|
|
|
Jewish World Review June 4, 2003 / 4 Sivan, 5763 Transcript of speech at the Mideast summit By Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas
http://www.jewishworldreview.com |
I also would like to thank the Israeli prime minister, Sharon, for joining us here in
Jordan. And many thanks especially to President Bush who took the longest journey
for peace of all of us.
As we all realize, this is an important moment. A new opportunity for peace exists, an
opportunity based upon President Bush's vision and the quartet's road map which
we have accepted without any reservations. Our goal is two states, Israel and
Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. The process is the one of direct
negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to resolve all the permanent
status issues and end the occupation that began in 1967 under which Palestinians
have suffered so much.
President George W. Bush by fax: (202) 456-2461, (Andrew Card, Chief of Staff)
or by e-mail.
Dr. Condoleeza Rice, National Security Advisor, FAX (202) 456-2883, PHONE (202) 456-9491
Mr. Elliot Abrams, the Director for Near East and North African Affairs, at FAX (202) 456-9120, and by phone through his secretary Joanna, (202) 456-9121
Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1000 or by e-mail form:
http://www.defenselink.mil/
Paul Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary of Defense, 1010 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1010 or by e-mail form
http://www.defenselink.mil
Just as Israel must meet its responsibilities, we, the Palestinians, will fulfill our
obligations for this endeavor to succeed.
We are ready to do our part. Let me be very clear: There will be no military solution for
this conflict, so we repeat our renunciation and the renunciation of terrorism
against the Israelis wherever they might be. Such methods are inconsistent with our
religious and moral traditions and are a dangerous obstacle to the achievement of
an independent sovereign state we seek. These metho ds also conflict with the kind
of state we wish to build based on human rights and the rule of law.
We will exert all of our efforts using all our resources to end the militarization of the
intifada and we will succeed. The armed intifada must end, and we must use and
resort to peaceful means in our quest to end the occupation and the suffering of
Palestinians and Israelis.
And to establish the Palestinian state, we emphasize our determination to
implement our pledges which we have made for our people and the international
community, and that is the rule of law, single political authority, weapons only in the
hands of those who are in charge of upholding the law and order, and political
diversity within the framework of democracy.
Our goal is clear and we will implement it firmly and without compromise: a
complete end to violence and terrorism. And we will be full partners in the
international war against terrorism. And we will call upon our partners in this war to
prevent financial and military assistance to those who oppose this position. We do
this as a part of our commitment to the interests of the Palestinian people and as
members of the large family of humanity.
We will also act vigorously against incitement and violence and hatred, whatever
their form or forum may be. We will take measures to ensure that there is not
incitement emanating from Palestinian institutions. We must also reactivate and
invigorate the U.S.-Palestinian-Israeli Anti-Incitement Committee.
We will continue our work to establish the rule of law and to consolidate government
authority in accountable Palestinian institutions. We seek to build the kind of a
democratic state that will be a qualitative addition to the international community. All
the P.A. security forces will be part of these efforts and will work together toward the
achievement of these goals.
Our national future is at stake and no one will be allowed to jeopardize it. We are
committed to these steps because they are in our national interests. In order to
succeed, there must be a clear improvement in the lives of Palestinians.
Palestinians must live in dignity. Palestinians must be able to move, go to their jobs
and schools, visit their families and conduct a normal life. Palestinians must not be
afraid for their lives, property or livelihood.
We welcome and stress the need for the assistance of the international community,
and in particular the Arab states, to help us, and we also welcome and stress the
need for a U.S.-led monitoring mechanism.
Together, we can achieve the goal of an independent Palestinian state, sovereign,
viable, in the framework of good neighbors with all states in the region, including
Israel.
Thank you very much.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in Washington
| ||||||||||||||||
