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Editorial: Don't jeopardize the peace process Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo June 10 The U.S. government has decided to send a small team of observers to monitor the truce. But such a team is not enough, either in its capabilities or the credibility of its neutrality. An international team should be considered that would include representatives of the European Union and Russia. Last year, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan proposed sending a team of U.N. officials as observers, but Israel objected, claiming the world body is against Israel. This time, however, the painstaking efforts being put forth in peacemaking must not be left solely in the hands of the parties directly involved. Previous cease-fires have failed time after time because the parties in conflict distrusted each other so deeply. If Israel refuses to comply, the United States must apply pressure. We hope the Arab nations will support the Palestinian Authority's Mahmoud Abbas in his peacemaking efforts. Of course, they should also maintain a close watch on extremists in their respective countries and open their own dialogue with Israel. This peacemaking initiative has come about because the Bush administration has turned positive toward peace in the Middle East. The people of Arab nations will not, however, simply forget the pro-Israel leaning of the United States or the war against Iraq. If the United States departs from the path of being the honest broker, the peacemaking process will be jeopardized. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -