[If the Finnish Foreign Minister is so committed to the peace process, then why is his government financing the school books of the Palestinian Authority which provide no recognition of Israel whatsover, as translated at www.edume.org – db]

… No one is in a position to impose solutions in the Middle East without the agreement and commitment of the parties themselves. But when the will is there outside parties can and must assist in many ways-including application of pressure when necessary-in getting agreement and making it sustainable. While has been necessary for us to finance the Palestinian Authority an push it to reform itself as a capable and credible partner in the peace process we have to go beyond signing checks and be ready to be involved on the ground with monitors, peacekeepers or whatever is necessary for peace.

This statement is taken from an oped by the author which appeared in Yediot Aharonot on September 30th, 2005