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Richard C. Goodwin, founder of the Middle East Peace Dialogue Network (www.mpdn.org), paid a visit to Israel on April 8, where he held meetings with Israeli political figures and experts who are currently engaged in working on the Regional Peace Plan. The purpose of the Plan, which was announced last summer, is to reach a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the entire Arab world. To meet this challenge, Goodwin has engaged the Tel Aviv-based H. L. Education for Peace, Ltd. and the Economic Cooperation Foundation (ECF) in order to draft a comprehensive draft agreement. The draft agreement is expected to be completed in the coming months. During his short one-day visit to Israel, Mr. Goodwin held meetings with the directors and staff of the two organizations engaged in the project, as well as with some of the experts assisting in the drafting of the agreement. These include three brigadier colonels (ret.), from whom Mr. Goodwin heard an updated assessment about the present situation on the ground as well as fresh ideas of how to address key security issues in the context of the Regional Peace Plan. Mr. Goodwin also held two long meetings with Member of Knesset Yossi Beilin, who is the Israeli architect of the Oslo Process, the Beilin-Abu Mazen Agreement, as well as, most recently, of Geneva Initiative. Mr. Beilin used the meetings to thank Mr. Goodwin for his contribution to advancing the cause of peace. Mr. Beilin underscored that at a time of growing skepticism and cynicism, Mr. Goodwin's unbounded energy and sincere commitment are a unique source of light for the region, and that the Regional Peace Plan holds great promise in effecting positive change on the future of the region. Mr. Goodwin concluded his visit by repeating his pledge to see the Regional Peace Plan completed by the end of the year, and to continue supporting the peace process in the region so that Israel will be able to fulfill the Zionist dream of a Jewish and democratic state living in peace side by side with its neighbors. |
