The “FUNGLODE Peace Forum” Ends with the Cap Cana Declaration

The “FUNGLODE Peace Forum” Ends with the Cap Cana Declaration

Prior to the speeches, President Leonel Fernández said the solution to the conflict is the creation of two states: one Israeli, already in existence, and the other Palestinian

“One state is already created, Israel, which needs to safeguard its security, and the other is Palestine, with clearly defined territory. This is the only possible solution to the conflict in the region.”

(Cap Cana, July 25, 2010)  The “FUNGLODE Peace Forum” on the Middle East ended on Sunday with the Cap Cana Declaration which brings together various ideas debated during the event and which recognizes the urgent need for a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict in general and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in particular.

Over the course of nearly three days, diplomats, academics, journalists and experts as well as special guests debated the conflict confronting both sides since the middle of the last century where the peace processes have been interrupted continually. 

The Cap Cana Declaration on Middle East Peace emphasizes a formula for a two-state solution, the need to urgently reach a sustainable agreement in order not to allow the conflict to continue into the upcoming generations, the recognition of the important role that must be played by the international community in the solution of the problem as well as an involvement of civil society in the ongoing processes.
 
Prior to speeches made by the Palestinian Ambassador to Morocco, Hassan Rahm, and FUNGLODE´s Executive Director, Marco Herrera, Dominican President Leonel Fernández said the forum had made it clear that the way out of the conflict was a two-state solution. “One state is already created, Israel, which needs to safeguard its security, and the other is Palestine, with clearly defined territory. This is the only possible solution to the conflict in the region.”

He added that the forum had concluded that “there is no possible military solution and therefore a negotiated solution is essential so that both states can co-exist in a lasting peace. It is essential to overcome the chronic mistrust between both sides which is preventing the building of peace.”
 
At the same time, he emphasized the interest that exists “in incorporating new actors among the international community, especially Latin America. Arab and Jewish communities in Latin America can play an important role, above all, in creating favorable public opinion for peace.  These communities should be in contact and form networks that could constitute a Latin American coalition for peace that could intervene in various ways with the goal of contributing to the peace negotiations.”

Such a network, according to the Dominican President, “could interact with each one of the members of the Quartet – the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations – to put forth their points of view on how to move the process forward. We have concluded that there is not just one way or one methodology to follow in order to arrive at the objective of peace.”

In conclusion, President Leonel Fernández proposed “beginning now to work for peace and against violence in the region.”

To read the complete Declaration, press here.


Relevant Event
 
The “FUNGLODE Peace Forum” has awakened interest among personalities and diplomats in the Middle East and countries linked in one way or another to the search for solutions to the conflict among Arabs and Israelis in the region. As such, various people attended the conference in Cap Cana from July 23 to 25. The event was promoted by Dominican President Leonel Fernández.

What was originally intended to be a short academic activity to reflect and debate the confrontation that has been going on between the Arabs and Jews since the middle of last century turned into an important event due to the interest shown by experts and high level individuals and diplomats from the participating countries. There were 33 confirmations to attend on the part of Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, Egyptians and other nationalities, all of whom have been involved peace processes.  

As such, the FUNGLODE-organized event in Cap Cana can serve as a factor in helping unblock the stalled peace initiatives and re-open international dialogue that could bring about an agreement between the two sides. The recent process underway involved indirect talks that began May 9 but are currently at a standstill as a result of differences between the negotiators.  

Dominican President Fernández made reference on various occasions to the importance the resolution of the Middle East conflict has on the entire world. “We live in an era of globalization and any event that occurs anywhere in the world affects all of us. Peace or war in the Middle East affects the world and, for that reason, the Dominican Republic has taken the steps to organize this event.”
 
At his inaugural speech on Friday July 23rd, the President proposed the creation of a Latin American alliance for peace in the Middle East as a new actor in the ongoing peace negotiations. 

“Our country would like to enjoy the privilege of serving as a bridge to contribute to the resolution of the conflict that has gone on far too long and is the major cause of destabilization in the world. We would like to participate actively in the solution of the problem of Israel, Palestine and the Middle East,¨ said Fernández, “we don´t want more bloodshed, more conflict. We want peace in the Middle East and progress in the whole world.”

Fernández created an agreeable and relaxing atmosphere in Cap Cana where conversations went on, analysis was facilitated and debate and reflection of the complex issues and ideas that surround the conflict was pursued in order to contribute to a better understanding of the conflict.  From his point of view, dialogue in a relaxed atmosphere can be beneficial and can generate new options for advancing the process as well as helping those directly involved in their efforts to seek a just and lasting peace in the region. 

The event ended on Sunday July 25 with the “Cap Cana Declaration on Middle East Peace” which puts forth resolutions and suggestions for the achievement of peace in the region.