The plan proposes compromises on critical issues such as recognizing the pre-1967 war borders, the breaking up of most of the settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the carving up of Jerusalem, and Palestinian refugees foregoing their right to return.
It showed once more that there are people on both sides willing to co-opt for peace. The signing was not only attended by these parties, but also Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Bahrain, Jordanian high-ranking officials. The U.S., United Nations (UN) some members of the European Union (EU) also clearly support the initiative. Total official support from heads of state numbers 58. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, French author Bernard-Henry Levy and many prominent figures were present at the Intercontinental Hotel signing ceremony.
However, the initiative has also roused anger, as well as hope, in both camps. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that these kinds of negotiations should only take place between governments and added that the right way for peace was the Road Map peace plan.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmet Kurey also criticized the initiative. At first, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and his Al-Feth party were against the initiative. However, Arafat later gave Gabriel Racub, his security advisor, permission to join the ceremony and showed supported for the initiative by inviting Sharon to begin talks.
