Statement Regarding Israel-Arab Peace
Process
(April 14, 2004)
I remain hopeful and determined to find a way forward
toward a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
The Israeli Plan:
I welcome the disengagement plan prepared by the Government of Israel,
under which Israel would withdraw certain military installations and
all settlements from Gaza, and withdraw certain military installations
and settlements in the West Bank. These steps will mark real progress
toward realizing the vision I set forth in June 2002 of two states living
side by side in peace and security, and make a real contribution toward
peace.
I am hopeful that steps pursuant to this plan, consistent with this
vision, will remind all states and parties of their own obligations
under the roadmap.
The Path to Peace:
I believe certain principles, which are very widely accepted in the
international community, show us the path forward: The right of self
defense and the need to fight terrorism are equally matters of international
agreement. The two-state vision and the roadmap for peace designed to
implement it, command nearly universal support as the best means of
achieving a permanent peace and an end to the Israeli occupation that
began in 1967. United Nations Security Council resolutions have repeatedly
spoken of the desirability of establishing two independent states, Israel
and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognized borders.
Having these principles in mind, the United States is able to make
the following comments.
Peace Plans:
The United States remains committed to the vision of two states living
side by side in peace and security, and its implementation as described
in the roadmap. The United States will do its utmost to prevent any
attempt by anyone to impose any other plan.
Security:
There will be no security for Israelis or Palestinians until they and
all states, in the region and beyond, join together to fight terrorism
and dismantle terrorist organizations. The United States reiterates
its steadfast commitment to Israel's security, including secure, defensible
borders, and to preserve and strengthen Israel's capability to deter
and defend itself, by itself, against any threat or possible combination
of threats. The United States will join with others in the international
community to strengthen the capacity and will of Palestinian security
forces to fight terrorism and dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure.
Terrorism:
Israel will retain its right to defend itself against terrorism, including
to take actions against terrorist organizations. The United States will
lead efforts, working together with Jordan, Egypt, and others in the
international community, to build the capacity and will of Palestinian
institutions to fight terrorism, dismantle terrorist organizations,
and prevent the areas from which Israel has withdrawn from posing a
threat that would have to be addressed by any other means. The United
States understands that after Israel withdraws from Gaza and/or parts
of the West Bank, and pending agreements on other arrangements, existing
arrangements regarding control of airspace, territorial waters, and
land passages of the West Bank and Gaza will continue.
The Two-State Solution:
The United States remains committed to the two-state solution for peace
in the Middle East as set forth in June 2002, and to the roadmap as
the best path to realize that vision.
The goal of two independent states has repeatedly been recognized in
international resolutions and agreements, and it remains a key to resolving
this conflict. The United States is strongly committed to Israel's security
and well-being as a Jewish state. It seems clear that an agreed, just,
fair and realistic framework for a solution to the Palestinian refugee
issue as part of any final status agreement will need to be found through
the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the settling of Palestinian
refugees there, rather than in Israel.
As part of a final peace settlement, Israel must have secure and recognized
borders, which should emerge from negotiations between the parties in
accordance with UNSC Resolutions 242 and 338. In light of new realities
on the ground, including already existing major Israeli populations
centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of final status
negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines
of 1949, and all previous efforts to negotiate a two-state solution
have reached the same conclusion. It is realistic to expect that any
final status agreement will only be achieved on the basis of mutually
agreed changes that reflect these realities.
Palestinian Statehood:
The United States supports the establishment of a Palestinian state
that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, and independent, so that the
Palestinian people can build their own future in accordance with the
vision I set forth in June 2002 and with the path set forth in the roadmap.
The United States will join with others in the international community
to foster the development of democratic political institutions and new
leadership committed to those institutions, the reconstruction of civic
institutions, the growth of a free and prosperous economy, and the building
of capable security institutions dedicated to maintaining law and order
and dismantling terrorist organizations.
Palestinian Obligations:
Under the roadmap, Palestinians must undertake an immediate cessation
of armed activity and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere,
and all official Palestinian institutions must end incitement against
Israel. The Palestinian leadership must act decisively against terror,
including sustained, targeted, and effective operations to stop terrorism
and dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. Palestinians
must undertake a comprehensive and fundamental political reform that
includes a strong parliamentary democracy and an empowered prime minister.
Israeli Obligations:
The Government of Israel is committed to take additional steps on the
West Bank, including progress toward a freeze on settlement activity,
removing unauthorized outposts, and improving the humanitarian situation
by easing restrictions on the movement of Palestinians not engaged in
terrorist activities.
As the Government of Israel has stated, the barrier being erected by
Israel should be a security rather than political barrier, should be
temporary rather than permanent, and therefore not prejudice any final
status issues including final borders, and its route should take into
account, consistent with security needs, its impact on Palestinians
not engaged in terrorist activities.
Regional Cooperation:
A peace settlement negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians would
be a great boon not only to those peoples but to the peoples of the
entire region. Accordingly, all states in the region have special responsibilities:
to support the building of the institutions of a Palestinian state;
to fight terrorism, and cut off all forms of assistance to individuals
and groups engaged in terrorism; and to begin now to move toward more
normal relations with the State of Israel. These actions would be true
contributions to building peace in the region.
Sources: The
White House |