THE JERUSALEM OLD CITY INITIATIVE

THE JERUSALEM OLD CITY THE JERUSALEM OLD CITY INITIATIVEINITIATIVE

Power Point Presentation

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• Canadian University Research Undertaking

• Launched 2004

• Extensive consultations with experts on all sides

• Based at the University of Windsor

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The Premise

• Need for new option beyond Clinton Parameters for future negotiations

• Given the multi-dimensional uniqueness of the Old City, any solution must be tailored to meet stakeholders’ needs

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The Objective

• To provide negotiators with options if and when permanent status negotiations resume

• Balance between sustainability and needs

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Uniqueness

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Necessity for New Approach

• Other elements of comprehensive peace based on exclusivity

• Old City division not workable

• Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif not divisible; density and diversity

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Needs Based Approach

Based on a belief that the needs of each party have to be satisfied, including emotional and symbolic requirements:

• Old City residents • Jerusalemites• Israelis and Palestinians• Jews, Muslims and Christians• Political Leaderships

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Space for a Third Party

Common Needs: Areas of Contention

Access to Holy Sites Archaeological Excavation

Security Property Ownership

Third Party

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Building on and Beyond Clinton Parameters

• Single entity• Contiguity• Integrity• Equity• Effective 3rd party role• Special governance arrangements• Old City walls as boundaries• Duration of agreement• Assumption on 2 capitals

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All Sides Contribute & Legitimize

ISRAELIS PALESTINIANS

INTERNATIONALCOMMUNITY

SPECIAL GOVERNANCE

ARRANGEMENTS

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Special Governance Arrangements

1. Clear 3rd party, Israeli, and Palestinian roles

2. Source of authority

3. Old City executive authority board composed of Palestinians and Israelis and of such other states and international organizations as may be agreed

4. Delegation of authority to the Chief Administrator

5. Place functions under the special regime

6. Functions under people’s authorities

7. Religious status quo

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Special Governance Arrangements

• Inter-religious council• Effective police service• Residents exercise political rights through:

a) participation in their nations’ processes b) neighborhood councils c) other mechanisms

• Transforming Jerusalem conurbation• Economics• Finances• International buy-in

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Possible Single Police Service

• Composition

• Rapid reaction

• Coordination

• Training

• Equipment

• Mandate

• Costs

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The Boundaries

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Entry and Exit Arrangements at the

Jaffa Gate

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Work in Progress• Phase I - Discussion Document completed Dec. 2005

• Phase II - Security Group study completed Fall 2007 - Governance work completed Summer 2008

- Mandate Elements completed Winter 2010

• Phase III - Property and Archaeological Working Groups

Currently 23 major research papers commissioned

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The Challenges Ahead

• Sovereignty

• Israeli/Palestinian traditional distrust of the international community

• Instilling confidence, fairness, and predictability

• Problem areas: e.g., Mount of Olives

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Visit us at

www.uwindsor.ca/jerusaleminitiative