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Israel, Jordan mark 25 years of imperfect peace
NAHARAYIM PARK, Israel (AP) ‐ The Naharayim park was established 25 years ago as a symbol of the landmark peace agreement between Israel and Jordan. Now, as the two countries mark a quarter century of official relations, the park and its "Island of Peace" are being shuttered.It is a fitting reflection of the Israeli-Jordanian relationship ‐ one that began with great promise, but which has been plagued by mistrust, disappointment and missed opportunities. While the peace agreement remains intact, there is a sense on both sides that it should have delivered much bigger dividends. "I am not certain that we gave it our full attention," said retired Supreme Court Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, who was Israel’s chief negotiator for the peace deal. Speaking on Israeli public radio, Rubinstein said there were things Israel could do "to lend a better atmosphere" and suggested Israel show more "respect" for its eastern neighbor. He declined to elaborate. It is a far cry from the heady times of the peace agreement, signed at an emotional ceremony on Oct. 26, 1994, attended by Israel’s then-prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, the late King Hussein and President Bill Clinton. Following up on a historic interim peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians a year earlier, all three leaders delivered moving speeches promising warm relations and a better future. Posted by: Besoeker 2019-10-25 |
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