide against the Pelstinian people,(4)GA found an international Criminal Tribunal for Palestine in order to prosecute Israeli war criminals,(5)Concerned citizens and governments start divestment and disinvestment(process already begun).

Quit your rhetoric of hatred and live like a decent human on this planet...

"What the General Assembly can and the rumours are that sooner than later it will,the GA would suspend Israel..." Maybe you have already "suspended" your brain from your head. And don't forget,Sara is a JEWISH name...

"And the world continues to disgarce itself over Palestine as they have since 1947 when they voted illegally to give land to the Israelis that they did not deserve.." Did YOU deserve Australian land?Your ancestors didn't ever live there! How many times will we,in these forums,have to repeat this to you?

that Israel exists. What they need to recongize is Israel's right to exist. This they have not done, and after over a year of the world community having given Hamas a chance to do so, it still adheres to its charter that calls for its annihilation. Its conviction, Ban must know, is based on religious committment, a thing that does not change just because he wants it to be changed. The end result, the Hamas, by its lack of action in this regard, has moved itself from any serious international consideration. Calling for the annihilation of a member state of the UN is simply unacceptable, and Ban should know that.

difference between starting a war and not finishing a war for reasons he cannot fathom. He is truly an angry bigoted young man with a lot to learn in his seedy life.

Giving the PLO time. While rearming by the thuck loads,Iran cooking Nukes. Billions of Dollars & Euros,60 years passed, reminds me of the words of Mr. Albert Einstein, two things are infinite, "endless" The Universe and Human stupidity,he said, i am not sure about the former!to give the PLO time and money is far out on the stupidity part of the UN. Israel must think for themselves the rest of the way. ! !

Why should the world give time for hamas to recognize Israel? This terror organization is committed to the destruction of Israel. Cannot you do anything? What if Israel does not recognize the pals?

is pleased to confer on you,dishonoris causa,the degree of Doctor of Bluffology. Arise Dr. C. and receive what is coming to you.

What the General Assembly can and the rumours are that sooner than later it will,the GA would suspend Israel,as was done with apartheid South Africa.Simple majority ,thus by passing an inactive Security Council. The Spanish Judge who prosecuted Pinochet is calling for the trial of Bush-Blair,for war crimes committed in Iraq.Committees may well be struck even as we speak for bringing Israel to the Hague for the committing of crimes against humanity. So, things are moving and the world community is no longer fooled by Israeli and Israeli supporter prop.

Cluster bombs are old hat. Hezbollah started the war and was the FIRST to use them in Lebanon. Their rockets fired into Israeli CIVILIAN centers were loaded with them. If you'll GOOGLE "Cloned Generals" quite a discussion took place on that particular subject. The idea in war is simple, inflict more damage on your enemy than he does on you. Since Hezbollah chose to seek concealment among the Lebanese civilian populace, any injuries to that populace were inflicted by attempts to hide. You can't hit me, don a pair of glasses and expect that I won't retaliate because "You don't hit a man with glasses". That part of the Lebanese population that was complicit in assisting and hiding Hezbollah received what they deserved. Hezbollah paid Lebanese civilians to add "Rocket Rooms" to their house plus a monthly rental for the rooms. Civilians aren't nearly as innocent as you're trying to make them ou.

When they stop being palestinians - an Arab 'brand name' for terrorist for cash,incompetent in building and improving the land they claim, extremely competent in stealing UN/Euro/US/ money, welfare specialists, the Arab people no Arab wants ( including themselves!!!) in their country but loves on al-Jazerra as suicide bombers in Israel, and start acting and being human beings. So, I guess with Hamas, al-aska martyrs, Islamic jihad, tanzim, kassam launchers, etc., your answer is not for the foreseeable future. But don't worry, the Holocaust nations together with their Arab oil friends love them so much for the important work they do that money will be coming at any time now.

The problem Mr.Labrhas is that PA has not and is not keeping any of her signed commitments. One of which is the renouncement of violence. Is that in your opinion an unreasonable requirement? It is as if they wanted to be EXCLUSIVELY on the receiving end at ANY deal entered with them. The recognition of Israel would mean that PA becomes obliged to keep the deals she commits herself with Israel. As long as they do NOT recognize Israel, they NEED NOT to respect any deal with such a state(Israel)that does NOT exist to them! They want EVERYTHING without giving anything in return and without an effort! IF this kind of deal-making is fair in your opinion, we indeed have a totally different sense of justice. So let's leave it to that.

I know you were not insulting and you want bothside to live happy in peace. Regarding the connection, it depend on the road size and how big is it?

I mean greatest palestinian - ole' camel face himself, didn't he recognize Israel's right and existence as part of the Oslo Accords? So why are we going through this? And what is the use of summits like in Sharm el-Sheikh in June 2000 if a major palestinian party can reject agreements it doesn't like? Do ALL rules change every time palestinians go to vote? And if Oslo is hereby overturned by the present PA then everything is null and void and Israel can follow whatever course it deems best. If obligations and promises can be dismissed by palestinians then Israel has nothing to bind them to anything. Onviously, agreements mean nothing to palestinians. Palestinian handshakes are as binding as kissing a frog and whatever is promised today can be undone tomorrow. And if anyone disagrees he'll be dealt with in palestinian fashion. Shot. Preferably with his family in the car.

Jeff, the route you talked about is rarely allowed. Israel won't let just anyone through the Allenby Bridge, especially Gazans. And the Rafah crossing gets closed by Israel despite Israel not physically controlling it. Gazans don't even have control of their travel papers. Israel is the one who keeps the list of Gaza citizens and Israel dictates who can travel based upon these lists. (same for West Bank) Without Israeli issued credentials, Pals cannot travel in or out at all! And Israel is famous for taking these credentials for petty reasons, like taking a cab that parks too close to a check-point. Or for speaking up at a check-point. Travel in the mannor you described doesn't work. Either forwards, or in reverse as you claim. Meanwhile Israel suffers the consequences of choosing occupation instead of peace. Have a nice life! (no I am NOT justifying terrorism)

I wasn't trying to be insulting. But, a road to connect the two areas of Gaza and the West Bank would be a good thing. Think of the hardship it is to travel for Pals who want to see their families. That was actually what I was considering.

that your own commanders boasted about(see Haaretz)? And what about the thousands of civilians killed in Lebanon,the thousands of refugees ,and the destruction of infrastructure? Restraint,eh? This isn't some imaginary battle that you are reliving from the Old Testament and after which in real time you were beaten black and blue by the Roman Empire? After which you started to whine and whimper. The IDF specialises in your sick policy of beating up on helpless people. That's why they are 'flabby'.They got a drubbing from Hezbollah and rumours are they may get another one ,probably from the same source. So, quite your cowardly boasting.The world community is fed up with your savagery and even Big Brother won't come to your aid this time.

North & South Korea still haven't reconciled despite the fact that the war between them ended over 50 years ago. The big difference between the Arab/Israeli & Korea situations is that the Korean's aren't shooting at each other. Neither is North Korea firing rockets into South Korean population centers. Inscruatabel orient, not really, simply unfanthomable.

And the world continues to disgarce itself over Palestine as they have since 1947 when they voted illegally to give land to the Israelis that they did not deserve which then led them to stealing two times more. It is utterly, utterly shameful

To all those on this talk back going straight for Mr. B.K. Ms jugular for making what sounded to most rational sensible people a reasonable logical diplomatic comment. Please note Mr.Ban.K is as yet unaccustomed and unprepared for the ferocity of the frontal. Is he not entitled to a honey moon? and Whatever happened to foreplay?

"Does the international community buy this". I refer you to the BBC poll again, in which Israel has the honour of "Most hated and least trusted" in the international community. Have a desire to fix it then get on with making peace and stop looking for recognition and trying to have talks about talks. You are fooling very few people nowadays.Talk to your leaders and pressure them to sit down on your behalf and work towards the security you so desire. You do want that /dont you. Regards

What the Arabs recognize is that Israel occupied their land for the past 60 years. Recognizing the state of Israel by the Palestinians is nothing less than giving their seal of approval to the occupation. The question should not be whether the Palestinians recognize Israel or not, the real question is, does Israel recognize the injustice it had inflicted upon the Palestinians?

Ban talks about 'Peace' between Israel and its Arab neighbours. However, how can there ever be 'Peace' without negotiations? And how can Hamas negotiate with a Country [Israel] which in their view does not exist.....? It only means Hamas which is an Arab Organisation is not serious. Accept it Ban.

Didn't arafat recognize Israel as a nation? Or did I miss something camel face said. Was Oslo premised on something else? If the PA recognized Israel in the past and now refuse to do so, what is to ensure that another PA government down the road decides to not recognize Israel after say, recognition is made a second time? This shows that palestinians have no concept of what a government even stands for let alone know how to run one. Despite the world doing everything it can to prop up the palestinians, they still do not display the most basic understanding of what it means to be a nation. Moving them to a real state ( more or less) like Jordan would actually be doing them a favor.

Go read your history man.And quit beating up on people you've murdered,stolen land from since 1896.We know what your great ancestors did.Quit your sadism and live like decent people on our planet.

They did not fight the battle that they could have and massive firepower with more loss of life would have insured victory. Don't confuse restraint with weakness. That would be deadly.

be behind the Palestinians to the point of working towards peace because they love war, conflict and anything that pressures Jews to live under harsher standards. BUT the good people who really do want peace amongst Israelis and Palestinians will understand and promote the simple fact that.....should they follow the Quartet and drop the destruction of Israel policy then the world and Israel will roll out the red carpet of peace and statehood. No violence and hatred against the Israelis will get the same from the Israelis in return. The Palis are in no position to demand but by complying with the terms laid down before negotiation will put Israel and the world into giving more than the Palis could have gotten in the past. Remember I did say that the people who do NOT want peace will disagree.

You Belgians chased 50.000 Germans fromn Brixelles after the WW1. About 15 million of Germans were also expelled from the E.Europe after the WW2. Yet you seem to think that's Ok,they must accomodate to suit you,while you look at Israel babbling abouut a "pal home". Belgium shouild be given to Germans as a compensation for the lost land in the E.Europe.You wouldn't mind anyhow.

preferred war (together with ARAB COUNTRIES). They were defeated and it TOOK TIME TO REALIZE THE DEFEAT - years, years, years. - PALS MISSED THEIR CHANCE IN 1948. - PALS MISSED THEIR CHANCE after signing OSLO AGREEMENTS (Thief Arafat promised non-violent relations, but proclaimed INTIFADAH). - PALS AGREED TO FOLLOW "ROAD MAP", but DIDN't OBSERVE IT. - PALS PREFER HAMAS. IT WAS THEIR CHOICE. THE PEACE PROCESS IS BECAME IRREVERSABLE. - PALS SHOULD FORGET ABOUT STATEHOOD. THE TERRORIST STATE of PALESTINE IS UNACCEPTABLE. - PALS SHOULD FORGET ABOUT EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN AID.

Israel cannot force the PA to negotiate on the basis of mutual recognition nor needs to conduct its own negotiations towards a broader political settlement except indirectly and incrementally. The EU and the UN are free to give $ to the PA but should be forewarned that any institutional presence will not be a bar to IDF action if and when the need arises while everyone is waiting for the PA to eventually (if/when) abandon supercessionist doctrines.

.....close it up. They, the despots of the third world, can't even run their own countries. They help create the pal probem. Useless idiots and our government who keeps them on.

responsibility in order to have the blockade removed and getting back to her old, terrorist ways against Israel! Does the Intl.Community buy this? My goodness - is the world run by dimheads? Prosit!

Well, we are not actually, so as I said let him dream.

Israel offers are ink on paper, but on the ground they never became true. It must be not good enough for PA thats why they turned it down. Road? do you call that a real satisfying offer? it can't be even seen on the world map.

As an older person and a pro Palestinian I have been reading all the posts,including yours.The pro-Palestinian bloggers are a very well informed bright bunch.Real intrepid characters.Now your profile is also emerging.An older person,judging from the range of your interests,and possibly retired. 1.knowledge of military matters and references to Pearl Harbour. 2.Familarity with old world songs. 3.informed about the U.N.(although here the info.is a bit sketchy). 4.Familiar with Palestine .Advice to go around to the West Bank. I must point out at the outset that I agree with the assessment of those bloggers.They come straight to the point and their perspective is known.Yours is hidden away in a thicket of info. Why are you blogging? Simply to pass time.Or like some ofthe pro Israeli bloggers you are sympathetic to the idea of a one state for Israel,with the Palestininians sent off to Egypt or Jordan? Or just confused about your goals. Why not just come out and state your main thesis?

AND? You and yours, as ballistic would say, should try doing the same. You spend more time cusing the destruction of your countries rather then building them. It seems that is the only way to maintain the gredy grip on the civilian populations. Like Behrri, won't call parliament into session so Syria won't be found culpable in the assassination of Hariri? Syria still runs your country, complain about that one.

Whatever he says is a mix of truths and half truths.He quotes a few things like U.N. resolutions etc.to give the impression that he knows what he is talking about.Then he starts fabricating. But we found him out.But you guys over there know what to do with these cowards and liars.Somebody on these posts said:their glory days of beating up on defencelss people are over. They are scared stiff.Trying everything.But as I said you guys know what to do.

the Israelis offered tobuild a road from Gaza to the West Bank, at their own expense. The Pal Gov turned it down flat. Jordan and Israel are doing a study to build a desalination plant for the Pals. (At their own expense) I often wonder why these topics are not posted. I usually have to read the rticles in papers other then those of the Israelis or Arab States.

YEP!!! Evry statement you have made is exactly what is wrong with the Pals. Instead of working on NOW, you want to live in the past. THAT will keep getting you nowhere fast. Congratulations on being just as stupid as Hamas.

Their past and ongoing infamy will fill volumes!

You say you are in California.But are you on leave from the IDF or the israeli government? The last time we looked the IDF's glory days were over.You guys drove out defenceless people from their land,you keep beating up on unarmed teenagers and old men,women and children,and Bedouin peasants. You've become flabby.You got a drubbing last year, even with your air power and cluster bombs. So,watch out.Quit bullying.

Israel is not even close to even acknowledging the many UN sanctions and international demands for it to withdraw from Palestinian territory. Israel you have absolutely no legitimate standing to criticise another for failing to respect international standards!

If they are really committed to peace they have to realize that Jerusalem is one and is the Capital of Israel and for the rest" Time is over". Hamas and the PA gov't both have to take a decision . They want another war is Ok, they want peace it will be even better for everyone but they cannot pretend to play like children. As someone says here 60 year s are enough to take a decision!!!!!!!!!!!

No conection between Gaza and West Bank means no peace.

If someone would take my home from me 60 years would not be enough to understand. But the Palestinians, and the Arabs really seem to try to understand the position of the Jewish people. What they need is that at least a few Europeans recognize their responsibility in what went wrong. And for 18, there is patience for Jews too, and people are working on more understanding for Jews, but miracles only happen in fairy tales, and in a religion that is based on deception.

another euphemism for you keep the contract we signed and i will continue to negotiate the terms. but the world finds that is ok because they are poor, oppressed, and are so few. perhaps gaza should be run by egypt and west bank by jordan. then there would be justice for all?

BEFORE DESCENDING INTO VERSE DO TRY AND WORK IT OUT SO THAT SOME SENSE CAN BE MADE FROM YOUR POSTS . THEY ARE HISTORICAL AND HYSTERICAL NONSENSE .

Ban says to give PA time! I say give Ban time to understand he needs time to fully understand the problems. But untill then he should be taken with a grain of salt! Since the time the PA accepted Israel many have died. Does Mr. Ban propose we turn back the clock to the time before the PA acceptance so that more time can go by with more killings untill (who knows when) the Palestinians recognize Israel again?

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RECGNISE ARAB DOUBLE TALK ?? AFTER 90 YEARS IF YOU STUDY NOT ONE SECOND .

sighhhh... poor you. has nothing to do with arabs... it has to do with the plight of the palestinians... at the hands of their israeli oppressors... seems what the founding zionists envisioned sort of got lost out there in extreme extremist land... it's just something that went askew... that's got nothing to with you nor with arabs nor with jews... because at the very bottom level... there is only one thing that tells and that is humanity itself... which in palestine is lacking... so deny it if you will... but it remains, still you cannot break the spell... of their living hell... if you deny that it exists!

Dear Cynic It took 1945 + 3 years for what you call your West allies to recognize Jews, so please look back into your history books!

If Ban wants the world to be patient before Hamas accepts the 3 conditions of the quartet, they will have to wait a long time. After the six day war the Arab League decided in Khartoum not to make peace with Israel, not to recognise it and not to hold negociatians with Israel. Only in 2002 did they change their mind. The world had to wait 35 years !!!!!!

Solution : divide 50/50 the Palestine territory (Israel+West Bank+Gaza) to form 2 states with equal ressources and rights

i find it a completely valid statement. it's a matter of israel SHOWING the palestinian government that it has the RIGHT to be recognized... that it exists no one questions... but to demand its "right to exist" from those it oppresses on a daily basis is really pushing it... to expect them to bow at your feet and concede to your pompous demands is absolutely ludicrous! RESPECT AND RECOGNITION IS SOMETHING EARNED! it is NOT something given... you might enforce submission; as israel does so well... but respect, recognition, and acceptance will NEVER happen under those conditions. that is human nature, my friend... don't expect MORE from them that you yourself would never abide by... it cannot be forced... and to attempt to do so only deepens the resolve to resist... time IS needed; as well as israel's willingness to make some concessions that will change the views it's spent 60 years putting into place.

The 1967 war was opened by Egypt as they blocked the Straits of Tiran, concentrated their army at the border of Israel and ordered the UNO peace keeping force to abandon their positions. All these are considered an illegal act of aggression. The creation of Israel has nothing to do with WW2, the Balfour Declaration in 1917 had already decided that a jewish homeland should be created in Palestine. Israel was created only on 20% of the territory promised by this declaration, the rest was given to the Hashamites.And in Sabra and Shatila, christian arabs slaughtered muslim ones. Like now in Irak, where arab sunnis kill arab shiites and vice versa.Killing each other is common practice between arabs to solve the disputes among them.And USS Liberty was a tragic event due to an error in identification, Israel had nothing to gain by attacking an american ship, had apologized and paid recompensations.Israeli planes attacked also by mistake, israeli tanks, killing unfortunately tens of soldiers

the last 60 years has only afforded "the arabs" the opportunity to recognize israel for its aggressive and uncompromising nature... do you really expect them to be MORE forgiving that you? especially when THEY have lost so much more than you at israel's hands? that they are even willing to recognize israel, should israel make the concessions asked of it, speaks louder for peace than ANY gesture EVER made by israel. food for thought, cynic... if you've got eyes that see and a mind that perceives... otherwise; i'm sure a hate-filled response from you i'll receive... which will reaffirm exactly what i've just said...

Not at all, Chad. UNRWA isn't about food aid to the starving. UNWRA is about a cradle-to-grave welfare state. "Refugees" in Gaza and elsewhere receive 3 times more per capita income, better health care, schools than the average Egyptian who works for a living. Palestinian "refugees" receive more than 40 times more per capita than the starving in Darfur. A couple million Palestinians in the Mideast receive more UN largesse than for the rest of the world combined. Still "refugees" after 60 years?? Yeah, right. Its a racket. 800,000 Jews displaced from the Arab world received how much from the UN -- zero. UNWRA will end with either a peaceful PA state that's separate, or part of Jordan. Its illegitimate to continue it so the PA folks can afford to wage war without the inconvenience of having to eek out a daily living - the current crazy status quo. The money is needed in Darfur and elsewhere for the truely needy, this perpetual "refugee" nonsense has to stop. I offered a practical path.

You wrote: "And don`t forget the wars: the six-day war; the 1967 war and the continous efforts to steal land from Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian territories" First,the 1967 war was the six-day war,so this shows your ignorance of the history in the region. Second,there were no "palestinian territories" ever.There were Egyptian territories and Jordanian territories which were captured by Israel in a DEFENSIVE war that was waged against Israel by the Arabs. And third,Israel has given back the Sinai to Egypt,so it's not stolen land.It also wanted to give back Gaza but the Egyptians didn''t want to have you "Palestinians" back because they feared you would attempt to topple their government,as you attempted to do in Jordan. Oh,and four,you're not a specific nation:you're plain and simple Muslim Arabs.The very man whom you consider as your "Palestinian leader" was in fact an Egyptian.... How's the weather in Woodland Hills?

After 60 years,the pals still need time to recognise Israel??? Let's face the fact, the pals will never recognise Israel. It's it so difficult to make the world realise this fact.

Why would the PA ever seriously think of recognizing the bastard nation of Israel. It has been stealing Arab land ever since it was formed. Keep in mind that it was created by Western nations after WWII because they did not want the jews going to their own countries. It's easy to give away land you don't own. And don't forget the wars: the six-day war; the 1967 war and the continous efforts to steal land from Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian territories. Also keep in mind the USS liberty, if you don't know about it, Google it. And of course, never forget the slaugter they committed in Saba and Chatilla.

Another UN fool.

map, Israel has one tiny little sliver of land and is surrounded by much larger arab nations.biblically speaking,israel has a right to exist as a nation with its own land-that God gave the land of Israel to the descendants of Jacob, grandson of abraham.

Howdy Tamir; You said, "...,right now both Gazans and West Bankers can`t visit eachother." Sure they can. A Gazan can cross into Egypt via the Rafah crossing which is not physically controlled by Israel, pass Egyptian customs, take a ferry to Aqaba, Jordan, pass Jordanian customs, go to and cross the Allenby Bridge, pass Israeli customs, and presto you're in the West Bank! Of course, the same thing works in reverse. It's too bad that the Palestinian militant/terrorist groups have managed to destroy any possibilty of Israel allowing Palestinians to cross 40 Km. of Israeli sovereign territory from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank or vice-versa, but that is the consequence of choosing war instead of peace. Have a nice trip!

Yes you can starve a population into submission. That's a real cruel thing to do considering most of the population just wants to work and live. Most don't care about politics, they just want to have the security of working 8 hours a day, the security to feed themselves and their family. Aid must always be given no matter how bad/corrupt the government. Don't confuse humanitarian aid with politics. The 2 are not the same.

A lot of people have put down Kofi Annan on this forum. In fact, he is the first recent Secretary General that realized that treating Israel as a second class member led to de-legitimizing the UN, not Israel. He re-aligned the regional system so that Israel could join the Western Europe and Other Governments region. That gave Israel the ability to join UN committees where most of power is. Unfortunately, Europe chose to keep Israel out of the Security Council rotation and out of the executive committee. Nevertheless, Israel started to be able to play under International rules. Ban Ki Moon seems to know this. One of his first acts was to make it clear that Israel had a right to exist and that it would be treated as a full member of the UN. This was disappointing to the 'boycott Israel' crowd. It is necessary to regard International Law as a protection to Israel (as it is to less 'logical' post-colonial states with no reason to exist other than colonial boundaries.

we must spend as much on peace as we spend on war. i extend my hand to my arab brothers and sisters.

Are you joking... anyone else find this funny? How can you ask for time to recognise Israel. Israel is a reality and not recognising Israel is unrealistic and encourages war. We need peace now and the more time it takes the longer it will take to heal

Israel is an occupier,who are basically holding people against their will.This brutal occupation has cause many lost and unnecessary lives on both. Mr Ban, why are still asking Palestinans do accept an occupation,that not only causes deaths,deprivation and humiltians,but collective puinshment also. Why are we calling Arabs terrorists and corrupt,when the State of Israel political system is so festered with,corruptions,bribery and scandals and filled with hatred.Why do we continue to say there is no one to talk to on the Palestinians side,when these corrupted scandalous Israeli politicians seem to be the center of some sort investigation every other week.Mr Ban,how could we reasonable believe that there is Israeli peace partners,when they can't even keep a stable government Mr Ban,so why do the world allow this occupation to continue,why do we allow more settlements to be built, is this a peace offering or just greed

What you are expecting will never ever happen Sir. You seem to be a good listener, so please listen up, cos the palestinian 'leaders' have long decided that peace, love and friendship with Israel is not in their interests. They have created the most violent terrorist groups the world has ever known, committed the most violent terrorist acts and swear to continue doing so no matter what. They are now in the hands of the Iranians and Syrians, and the Gaza and the west bank have become their 'little Lebanon'. Sadly, they have reached a point of no return (to normal civlised behaviour).

And some of us thought that Ban Ki-Moon would be an improvement over Kofi Annan (whose name, in Hebrew, translates to foggy monkey) would be an improvement. What makes him think that the current PA government is any different from the many, many Arab-Palestinians who, for 60 years, have preached annihilation of the Jews? So sure, let us wait - and wait - and wait - and wait - - - - - - for how many millenia?

By announcing that UNWRA will go out of business for good at the stroke of midnight, December 31, 2007. No more hand-outs. If the PA has properly recognized Israel and abandoned terrorism (100% results, not 100% "effort"), UNWRA will continue conditionally until negotiations for the 2-state arrangement are complete. If Hamas PA has not met their obligations by then, the 2-state solution comes off the table for good, NO Palestinian state, Israel annexes the settlement blocs and the Rift Valley with UN blessing, and negotiations will begin between Israel and Jordan about extending Jordanian sovereignty over the main Arab population blocs in the West Bank -- Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, Hebron, together with suitable road connectors over the river to Jordan. Geez, they're all Jordanian citizens to begin with. Now that Jordan is at peace with Israel, no reason to go back to the status quo ante, with suitable border adjustments to provide for Israel's security, exactly per UN242.

hamas has made it quite clear that will never happen. is never considered 'time'? how about he pose a yes no question to hamas. will you ever recognize israel... i bet hamas says no. whats your next bright idea??

no recognition no viable Arab-Palestinian State east of the Jordan.

New United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would profit from many long talks with his predecessor. He will grow in maturity with experience, particularly getting to understand the machinations of Israel.

So long as the international community doesn't support Hamas in the meantime, patience is o.k. Of course, the problem is that in the meantime we have patients and corpses. Should we also be patient about that Mr Ban?

Ban is a great UN chef and he will take care of Palestinains. Coming from Korea means alot to him, he doesn't forget the Japanese occupation to Korea and he would love to solve the issue between South and North Korea. Exactly the same like us, Palestinains would love to reach Gaza and West Bank, right now both Gazans and West Bankers can't visit eachother.