The Jordan Times Editorial, 04.09.07

All eyes are now focused on the projected Middle East peace conference, scheduled to convene this November as a last-ditch effort to promote peace between the Palestinians and Israel.
US President George Bush first introduced the idea of a conference a few months ago; soon thereafter, it picked up support from other countries, including most Arab governments and the Palestinian Authority. Most recently, the Arab Gulf states officially endorsed the proposal, assessing it to be promising for peace.
Unfortunately, Hamas has yet to be convinced of the usefulness of the meeting its leaders describe as ill-fated and doomed to failure.
Hamas appears convinced that the projected conference will not be able to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians; hence its decision to boycott it. This is most regrettable as the Islamic movement’s contribution to the efforts to attain peace in the region remains important.
While there are no assurances that the November Middle East conference will succeed in settling, at long last, the problems between Palestinians and Israelis, there is still hope that initial talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have progressed far enough to expect some kind of a breakthrough.
His Majesty King Abdullah has repeatedly warned that time for regional peace is of the essence and that Israel must be prepared to make peace with the Palestinians before the end of this year.
The core issues dividing the two sides have to be negotiated soon. But for that to happen, Palestinians must adopt a united stand before speaking of peace with Israel. Two governments for the West Bank and Gaza cannot negotiate for the entire people.
This is where Hamas can play an important role, by restoring unity to the Palestinian ranks and by bringing Gaza under the legitimate government of Abbas.
Hamas should find it its duty to realign its priorities and give the Palestinian aspiration for independence and statehood the priority it deserves.
Palestinians have waited too long to achieve statehood and independence. Nobody has the right to interfere with a process that may lead to achieving a long-nurtured goal.