Statement on the Situation in the Middle
East
(March 29, 2001)
I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence
in the Middle East. It is claiming the lives of innocent civilians on
both sides. The tragic cycle of incitement, provocation, and violence
has gone on far too long.
Both sides must take important steps to calm the situation
now. The Palestinian Authority should speak out publicly and forcefully
in the language of the Palestinian people to condemn violence and terrorism.
It should arrest the perpetrators of terrorist acts, and it should resume
security cooperation with Israel.
The Government of Israel, for its part, should exercise
restraint in its military response. It should take steps to restore
normalcy to the lives of the Palestinian people by easing closures and
removing checkpoints. Last week Prime Minister Sharon assured me that
his government wants to move in this direction, and I urge Israel to
do so.
I will be meeting with Egypt’s President Mubarak
next Monday and Jordan’s King Abdullah the week after to seek
their help in defusing the tensions. Egypt and Jordan are two of our
most important partners in the region, and their role is crucial. I
have asked Secretary Powell to call Chairman Arafat and contact other
leaders to urge them to stand against violence. Our diplomats in the
region are fully engaged in this effort.
Our goal is to encourage a series of reciprocal and
parallel steps by both sides that will halt the escalation of violence,
provide safety and security for civilians on both sides, and restore
normalcy to the lives of everyone in the region. A lasting peace in
the region will come only when the parties agree directly on its terms.
This week I vetoed an unbalanced U.N. resolution because
it tried to force the adoption of a mechanism on which both parties
did not agree. My approach will be to facilitate the parties’
work in finding their own solution for peace. We seek to build a stable
foundation for restoring confidence, rebuilding security cooperation,
and resuming a political dialog between the parties.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |