RUSI Palestinian Statehood Conference

As the Palestinians strive to establish a UN recognition of their statehood later this month, RUSI hosted an international conference on the issue. A number of people directly involved in the Middle Eastern Peace Process attended the event, including: Congressman Robert Wexler, Dr Nabil Shaath, Elliott Abrams, Maj Gen (ret.) Yaakov Amidror, Ambassador Dore Gold, Dr Saeb Erekat, Brig Gen Yossi Kupperwasser, Ambassador Manuel Hassassian, and Dr Hussein Agha.

And here is RUSI's description of the event:

"The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has marked the expected Palestinian bid for statehood on 20 September with a conference looking at the implications for the region. The event has brought together representatives from Israel and Palestine to make their cases to the international community. They were also been joined by prominent British and American experts on the Middle East Peace Process.

The main aim of the conference has been to address the strategic uncertainties that might result from the declaration of independence. Mindful of the polarised nature of the debate, and the deeply held views on both sides, RUSI sought to provide a neutral platform for discussion for all sides.

The RUSI conference, split into six sessions, allowed the representatives to speak on various points which surround the Palestinian statehood bid. These included the security concerns for both Palestinians and Israelis, the legal context of the Palestinian's approach as well as the wider impact on the region and relations with Europe and the US."