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Recent Developments in the Peace ProcessJuly 2, 2003
1) Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas held their third meeting together in Jerusalem July 1 in an effort to further advance the peace process and facilitate the implementation of the Road Map.
Israeli PM Ariel Sharon and Palestinian PM Mahmoud Abbas
© Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
Excerpts from Statements by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas
PM Sharon: "Today we are facing a new opportunity. The opportunity for a better future for both nations, a future of hope and prospects, which seems to be - perhaps now more than ever - within reach. I have said it before and repeated it when I formed my Government: I will make every effort to achieve a political settlement which will lead to calm and - with God's help - to peace. This is the mission that I have taken upon my self. It is my duty."
"Israel is a peace-seeking nation. Israel's hand has always been extended in peace to all Arab states and to our Palestinian neighbors. The yearning for peace by Jews in the land of Israel and the entire world, finds expression in every aspect of our lives: the Bible, our prayers, literature and poetry - all enunciate peace. Generations of Jews were taught to seek, aspire to and pursue peace. Therefore, even if the price is painful, even if we are required to make painful compromises, I will be willing to make them for the sake of true peace - a peace for generations, the peace that we all yearn for."
"As Prime Minister of Israel, my primary responsibility is to ensure the security of the citizens and State of Israel. There will be no compromise with terror. And Israel, together with the nations of the Free World, will continue fighting terrorism until it is completely defeated. There can be no peace with terrorism."
"On behalf of the people of Israel, I tell you: we have no quarrel with you. We have no desire to control you or to dictate your fate. We want to live side by side with you in peace, as good neighbors, helping and respecting each other."
Read PM Sharon's statement in full
PM Abbas: Every day without a peace agreement is a "an opportunity lost, every life sacrificed is a human tragedy."
"A just peace will bring a better future for everyone"
"Our conflict with you is a political conflict and we will end it through political means. We do not have hostility with the Israeli people and we have no interest in continuing the conflict with them."
2) IDF Withdraws from Bethlehem, Hands Security Control to Palestinian Authority Police
- The IDF handed over security control of Bethlehem to Palestinian Authority (PA) police today (July 2, 2003). This follows Israel's earlier withdrawal of its troops out of the Gaza Strip on Monday.
- These actions demonstrate Israel's commitment to follow the steps of the Road Map, and to cooperate with the PA to achieve peace and stability in the region.
- Now that the PA has full security control of these regions, Israel hopes that the Palestinians will take concrete actions against the terrorist organizations that are active in those areas.
IDF soldiers waving from an army truck as they leave their position on the outskirts of the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Wednesday.
© AP
Palestinian police officers patrol the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Wednesday.
© AP
