To: Nasser Abu Farha, Madison Wisconsin,
From: Dr. Haider Abdel Shafi
Date: November 10, 2002

Dear Nasser,

Greetings!

On the occasion of convening the conference for discussing and debating the Two-State bi-national project for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli, I wish, first of all, to congratulate you for a well-thought up proposal, which addresses all sensitive and relavent issues that bear on the practicality and the future viability of a solution. I wish also to convey my greetings to the participants and wish them success for arriving at a consensus that can help pave the road for a practical and successful solution.

The gist of the argument that pervades the two-state project is the futility of remaining captive to out-moded and impractical positions, by both antagonists. The extent of sacrifice that has been suffered, so far, by both sides is beyond imagination - such an unnecessary waste. It is high time to sober up, be ready and willing to share the sacrifices for realizing the fair and just peace.

The project that is forwarded to this conference presents, in my opinion, a unique opportunity to realize a dynamic, that is seriously dedicated to the avowed objective of peace.

I sincerely wish you frank, serious, and sincere deliberations that can move forward to the desired objective.

Sincerely

Dr. Haider Abdel Shafi