What Happened at Madrid Conference 1991?

By Michael Ferguson

The Madrid Conference of 1991 was a crucial event in the history of the Middle East peace process. The conference, which was held from October 30 to November 1, brought together representatives from Israel, Arab states, and Palestinians to discuss peace negotiations.

The Background

The Madrid Conference was the first time that direct negotiations were held between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The conference was initiated by US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in response to the Gulf War and the end of the Cold War.

The Participants

Representatives from Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestinians attended the conference. Each delegation had a separate room where they could hold talks with other delegations.

The Agenda

The main agenda of the conference was to discuss regional security arrangements and ways to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. The discussions were divided into two tracks: bilateral negotiations between Israel and its neighbors and multilateral talks on regional issues such as water resources, environment, refugees, and arms control.

The Outcome

Although no agreements were reached during the conference itself, it marked an important milestone in bringing together previously hostile parties for direct talks. The bilateral negotiations resulted in several agreements between Israel and its neighbors including a peace treaty with Jordan in 1994.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Madrid Conference of 1991 paved the way for future peace negotiations in the Middle East. While it did not result in immediate agreements or solutions to all issues discussed at the conference, it set a precedent for direct negotiations between former adversaries. It is an important reminder that dialogue is crucial for resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace.