World Economic Forum on the Middle East: Sen. Kerry's remarks

[TayTay]

http://www.weforum.org/en/knowledge/Events/KN_SESS_SUMM_28780?url=/en/knowledge/Events/KN_SESS_SUMM_28780">From Friday, May 15th:

Enhancing Global, Regional and Human Security

• Ibrahim S. Dabdoub • John F. Kerry
• H.H. Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa • Ahmed Mahmoud Nazif
• Hanadi N. Al Thani • Danilo Türk
Chaired by • Klaus Schwab

http://www.mogulus.com/worldeconomicforum/ondemand/flv_23042365-3a8c-4abf-9a6b-fae9fb6482aa?initthumburl=&playeraspectwidth=4&playeraspectheight=3">Webcast

Friday 15 May
17.15-18.15

The recent financial crisis has heightened political tensions, increased extremism and complicated the pursuit of peace and prosperity in the Middle East. These problems – and potential ways to address them – were the focus of a debate among international political and business leaders.

“I think we’re in a unique moment,” said John F. Kerry, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Senator from Massachusetts (Democrat), USA. “The key question is whether we’re going to seize it.” Kerry listed a number of features that suggest the possibility of progress:
• growing concern among Arab leaders about extremism in Iran
• consensus among Arab leaders on promoting a peace plan in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• increasing comfort in the region and internationally regarding the general framework for peace
• the commitment of the Obama administration to support a resolution of the conflict

As Kerry characterized the administration’s position, we are “unflinchingly supportive of Israel, but we also know the facts on the ground must change ... Settlements must freeze.”

[karynnj]

1. Nice

This is great outreach to the Arab world. I was surprised when he mentioned in the hearing with Blair that he was going. He also has many hearings in the SFRC committee next week. He really does seem incredibly engaged and busy as the Chair of the SFRC.

[TayTay]

2. In all honesty, I have never seen the good Senator happier

And I think this is a wonderful case of the right person in the right position at the right time. I am gratified as an MA resident that Sen. Kerry is doing this job right now and feel a lot of "hey, I helped" pride in that. It's nice to see someone that gifted in that spot in the world spotlight right now.

He is where he should be. That is an immense relief.

[YvonneCa]

3. That is good to hear. And you should feel immensely proud...

...of your contribution. Thanks, TayTay, for the link and all you have 'helped' with. ;)

[beachmom]

4. Well said, Tay. While many Democrats in Congress (ahem, Pelosi) are

making fools of themselves, I see Kerry working on consensus building, which was most apparent with that joint interview of him and Lugar on NPR. I hope that Kerry continues to socialize with other Senators on the SFRC committee. I think a surprisingly good give and take is coming from Corker. You know, when I watched Small Biz committee hearings, I just assumed that it was the topic (Small Biz) which made the hearings seem so congenial. But now I am seeing the same thing at SFRC hearings -- where there is mutual respect for ALL Senators. Everyone's opinion is valued. I can imagine, that for at least some Republican Senators having minority status is less demoralizing when they can serve on a committee where they are taken seriously and treated respectfully by the chairman.

[karynnj]

5. The web cast is very interesting

Kerry arrives in the middle of it - not surprising as this was Friday and we know he was with Blair on Thursday. Kerry's second or third response that spoke of empowering the moderate Palestinians and giving both them and the Israelis the ability to argue the benefits of making peace were great. Although he addressed textbooks leaving out countries and other things like that, he balanced it so well he was applauded. King Abdullah agreed with those comments that he called eloquent.

Kerry mentioned he had spoken to Obama earlier last week on the middle east - before these meetings and he said he spoke to George Mitchell.