Memorial Hall, United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
November 27, 2007
Kilde: Amerikansk
UD
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 Iraqi 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.)
The honorable president of the United States, George Bush, my colleague, president
of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, heads of delegations, and distinguished
guests, I came here today from Jerusalem, Mr. President, at your invitation,
to extend, on behalf of the people of Israel and the state of Israel, to the
Palestinian people and to our neighboring Arab states, to extend a hand in
peace, a hand which marks the beginning of historic reconciliation between
us and you, the Palestinians, and all of the Arab nations.
I had many good reasons not to come here to this meeting. Memory of failures
in the near and distant past weighed heavy upon us. The dreadful terrorism
perpetrated by Palestinian terrorist organizations has affected thousands
of Israeli citizens, has destroyed families and has tried to disrupt the lives
of the citizens of Israel. Advertisement
I witnessed this when I served as mayor of Jerusalem in days of bombings at
cafes, on buses, and in recreational centers in Jerusalem, as well as in other
cities in the state of Israel.
The ongoing shooting of Qassam rockets against tens of thousands of residents
in the south of Israel, particularly in the city of Sderot, serves as a warning
sign, one which we cannot overlook.
The absence of governmental institutions and effective law enforcement mechanisms,
the role of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing activity of murderous organizations
throughout all the territories of the Palestinian Authority, the absence of
a legal system that meets the basic criteria of democratic government, all
of these are factors which deter us from moving forward too hastily.
I am not overlooking any of these obstacles which are liable to emerge along
the way. I see them.
But I came here, despite the concerns and the doubts and the hesitations
to say to you, President Mahmoud Abbas, and through you to your people, and
to the entire Arab world, the time has come.
We no longer and you no longer have the privilege of adhering to dreams which
are disconnected from the sufferings of our peoples, the hardships that they
experience daily, and the burden of living under ongoing uncertainty, which
offers no hope of change or of a better future.
We want peace. We demand an end to terror, an end to incitement and to hatred.
We are prepared to make a painful compromise, rife with risks, in order to
realize these aspirations.
I came here today not in order to settle historical accounts between us and
you about what caused the confrontations and the hatred, and what for many
years has prevented a compromise, a settlement of peace.
I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I acknowledge the fact
I know that alongside the constant suffering that many in Israel have experienced,
because of our history, because of the wars, the terrorism and the hatred
toward us, a suffering that has always been part of our lives in our land,
your people, too, have suffered for many years; and there are some who still
suffer.
Many Palestinians have been living for decades in camps, disconnected from
the environment in which they grew up, wallowing in poverty, in neglect, alienation,
bitterness, and a deep, unrelenting sense of humiliation.
I know that this pain and this humiliation are the deepest foundations which
fomented the ethos of hatred toward us. We are not indifferent to this suffering.
We are not oblivious to the tragedies that you have experienced.
I believe that, in the course of negotiations between us, we will find the
right way, as part of an international effort, in which we will participate,
to assist these Palestinians in finding a proper framework for their future,
in the Palestinian state that will be established in the territories agreed
upon between us.
Israel will be part of an international mechanism that will assist in finding
a solution to this problem.
The negotiations between us will not take place here in Annapolis but rather
in our home and in your home. These negotiations will be bilateral, direct,
ongoing, and continuous, in an effort to complete the process in the course
of 2008.
The negotiations will address all of the issues which we have thus far avoided
dealing with.
We will do this directly, openly and courageously. We will not avoid any
subject. We will deal with all the core issues.
I am convinced that the reality that emerged in our region in 1967 will change
significantly.
This will be an extremely difficult process for many of us, but it is nevertheless
inevitable. I know this. Many of my people know this. We are prepared for
it.
In the course of the negotiations, we will use previous agreements as a point
of departure. U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the road map,
and the letter of President Bush to the prime minister of Israel dated April
14, 2004.
When the negotiations are concluded, I believe that we shall be able to arrive
at an agreement that will fulfill the vision expressed by President Bush:
two states for two peoples, a peace-seeking Palestinian state, a viable, strong,
democratic and terror-free state for the Palestinian people; and the state
of Israel, Jewish and democratic, living in security and free from the threat
of terrorism, the national home of the Jewish people.
Clearly the implementation of the agreement will be subject to the implementation
of all obligations in the road map with all of its phases and according to
its complete sequence, as concluded between us from the very beginning.
We will abide by all of our obligations, and so will you.
The agreement with you and its gradual implementation, cautiously and responsibly,
is part of a much wider whole which will lead us, I believe and hope, to peace,
to a peace agreement with all of the Arab states.
There isn’t a single Arab state in the north, in the east or in the south
with which we do not seek peace. There isn’t a single Muslim state with which
we do not want to establish diplomatic relations.
Anyone who wants to make peace with us, we say to them, from the bottom of
our hearts (SPEAKING IN ARABIC) welcome.
I am pleased to see here in this hall representatives of Arab countries.
Most of them do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. The time has come
for you as well.
We cannot continue to stand by indefinitely and to watch the — watch you
standing and watching from the sidelines, watching the peace train, as it
were, going by. The time has come to end the boycott, the alienation and the
obliviousness toward the state of Israel. It does not help you and it hurts
us.
I am familiar with the Arab peace initiative, which was born in Riyadh, affirmed
in Beirut and recently reaffirmed by you in Riyadh.
I value this initiative, I acknowledge its importance, and I highly appreciate
its contribution. I have no doubt that we will continue to refer to it in
the course of the negotiations between us and the Palestinian leadership.
The Arab world represented here by many countries is a vital component in
creating a new reality in the Middle East. The peace signed between Israel
and Egypt, and subsequently between Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
is a solid foundation of stability and hope in our region.
This peace is an example and a model of the relations that we can build with
Arab states. My close relations with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and
with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan are extremely significant for
the process of building trust and understanding with the Arab states.
However, these relations, important though they may be, are not enough. We
aspire for normalization with those Arab states which eschew as much as we
do radical and fanatical fundamentalism and which seek to grant their citizens
a more moderate, tolerant and prosperous world.
This is an interest that all of us share.
There is quite a lot that separates us. There are memories, there is a heritage,
that do not emanate from the same historical roots. We have different ways
of living, different customs. And the spontaneous emotional identification
that you feel with our neighboring Arab countries, which have been trapped
for a long time in this age-old, bloody conflict between us.
Nevertheless, there is also a great deal that we share. Like us, you know
that religious fanaticism and national extremism are a perfect recipe for
domestic instability, for violence, for bitterness and, ultimately, for the
disintegration of the very foundations of coexistence based on tolerance and
mutual acceptance.
We are a small country with a small population, but rich in good will and
with a significant ability to create a partnership that will lead to prosperity,
to growth, to economic development, and to stability for the entire region.
From here, from Annapolis, we can come forth with a message of a new political
horizon, renewed hope, not only for the Palestinians and the Israelis but
also, together with you, for the entire region.
Mr. President of the United States, my colleague Mahmoud Abbas, distinguished
guests, almost two years ago, under very sad circumstances, the prime minister
of Israel, Ariel Sharon, was no longer able to carry the heavy responsibility
of leading the state of Israel and this responsibility was passed on to me,
first as a result of formal procedures and subsequently on the basis of an
election in Israel’s democratic system of government.
Prior to my election, I stated that my heart’s desire and the desire of my
people was to achieve a peace agreement, first and foremost with the Palestinian
people. This is what I believed then, and this is what I continue to believe
in now, with all my heart.
The past two years have been difficult for all of us.
The hardships have not been alleviated. The terrorist organizations have
not been weakened. The enemies of peace have not disappeared. And we are still
anxiously awaiting the return of our missing and captive sons who are being
held by terrorist organizations.
I long for the day when I can see Gilad, Eldad and Udi back with their families.
And I will continue relentlessly in my efforts to achieve their release.
I believe that there is no path other than the path of peace. I believe that
there is no just solution other than the solution of two national states for
two peoples. I believe that there is no path that does not involve painful
compromise for you, the Palestinians, and for us, the Israelis.
I would like to thank you, President of United States George Bush, an ally
in the path of peace, for your willingness, for the preparedness of your government,
your administration, and for the assistance of the secretary of state, Ms.
Rice, to assist us in the historical process of peace and reconciliation between
us and our neighbors. I believe that the time has come. We are ready.
I invite you, my friend, Mahmoud Abbas, and your people to join us in this
long and tormenting and complex path for which there is no substitute.
Together, we shall start. Together, we shall arrive.
Thank you very muc.
In the name of God, the compassionate, with great hope, but it is accompanied
with great worry that this new opportunity might be lost.
But the meanings of your message are well known and they carry your personal
bridge and commitment by your great country and its determination to embrace
the Palestinian and Israeli peace and the Arab-Israeli peace to be converted
in the arena of negotiations to be the first and foremost arena for making
peace.
And that this initiative would culminate your term of office is an outstanding
achievement which would add a new shining star in the skies of the world,
the world of the future free of violence, oppression and bigotry.
And also we would like to applaud you, Mr. President, for choosing this charming
city, Annapolis, as a venue for convening this international conference.
In addition to its beauty and distinctive location, it bears the symbol of
freedom; the most sublime value in our life.
“Freedom” is the single word that stands for the future of the
Palestinians and captures the meanings of all their generations. It is their
sunshine and it is the life that inspires their future. It is the last word
voiced by the martyrs and victims, and it is the lyric (ph) of their prisoners.
I must also pay tribute to the role played by Dr. Condoleezza Rice and her
aides. For without here relentless resolve and determination and her vision
vis-a-vis all aspects of conflict in our region, we would not have been convening
here.
Dr. Rice took important strides with us in order to affirm that the path
of peace is the only choice and it is irreversible. And that the path to negotiations
for peace and to achieve peace is the right path.
It is important for me to indicate here that this distinguished participation
and large participation from sister Arab and Islamic countries, the quartet,
and the group of great industrial countries, and the permanent members of
the Security Council of the United Nations, and many prominent European and
Asian countries, as well as non-aligned countries and African states and from
South America, in a unique conference in the history of the conflicts would
provide impetus and protection, in addition to the fact that it carries the
meanings of encouragement to pursue the path of Palestinian-Israeli peace
negotiations and move that forward and the need to reach the solution of two
states, based on ending occupation and the establishment of the state of Palestine
side by side to the state of Israel, and the resolution of all issues relating
to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, Arab-Israeli conflict in all their aspects,
as an indispensable qualitative step, so that comprehensive and normal peace
relations would be established in our region.
I am proud that this Arab and Islamic contribution and this broad international
that this Arab and Islamic contribution and this broad international participation
in the work of this conference is a testimony to the fact that sister and
friendly states are standing by us, the people of Palestine, as a leadership,
and for our efforts to achieve peace.
It is a support of our approach that calls for a balanced historical settlement
that would ensure peace and security for our independent state and for Israel,
as well as for all countries in the region.
This Arab and Islamic participation in today’s meeting is also an affirmation
that the Arab peace initiative was not a step without well-defined targets,
but indeed it was a bold strategic plan that aims changing the nature of relations
in the region and to usher in a new era there.
But to achieve that does not depend on the Arab and Islamic position by itself,
but requires meeting this position by a reciprocal strategic willingness that
would basically lead to ending the occupation of all Palestinian occupied
territories in 1967, including East Jerusalem, as well as the Syrian Golan
and what remains of occupied from Lebanese territories, and to resolve all
other issues relating to the conflict, especially the Palestinian refugees
question in all its political, humanitarian, individual and common aspects,
consistent with Resolution 194, as emphasized by the Arab peace initiative
and the participation of sister states that host refugees and carry huge burdens
in this regard.
I am not making an overstatement, Mr. President, if I say that our region
stands at a crossroad that separates two historical phases, pre-Annapolis
phase and post-Annapolis phase.
In other words, this extraordinary huge opportunity provided today by the
Arab, Islamic and international position, and the overwhelming support from
the public opinion in both the Palestinian and Israeli societies for the need
to exploit the occasion of this conference that would launch the negotiating
process and not to do away with the potential that it carries, I say that
this opportunity might not be repeated. And if it were to be repeated, it
might not enjoy the same unanimity and impetus.
Mr. President, what we are facing today is not just the challenge of peace,
but we are facing a test of our credibility as a whole: the United States,
members of the quartet, and all members of the international community, Israel,
the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, the Arab
and Islamic group, as well.
It is a test that would leave its indelible impact on the future of the region
and on the relationship among its peoples and the international powers that
are entrusted in the peace, stability of our region on the other hand.
We came with this perspective to Annapolis today. And, therefore, we do recognize
the volume of this possibility that we are bearing and the gravity of the
burden that we must shoulder.
We do recognize, and I presume that you share me this view, that the absence
of hope and overwhelming despair would feed extremism. Therefore, we have
a common duty to spread genuine hope in order to achieve full transformation
toward complete peace (inaudible) and long term during your term of office,
Mr. President, thanks to your support and understanding.
Tomorrow, we have to start comprehensive and deep negotiations on all issues
of final status, including Jerusalem, refugees, borders, settlements, water
and security and others.
We have to support this negotiating process in concrete and direct steps
on the ground that would prove that we are moving in an irreversible path
toward negotiated, comprehensive and full peace, and to ensure ending all
settlement activities, including natural growth, and reopening closed Jerusalem
institutions, removal of settlement outposts, removal of road blocks, and
freedom of prisoners, and to facilitate our mission in the authority to enforce
law and the rule of law.
Here, I must defend in all sincerity and candor, and without wavering, the
right of our people to see a new dawn, without occupation, without settlement,
without separation walls, without prisons where thousands of prisoners are
detained, without assassinations, without siege, without barriers around villages
and (inaudible).
I look forward, Mr. President, to see that our prisoners have been set free
and returned to exercise their role in supporting peace and to stand by us
in our mission to build our statehood and our homeland.
It is my duty to say that, to have peace, we need the fate of the city of
Jerusalem to be a critical component in any peace accord that we might reach.
We need East Jerusalem to be our capital and to establish open relations
with western Jerusalem, and to ensure for all the faithful from all religions
their right to exercise their rituals and to access holy shrines without any
discrimination and on the basis of international and humanitarian goals.
In this regard, I wish to emphasize that we shall pursue our obligations
under the road map, in order to combat chaos, violence, terrorism, and to
ensure security, order and the rule of law.
The government of the Palestinian National Authority works tirelessly and
without any wavering under extremely conditions to achieve this noble goal
that represents, first and foremost, a Palestinian national interest before
it becomes a political requirement that is imposed by signed accords or the
road map.
Our people distinguish completely between emphasis on the danger of terrorism
and using it as a pretext to maintain the status quo and to pursue the current
practices that we suffer from every day.
There must be a chance given to us to build our civilian security and economic
institutions.
And the international community must sponsor this opportunity so that our
authority and our government would fully fulfill their mandates.
I must emphasize that our determination to end occupation emanates from our
vision that we would remove the most important reasons for terrorism in our
region and worldwide without underestimating the need to fight terrorism under
all circumstances and from any source. Because it is a comprehensive threat
that threatens the future of every people and imperils human civilization,
its gains and achievements, and brings dire consequences on all of us.
Here, I must applaud the tireless efforts undertaken by Mr. Tony Blair, who
continues to work in order to build and enhance building Palestinian institutions
and to complete great projects at the economic level in order to improve the
living conditions and the terms of peace. And in that endeavor, he continues
to submit very constructive ideas.
And I wish to pay tribute to the role of the European Union, Japan and our
Arab brothers who made commitments to support these economic projects and
building the future Palestinian state institutions.
Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to address the mind
and conscience of every citizen in Israel from this rostrum.
I’m speaking on the basis for our recognition that, despite the importance
of international and regional support for the success of the peace process,
but the most determining factor for the making peace and stability and its
sustainability at the end of the day is the public opinion in Palestine, Israel
and their legitimate leaders.
I start by saying that, despite our disagreements on critical issues, but
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert showed desire for peace that I have perceived during
our bilateral discussions, and that genuinely contributed to reach this important
step for which we are meeting today in order to launch.
Mr. Prime Minister, I wish that we, together, continue and closely work in
order to achieve a historical mission that we have waited for too long.
Each one of us must pitch in our weight and experience and sense of resolve
in order to overcome the obstacles that we will face and to close the gaps
between our positions in a bid to achieve a solution that would end occupation
and the long years of suffering of the refugees and ensure good neighbor relations,
economic cooperation, humanitarian openness so that all of them would ensure
guarantees for peace that are stronger than any documents, commitments or
pledges, despite the importance of these all.
I say to the citizens of Israel, in this extraordinary day, you, our neighbors
on this small land, neither us nor you are begging for peace from each other.
It is a common interest for us and for you.
Peace and freedom is a right to us, in as much as peace and security is a
right for you and for us.
Time has come for the cycle of blood, violence and occupation to come to
an end. Time has come that both of us should look at the future with confidence
and hope, and that this long-suffering land, which was called the land of
love and peace, would not be worth of its own name.
Peace is not impossible to achieve if there was will and good faith and every
party got its legitimate right.
Those who say that peace-making between us is impossible, actually does not
need except to perpetuate this conflict toward the unknown, but it is, we
all know, in other words, that continuation of bloodshed for many decades
to come. After that, we would not reach the solution proposed today, all of
which we know, all its components and elements. Or the ideal of peace would
be killed in the hearts and minds.
Indeed, peace is possible but it requires our common efforts so that we could
make it and preserve it.
And on this day we stretch our hands to you as equal partners in peace. The
whole world is our witness and the world as a whole is supporting us.
Therefore, we should not lose this opportunity which might not be available
once again. Let us make a peace with a brave (ph) and protect that peace in
the interest of the future of our children and your children.
To our friends across the globe, members of the international quartet, and
all participants in this conference, powers and states outside this conference
who have been and continue to lend support for us, I say to all of you that
our people will never, ever forget your support for it under all circumstances
and under our most difficult times.
We look forward that your political presence will continue to be with us
after this conference, in order to support Palestinian-Israeli negotiations
with a view to reach the desired results.
We all hope that the work of this conference would be supported by the success
of the Paris economic conference to be held after a few weeks.
The continuation and success of negotiations would be the real key to change
the face of the entire region.
Allah, the Lord, said in the Koran, in the name of God, the compassionate,
the merciful, all you who believe, enter into peace, all of you, don’t follow
the steps of Satan.
Satan is your obvious enemy.”
The Lord also said, “If they move toward peace, then you should move
to peace and have faith in the Lord, because God, the Lord, will listen and
support that effort.”
And on this occasion, may I record here, as we are here in the United States
of America, the words of former United States President John F. Kennedy, who
said, quote, “Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear
to negotiate,” end of quotation.
To our Palestinian people, to all Palestinians in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West
Bank, and in refugee camps and the diaspora, may I address these words?
I do recognize that each one of you has his or her personal pain, personal
tragedy as a result of this conflict and as a result of the years of tragedy
and occupation. These are very bitter years.
Don’t be depressed, Don’t lose confidence and hope, For the whole world today
now is stretching its hand toward us in order to help us put an end to our
tragedy, to our holocaust that has been running for too long, and to lift
the historical injustice that our people suffer.
And we shall be ready as individuals and as a people to overcome pain and
the tragedy when we reach a settlement that would ensure our rights, that
would make us equal with all other peoples in the whole world: the right to
independence and self-determination.
To the Palestinian mothers who are awaiting the return of their children
from prisons, to the Palestinian children who are dreaming of a new life,
a better future – more prosperous, more safe future, to our brave prisoners
– my sisters, brothers, children – wherever you are, have confidence in the
future and tomorrow, because future Palestine is coming, because this is the
promise of the whole world to you.
Be confident that the dawn is coming.
To my people and relatives in the Gaza Strip, you are at the core of my heart.
The hours of darkness will end in the face of your resolve and determination.
For your insistence on the unity of our people in the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip as one geographical political unit without any divergence, your suffering
will end. Right and peace will prevail.
May I close by recalling some words of Abraham Lincoln in one of the darkest
moments of American history? Quote, “Let us strive on to finish the work
we are in, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace
among ourselves and with all nations,” end of quotation.
We started with peace and I end on a note of peace and we hope that peace
would prevail. Peace be upon all of you.
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