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TAXPAYER MONEYS TO BE USED IN SUPPORT OF ABBAS GALILEE-SUPLANTED INFRASTRUCTURE for New Palestine

 
Connecting the Money to the Mission : 

The Past, Present, and Future of U.S. Assistance to the Palestinians 

Statement by 
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs 
Robert M. Danin 

 
House Foreign Affairs Middle East and South Asia SubCommittee 
 
December 12, 2007 
 
Washington -  House Foreign Affairs Middle East and South Asia SubCommittee - December 12, 2007 - 

Robert M. Danin : Chairman Ackerman, Representative Pence, Members of this distinguished subcommittee, thank you for providing me the opportunity to speak with you today. I will focus my remarks on the Administration’s ongoing efforts to support the Israelis and Palestinians as they move forward in their own discussions, and how our diplomatic and financial assistance will work to support our overarching objective of establishing an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living in peace with a safe and secure Israel .  

I am pleased to report on what we feel was a very successful conference in Annapolis on November 27 that energized and galvanized international support for Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab peace. The event itself was an unprecedented gathering in the United States of foreign ministers and other senior officials from throughout the world who came with the shared purpose of supporting the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The joint agreement reached by the Israelis and Palestinians and announced by President Bush as the conference opened, was a significant achievement. It creates a framework for ongoing, vigorous negotiations between the parties. 

Both Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Mahmoud Abbas have demonstrated courageous leadership and resolve in their desire to tackle the most sensitive and challenging issues that have prevented a settlement of this conflict. The participation of nearly fifty delegations from the Middle East, Europe , the Muslim world and beyond came to support Israeli-Palestinian peace. The large number of countries from the Arab world that sent delegations was unprecedented, and sent an important message that they are intent on assisting the Palestinians in building a future state and realizing the Arab Peace Initiative, whose goals include peace and normalizing relations with Israel . 
 
The next important milestone before us in our international peace efforts is the Donors’ Conference for the Palestinian Authority that the Government of France will host in Paris on December 17. Over ninety countries, international organizations, and financial institutions are expected to attend. Secretary Rice will lead the U.S. delegation. Former Prime Minister and Quartet Representative Tony Blair will join France , Norway and the European Commission in co-chairing the event, during which Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will present the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan, or PRDP. The PRDP is more than a budget request. It provides a comprehensive approach to the economic and developmental needs and challenges facing the Palestinian people, and outlines the Palestinian Authority’s anticipated budgetary needs over a three year period, including its plans for development, capacity, and institution building; proposed reform measures; and security requirements. The plan was developed in consultation with the United States and other international donors, and has the endorsement of the international financial community, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.  

This plan is ambitious, but realistic and necessary in order to lay the groundwork for a sustainable, democratic and prosperous Palestinian state. Its implementation will create momentum and build the confidence of the Palestinian people in their government, a government that is viewed by both the U.S. and Israel as a true partner for peace. 
 
After Hamas won the January 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council Elections, the U.S. Government made significant adjustments to our assistance programs, both for policy and security reasons, as well as to ensure that we were in strict compliance with all legal requirements. Leading the international community, we established a united front that put the onus for the new government’s international isolation squarely on Hamas. Hence, the international community clearly stated with one voice that it would have nothing to do with any Palestinian government that failed to accept three basic principles laid out by the Quartet: namely, the renunciation of violence and terror; second, recognition of Israel, and third, acceptance and compliance with all previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements, including the Roadmap.  

Working with the Office of President Abbas, independent Palestinian agencies and certain NGOs, we scaled back and, in some cases, froze any project that could have benefited Hamas. At the same time, we significantly ramped up assistance to meet the basic needs of Palestinians and support civil society and private sector initiatives.   In the face of this new reality, the Hamas government was a failure. It lacked the courage to make the changes necessary to transform itself from a terrorist organization into a responsible law-abiding government. Moreover, the Hamas government failed to deliver the basic services they promised to provide to the Palestinian people. 
 
In June of this year, Hamas violently took control of the Gaza Strip. President Abbas, exercising his legitimate right as President, declared a national emergency, dismissed Hamas, and appointed a new government, comprised entirely of non-Hamas, non-Fatah, independent Ministers under the leadership of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Following those changes, the new PA government officially endorsed the Quartet principles. 

The Palestinian Authority’s compliance with Quartet requirements allowed the U.S. Government to lift many of the restrictions that had been put in place with respect to our assistance programs. We have been working since that time to quickly ramp up our assistance efforts to support this new Quartet-compliant PA government. The United States , along with Israel and the international community, sees this new government of President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad as a true partner for peacemaking, a sentiment expressed publicly by President Bush on July 16, and a commitment that was reaffirmed at Annapolis .  

It is on this basis that the United States is working intensively along three parallel tracks. The first is the diplomatic track, as evidenced by the Annapolis Conference and Secretary Rice’s frequent trips to the region. Here, we have worked hard to help bring the parties to the point where they can launch negotiations on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the realization of Israeli-Palestinian peace. They will do so on December 12. This political track remains a U.S. foreign policy priority, and we will remain actively engaged with the parties as their bilateral negotiations get underway. The second track is one of implementation. 

We are working with both parties to address their commitments under Phase One of the Roadmap in order to improve the situation on the ground, establish a sense of security for both sides, build trust between the parties, and create conditions that will allow for the implementation of a peace agreement. Finally, along a third track, we are supporting and continue to work closely with Quartet Representative Tony Blair, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and other international donors to build the economic and institutional capacity that will serve as the foundation for a stable and prosperous Palestinian state. The December 17 Paris Donors’ Conference is the next major step in this effort and generous donor contributions are critical. Intensive efforts following Paris will also be required.  

Hamas mismanagement during its period of control of the Palestinian government exacerbated the PA’s serious financial straits. Over the past few months, Israel has returned customs and tax payments to the PA that were withheld while Hamas was in office. These funds have helped to keep the PA afloat, but will only last until the end of this year. The current PA government inherited more than $1 billion in arrears. Starting in January 2008, it will experience a monthly cash shortfall of $100 million for its monthly budget of $200 million.  

It is critical for the United States and the international community to support the Fayyad government and President Abbas as they seek peaceful reconciliation with Israel while staving off the violent alternative represented by Hamas. This government must be able to deliver to the Palestinian people and we intend to support them in that effort. The government of Prime Minister Fayyad has committed itself to reforming the PA, extending the rule of law, and building democratic institutions--all critical for the establishment of a Palestinian state that will live peacefully with a strong and secure Israel as a neighbor. 

To date, the PA government has restored the components of its public finance system, including most importantly, the Single Treasury Account. The PA permanently stopped paying salaries to more than 20,000 members of the security services who had been added to the payrolls under the Hamas Government. Since Salam Fayyad’s appointment as Prime Minister, the PA has been able to make full payments to its employees, something that Hamas could not achieve. The role of the judiciary has been strengthened through the PA appointment and training of new staff. 

This government has adopted money laundering legislation and has closed down or reorganized charities and religious committees that were in violation of PA laws, and may have been providing funding and political support to Hamas. Finally, the government has banned armed militias, confiscated over 700 weapons thus far, taken important steps to end incitement in places of worship, and is working with U.S. Security Coordinator General Keith Dayton to restore law and order throughout the West Bank, beginning with a successful mission in Nablus, a major Palestinian economic and population center that had been a source of lawlessness and extremism in Palestinian society.  

The Palestinian Authority needs considerable help if it is to succeed in reestablishing its authority throughout the entire West Bank while working with Israel to negotiate a peaceful resolution to this conflict. 

Our Fiscal Year 2008 request was sent to Congress prior to the change in the PA government. Due to the new circumstances on the ground that have created an unprecedented opportunity for peace, we are seeking an additional $ 410 million in emergency supplemental funding for the Palestinians. First in Annapolis , and now in Paris , we will be showing the world that the United States is fully engaged and committed to providing the necessary support – both financial and political – to assist the parties in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A significant U.S. contribution will send a signal to other donors that the time to assist the PA is now and a PA government with the full and public support of the international community will help to build a constituency for peace within Palestinian society.  

In preparation for the Paris Donors’ Conference, our USAID West Bank/Gaza Mission and Consulate General in Jerusalem have worked closely with Prime Minister Fayyad and his team in order to coordinate our efforts with the PRDP. The $410 million request includes $200 million in projects that we will continue to coordinate with the PA. This emergency funding will go directly towards the most urgently needed projects to improve the lives of Palestinians and build the institutions necessary to create a future Palestinian state.

 Our focus will be on rapid job creation, essential public infrastructure and improved government services through a number of programs. These projects will be tightly coordinated with the PA, and credit will accrue to Dr. Fayyad, President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority, building further support for their moderate and peaceful approach, in stark contrast to that of Hamas.  

The Palestinian Authority government will only earn the trust of its people if it remains corruption-free, provides the services its people need, and maintains law and order on the streets. We will be providing funding specifically to address capacity building and transparency in government. Our aid will go toward helping the PA provide services that Palestinians care about most and expect from their government. For example, we will work with the PA Ministry of Health to improve its ability to deliver quality health care services to the Palestinian people. All these improvements will further bolster the Fayyad government. 
 
We are seeking $150 million to provide direct budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority. We normally do not seek this form of assistance for the Palestinians; however, the extraordinary fiscal circumstances the PA is currently facing and the urgent need to build democratic institutions in anticipation of a peaceful Palestinian state, warrant such direct support. As noted earlier, the PA’s financial situation requires immediate budgetary support. 

We must help President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad meet this challenge. Also important is the fact that our assistance will be used to encourage other countries to provide immediate assistance to the PA, including budgetary support. We have instructed our embassies worldwide to meet with the highest levels of governments that are invited to the Paris Conference to urge them to send their foreign ministers to Paris and be prepared to announce major assistance pledges that go beyond past contributions to the Palestinian people.  

We are seeking $25 million for security sector reforms. USSC General Dayton and the U.S. Security Coordinator Mission have been working with Prime Minister Fayyad and PA Interior Minister Yahya to rebuild the PA’s capacity to fight terrorism and extend law and order to the West Bank . These funds would be used to sustain and strengthen a comprehensive security sector reform program that the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) is already implementing using funds appropriated in FY 2006. In order to continue this important work, emergency supplemental funding would be used immediately for additional training and equipping of the Palestinian Presidential Guard and National Security Forces.

 Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Snyder will speak further to this point. In short, we are still early in this process but our efforts are working to successfully build up the PA’s security capacity and we are seeing important results. We are working to provide instructor development, refresher, and basic training to a total of over 1,000 personnel in the Presidential Guard and National Security Forces. We are supplying them with non-lethal equipment such as vehicles, communications and reconnaissance gear, to help them do their jobs.  And we are working with the Ministry of Interior to create a Strategic Planning Directorate responsible for developing and coordinating strategies and logistics.  

Finally, we have requested $35 million to support the emergency needs of Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank and camp rehabilitation in Lebanon . Palestinian refugees are a population that is a prime target for extremist recruitment. Support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is critical to achieving the President’s goal to secure peace in the Middle East and assist the most vulnerable Palestinians.  

Allow me to close my remarks by noting that all U.S. assistance to the Palestinian territories has been, and will continue to be, governed by strict accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure that taxpayer funds do not fall into the wrong hands. 
 
We look forward to working closely with the Congress to further our goals in the Middle East at this critical juncture. Thank you for your interest and your continued support. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.



htp://foreignaffairs.house.gov/110/dan121207.htm

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Tony Blair, Quartet Middle East Envoy; Luís Amado, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal;

 Javier Solana, Secretary- General of the Council of the European Union; Condoleezza Rice

Support for Mideast Peace Goes Beyond Annapolis Conference

Renewed Israeli-Palestinian talks take center stage  


By David McKeeby
USINFO Staff Writer


Washington - State Dept - Dec 7, 2007- Expect continued intensive diplomacy from Washington as Palestinian and Israeli leaders build on the success of the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis Conference, says a top U.S. diplomat. 

"There are a lot of historical reasons to be skeptical, but we see this as an unprecedented moment of hope and opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians," Thomas Goldberger, director of the State Department’s Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, said in a December 6 USINFO webchat.At the November 27 conference held at the U.S. Naval Academy, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced they would restart talks on December 12, with the goal of a peace treaty by the end of 2008 that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state, living together with Israel in peace and security.  

"Those are nice words," said Goldberger, whose office supports U.S. efforts to help the peace process, "but more interesting is where we go from here to get to the creation of a Palestinian state."
The first component of the way forward is the political process, he said, where Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will confront the thorniest issues at the heart of a half-century of conflict: the borders of a new Palestinian state, the right of return for millions of Palestinian refugees, security guarantees to safeguard people on both sides of the border, equitable distribution of scarce water resources, the status of Israeli outposts and settlements and the status of Jerusalem.    

"It may not be the best way of thinking to talk about concessions," Goldberger replied when a participant in Malaysia asked him to speculate on how both sides will bridge these issues. "Instead, they need to be thinking together about how they can build a better future for Israeli and Palestinian people in which both are better off, safer, and happier than they are today." 

Senior U.S. officials will be traveling to the region to help the leaders as the talks progress, Goldberger said, and the Quartet for Middle East Peace (the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations) will continue to meet frequently to provide political support. 

On December 4, the White House announced that President Bush would travel to the region in January 2008.

Next, Goldberger said, is the confidence-building process enshrined in the Quartet’s "road map" -- a comprehensive plan to resolve political, economic, security and humanitarian issues to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Annapolis, both sides agreed to continue implementing the plan, and asked the United States to take on a new role as "monitor and judge" of their progress. Finally, Goldberger said, is the need for a continued international support for the creation of a Palestinian state. 

Goldberger said 90 countries are expected to take part in an international donors’ conference in Paris December 17.

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(Photo:  Bush & Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General, United Nations / Courtesy : UN)

Pressure on Israel ? U.N. Ban Ki-moon to discuss planned Israeli settlements with Quartet partners

United Nations - December 6, 2007 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he would discuss planned Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem with his diplomatic partners in the Quartet, which brings together the United Nations, European Union, Russian Federation and the United States in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

Responding to press questions on the plans, Mr. Ban said the UN’s position on the illegality of settlements is well known.

“These new tenders for 300 new homes in East Jerusalem, so soon after this Annapolis Middle East peace conference, I think, is not helpful,” said Mr. Ban, referring to the recent meeting in the US city that brought together Israeli and Palestinian leaders as well as top officials from concerned countries.

“I will be discussing this matter with my Quartet partners,” he said.
 

htp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=24956&Cr=middle&Cr1=east

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Donors pledge over $160 million for UN agency aiding Palestinian "refugees"

UNITED NATIONS - December 4, 2007 – Twenty-two international donors today pledged over $160 million to support the main United Nations agency providing vital humanitarian aid to some 4.5 million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

The pledges to the 2008 budget of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) came during a meeting in New York of the General Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee for Voluntary Contributions.

UNRWA’s total budget for 2008-2009 is $1.21 billion – down slightly from $1.28 billion for the current biennium, UNRWA Deputy Commission-General Filippo Grandi told the meeting. He said that while many refugees had taken great strides towards self-reliance and personal success, deep pockets of entrenched deprivation among them remained to be tackled throughout the Agency’s operational areas. 

He added that next week, the UN would issue its consolidated appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory, of which UNRWA would be an integral part, amounting to about $235 million. A few days later, the UN would also participate in the Paris Donors Conference aimed at supporting the Palestinian Authority and restarting development activities. 

Also addressing today’s meeting, General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim said the forthcoming Paris Conference would provide an important opportunity to help rebuild Palestinian institutions, boost economic growth and lay the foundations for a viable Palestinian State.

At the same time, the needs of Palestinian refugees should not be neglected, he said, noting that UNRWA presently faced heavy challenges on all sides, with demands for its increasingly complex services growing steadily. 

According to the UN’s latest humanitarian fact sheet on Gaza, roughly 75 per cent of Gaza’s population receives food aid. But while regular humanitarian aid is continuing, import restrictions have led to the suspension of more than $200 million worth of programming, including shelter and housing projects for 27,000 refugees and construction at three major hospitals. 

The fact sheet also shows that the unemployment rate in Gaza has soared past 32 per cent. At the same time, food prices have shot up with the price of wheat flour, for example, having gone up by 46 per cent.

The latest figures underscore the vital work carried out by UNRWA, which is not only a humanitarian organization but also the main provider of essential public services to the Palestinian refugee population
 

htp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=24916&Cr=palestin&Cr1=

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  Middle East peace conference a ‘significant breakthrough,’ says top UN official

B. Lynn Pascoe briefs Security Council 

United Nations - November 30, 2007 – This week’s conference in the United States was “the most significant breakthrough” in the Middle East peace process in several years, but the difficult humanitarian and security situation on the ground should not be overlooked, the top United Nations political official told the Security Council today. 

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe said violence continues to plague both Palestinians and Israelis and the humanitarian conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially the Gaza Strip, were “a source of acute concern.” 

But Mr. Pascoe stressed that the conference, held in the city of Annapolis earlier this week, offered a “clear way forward” to end the conflict, with the leaders of the two sides having agreed to launch immediately good-faith negotiations to try to conclude a peace treaty by the end of next year that resolves all outstanding issues. 

“For 60 years the Israeli State has feared for its survival and the survival of its people,” he said. “For 60 years the Palestinian people have wandered and suffered in search of a State. It is time for the Palestinians to have a home of their own. It is time for the Israelis to feel at peace in their home. The time to act is now. Let us go forward and each play our part.” 

Reiterating the full support of the UN for the peace process, the Under-Secretary-General said more efforts have to be made to ease the situation on the ground, which remains tense. 

Since his last briefing to the Council, Mr. Pascoe said 42 Palestinians had been killed, 133 others injured and at least 346 detained by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), while two Israelis were killed and six others injured as well. In Gaza, the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit entered his eighteenth month of captivity, and Palestinian militants fired over 116 rockets and 121 mortars. Factional fighting among Palestinians also intensified. 

Mr. Pascoe noted that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has raised his strong concerns about the humanitarian situation inside the Gaza Strip, where the closure or restrictions of border crossing points into Israel have hurt the economy and made it difficult for local Palestinians to obtain vital health care and other services. 

Turning to Lebanon, he said that the extensive diplomatic efforts to mediate between the parties – which have been divided for months over the appointment of a new president to succeed Emile Lahoud, whose term ended last week – are ongoing, aimed at bridging the political divide. 

Meanwhile, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it has observed a significant number of Israeli overflights in the past few days and is reporting these incidents to the Security Council via the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. 

Gen. Claudio Graziano, the UNIFIL Force Commander, has also raised the issue with the Israeli army commander, voicing his serious concern and asking them to stop the violations. 

In related news, the General Assembly today concluded a two-day debate on the Question of Palestine and also held a meeting on the situation in the Middle East. 

The UN Bureau of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People also issued a statement welcoming the holding of the conference in Annapolis and the Joint Understanding that was reached by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Ehud Olmert.

htp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=24872&Cr=palestin&Cr1=
 

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General James Jones [ Former Commander, NATO ] appointed as U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Security

Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
November 28, 2007

Washington - State Dept - Nov 28 , 2007 - SECRETARY RICE: Good afternoon. Today it is my pleasure to announce General Jim Jones as my new Special Envoy for Middle East Security. Building security in the Middle East is the surest path to making peace in the Middle East and General Jones is the best individual to lead our efforts in this essential endeavor. General Jones is taking up his post at a time of renewed hope. Yesterday in Annapolis, Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas agreed together that they will launch negotiations to establish a Palestinian state and seek Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Earlier today, I was at the White House where President Bush had invited the parties to inaugurate their negotiations. Any lasting peace must be built on solid foundations of security. Israelis must be confident that a Palestinian state will increase their security, not detract from it. Palestinians must be capable of standing on their own and policing their territory and countries in the region must be invested in the success of this state-building effort, for their own security depends on it too.

For all these reasons I believe that we need an experienced leader who can address the regional security challenge comprehensively and at the highest levels and who can provide the full support of our government to the partners, as they work to meet their responsibilities. General Jones is the person we need to take up this vital mission.

General Jones, of course, brings decades of experience and illustrious service to his new post. He distinguished himself as a U.S. Marine over 40 years of active duty service. He is a decorated combat veteran. He has been Commandant of the Marine Corps and he has held a number of significant command positions in uniform, ultimately rising to be Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and Commander of U.S. European Command, which included Israel as a part of his area of responsibility. So General Jones is deeply familiar with the Middle East. The General is also fluent in French, but I understand that was no thanks to the Marines.

In this new role, General Jones will advance our objective of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He will work with Israelis and Palestinians on the full range of security issues and he will work to strengthen security for both sides. General Jones will work with Lieutenant General Keith Dayton, who will continue his mission of helping the Palestinian Authority to build and rationalize its security forces.

General Jones will also engage with key countries to support Middle East security. He will design and implement a new U.S. Government plan for our security assistance to the Palestinian Authority and our security cooperation with the Israeli and Palestinian governments.

In all of these efforts, General Jones will report directly to me and I will look to him for candid, independent advice and assessments of our efforts. In accepting this position, General Jones will be adding to his responsibilities at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he leads the Institute for 21st Century Energy. I want to thank Tom Donohue and the Chamber for recognizing the importance of our current work in the Middle East and for graciously letting us share General Jones.

It is clear that we will have a superior commander, a seasoned diplomat, a brilliant strategist, experienced leader who understands the security challenges of the Middle East and how to meet those challenges successfully. As we work to help the Palestinians and the Israelis design their future, we hope that the work that General Jones will do will help them to better design a security concept that can make that future one that is clearly one of better security and peace for both sides.

I am honored that General Jones has accepted this new opportunity to serve his country, and I look forward to his getting to work as soon as possible.

GENERAL JONES:

  Thank you very much, Madame Secretary. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here. It's a great honor to be asked to be of assistance in this very, very important matter. I look forward to forming a team and working with both the State Department and Defense Department as the need arises to complete our task. I'm grateful to my boss, Tom Donohue, and the U.S. Chamber for understanding the seriousness of the moment in terms of the situation that we face. And I'm looking forward to getting back to a part of the world that I spent some part of my last 17 years in uniform since 1990 getting to know. It is critically important. It's great to see the -- our country play such an important leadership role and I look forward to doing whatever I can to assist in bringing my responsibilities to the Secretary in a timely way so that it can be useful.
So thank you for asking me to do this, Secretary -- thank you very much.

htp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2007/11/95838.htm

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27 November 2007

Bush Remarks at Annapolis Conference

Talks to help establish democratic Palestinian state at peace with Israel

(begin transcript)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Annapolis, Maryland)
November 27, 2007

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BUSH AT DEC. 2007 ANNAPOLIS CONFERENCE

Memorial Hall
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland

11:04 A.M. EST

Annapolis - United States Naval Academy - Nov 27 , 2007  - PRESIDENT BUSH:  Thank you for coming.  Prime Minister Olmert, President Abbas, Secretary General Ban, former Prime Minister Blair, distinguished guests:  Welcome to one of the finest institutes we have in America, the United States Naval Academy.  We appreciate you joining us in what I believe is an historic opportunity to encourage the expansion of freedom and peace in the Holy Land.

We meet to lay the foundation for the establishment of a new nation -- a democratic Palestinian state that will live side by side with Israel in peace and security.  We meet to help bring an end to the violence that has been the true enemy of the aspirations of both the Israelis and Palestinians.

We're off to a strong start.  I'm about to read a statement that was agreed upon by our distinguished guests:

The representatives of the government of the state of Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, represented respective by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and President Mahmoud Abbas in his capacity as Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee and President of the Palestinian Authority, have convened in Annapolis, Maryland, under the auspices of President George W. Bush of the United States of America, and with the support of the participants of this international conference, having concluded the following joint understanding.

We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis.  In furtherance of the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, we agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty, resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues, without exception, as specified in previous agreements.

We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations, and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008.  For this purpose, a steering committee, led jointly by the head of the delegation of each party, will meet continuously, as agreed.  The steering committee will develop a joint work plan and establish and oversee the work of negotiations teams to address all issues, to be headed by one lead representative from each party.  The first session of the steering committee will be held on 12 December 2007.

President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert will continue to meet on a bi-weekly basis to follow up the negotiations in order to offer all necessary assistance for their advancement.

The parties also commit to immediately implement their respective obligations under the performance-based road map to a permanent two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, issued by the Quartet on 30 April 2003 -- this is called the road map -- and agree to form an American, Palestinian and Israeli mechanism, led by the United States, to follow up on the implementation of the road map.

The parties further commit to continue the implementation of the ongoing obligations of the road map until they reach a peace treaty.  The United States will monitor and judge the fulfillment of the commitment of both sides of the road map.  Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, implementation of the future peace treaty will be subject to the implementation of the road map, as judged by the United States.

Congratulations for your strong leadership.  (Applause.)

The Palestinian people are blessed with many gifts and talents.  They want the opportunity to use those gifts to better their own lives and build a better future for their children.  They want the dignity that comes with sovereignty and independence.  They want justice and equality under the rule of law.  They want freedom from violence and fear.

The people of Israel have just aspirations, as well.  They want their children to be able to ride a bus or to go to school without fear of suicide bombers.  They want an end to rocket attacks and constant threats of assault.  They want their nation to be recognized and welcomed in the region where they live.

Today, Palestinians and Israelis each understand that helping the other to realize their aspirations is key to realizing their own aspirations -- and both require an independent, democratic, viable Palestinian state.  Such a state will provide Palestinians with the chance to lead lives of freedom and purpose and dignity.  Such a state will help provide the Israelis with something they have been seeking for generations:  to live in peace with their neighbors.

Achieving this goal is not going to be easy -- if it were easy, it would have happened a long time ago.  To achieve freedom and peace, both Israelis and Palestinians will have to make tough choices.  Both sides are sober about the work ahead, but having spent time with their leaders, they are ready to take on the tough issues.  As Prime Minister Olmert recently put it, "We will avoid none of [the historic questions], we will not run from discussing any of them."  As President Abbas has said: "I believe that there is an opportunity not only for us but for the Israelis, too.  We have a historic and important opportunity that we must benefit from."  It is with that spirit that we concluded -- that they concluded this statement I just read.

Our purpose here in Annapolis is not to conclude an agreement.  Rather, it is to launch negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.  For the rest of us, our job is to encourage the parties in this effort -- and to give them the support they need to succeed.

In light of recent developments, some have suggested that now is not the right time to pursue peace.  I disagree.  I believe now is precisely the right time to begin these negotiations -- for a number of reasons:

First, the time is right because Palestinians and Israelis have leaders who are determined to achieve peace.  President Abbas seeks to fulfill his people's aspirations for statehood, dignity and security.  President Abbas understands that a Palestinian state will not be born of terror, and that terrorism is the enemy standing in the way of a state.  He and Prime Minister Fayyad have both declared, without hesitation, that they are opposed to terrorism and committed to peace.  They're committed to turning these declarations into actions on the ground to combat terror.

The emergence of responsible Palestinian leaders has given Israeli leaders the confidence they need to reach out to the Palestinians in true partnership.  Prime Minister Olmert has expressed his understanding of the suffering and indignities felt by the Palestinian people.  He's made clear that the security of Israel will be enhanced by the establishment of a responsible, democratic Palestinian state.  With leaders of courage and conviction on both sides, now is the time to come together and seek the peace that both sides desire.

Second, the time is right because a battle is underway for the future of the Middle East -- and we must not cede victory to the extremists.  With their violent actions and contempt for human life, the extremists are seeking to impose a dark vision on the Palestinian people -- a vision that feeds on hopelessness and despair to sow chaos in the Holy Land.  If this vision prevails, the future of the region will be endless terror, endless war, and endless suffering.

Standing against this dark vision are President Abbas and his government.  They are offering the Palestinian people an alternative vision for the future -- a vision of peace, a homeland of their own, and a better life.  If responsible Palestinian leaders can deliver on this vision, they will deal the forces of extremism a devastating blow.  And when liberty takes root in the rocky soil of the West Bank and Gaza, it will inspire millions across the Middle East who want their societies built on freedom and peace and hope.

By contrast, if Palestinian reformers cannot deliver on this hopeful vision, then the forces of extremism and terror will be strengthened, a generation of Palestinians could be lost to the extremists, and the Middle East will grow in despair.  We cannot allow this to happen.  Now is the time to show Palestinians that their dream of a free and independent state can be achieved at the table of peace -- and that the terror and violence preached by Palestinian extremists is the greatest obstacle to a Palestinian state.

Third, the time is right because the world understands the urgency of supporting these negotiations.  We appreciate that representatives from so many governments and international institutions have come to join us here in Annapolis -- especially the Arab world.  We're here because we recognize what is at stake.  We are here because we each have a vital role to play in helping Palestinians forge the institutions of a free society.  We're here because we understand that the success of these efforts to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians will have an impact far beyond the Holy Land.

These are the reasons we've gathered here in Annapolis.  And now we begin the difficult work of freedom and peace.  The United States is proud to host this meeting -- and we reaffirm the path to peace set out in the road map.  Yet in the end, the outcome of the negotiations they launch here depends on the Israelis and Palestinians themselves.  America will do everything in our power to support their quest for peace, but we cannot achieve it for them.  The success of these efforts will require that all parties show patience and flexibility -- and meet their responsibilities.

For these negotiations to succeed, the Palestinians must do their part.  They must show the world they understand that while the borders of a Palestinian state are important, the nature of a Palestinian state is just as important.  They must demonstrate that a Palestinian state will create opportunity for all its citizens, and govern justly, and dismantle the infrastructure of terror.  They must show that a Palestinian state will accept its responsibility, and have the capability to be a source of stability and peace -- for its own citizens, for the people of Israel, and for the whole region.

The Israelis must do their part.  They must show the world that they are ready to begin -- to bring an end to the occupation that began in 1967 through a negotiated settlement.  This settlement will establish Palestine as a Palestinian homeland, just as Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people.  Israel must demonstrate its support for the creation of a prosperous and successful Palestinian state by removing unauthorized outposts, ending settlement expansion, and finding other ways for the Palestinian Authority to exercise its responsibilities without compromising Israel's security.

Arab states also have a vital role to play.  Relaunching the Arab League initiative and the Arab League's support for today's conference are positive steps.  All Arab states should show their strong support for the government of President Abbas -- and provide needed assistance to the Palestinian Authority.  Arab states should also reach out to Israel, work toward the normalization of relations, and demonstrate in both word and deed that they believe that Israel and its people have a permanent home in the Middle East.  These are vital steps toward the comprehensive peace that we all seek.

Finally, the international community has important responsibilities.  Prime Minister Fayyad is finalizing a plan to increase openness and transparency and accountability throughout Palestinian society -- and he needs the resources and support from the international community.  With strong backing from those gathered here, the Palestinian government can build the free institutions that will support a free Palestinian state.

The United States will help Palestinian leaders build these free institutions -- and the United States will keep its commitment to the security of Israel as a Jewish state and homeland for the Jewish people.

The United States strongly feels that these efforts will yield the peace that we want -- and that is why we will continue to support the Lebanese people.  We believe democracy brings peace.  And democracy in Lebanon is vital, as well, for the peace in the Middle East.  Lebanese people are in the process of electing a president.  That decision is for the Lebanese people to make -- and they must be able to do so free from outside interference and intimidation.  As they embark on this process, the people of Lebanon can know that the American people stand with them -- and we look forward to the day when the people of Lebanon can enjoy the blessings of liberty without fear of violence or coercion.

The task begun here at Annapolis will be difficult.  This is the beginning of the process, not the end of it -- and no doubt a lot of work remains to be done.  Yet the parties can approach this work with confidence.  The time is right.  The cause is just.  And with hard effort, I know they can succeed.

President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, I pledge to devote my effort during my time as President to do all I can to help you achieve this ambitious goal.  I give you my personal commitment to support your work with the resources and resolve of the American government.  I believe a day is coming when freedom will yield the peace we desire.  And the land that is holy to so many will see the light of peace.

The day is coming when Palestinians will enjoy the blessings that freedom brings -- and all Israelis will enjoy the security they deserve.  That day is coming.  The day is coming when the terrorists and extremists who threaten the Israeli and Palestinian people will be marginalized and eventually defeated.  And when that day comes, future generations will look to the work we began here at Annapolis.  They will give thanks to the leaders who gathered on the banks of the Chesapeake for their vision, their wisdom and courage to choose a future of freedom and peace.

Thanks for coming.  May God bless their work.  (Applause.)

(end transcript) 

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UNITED NATIONS BAN-KI DELIVERS SPEECH AT ANAPOLIS CONFERENCE on MIDDLE EAST

Annapolis - United States Naval Academy - Nov 27, 2007  - U.N. Secretary-General's speech at the International Meeting on the Middle East

Secretary Rice, Prime Minister Fayyad, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,


Today, we bear witness to a new beginning of the Middle East peace process. I am very pleased and moved to be a part of this historic meeting.


After years of failed hopes and terrible suffering, I commend Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas for re-dedicating Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization to resolving the conflict between them. They know the risks and sacrifices involved, and also know that there is no alternative to peace.


Let me thank and congratulate our hosts, President Bush and Secretary Rice, and, most importantly, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert. Their leadership and commitment has made this new beginning possible. The engagement of the United States has always been crucial to the peace process, and it remains so today.


I also want to thank the many members of the Arab League who are here today. Five years ago, the Arab countries made a historic strategic commitment to peace. Earlier this year, they renewed the Arab Peace Initiative. Their presence today shows their determination to participate actively in the search for peace in the region.


I pledge the full support of the United Nations family for the renewed effort. For 60 years, the Organization has provided the broad parameters for peace, first in the partition plan, and then in Security Council resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515. Today, the UN has few higher priorities than seeing this conflict resolved.


The Palestinians have been deprived of their fundamental right to self-determination for 60 years. Their society has been increasingly fragmented – territorially, by settlements, land expropriation and the barrier; socially and economically, by closure; and politically, between Gaza and the West Bank. They have begun to fear that the dream of statehood may slip beyond their grasp. 


We must reverse this growing sense of despair, and build a process that begins to change the lives of Palestinians, and secures their independence and freedom. The process must end the occupation and create an independent and viable State of Palestine, at peace with itself and its neighbours. 


For its part, Israel faces genuine security challenges. The Israeli people have sought security and freedom from threat for 60 years. But this has proven elusive. Recently, they have felt anew the threat of attack, and their very right to exist has been questioned. Some have started believing that territorial withdrawal only brings new acts of terrorism. 


We must reverse this loss of faith, and build a process that delivers on the vital interests of Israelis: a Palestinian State that is a true partner, secure and recognized borders, and a permanent end to the conflict.


The Middle East as a whole craves peace too. An Israeli-Palestinian peace, and indeed a comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbours, would be the surest way to stabilize the region and stem the appeal of violence and rejectionism. 


Excellencies,


Success depends not on what we say today, but on what we do tomorrow. There will be a steering committee and the Quartet will have its own role, complementary to a trilateral monitoring mechanism. To successfully implement the Road Map, we must abandon piecemeal approaches, and address all aspects of the conflict. 


First, final status negotiations need to begin in earnest, and address all the issues: Jerusalem, refugees, borders, settlements, security and water. The broad outlines of solutions to these issues are clear. There is no reason they cannot be resolved in 2008.


Second, we must help the Palestinian Authority to rebuild, reform and perform. I commend Prime Minister Fayyad and his Government for the responsible reform plan it has developed, and the actions on security it has already taken. This must continue – and I hope a wide range of donors will step forward with political and financial support at Paris and beyond. 


Third, the situation on the ground must improve, rapidly and visibly. Without implementing long-standing commitments under the Road Map and the Agreement on Movement and Access, the diplomatic process cannot succeed. Progress requires parallel actions and clear monitoring.


The Quartet will continue to provide international leadership and support for these efforts. I thank the Quartet Representative, Mr. Tony Blair, for the clear vision and intense focus he has brought to ensure that these three tracks are advanced together and reinforce each other. 


Excellencies,


The people of Gaza have suffered more than anyone else from conflict and poverty. We must reach out to them. Humanitarian aid is no substitute for a functioning economy. The time has come for concrete initiatives to ease their suffering, and replace despair with hope. 


We will also have to work politically to restore the unity of Gaza and the West Bank under the legitimate Palestinian Authority. This will be vital if a peace agreement is to be sustainable. 


Let us also hope that today's meeting heralds an easing of regional tensions, and opens the door to exploring possibilities for comprehensive peace. I am committed to a peace between Israel and all its Arab neighbours, including Lebanon and Syria. 


Above all, today marks a beginning, not an end. I know that different expectations exist. But I ask you all to approach this effort with flexibility, patience and resolve. Let us base expectations on a realistic assessment and take responsibility for the things we each can do, without losing faith. As we re-embark together on this quest, there can be no second thoughts, no half-measures, no going back. This time, come what may, let us see it through.


Thank you. 

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27 November 2007

Joint Understanding of Annapolis Mideast Peace Conference

JOINT UNDERSTANDING READ BY PRESIDENT BUSH
AT ANNAPOLIS CONFERENCE

Joint Understanding of Annapolis Mideast Peace Conference
Israelis, Palestinians commit to vigorous, continuous negotiations

(begin transcript)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

(Annapolis, Maryland)
November 27, 2007

JOINT UNDERSTANDING READ BY PRESIDENT BUSH
AT ANNAPOLIS CONFERENCE

Buchanan House
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis - United States Naval Academy - Nov 27, 2007  - PRESIDENT BUSH: The representatives of the government of the state of Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, represented respective by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and President Mahmoud Abbas in his capacity as Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee and President of the Palestinian Authority, have convened in Annapolis, Maryland, under the auspices of President George W. Bush of the United States of America, and with the support of the participants of this international conference, having concluded the following joint understanding.

We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis. In furtherance of the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, we agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty, resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements.

We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations, and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008. For this purpose, a steering committee, led jointly by the head of the delegation of each party, will meet continuously, as agreed. The steering committee will develop a joint work plan and establish and oversee the work of negotiations teams to address all issues, to be headed by one lead representative from each party. The first session of the steering committee will be held on 12 December 2007.

President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert will continue to meet on a bi-weekly basis to follow up the negotiations in order to offer all necessary assistance for their advancement.

The parties also commit to immediately implement their respective obligations under the performance-based road map to a permanent two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, issued by the Quartet on 30 April 2003 -- this is called the road map -- and agree to form an American, Palestinia

n and Israeli mechanism, led by the United States, to follow up on the implementation of the road map.
The parties further commit to continue the implementation of the ongoing obligations of the road map until they reach a peace treaty. The United States will monitor and judge the fulfillment of the commitment of both sides of the road map. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, implementation of the future peace treaty will be subject to the implementation of the road map, as judged by the United States.

 U.S. Department of State

 
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ANNAPOLIS CONFERENCE ON THE MIDDLE EAST
SESSION DEVOTED
TO INSTITUTIONAL REFORM

SPEECH BY M. BERNARD KOUCHNER,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
 


(Annapolis, 27 November 2007)

Annapolis - United States Naval Academy - Nov 27 , 2007  - M. BERNARD KOUCHNER,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS, EU:

…We must collectively play our full part in this historic, essential process: the creation of a viable Palestinian State. This is why, at the Palestinian authorities' request, President Sarkozy has decided to host an international Donors' Conference for the Palestinian Territories in Paris on 17 December.This donors' conference will be the most important one since the one held in Paris in 1996. It is being organized in close cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, the Quartet's representative, Tony Blair, the Norwegians, who are chairing the donors' Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) and the European Commission – the European Union being the leading donor to the Palestinian Territories. …

The [Palestinian] Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, presented to us a plan for reforming the Palestinian institutions and supporting growth. This plan, the first of this kind, is very solid. It maps out a path for the Palestinian Authority. It manages to provide a framework for short- and medium-term objectives both ambitiously and realistically. It is proactive and demonstrates budgetary common sense. This plan, I am sure, will be endorsed by the IMF and World Bank boards of governors next week.

The plan confirms in particular that the Palestinian State, to be viable, must be able to enjoy territorial continuity, an open economy, strong and independent institutions and efficient infrastructures. Our support will have to complement the Palestinian Authority's efforts in this sense, by providing it, inter alia, with the means to ensure respect for law and order over its territory. …

Finally, let's not forget Gaza. The Paris Conference is a conference in support of all the Palestinian Territories. The isolation of Gaza carries huge humanitarian and security risks. This is why our economic and financial aid will also focus on Gaza. With the Palestinian Authority and the international organizations, we shall be developing economic projects there designed to improve civilians' living conditions. The crossing points will have to be reopened to allow the economy there to breathe.

All in all, it's a gamble and a challenge we're embarking on today. Annapolis is a starting point which we have to make bear fruit. Hope has dawned, we now have to respond to it. I'll see you in Paris in less than three weeks to translate into action this support for the peace process launched today.
 

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[FRANCE REACTS : IMPACT OF LEBANON ON THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS & STABILITY]

ARTICLE BY M. BERNARD KOUCHNER,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS,
PUBLISHED IN THE "LE FIGARO" NEWSPAPER


(Paris, 27 November 2007)

FRANCE - EU - MINISTER OF FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS - NOV 27, 2007 -  Like every day since Friday, Lebanon woke up today without a president and in a state of anxiety: a non-functioning Parliament, some of its members cloistered in a hotel, a government deprived of one of the country's main communities, a paralysed economy. This institutional vacuum is extremely threatening for the country and the whole region.

Yet those familiar with Lebanon will know that failure is not inevitable. Six months ago, I was being given a scenario of pre-destined chaos. We rejected it.

Lebanon today is not in chaos and I wager that she will soon have a president.

That country has the means and courage to emerge from the crisis. It can still be that example of tolerance and respect, that unique spot in the Middle East where 18 different religious denominations coexist, where democracy – albeit imperfect – is exercised day after day. Lebanon does not want to concede anything of her independence and free-spiritedness.Everyone must recognize that this is her right. With the memory of 15 years of civil war, every Lebanese knows that no camp can gain complete ascendancy over the other, even with the support of powerful allies.

France and the whole international community have been working actively on this issue for six months.
The success of the meeting at La Celle Saint-Cloud, where we invited all the political forces of the country to talk to each other, showed that it was possible to bring all the Lebanese together. I have often travelled to Beirut, again just recently with my Italian and Spanish colleagues, Mr d'Alema and Mr Moratinos; Luis Amado, Portuguese Foreign Minister [and President of the EU Council], and European Union High Representative Javier Solana are also heavily involved.

The Secretary-Generals of the UN and Arab League, Ban Ki-moon and Amr Moussa respectively, were again in Lebanon a few days ago. Together, we will all continue to do as much as necessary to bring about a peaceful and consensus-based settlement of the Lebanese institutional crisis.

The international community is readier than ever to support the people in Lebanon who are willing to try. It proved this with UNSCR 1701, which crowned the end of the conflict in summer 2006.

It proves this to the population every day, in particular through the Italian, Spanish and French contingents who make up almost half of the 13,500 men of the United Nations Force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL.
We know just how necessary the stability, independence and unity of Lebanon are for the equilibrium of the Middle East. Lebanon tomorrow will have to establish relations with Syria based on equality, trust and stability.
She will also have to ensure the security of her southern border with Israel and take part in the peace process under way. Above all, she must help to shape the tolerant and peaceful Middle East we need so much.
At a time when the Annapolis Conference is allowing us to hope for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian question, Lebanon remains a key factor for peace and stability in the region.

The Lebanese political authorities must know that we are still at their side, determined to help them enforce the Constitution, security and law and order.

We have not abandoned our friends. We continue to support all the Lebanese. I am confident about what will happen in the next few days.
 

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UNITED NATIONS: Quartet voices support for Middle East conference in Annapolis

Quartet members

 
United Nations - November 27, 2007 – The diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East, made up of the United Nations, European Union, Russian Federation and United States, has voiced its full support for a conference on the region being held today in the US city of Annapolis. 


In a statement issued Monday evening in Washington, the Quartet “welcomed the commitment of the Israeli and Palestinians leaders to launch bilateral negotiations toward the establishment of a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza and the realization of Israeli-Palestinian peace.


“This reflects the results of months of work by the parties and by the Quartet, including the Quartet's engagement with members of the Arab League Follow-Up Committee to expand the circle of support for peace.”


The statement was issued following a meeting of the Quartet Principals: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, High Representative for European Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado, and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, along with Quartet Representative Tony Blair.


The Quartet welcomed the parties' continuing efforts to fulfill their respective commitments under Phase One of the Roadmap, an outline peace plan, and urged the international community to provide robust support for these efforts.


Principals took note of the broad international support for the Annapolis Conference, and looked forward to the December Paris Donors' Conference to muster international financial backing for efforts to build the foundation for a “viable and prosperous” Palestinian State.


The Quartet agreed to remain closely involved, according to the statement, which anticipated another meeting next month while looking forward “to inviting members of the Arab League Follow-Up Committee to attend.”


The statement also affirmed the Quartet's “commitment to seize this opportunity to mobilize international support to achieve meaningful progress towards a just and lasting negotiated settlement to this conflict, and ultimately a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
 

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International Engagement in Mideast Conference Cause for Optimism says State Department

U.S. sees Annapolis talks as starting point toward two-state solution


By David McKeeby
USINFO Staff Writer


Washington - State Dept - November 26, 2007-  As President Bush met with Palestinian and Israeli leaders at the White House before the start of a U.S.-sponsored Middle East conference, officials highlighted broad international support as essential to move the peace process forward.

"We want to help you," Bush told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas November 26 during a White House meeting.  "We want there to be peace. We want the people in the Palestinian Territories to have hope."
In a separate meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert earlier in the day, Bush expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a starting point for negotiations on the establishment of a Palestinian state, renewed dedication to the road map to Mideast peace and expanded international support for the Palestinian Authority's efforts to build strong governing institutions.

"We are going to have lots of participants in what I hope will launch a serious process of negotiations between us and the Palestinians," Olmert said. "This will be a bilateral process, but international support is very important for us."

Bush will meet again with Olmert and Abbas jointly before the opening of the Annapolis Conference November 27. After the sessions in Annapolis, Maryland, Bush will meet once more separately with both leaders on November 28 at the White House.

In a November 25 statement, Bush reiterated his administration's commitment to a "two-state" solution of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
But Annapolis will not be a forum for negotiations, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley told journalists November 25. Rather, the gathering will be a chance for Palestinians and Israelis to take stock of their diplomatic accomplishments to date and to declare to participants their intent to tackle the "core issues" at the heart of establishing a Palestinian state, he said.


Some 49 nations, organizations and individuals, including 16 Arab states, have accepted invitations to the November 27 conference on the sprawling campus of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, outside of Washington, according to a State Department spokesman. (See related article.)
"The broad attendance at this conference by regional states and other key international participants demonstrates the international resolve to seize this important opportunity to advance freedom and peace in the Middle East," Bush said.

Included in the attendees are a dozen member countries of the Arab League's follow-on committee tasked with tracking the league's 2002 peace initiative, several of whom do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
"I think it's an indication that they appreciate the importance of this effort at this time, the importance that it succeeds, and their willingness to come forward and support that process," Hadley said.
While Israeli and Palestinian diplomats have struggled for weeks to draft a joint statement charting the course of negotiations after the Annapolis conference, Hadley played down the document, saying that their decision to launch negotiations while moving forward on implementing the road map following Annapolis is a more positive development. The 2003 road map document is a comprehensive plan to resolve political, economic, security and humanitarian issues to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack agreed November 26, saying that while there will be a joint statement, "the two parties are now talking about not only what that political horizon is going to be but what that political reality will be," by continuing to implement the road map's confidence-building measures while moving forward on the political track toward a Palestinian state.

This engagement suggests not only intent to support the difficult decisions that Abbas will have to make in negotiations for establishing a Palestinian state, Hadley added, but also that -- in its pursuit of peace with the Palestinians at Annapolis -- Israel eventually may realize a broader reconciliation with the Arab world.
"The Israelis and Palestinians have waited a long time for this vision to be realized, and I call upon all those gathering in Annapolis this week to redouble their efforts to turn dreams of peace into reality," Bush said.

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Annapolis Talks Foster International Support for "Peace", Rice Says

 
Arab nations must fully support peace talks, secretary says

By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.
USINFO Staff Writer



Washington - State Dept - November 23, 2007- The November 26-28 Annapolis Conference is important to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in two ways -- it solidifies the launch of peace negotiations and it brings together international support, especially from Arab nations, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

For the United States, the two elements are critical to each other and to achieving success, Rice says.
"I think that the success of this meeting is really in the launch of