FYI: The Road Map

Posted: May 9, 2003

On April 30, 2003, the Quartet (U.S., UN, EU, and Russia) presented the Road Map to the Israelis and the Palestinians. The Road Map lists a series of measures that both Israel and the Palestinians are expected to take in an effort to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to reach a two-state solution. The Road Map calls for action in key fields, including security, politics, economics, the humanitarian situation, institution-building, education and anti-incitement.
Following are the main points of the Road Map and the Israeli perspective about some of the issues.

Phase I - Key Issues:

Outset:
Road Map:	Both Israeli and Palestinian leadership are required to issue statements supporting their commitment to having two states, existing next to each other in peace and security. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are to call for an end to the violence and incitement against Israelis and Palestinians everywhere.
Israeli Perspective:	In an interview last month, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon acknowledged "if there is ever to be an end to the conflict the Palestinians must recognize...the existence of an independent Jewish state in the homeland of the Jewish people." Prime Minister Sharon also said that "If we reach a situation of true peace, real peace, peace for generations, we will have to make painful concessions. Not in exchange for promises, but rather in exchange for peace." There is no Israeli sponsored incitement against Palestinians. Israel is committed to coexistent with its neighbors. Achieving peace with the Palestinians is an Israeli yearn and desire. Evenhandedness and artificial balance between Israel and the Palestinians are not the right path to advance peace. Only by a full Palestinian commitment will  peace be possible.

Security:
Road Map:	The Quartet recognizes that the only way to a lasting solution between Israel and the Palestinians is through an end to violence and terrorism. The Road Map requires the Palestinian leadership to actively speak out against violence directed towards Israelis, and to dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. Israel should not attack Palestinian civilians, homes, or infrastructure. Call on Arab states to stop funding groups engaging in terror and violence.
Israeli Perspective:	The steps must be sequenced in a way so that further Israeli concessions and measures will arrive only after true, concrete, and decisive efforts by the Palestinian Authority to stop terrorism, dismantle terror groups, and stop the violence against Israeli citizens. Israel has learned from its past experience with the Palestinians. It is time for actions and not for vague promises.

Palestinian institution-building:
Road Map:	The Road Map outlines the various steps on the path towards creating an independent Palestinian state. The Quartet will determine when the conditions are right to move to the different phases. The Palestinians are instructed to draft a constitution for Palestinian statehood, and create an interim government. The interim Palestinian government will create an independent election commission, and hold free and open elections. The Israeli government is asked to facilitate in the travel of Palestinian political candidates and officials. Israel is called upon to reopen the Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem in accordance with prior agreements between the parties.
Israeli Perspective:	Israel expects the newly elected Palestinian Prime Minister to have a real and operative authority. The number of Palestinian security organizations must be reduced and be controlled by the Palestinian government and its Prime Minister. Palestinian security reforms, as well as political reforms, are essential for the Palestinian people and its prosperity and for the stability and prosperity of the region. Israel encourages Palestinian reform and will support them.

Humanitarian response:
Road Map:	Israel will take measures to improve the humanitarian situation. Israel will lift curfews and ease restrictions on movement of persons and goods. The Road Map plans for international organizations to assist in humanitarian issues and economic development.
Israeli Perspective:	All measures and steps to ease the pressure on the Palestinians are welcomed and needed, and will be possible when the terror threat removed and the Palestinian efforts to fight it are visible. Israel recognizes the humanitarian suffering in the Palestinian Authority, as the hardship of the past three years has taken its toll on both people. Peace and prosperity will benefit both Israelis and Palestinians.

Settlements:
Road Map:	Under the Road Map, Israel "immediately dismantles settlement outposts erected since March 2001." Israel instructed to freeze all settlement activity.
Israeli Perspective:	Last month, PM Sharon said, "I know that we will have to part with some of these places...As a Jew, this agonizes me. But I have decided to make every effort to reach a settlement. I feel that the rational necessity to reach a settlement is overcoming my feelings." The I.D.F has already started to dismantle illegal outposts as a beginning of a long process in that direction.

 

Phases II - III:

Final Agreements & Building a Palestinian State
Road Map:	After the Palestinian leaders have successfully demonstrated their abilities to combat terrorism, build a practicing democratic government, and uphold the other tenets of the first phase of the Road Map, the Quartet will then decide if the conditions are right to move to the later phases of the Road Map. The primary objectives of the Road Map, such as security cooperation, institution-building, and normalization of Palestinian life, will continue. The Road Map plans for Israel and the Palestinians to discuss issues such as regional water resources, environment, economic development, refugees, and arms control. According to the Road Map, the final, permanent status resolution in 2005 will include agreements on borders, Jerusalem, refugees, and settlements. The second and third phases of the Road Map focus on working with Palestinian Authority, Israel, and the international community to create an independent Palestinian state.
Israeli Perspective:	On May 6, 2003, Prime Minister Sharon said that the PA must drop its "right of return" demand. Sharon called it ''a recipe for the destruction of Israel,'' as it would undermine the existence of the Jewish state.   PM Sharon also said that eventually there will be a Palestinian state, and that Israel does not have to rule over them. The outcome of negotiation should be determined by both sides and not by any international forum. The international community has a role to play in the process, but only direct discussion between Israel and the Palestinians can bring a viable agreement. The Road Map is a welcomed initiative. Its success depends on Palestinian strategic commitment to live with Israel and to accept it as a Jewish state, as well as on the Arab world recognition of Israel's existence in the Middle East. Israel has always aspired for that goal of being part and parcel of the Middle East.

For the full text of the Road Map, please visit:
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0ncf0