The Madrid Conference, also known as the Madrid Peace Conference, was a significant diplomatic gathering that took place in the Spanish capital from October 30th to November 1st, 1991. The conference was aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving peace in the Middle East.
The Background
The Madrid Conference was initiated by the United States and the Soviet Union, who had been involved in negotiations with Israel and Arab countries for many years. The conference was a result of several years of diplomatic efforts to establish direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Participants
Representatives from Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestinians attended the conference. The conference also saw representatives from a number of international organizations such as the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank.
The Objectives
The main objective of the Madrid Conference was to establish direct negotiations between Israel and Arab countries for a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. The conference aimed to address various issues related to peace negotiations such as borders, security arrangements, water rights, refugees’ status, and Jerusalem’s status.
The Outcome
Although no agreement was reached at the end of the Madrid Conference itself, it laid down a framework for future negotiations that eventually led to two historic agreements:
- Oslo Accords: The Oslo Accords were signed in 1993 between Israel and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The agreement provided for Palestinian self-rule in Gaza Strip and West Bank.
- Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty: In 1994 Israel signed a peace treaty with Jordan that resolved their long-standing differences.
The Legacy
The Madrid Conference is considered a significant milestone in the peace process for the Middle East. The conference brought together all the parties involved in the conflict and provided a platform for direct negotiations. The Madrid Conference paved the way for future negotiations leading to peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries.
The Conclusion
The Madrid Conference was a significant diplomatic event that aimed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve peace in the Middle East. It brought together all parties involved in the conflict and laid down a framework for future negotiations that eventually led to historic agreements, including the Oslo Accords and Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty. The legacy of Madrid Conference is evident in today’s Middle East, where peace negotiations continue with renewed vigor.