By NNN-KUNA,
Doha : The road to peaceful relations, just like the road to genuine democracy, begins with dialogue, mutual recognition and the free exchange of ideas, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said.
The Israeli minister, who was speaking here in the Doha 8th Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade Monday, said that “Israel and the moderate Palestinian leadership are in the midst of a process in order to resolve such a conflict.”
“The extremists have, unfortunately, the ability to block or prevent our vision of peace,” Livni said.
“Today, in different parts of the world, extremists are entering the democratic process via elections — not to abandon their violent agenda but to advance it,” she said.
Therefore, the Israel minister calls “on the international community to adopt a universal set of standards for participation in democratic elections.”
“This universal democratic code requires that all those seeking the legitimacy of the democratic process, earn it by respecting such principles as state monopoly over the lawful use of force, the rejection of racism and violence, and the protection of the rights of others,” Livni said.
On a much wider topic, the Israeli minister said “peace requires historical reconciliation, we are ready and willing to walk this path. But, all sides must choose to walk with us, the hearts and minds of the entire region must be prepared for this historical process.”
“Some of the states in the region, including Qatar, have taken important steps forward in this effort,” she said.
“By encouraging dialogue and acceptance of each other we can teach our children the blessings of coexistence,” Livni added.