GMM Can Engage Moderate Groups In Israel For Peace Process In Palestine, Says Former Envoy

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- The Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) can initiate efforts to engage moderate groups in Israel to help push for the peace process in Palestine, said GMM advisor Razali Ismail. Although Israel is under pressure to end its occupation of Palestine, the world should not close its doors totally on Israel, he said. Razali, who has served as president of the United Nations General Assembly, said Palestine's rival factions, Fatah and Hamas, should also be pressured to speed up the reconciliation and unification process. "I think we can't close our eyes and doors totally to Israel. GMM can play a role to engage on the moderates in Israel to the cause," Razali told at a news conference on the GMM inaugural conference here Wednesday. He urged that the conference and delegates deliberate on the issue of Palestine-Israel and find the best approach to the efforts. Razali said the conference could be the right platform for thinkers who advocate moderate movements to push the idea forward. He added that moderate movements should not just be confined to religion, but also cover other aspects including politics, good governance and social justice as well. GMM was initiated by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak during the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. To date, a total of 300 delegates from over 60 countries have confirmed their attendance, while 47 world leaders and speakers will present their papers at the three-day conference, which will begin on Jan 17. Among the participants are former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad; Crown Prince of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah; Asean secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan; Senior Advisor to the High Representative of United Nations Alliance of Civilisations Dr Helena Barroco; and Institute for International Monetary Affairs managing director Yoshihiro Watanabe. Najib is scheduled to open the conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. -- BERNAMA