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Introduction
The multilateral peace process was born at the
Madrid Conference in October 1991, as a parallel track to the bilateral
negotiations. While the bilateral track is meant to solve the conflicts
of the past, the multilateral track focuses on the future shape of the
Middle East, addressing problems on a regional level in a variety of
areas which transcend boundaries, so as to promote long-term regional
development and security.
The goal of the multilateral
framework is twofold -- to find solutions for key regional problems,
while serving as a confidence building measure (CBM) to promote the
development of normalized relations among the nations of the Middle
East. Issues of regional concern are discussed in a forum which can
foster cooperation and build confidence between the parties. Shared
infrastructure such as highways and water pipelines, shared development
bringing about growth in tourism and trade, and cooperation in
preserving the quality of natural resources and environment are among
the realities envisioned for the region. Open borders and economic
partnership will bring about prosperity, which will, in turn, produce a
peace that constitutes more than merely an end to war.
The multilateral negotiations
commenced on January 28-29, 1992 at the Moscow Multilateral Middle-East
Conference. Opening presentations were made by the co-sponsors and the
participants -- thirty-six parties in all -- with former Foreign Minister David Levy representing Israel.
The Steering Committee, comprised of
representatives of the key delegations, coordinates the multilateral
talks and sets dates and venues for the various working groups. The
committee hears reports of the working groups, confirms their decisions
and sets priorities for the allocation of resources. The Steering
Committee also discusses such broader issues as the overall vision of
the future of the Middle East, integrating the work of the individual
working groups.
The five working groups deal with different areas of common regional concern:
Formal talks in the multilateral track, frozen
for several years, resumed on January 31, 2000 with a meeting of the
Steering Committee in Moscow, to be followed in the coming months by
meetings of the working groups.
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