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Topic: Washington to officially publish roadmap today (4/30)!
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Trafield
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Well, here is the roadmap, but it looks like the same document I already posted over a week ago, so no surprises here. It seems the status of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount will be handled secretly, and will be finalized by 2004-2005 when the final status agreement is to be reached. If things go according to this schedule 2005 could be the beginning of the final seven years! ![[Smile]](graemlins/youpi.gif)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,85613,00.html
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
The following is the text of the U.S. Mideast peace proposal:
A Performance-Based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The following is a performance-based and goal-driven roadmap, with clear phases, timelines, target dates, and benchmarks aiming at progress through reciprocal steps by the two parties in the political, security, economic, humanitarian, and institution-building fields, under the auspices of the Quartet. The destination is a final and comprehensive settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict by 2005, as presented in President Bush's speech of 24 June, and welcomed by the EU, Russia and the UN in the 16 July and 17 September Quartet Ministerial statements.
A two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will only be achieved through an end to violence and terrorism, when the Palestinian people have a leadership acting decisively against terror and willing and able to build a practicing democracy based on tolerance and liberty, and through Israel's readiness to do what is necessary for a democratic Palestinian state to be established, and a clear, unambiguous acceptance by both parties of the goal of a negotiated settlement as described below. The Quartet will assist and facilitate implementation of the plan, starting in Phase I, including direct discussions between the parties as required. The plan establishes a realistic timeline for implementation. However, as a performance-based plan, progress will require and depend upon the good faith efforts of the parties, and their compliance with each of the obligations outlined below. Should the parties perform their obligations rapidly, progress within and through the phases may come sooner than indicated in the plan. Non-compliance with obligations will impede progress.
A settlement, negotiated between the parties, will result in the emergence of an independent, democratic, and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbors. The settlement will resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and end the occupation that began in 1967, based on the foundations of the Madrid Conference, the principle of land for peace, UNSCRs 242, 338 and 1397, agreements previously reached by the parties, and the initiative of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah endorsed by the Beirut Arab League Summit calling for acceptance of Israel as a neighbor living in peace and security, in the context of a comprehensive settlement. This initiative is a vital element of international efforts to promote a comprehensive peace on all tracks, including the Syrian-Israeli and Lebanese-Israeli tracks.
The Quartet will meet regularly at senior levels to evaluate the parties' performance on implementation of the plan. In each phase, the parties are expected to perform their obligations in parallel, unless otherwise indicated.
Phase I:
Ending Terror And Violence, Normalizing Palestinian Life, and Building Palestinian Institutions Present to May 2003
In Phase I, the Palestinians immediately undertake an unconditional cessation of violence according to the steps outlined below; such action should be accompanied by supportive measures undertaken by Israel. Palestinians and Israelis resume security cooperation based on the Tenet work plan to end violence, terrorism, and incitement through restructured and effective Palestinian security services. Palestinians undertake comprehensive political reform in preparation for statehood, including drafting a Palestinian constitution, and free, fair and open elections upon the basis of those measures. Israel takes all necessary steps to help normalize Palestinian life. Israel withdraws from Palestinian areas occupied from September 28, 2000 and the two sides restore the status quo that existed at that time, as security performance and cooperation progress. Israel also freezes all settlement activity, consistent with the Mitchell report.
At the outset of Phase I:
— Palestinian leadership issues unequivocal statement reiterating Israel's right to exist in peace and security and calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end armed activity and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere. All official Palestinian institutions end incitement against Israel.
— Israeli leadership issues unequivocal statement affirming its commitment to the two-state vision of an independent, viable, sovereign Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel, as expressed by President Bush, and calling for an immediate end to violence against Palestinians everywhere. All official Israeli institutions end incitement against Palestinians.
Security
— Palestinians declare an unequivocal end to violence and terrorism and undertake visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt, and restrain individuals and groups conducting and planning violent attacks on Israelis anywhere.
— Rebuilt and refocused Palestinian Authority security apparatus begins sustained, targeted, and effective operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror and dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. This includes commencing confiscation of illegal weapons and consolidation of security authority, free of association with terror and corruption.
— GOI takes no actions undermining trust, including deportations, attacks on civilians; confiscation and/or demolition of Palestinian homes and property, as a punitive measure or to facilitate Israeli construction; destruction of Palestinian institutions and infrastructure; and other measures specified in the Tenet work plan.
— Relying on existing mechanisms and on-the-ground resources, Quartet representatives begin informal monitoring and consult with the parties on establishment of a formal monitoring mechanism and its implementation.
— Implementation, as previously agreed, of U.S. rebuilding, training and resumed security cooperation plan in collaboration with outside oversight board (U.S.EgyptJordan). Quartet support for efforts to achieve a lasting, comprehensive cease-fire.
— All Palestinian security organizations are consolidated into three services reporting to an empowered Interior Minister.
— Restructured/retrained Palestinian security forces and IDF counterparts progressively resume security cooperation and other undertakings in implementation of the Tenet work plan, including regular senior-level meetings, with the participation of U.S. security officials.
— Arab states cut off public and private funding and all other forms of support for groups supporting and engaging in violence and terror.
— All donors providing budgetary support for the Palestinians channel these funds through the Palestinian Ministry of Finance's Single Treasury Account.
— As comprehensive security performance moves forward, IDF withdraws progressively from areas occupied since September 28, 2000 and the two sides restore the status quo that existed prior to September 28, 2000. Palestinian security forces redeploy to areas vacated by IDF.
Palestinian Institution-Building
— Immediate action on credible process to produce draft constitution for Palestinian statehood. As rapidly as possible, constitutional committee circulates draft Palestinian constitution, based on strong parliamentary democracy and cabinet with empowered prime minister, for public comment/debate. Constitutional committee proposes draft document for submission after elections for approval by appropriate Palestinian institutions.
— Appointment of interim prime minister or cabinet with empowered executive authority/decision-making body.
— GOI fully facilitates travel of Palestinian officials for PLC and Cabinet sessions, internationally supervised security retraining, electoral and other reform activity, and other supportive measures related to the reform efforts.
— Continued appointment of Palestinian ministers empowered to undertake fundamental reform. Completion of further steps to achieve genuine separation of powers, including any necessary Palestinian legal reforms for this purpose.
— Establishment of independent Palestinian election commission. PLC reviews and revises election law.
— Palestinian performance on judicial, administrative, and economic benchmarks, as established by the International Task Force on Palestinian Reform.
— As early as possible, and based upon the above measures and in the context of open debate and transparent candidate selection/electoral campaign based on a free, multi-party process, Palestinians hold free, open, and fair elections.
— GOI facilitates Task Force election assistance, registration of voters, movement of candidates and voting officials. Support for NGOs involved in the election process.
— GOI reopens Palestinian Chamber of Commerce and other closed Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem based on a commitment that these institutions operate strictly in accordance with prior agreements between the parties.
Humanitarian Response
— Israel takes measures to improve the humanitarian situation. Israel and Palestinians implement in full all recommendations of the Bertini report to improve humanitarian conditions, lifting curfews and easing restrictions on movement of persons and goods, and allowing full, safe, and unfettered access of international and humanitarian personnel.
— AHLC reviews the humanitarian situation and prospects for economic development in the West Bank and Gaza and launches a major donor assistance effort, including to the reform effort.
— GOI and PA continue revenue clearance process and transfer of funds, including arrears, in accordance with agreed, transparent monitoring mechanism.
Civil Society
— Continued donor support, including increased funding through PVOs/NGOs, for people to people programs, private sector development and civil society initiatives.
Settlements
— GOI immediately dismantles settlement outposts erected since March 2001.
— Consistent with the Mitchell Report, GOI freezes all settlement activity (including natural growth of settlements).
Phase II: Transition
June 2003-December 2003
In the second phase, efforts are focused on the option of creating an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders and attributes of sovereignty, based on the new constitution, as a way station to a permanent status settlement. As has been noted, this goal can be achieved when the Palestinian people have a leadership acting decisively against terror, willing and able to build a practicing democracy based on tolerance and liberty. With such a leadership, reformed civil institutions and security structures, the Palestinians will have the active support of the Quartet and the broader international community in establishing an independent, viable, state.
Progress into Phase II will be based upon the consensus judgment of the Quartet of whether conditions are appropriate to proceed, taking into account performance of both parties. Furthering and sustaining efforts to normalize Palestinian lives and build Palestinian institutions, Phase II starts after Palestinian elections and ends with possible creation of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders in 2003. Its primary goals are continued comprehensive security performance and effective security cooperation, continued normalization of Palestinian life and institution-building, further building on and sustaining of the goals outlined in Phase I, ratification of a democratic Palestinian constitution, formal establishment of office of prime minister, consolidation of political reform, and the creation of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.
— International Conference: Convened by the Quartet, in consultation with the parties, immediately after the successful conclusion of Palestinian elections, to support Palestinian economic recovery and launch a process, leading to establishment of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders.
— Such a meeting would be inclusive, based on the goal of a comprehensive Middle East peace (including between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon), and based on the principles described in the preamble to this document.
— Arab states restore pre-intifada links to Israel (trade offices, etc.).
— Revival of multilateral engagement on issues including regional water resources, environment, economic development, refugees, and arms control issues.
— New constitution for democratic, independent Palestinian state is finalized and approved by appropriate Palestinian institutions. Further elections, if required, should follow approval of the new constitution.
— Empowered reform cabinet with office of prime minister formally established, consistent with draft constitution.
— Continued comprehensive security performance, including effective security cooperation on the bases laid out in Phase I.
— Creation of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders through a process of Israeli-Palestinian engagement, launched by the international conference. As part of this process, implementation of prior agreements, to enhance maximum territorial contiguity, including further action on settlements in conjunction with establishment of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.
— Enhanced international role in monitoring transition, with the active, sustained, and operational support of the Quartet.
— Quartet members promote international recognition of Palestinian state, including possible UN membership.
Phase III:
Permanent Status Agreement and End of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 2004 2005
Progress into Phase III, based on consensus judgment of Quartet, and taking into account actions of both parties and Quartet monitoring. Phase III objectives are consolidation of reform and stabilization of Palestinian institutions, sustained, effective Palestinian security performance, and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations aimed at a permanent status agreement in 2005.
— Second International Conference: Convened by Quartet, in consultation with the parties, at beginning of 2004 to endorse agreement reached on an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders and formally to launch a process with the active, sustained, and operational support of the Quartet, leading to a final, permanent status resolution in 2005, including on borders, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements; and, to support progress toward a comprehensive Middle East settlement between Israel and Lebanon and Israel and Syria, to be achieved as soon as possible.
— Continued comprehensive, effective progress on the reform agenda laid out by the Task Force in preparation for final status agreement.
— Continued sustained and effective security performance, and sustained, effective security cooperation on the bases laid out in Phase I.
— International efforts to facilitate reform and stabilize Palestinian institutions and the Palestinian economy, in preparation for final status agreement.
— Parties reach final and comprehensive permanent status agreement that ends the Israel-Palestinian conflict in 2005, through a settlement negotiated between the parties based on UNSCR 242, 338, and 1397, that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and includes an agreed, just, fair, and realistic solution to the refugee issue, and a negotiated resolution on the status of Jerusalem that takes into account the political and religious concerns of both sides, and protects the religious interests of Jews, Christians, and Muslims worldwide, and fulfills the vision of two states, Israel and sovereign, independent, democratic and viable Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security.
— Arab state acceptance of full normal relations with Israel and security for all the states of the region in the context of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.
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http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/PrinterFull&cid=1051669595374
US hands Israel the 'Road Map'
The Associated Press
Apr. 30, 2003
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US Ambassador Dan Kurtzer met with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Wednesday to formally present him with a long-awaited internationally backed Mideast peace plan.
A convoy of diplomatic vehicles was seen pulling up to Sharon's house in Jerusalem on Wednesday afternoon and a diplomatic source confirmed that Kurtzer had arrived.
Terje Larsen, the United Nations envoy to the Middle East, told reporters in the West Bank town of Ramallah that the internationally backed "road map" to peace would be presented to Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Abbas was sworn in to his post earlier Wednesday.
The plan was drafted by the so-called Quartet of Mideast mediators: the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia.
The plan calls for an immediate cease-fire, a crackdown on Palestinian militias, an Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian towns and the dismantling of Jewish settlements erected since 2001.
A Palestinian state with provisional borders could be established by year's end and full statehood within three years, according to the timetable.
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If the above quotes are a "good start" for the peace process, then Israel is in trouble! For Abbas' words have made his intentions clear. Nothing has changed, they still want Jerusalem. Jerusalem will continue to be the burdonsome stone (Zechariah 12:3).
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1051586935069
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Tuesday that Palestinian premier Mahmud Abbas' promise to crack down on terrorism is a "good start."
But Israel will judge the new Palestinian cabinet by its actions, not only by its words, Shalom added, in response to Abbas' conciliatory speech to the Palestinian legislature on Tuesday.
Shalom was quoted by Israeli media from a telephone conversation with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, who met with Abbas on Tuesday in Ramallah.
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quote:
"The internal situation cannot be separated from the painful political reality in which we live: the deplorable occupation and its accompanying colonization and oppressive policies that have caused us tremendous pain and suffering... Ending the occupation in all of its forms and from all of the territories occupied since 1967, including our eternal capital Jerusalem, is our national priority."
-Mahmoud Abbas
quote:
To be clear, the Palestinian people will not accept anything less than the exercise of our right to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state with Jerusalem as its capital; a genuine, contiguous state without any (Jewish) settlements, on all of the territories occupied in 1967 in conformity with international law."
-Mahmoud Abbas
Apr. 29, 2003
Abu Mazen denounces terrorism (UPDATE)
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1051586934418
The following are excerpts from incoming Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' policy speech to the Palestinian parliament on Tuesday, ahead of a vote of confidence.
"The government will concentrate on the question of security... The unauthorized possession of weapons, with its direct threat to the security of the population, is a major concern that will be relentlessly addressed... There will be no other decision-making authority except for the Palestinian Authority. On this land and for this people, there is only one authority, one law, and one democratic and national decision that applies to us all."
"We denounce terrorism by any party and in all its forms both because of our religious and moral traditions and because we are convinced that such methods do not lend support to a just cause like ours, but rather destroy it."
"The government will not allow and will devise strict regulations to combat abuse of personal positions in the exercise of trade and investment... In this context, the government will prosecute persons accused of corruption and embezzlement based on concrete evidence and respecting due process."
"The internal situation cannot be separated from the painful political reality in which we live: the deplorable occupation and its accompanying colonization and oppressive policies that have caused us tremendous pain and suffering... Ending the occupation in all of its forms and from all of the territories occupied since 1967, including our eternal capital Jerusalem, is our national priority."
"The government is committed to the PLO's official approval of (road map)... Israel is attempting to alter the road map as we know it by entering into complicated negotiations and by imposing its own interpretation of the (road map) and its implementation. We will not negotiate the road map. The road map must be implemented, not negotiated."
"We want a lasting peace with you (the Israelis) achieved through negotiations... We do not ignore the sufferings of the Jews throughout history. And in exchange, we hope that the Israelis will not turn their backs on the sufferings of the Palestinians."
"There is no military solution to our conflict... There is no alternative to a just and comprehensive political solution... To be clear, the Palestinian people will not accept anything less than the exercise of our right to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state with Jerusalem as its capital; a genuine, contiguous state without any (Jewish) settlements, on all of the territories occupied in 1967 in conformity with international law."
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Apr. 30, 2003
Abbas sworn in as Palestinian prime minister
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1051669592221
Mahmoud Abbas, co-founder of the Palestinian Fatah movement, was sworn in as the Palestinian prime minister Wednesday. He is the first person to hold the position.
The swearing-in took place at the West Bank headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Arafat's office announced Wednesday that it was naming Palestinian Cabinet Minister Saeb Erekat as head of the negotiation department for the PLO, a position formerly held by Abbas.
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Apr. 30, 2003
Washington to formally publish Mideast peace plan
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Washington
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1051669591648
The Palestinian approval of new leaders is triggering moves by the Bush administration to establish a Palestinian state by 2005 and roll back Israeli settlements.
Both goals are in a "road map" the United States developed with the European Union, the United Nations and Russia, which will be presented to Israel and the Palestinians on Wednesday, shortly after Mahmoud Abbas is sworn in as the Palestinian Authority's prime minister.
Secretary of State Colin Powell, due in the region later in the week for talks in Syria and Lebanon, plans to return about a week later for talks with Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Powell already has said he will apply pressure on both sides to carry out the "road map" schedule through 2005.
It would create two states one Jewish, one Palestinian living side by side in peace.
That means Israel would have to transfer West Bank territory and Gaza to the Palestinians. Whether the Bush administration intends to try to include part of Jerusalem in the deal has not been disclosed, probably because it is an explosive issue.
The Palestinian legislature's endorsement of Abbas as premier on Tuesday is prompting hands-on US diplomacy to seek an overall settlement in the long-lasting Arab-Israeli feud, after delays that were criticized by European and Arab governments.
Powell told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the administration would work hard to reopen negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. He ruled out meeting with Abbas on a trip to the region this week.
"He has some work to do, and I don't want to burden him on day one," Powell said.
Declaring he hoped Abbas would speak out immediately about terrorism, Powell said progress toward peace "is going to require acceptance of obligations, performance, by both sides."
Speaking to the Palestinian lawmakers before the vote, Abbas rejected terrorism and pledged to disarm militias and enforce the rule of law. A few hours later, a suicide bomber detonated a massive bomb at a beach restaurant in Tel Aviv, killing himself and at least three others.
State Department spokeswoman Nancy Beck said the attack wouldn't derail the peace effort.
"This despicable attack was undertaken by those opposed to the restoration of dialogue and the peaceful pursuit of a comprehensive peace in the region," Beck said.
"Attacks such as these will not deter us and the proponents of peace throughout the region from continuing down the path on which we have embarked."
Powell is to leave Washington for Spain on Thursday and go from there to Albania, Syria and Lebanon.
After a few days' respite back in Washington, Powell is expected to go to Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany and Russia.
A year ago in Madrid, the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia decided to create a plan to get Israel and the Palestinians back to the peace table after what now has been 2 1/2 years of fighting.
The State Department launched a campaign to sidetrack Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader accused by President Bush last June of being entwined in terror.
The emergence of Abbas, who has suggested he did not approve of using force against Israel, gave the Bush administration the vehicle it needed to return to active diplomacy.
Pushing for a Palestinian state after conquering Iraq is also seen as a way to mitigate anti-US feelings among the Arabs.
In the first of his two trips, Powell is due to oversee the signing of a regional cooperation agreement in Tirana, the Albanian capital, by Albania, Croatia and Macedonia.
The Adriatic Charter Partnership outlines cooperative reform efforts by each country in a quest for eventual membership in NATO.
In Syria, Powell is expected to hold tough talks with President Bashar Assad on US allegations that Syria did not stop Iraqi officials from seeking refuge in Syria as President Saddam Hussein's government crumbled.
Syria is expected to again be named a sponsor of terror in the annual terrorism report to be issued Wednesday by the State Department.
Referring to the fall of Saddam and US hopes for democracy in Iraq, Powell told the Senate committee, "I hope President Assad and his colleagues look at what is happening in the region and factor that in." "They have a different neighbor," Powell said.
In Lebanon, Powell is expected to focus on activities by the Hizbullah, which has fought a cross-border conflict with Israel.
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