The Palestine Papers

(2007)

In January 2011, confidential documents related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were leaked, including thousands of pages diplomatic correspondence, minutes from private meetings, transcripts of high level exchanges and strategy papers dated from 1999 to 2010. Documents are PDFs and listed below in chronological order.

• January 1, 2007 - Gaza A Year after "Disengagement": The Legal and Factual Landscapes

  • Summary: NSU paper entitled "Gaza A Year after "Disengagement": The Legal and Factual Landscapes," dated January 2007. The paper provides a thorough overview of Israel's control over Gaza since Disengagement.
• January 8, 2007 - Hudna Proposal Translation by Ahmad Yousef

  • Summary: Translation by Ahmad Yousef entitled "Summary of a proposal to create the right conditions to end the conflict," that describes the Hudna Proposal. The proposal details Israeli, Palestinian and international responsibility.
• January 8, 2007 - Agreed Actions from EUBAM CEC Meeting
  • Summary: EUBAM CEC Agreed Actions from CEC meeting on December 20, 2006. The agreed actions include provisions related to the Rafah Crossing.
• January 9, 2007 - EUBAM Meeting Agenda - Handling Goods of Concern

  • Summary: Agenda regarding sub-working group meeting on Handling Goods of Concern, dated January 9, 2007.
• January 10, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: Security Working Group
  • Summary: A meeting of the five-party security working group dated January 10, 2007. The parties discussed the increased movement of pilgrims and goods across the Rafah crossing to ease the economic crisis; mechanisms in play at the crossing and Israeli interference; the deepening "chaos in Gaza"; customs protocols; and a possible extension of the mandate of the EU-BAM mission in Rafah.
• January 10, 2007 - US Talking Points for Security Working Group Meeting

  • Summary: Talking points by U.S. (Lefebvre) regarding SWG Meeting with Keith Dayton, dated January 10, 2007. The points focus on issues around the Rafah Crossing, crisis management and EU BAM.
• January 11, 2007 - Letter from Erekat to Mishlev Re: Bank Account - Crossings Administration

  • Summary: Letter from Erekat to Major General Yusuf Mishlev (GoI) dated January 11, 2007, requesting immediate transfer of PA revenues to new PA-administered bank account.
• January 12, 2007 - Executive Summary by Paul Rupp Re: Security Working Group Meeting

  • Summary: Report by Paul Rupp entitled "Security Working Group Executive Summary," dated January 12, 2007. The document summarizes the SWG meeting on January 10 and the conversations that took place.
• January 12, 2007 - Executive Summary by Denis Lefebvre Re: Meeting on Goods of Concern

  • Summary: Executive summary by Denis Lefebvre on meeting of Rafah Crossing sub-working group on Goods of Concern
• January 19, 2007 - Plan to Revive the Political Process between Israelis and Palestinians

  • Summary: Document draft entitled "Plan to Revive the Political Process between Israelis and Palestinians," dated January 2007. The plan details each party's objectives in three stages, including provisions for a third party role.
• January 28, 2007 - Palestinian-Israeli Working Group Recommendations (Athens)

  • Summary: The document describes the Arab Peace Initiative as a "sound basis for moving forward" on a permanent status agreement, and calls for several immediate steps, including a prisoner release on both sides and a cease-fire in Gaza.
• February 1, 2007 - Draft Agenda for Meeting on West Bank Crossings

  • Summary: NSU draft agenda for upcoming meeting on West Bank Crossings - Tulkarem.
• February 5, 2007 - EuroMed - Draft Protocol on Dispute Settlement

  • Summary: EuroMed draft of protocol on dispute settlement mechanisms; paper includes mediation, procedures, compliance and common provisions.
• February 6, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and Marc Otte

  • Summary: Ambassador Marc Otte presides over a meeting about trilateral efforts to establish a Palestinian state. They talk about involving regional parties, Road Map obligations, and whether the security forces ("one authority, one gun") have control over the West Bank.
• February 6, 2007 - NSU Draft Paper on Settlement Freeze

  • Summary: NSU Paper entitled "Saving the Two State Solution; Implementing a Genuine Settlement Freeze," dated January 2006. The paper describes the history of settlement freezes, relevant agreements, Israeli violations and practices and recommendations for implementing a proper freeze.
• February 6, 2007 - Non-Paper - Palestinian Vision for Final Status Negotiations

  • Summary: Non-paper entitled "Palestinian Vision for the Outcome of Permanent Status Negotiations Based on the Arab Peace Plan," undated. The non-paper suggest the main elements of a Palestinian vision, including 1967 border, open Jerusalem and no Israeli army presence.
• February 7, 2007 - Israeli Road Map Obligations and Reporting Tasks - February 2007

  • Summary: Chart entitled "Israeli Road Map Obligations and Reporting Tasks," dated February 7, 2007. The chart is organized by subject - settlement freeze, Jerusalem, Security, Movement.
• February 8, 2007 - NSU Talking Points for 5th CSC Meeting

  • Summary: NSU talking points for upcoming 5th CSC meeting on February 15, 2007. The points include discussion on Karni iddues, WB/Rafah crossings, crisis management and Egyptian relationships.
• February 12, 2007 - Erekat Letter to Pistolese and Dangot Re: Rafah Crossings

  • Summary: Letter from Erekat to Pistolese and Dangot regarding "Urgent need for complete and regular opening of the Rafah Crossing (RCP)," dated February 12, 2007. The letter urges opening of the RCP based on the Rafah Agreements, which excludes Israeli involvement.
• February 20, 2007 - Meeting Notes: Denis Lefebvre and Amos Gilad

  • Summary: Notes of meeting with Denis Lefebvre and Amos Gilad dated February 20, 2007. The parties discuss the Security Working Group as well as protocol for hazardous materials at crossings.
• March 1, 2007 - Framework for Action on Palestinian Side - Complete Set

  • Summary: Complete set of "Framework for Action on Palestinian Side," dated March 1, 2007, that includes notes on steps needed to enact course for action. Framework includes action plan, executive summary and chart of Israeli/Palestinian/Saudi expectations.
• March 7, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 6th Meeting of EUBAM Coordination and Evaluation Committee

  • Summary: Minutes of 6th EUBAM CEC meeting, dated March 7, 2007. The parties discussed issues around the Rafah Crossing Point (RCP), including procedures, customs, technical equipment and relevant strategies. Includes Annex A and B (Agreed Actions).
• March 7, 2007 - Agreement on Movement and Access: Working Groups Members

  • Summary: Outline entitled "AMA Working Groups" as of February 2007. The outline lists all AMA working groups along with involved parties and NSU leads.
• March 7, 2007 - Update on AMA and Gaza Crossings

  • Summary: NSU Paper entitled "Update on AMA and Gaza Crossings," dated March 7, 2007. The document provides updates on the AMA and issues around Rafah, Karni, Kerem Shalom, Erez crossings.
• March 7, 2007 - Talking Points on AMA and Gaza Crossings

  • Summary: Document entitled "Talking Points on AMA and Gaza Crossings," dated March 7, 2007. The document identifies talking points on the AMA and Rafah, Karni, Kerem Shalom, Erez crossings.
• March 8, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and General Yusef Mishlev

  • Summary: Minutes of meeting between Saeb Erekat, Yusef Mishlev and other Palestinian/Israeli advisors. They discuss a broad range of issues, including: joint venture and investment plans; business permits; upcoming meetings and exhibitions; crossings issues; Jordanian investors; humanitarian cases; wanted persons. They also discussed Wataniyah, obtaining frequencies and doing business with Israeli partners to get favorable terms.
• March 11, 2007 - Chart of Expectations - Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia

  • Summary: Chart outlining expectations from Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia in light of deliverables for March Palestinian-Israeli-American Summits (pre-Arab Summit).
• March 11, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: Quadripartite Meeting of Gaza Security Meeting

  • Summary: Minutes of meeting of Quadripartite Gaza Security Committee, dated March 11, 2007 (meeting held on March 8). This initial meeting established rules of engagements and committments from all parties. They discussed perceptions of and strategies on dealing with Hamas.
• March 12, 2007 - Suggested Statement for an Israeli Palestinian Summit Meeting in March

  • Summary: Document entitled "Suggested Statement for an Israeli Palestinian Summit Meeting in March," that provides a draft press statement regarding importance of talks to reach a two-state solution.
• March 22, 2007 - Meeting Summary: Saeb Erekat and Yusuf Mishlev

  • Summary: Summary of meeting among Erekat, Mishlev and PA/GoI delegates in Jerusalem. The parties discussed economic needs and developments in protocol and administration of Al-Jalamah and Karni crossings.
• March 23, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: Saeb Erekat and Belgian FM Karel de Gucht

  • Summary: Minutes of meeting among Saeb Erekat, Karel De Gucht and other Belgian officials, at NAD, dated March 23, 2007. They discuss the lack of progress with Fatah reform; Erekat says he needs money to do so, money they are yet to receive. They discuss Abbas' weaknesses and progress on the release of Shalit to Egypt (Olmert accepted the idea). Erekat mentions Israel offered him 136 settlements.
• April 2007 - Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) Background & Update - April 2007

  • Summary: Document by NSU entitled "Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) Background & Update - April 2007," dated April, 2007. The report provides an update on the six provisions of the AMA - 1. Rafah 2. Crossing Points 3. Link between Gaza and the West Bank 4. Movement within the West Bank 5. Gaza Seaport 6. Airport.
• April 12, 2007 - Talking Points - Mahmoud Abbas Meeting with Ehud Olmert

  • Summary: Talking points prepared by NSU for Mahmoud Abbas' meeting with Ehud Olmert on April 15, 2007. The topics include discussion on the Arab Peace Initiative, establishment of security force and economic issues.
• April 20, 2007 - US Benchmarks on AMA and SSR

  • Summary: Document entitled "Acceleration Benchmarks for Agreement on Movement and Access as well as on the Gaze Secrutiy Situation," dated April 2007. The document outlines US benchmarks on AMA related to several crossing points, as well as security.
• April 28, 2007 - Principles of Permanent Status Agreement between Israel and Palestine

  • Summary: Document of unspecified origin entitled "Principles of Permanent Status Agreement between Israel and Palestine," that lists TORs, goals and general agreements; the documents places a cap on the return of a total of 100,000 Palestinian refugees.
• May 6, 2007 - NSU Talking Points for EUBAM Rafah 7th CEC Meeting

  • Summary: Talking points prepared by NSU for upcoming EUBAM Rafah 7th Coordination and Evaluation Committee (CEC) meeting on May 7, 2007. The talking points primarily point out Israeli non-compliance with crossings agreements.
• May 6, 2007 - Talking Points for Benchmark Press Conference

  • Summary: Document entitled "Talking Points: US Benchmarks and General Political Situation," dated May 6, 2007. The document identifies key phrases, themes and answers to potential questions regarding upcoming press conference on US benchmarks.
• May 7, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: EUBAM - 7th Coordination and Evaluation Committee Meeting

  • Summary: Minutes of meeting among EUBAM Coordination and Evaluation Committee (CEC) dated May 7, 2007. The CEC discussed EUBAM initiatives, implementation and status of objectives at Rafah Crossing Point. Includes Annex A and B (table of Agreed Actions).
• May 15, 2007 - Letter from Livni to Solana Re: EUBAM Mandate Extension

  • Summary: Letter from Livni to Solana dated May 15, 2007, regarding Israel's invitation to EU to extend EUBAM Rafah mandate for an additional year. The letter also includes an annex of agreed additional arragenments and improvements.
• May 15, 2007 - NSU Memo Re: Security Issues

  • Summary: Document by NSU entitled "Security Issues," undated. The memo focuses on the concept of a demilitarised state and articulates the Palestinian position on Israeli presence, limitations on Palestine and other security issues.
• May 16, 2007 - Letter From Erekat to Solana Re: Israeli Letter on EUBAM Extension Annexes

  • Summary: Letter from Erekat to Solana dated May 16, 2007, regarding objection to Livni's letter to Solana and the Israeli annexes. Erekat stresses that the extension of the mandate, and terms thereof, has to be agreed upon by all parties, not merely set forth by Israel.
• May 20 , 2007 - Letter from Erekat to Solana Re: Objection to Israel's EUBAM Invitation

  • Summary: In this May 2007 letter, Saeb Erekat asks Javier Solana to dismiss the Israeli annex to the EUBAM mandate renewal. The annex, which the Palestinian Authority finds problematic, was submitted by Foreign Minister Livni, and makes the assertion that the Israeli extension of the mandate is "subject to the additional arrangements and improvements".
• May 21, 2007 - Meeting Summary: Security Working Group - Exceptional Categories and Goods of Concern
  • Summary: Meeting summaries of Security Working Group Sub-working Groups on Exceptional Categories and Goods of Concern, on May 21, 2007, prepared by Denis Lefebvre. In the EC meeting, the parties debate the definitions of humanitarian cases, foreign representatives, diplomats and foreign investors. In the Goods of Concern meeting, the parties reviewed an Israeli proposed list of chemicals.
• May 22, 2007 - PLO Presentation - Ending 40 Years of Occupation

  • Summary: Presentation by PLO NAD entitled "Ending 40 Years of Occupation: The Arab Peace Initiative as the Basis for Peace," undated. The presentation advocates moving forward based on the API, and urges the U.S. & Quartet to work with key Arab states to help the parties define a clear ‘political horizon’.
• May 30, 2007 - Letter from Erekat to Pistolese Re: Update on CEC Security Actions

  • Summary: Letter from Erekat to Pistolese regarding updates on Palestinian actions in accordance with CEC action items in regards to Rafah Crossing Point.
• June 1, 2007 - General Talking Points Post-Gaza Disengagement

  • Summary: Draft of general talking points dated June 2007. The points stress the importance of establishing a 'political horizon' and 'end game' on basis of the API. They also discuss Israeli responsibility to Gaza and support for PA government.
• June 1, 2007 - Arab Peace Initiative Parameters

  • Summary: This document explains the Arab Peace Initiative's positions on: borders & territory (borders between the state of Palestine and the state of Israel shall be the June 4th 1967 Line), Jerusalem (East Jerusalem shall be the capital of the state of Palestine and West Jerusalem shall be the capital of the State of Israel), security, and the rights of refugees.
• June 5, 2007 - Talking Points for Meeting with New EC Head

  • Summary: Talking points prepared by NSU on new European Commission of Middle East division. The points seek to address EC concerns on the EUBAM mandate as well as Israel's continued occupation in light of 40th anniversary.
• June 12, 2007 - Executive Summary Re: Meetings of CEC Sub-Working Groups

  • Summary: Executive summary of Meetings of the Sub-WG on Goods of Concern and of the Sub-WG on Exceptional Categories held on June 10, 2007.
• June 18, 2007 - Palestinian Reservations to USSC Executive Summaries

  • Summary: NSU Document entitled "Palestinian Reservations to USSC Executive Summaries of Goods of Concern and Exceptional Categories Meetings Held on June 10, 2007," dated June 18, 2007. The PA exerts its opposition on several issues in the USSC summaries, including goods of concern, Consultation with security experts and humanitarian cases.
• June 26, 2007 - NSU Talking Points for PLO Negotiations

  • Summary: NSU draft talking points dated June 26, 2007, regarding PLO negotiations. The points primarily focus on the PLO's negotiating power in light of control over Gaza.
• July 1, 2007 - Palestine Ministry of Interior Security Plan

  • Summary: Paper entitled "Security Plan," dated July 2007. The paper identifies a 3 stage process for restoring law and order, including progress and requirements for each stage, as well as a budget for the proposal.
• July 4, 2007 - Paper III, Deliverable 4: Arrangements and Procedures

  • Summary: Paper entitled "Paper III, Deliverable 4: Arrangements and Procedures," dated July 4, 2007. This paper provides a technical description of the arrangements and procedures involved in the export of Palestinian agricultural goods, with a particular focus on the stages that involve an interface with Israel, including: transport from the point of origin to the crossing point; processing and inspection at the crossing point, and; transit to and processing at the port of embarkation (in the case of exports through Israel). In providing this description, this paper as several interrelated aims: to map the major components influencing the current arrangements; to present a clear and comprehensive description of the steps, requirements and processes involved in exporting Palestinian goods in the absence of readily available official instructions, and; to provide a platform for identifying obstacles and shortcomings as well as suggested solutions and activities to improve Palestinian export procedures while not impinging upon necessary security precautions.
• August 1, 2007 - Annex II - Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) - Background and Update

  • Summary: Report entitled "Annex II - Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) - Background and Update," dated August 2007. The report provides a detailed overview of progress and issues as concerns the Rafah crossing and other crossings with Israel.
• August 13, 2007 - Palestinian-Israeli Customs Arrangements within Commerce Agreements

  • Summary: Paper entitled "Customs Arrangements within Commerce Agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Entity," undated. The paper discusses the main customs arrangements that would be needed for a commerce agreement between Israel and Palestine, and includes the following elements: 1. Bonded warehouses 2. Goods in transit 3. The reimbursement of import taxes.
• August 14, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: Promoting Palestinian Trade

  • Summary: Minutes of multi-party discussion regarding Promoting Palestinian Trade, in Tel Aviv, on August 14, 2007. The parties discussed barriers to export, Paris Protocol (PP), agriculture, alternatives to PP, bonded warehouses and other trade-related issues.
• August 16, 2007 - Letter from Tourgeman to Erekat Re: Joint Committees

  • Summary: Letter from Shalom Tourgeman to Saeb Erekat dated August 16, 2007, regarding establishment of Joint Committees.
• August 19, 2007 - Annex - Protocol on Customs Arrangements

  • Summary: Agreement entitled "Protocol on Customs Arrangements," undated, between Israel and Palestinian, in reference to Agreed Principles for Rafah Crossing. The agreement concerns protocols applicable to Rafah and Kerem Shalom Crossing.
• August 31, 2007 - Non-Paper: Activating the Arab Peace Initiative (Palestinian Role)

  • Summary: This paper presents the Arab Peace Initiative and how it can provide a framework for conflict resolution between the Israelis and Palestinians. It focuses on the Palestinian role in implementing the endeavour, and provides a structure for a task force (media strategy, identifying and linking with potential allies, etc.).
• September 5, 2007 - Draft: Economic – Political Notes on Current Affairs

  • Summary: Document of unspecified origin entitled "Economic – Political Notes on Current Affairs," undated. The document discusses the importance of economic aspects; impact of a defined 'political horizon' and 'end game'; and the promise of the Arab Peace Initiative.
• September 13, 2007 - Draft Letter from Erekat to Tourgeman Re: Joint Committee Reactivation

  • Summary: Draft of letter from Erekat to Tourgeman regarding Joint Committees development, undated. The letter informs Tourgeman of PA counterparts on committees and calls for reconvening of select committees.
• September 16, 2007 - Proposed Permanent Status Parameters

  • Summary: NSU paper entitled "Proposed Permanent Status Parameters (detailed)" that outlines a set of PS parameters in line with prevoius Palestinian positions as well as the Arab Peace Initiative.
• September 19, 2007 - NSU Memo to Tony Blair Re: Areas A-B-C

  • Summary: Memorandum from NSU to Tony Blair regarding "Areas of jurisdiction created by the Interim Agreements (Areas ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’)," dated September 19, 2007. The memo provides a detailed analysis of the areas, including legal & negotiating context, functional scope and practical implications.
• September 23, 2007 - NSU Memo Re: Palestinian Refugees Absorbed into Israel Since 1948

  • Summary: Memorandum from NSU to Saeb Erekat regarding "Number of Palestinian Refugees Absorbed into Israel since 1948," dated September 23, 2007. The memo examines figures and precedents to establish arguments on whether Israel (1) has accepted the principle of return for the refugees and/or (2) has the capacity and/or willingness to absorb a substantial number of refugees.
• September 27, 2007 - PLO Draft Declaration of Principles - September 2007

  • Summary: Draft agreement entitled " Draft Declaration of Principles," intended for signatures by PLO and Israel at Annapolis. The draft includes language on borders, Jerusalem, settlements, military withdrawal, refugees, water, reparations and P-I relations.
• October 4, 2007 - Preliminary Thoughts on Process - Annapolis

  • Summary: Internal document entitled "Preliminary Thoughts on Process," dated October 4, 2007, that outlines current Palestinian and Israeli thinking as regards pre-Annapolis, post-Annapolis and missing elements.
• October 9, 2007 - Overview of Security Decidable Issues

  • Summary: Paper entitled "Overview of Security Decidable Issues," that frames security issues in terms of three areas: I. Military Capacity of Palestine II. Withdrawal of Israeli Military, Police and all other Forces and Removal of Military Infrastructure III. Security Arrangements pertaining to Civil Aviation
• October 15, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 2nd Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: Much of the meeting deals with territorial contiguity, both within the West Bank (with Palestinian negotiators accusing the Israelis of creating "cantons") and between the West Bank and Gaza.
• October 19, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 3rd Negotiation Team Meeting
  • Summary: The meeting opens with general discussion of terms of reference: whether the PLO speaks for all Palestinians, the status of various UN resolutions, etc. They later move to discuss Road Map obligations.
• October 23, 2007 - NSU - State-to-State Files Re: FAPS

  • Summary: Paper by NSU that provides a review of issues related to State-to-State issues likely to arise in context of FAPS negotiations: Archaeology, Electromagnetic Sphere and Civil Aviation.
• October 24, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 4th Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: The 4th Negotiation Team meeting in preparation for the Annapolis Summit. This is a continuation meeting for both sides to agree on a joint document for the Summit. The document aims to establish a joint proposal for implementing the Road Map. The group debates third party involvment and time-tables for implementation.
• October 30, 2007 - Overview of Security Decidable Issues - October 2007 Update

  • Summary: Paper entitled "Overview of Security Decidable Issues," that frames security issues, pre-Annapolis, in terms of : I. Limitations on Palestinian Military Capacity II. Exceptions to Israeli Military Withdrawal from Palestinian Territory
• October 31, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 5th Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: The 5th Negotiation Team meeting in preparation for the Annapolis Summit. This is a continuation meeting for both sides to agree on a joint document for the Summit. The document aims to establish a joint proposal for implementing the Road Map. The group reviews the proposed document and debates over language clauses as well as P/I leaderships' views.
• October 31, 2007 - Letter from Delval to Gilad and Naaman Re: EUBAM Rafah - EUCOPPS
  • Summary: Letter from Delval to Gilad and Naaman regarding "EUBAM Rafah - Support to EUPOL COPPS in November 2007," dated October 31, 2007. The letter informs the Israelis that EUBAM Rafah support to EUCOPPS will involve training and EU prison assessment.
• November 1, 2007 - PLO: Saving the Two State Solution

  • Summary: PLO memo entitled "Saving the Two-State Solution, Implementing a Settlement Freeze," dated November 2007. The memo outlines lessons learned from partial-freezes and recommendations for enforcing a full freeze.
• November 6, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 2nd Sub-Committee Meeting on Drafting

  • Summary: Minutes of drafting sub-committee 2nd meeting on November 6, 2007, in Jerusalem. Each side presented proposals on language regarding Roadmap obligation implementation; minutes attach email from Jake Wallace noting U.S. perspective on matter.
• November 8, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 6th Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: This is the sixth in a series of meetings leading up to the Annapolis Conference in Washington. The first half of the meeting deals with the language for a joint statement that might precede the conference; negotiators also discuss the Arab Peace Initiative, the Road Map, and other issues.
• November 12, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 7th Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: Minutes of the 7th Negotiation Team meeting in preparation for the Annapolis Summit. This is a continuation meeting for both sides to agree on a joint document for the Summit. The document aims to establish a joint proposal for implementing the Road Map. In this meeting, the parties debate language pertaining to the nature and purpose of two separate states.  The parties also touch on other Terms of Reference, implementation, refugees and Jerusalem.
• November 13, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 8th Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: Minutes of the 8th meeting in a series of meetings about the proposed joint agreement for the Annapolis Summit.  The parties discuss finishing changes to the preamble, and debate the inclusion of principles from: President Bush's vision, the Road Map, the Arab Peace Initiative, UN resolutions and International law.
• November 13, 2007 - Meeting Summary: Saeb Erekat and EU Heads of Mission

  • Summary: Erekat discusses Israel's Road Map obligations, and the discussions about a joint statement for the Annapolis conference. He warns that Hamas will "take over Egypt" if there is no agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. "I'm not here to project optimism; I'm here to share facts so that you inform your governments," he said.
• November 13, 2007 - NSU Memo Re: Precondition of Recognizing Israel as a "Jewish State"

  • Summary: This memo by the NSU lists several reasons why it was advised not to recognize Israel as a Jewish state before a treaty is signed. Any treaty or agreement should, if at all, recognize Israel as a state. According to the document, if Israel insists, a fall back position could be developed. For instance, it may be possible to recognize Israel as a state for its peoples or alternatively Israel as the realization of the right of self determination of the Israeli people. Other alternative language would be to base recognition of the Jewish character of Israel in line with Resolution 181 with all of its parts. These alternatives can be further developed upon request. It is important not to define the Israeli people by religious or other terms.
• November 15, 2007 - Talking Points for Erekat Re: Israeli Preconditions

  • Summary: Talking points entitled "Talking Points for Dr. Saeb Erekat’s Encounter with the Media on Israel’s precondition to recognize it as a Jewish State," dated November 15, 2007. The points stress that peace process is not, and has never been, about recognizing Israel as a Jewish State.
• November 15, 2007 - Draft Talking Points on Contentious Issues - Annapolis

  • Summary: Talking points draft entitled "Talking points for Annapolis Team; Currently contentious issues," dated November 15, 2007. The points include international law/resolutions; and Roadmap, Role of the International Community, and Follow-Up Mechanism.
• November 16, 2007 - Annapolis Joint Document - 3rd Draft

  • Summary: 3rd Joint draft of the Palestinian-Israeli Annapolis Joint Document/Statement dated November 16, 2007. The document establishes the explicit intent of Palestine and Israel to implement steps required to bring about peace and a lasting solution (two-state). The draft includes both Palestinian and Israeli comments.
• November 16, 2007 - NSU Memo Re: Talking Points on Recogntion of Jewish State

  • Summary: Memorandum from NSU to Palestinian Drafting Team regarding "Talking points entitled "Strategy and Talking Points for Responding to the Precondition of Recognizing Israel as a 'Jewish State'," dated November 16, 2007. The memo prescribes a recommended approach and describes additional serious implications for permanent status issues.
• November 17, 2007 - Annapolis Joint Agreement - Draft with Handwritten Notes

  • Summary: This is a scanned draft of a joint agreement to be issued at the beginning of the Annapolis Conference. It contains a number of hand-written notes in English and Hebrew.
• November 17, 2007 - Annapolis Joint Document - 4th Draft

  • Summary: 4th Joint draft of the Palestinian-Israeli Annapolis Joint Document/Statement. The document establishes the explicit intent of Palestine and Israel to implement steps required to bring about peace and a lasting solution (two-state). The draft includes both Palestinian and Israeli comments as well as highlighted concerns as recognized by the NSU.
• November 17, 2007 - Meeting Minutes: 9th Negotiation Team Meeting

  • Summary: The 9th Negotiation Team meeting in preparation for the Annapolis Summit. This is a continuation meeting for both sides to agree on a joint document for the Summit. The document aims to establish a joint proposal for implementing the Road Map. The parties discussed the document line-by-line, with some heated debates over language.
• November 18, 2007 - Annapolis Joint Document - 5th Draft

  • Summary: Internal NSU draft of the Palestinian-Israeli Annapolis Joint Document/Statement. The document establishes the explicit intent of Palestine and Israel to implement steps required to bring about peace and a lasting solution (two-state). The NSU's version focuses more on directly addressing permanent status issues, like Refugees and Jerusalem, in comparison to the Israeli version.
• November 18, 2007 - Talking Points on Mitchell Report

  • Summary: Talking points on Mitchell Report, dated November 2007, that calls on the GoI to freeze all settlement activity; the GoI and PA to resume security cooperation; and the GoI to lift closures and restore movement/access.
• November 18, 2007 - NSU Draft Language on Security Issues

  • Summary: NSU Document entitled "Draft Language on Security Issues" that contains draft and alternative clauses on issues including military capacity, Alliances and security cooperation and Residual Israeli presence/control.
• November 18, 2007 - NSU Draft Language on Core Issues

  • Summary: Document containing proposed language, arguments and counterarguments regarding borders & territory, refugees, security, water.
• November 18, 2007 - Roadmap Phase I Obligations Comparison Chart - November 2007

  • Summary: Chart summarizing Palestinian and Israeli obligations per the Roadmap Phase I and status of each obligation.