Negotiating Jerusalem: Towards a Palestinian Agenda

A strategy for establishing dual Jewish & Palestinian municipalities in contemporary Jerusalem is presented. An overview of the options available to Palestinian leaders in negotiating Palestinian sovereignty in Jerusalem is presented. It is contended that any strategy for negotiating Palestinian sovereignty must be framed by the principles of reciprocity & compatibility. After discussing the shortcomings of the Oslo framework for disaggregating contentious areas in Hebron, it is maintained that disaggregating processes possess some merits for restructuring Jerusalem. It is stated that phasing & leaseback policies should be implemented to facilitate the creation of Palestinian settlements. In addition, the need for negotiators to win high levels of Palestinian jurisdiction in certain areas of Jerusalem is addressed. A scenario in which this proposed strategy is implemented within the Old City is also provided. J. W. Parker