The Aix Group's Steering Committee visited Washington DC, London and Brussels during September 2005, in order to present the main findings of their second position paper to leading governmental and non-governmental institutions.
In light of the vital need for local and international officials and decision-makers to gain a greater understanding of economic issues in the conflict, the Aix Group Steering Committee members met with representatives of the American State Department, the NSC and the Treasury Department in Washington DC. In addition to holding panels for economists and other guests at the Center for Middle East Peace & Economic Cooperation, the group held a panel at the Saban Center as well as meetings with Senators and Congressmen.
Representatives of the Aix Group's Steering Committee in Washington to present the position paper to decision-makers, September 2005
After their successful visit to Washington DC, the Steering Committee of the Aix Group traveled to Brussels and London to present their findings. In Brussels, the delegation met with EU officials from the Commission and the Council, as well as with representatives of the Belgium Foreign Office.
In London, the Steering Committee met with representatives of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and with officials of HM Treasury. Additionally, the Steering Committee of the Aix Group featured in a panel discussion for economists and other guests at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and was hosted by Chatham House for a Round Table meeting.
Representatives of the Aix Group's Steering Committee in a panel discussion at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, September 2005
With the Israeli disengagement from Gaza and the northern West Bank completed only a short while before the visits, the Steering Group’s presence was relevant and timely, providing the aforementioned institutions with important insights regarding the type of future economic agreement needed between Israel and Palestine. Importantly, the discussions served to highlight the importance of economic considerations in the conflict, and provided valuable information to be used by key decision-makers and other officials when determining their policy for the region.
