The Israeli government should ease restrictions on the Palestinian economy, which only fuel further violence. The only viable solution is to begin negotiations and end violence simultaneously. It should be noted that Turkey's bilateral relations with Israel will not be affected by peace process developments. The Bush administration's reluctance to get involved in the peace process is certainly understandable, especially since the Clinton administration, despite intense efforts, failed to achieve its goal. When bilateral talks began in 1999, the most difficult issues were left out in favor of more limited, achievable goals.
Nongovernmental organizations are heavily involved, and trade is booming.
Nevertheless, issues involving the Aegean Sea and Cyprus remain the most difficult problems to be solved. The continental shelf issue is a workable problem. However, Greece is not ready to engage. The Cyprus issue is more difficult than the Aegean problem. Acceptance of the Greek Cypriot part of Cyprus to the European Union without the agreement of the Turkish Cypriots will create many problems.