The Way to Peace
PAM's Statement on Israeli/Palestinian Conflict
Peace Action Maine is deeply troubled by the continued violence between
Israelis and Palestinians. Many innocent people on both sides are being
killed and maimed, which makes it increasingly hard for the people in that
region to find a way to live in peace.
We are also troubled by the continued United States role as the supplier of
arms to that part of the world, especially to the Israeli side. While we
feel strongly that the continued existence of Israel must be assured, we
believe that providing the weapons used to kill Palestinians will not be in
the interests of securing peace.
Moreover, doing so is likely to create anti-American sentiment causing
further problems for our own citizens in the future.
We call for the following:
- A cessation of violence on all sides. The killing must stop.
- A moratorium on United States military support for any government or
party in that region.
- Renewed efforts by the United States, working with both sides to
develop a viable peace process, one that can secure long-lasting peace with
justice for all peoples in that region, including refugees.
- Involvement of the United Nations and other international bodies in
securing and enforcing a cease fire.
- The prosecution and resolution by an international tribunal of all who
engage in acts of individual or state terrorism, which are contrary to
international law.
- Recognition of the right of the Israeli state to exist, as well as the
establishment and recognition of a Palestinian state.
Both groups of peoples rightfully view this as their homeland, and both are
entitled to a secure land base in that region. We call for renewed efforts
to find peace in the region. We sympathize with all who have lost loved ones
in that part of the world. We recognize that continued violence will only
breed more hurt and more violence. In the words of A. J. Muste, "There is no
way to peace; peace is the way."
Back to Peace Talk Index, Summer, 2002