Political Updates

July 31, 2003

Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's Meeting with US President Bush:

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President George W. Bush met for their eighth US meeting on July 29, 2003. During their joint press conference both leaders discussed key issues regarding the Road Map.

Click here for audio, video, transcripts, and pictures from press conference.

Key Issues:

Palestinian Terrorism:

• "We are thankful for every hour of increased quiet and less terrorism, and for every drop of blood that is spared. At the same time, we are concerned that this welcome quiet will be shattered any minute as a result of the continued existence of terror organizations which the Palestinian Authority is doing nothing to eliminate or dismantle." - PM Sharon
• "I wish to move forward with a political process with our Palestinian neighbors. And the right way to do that is only after a complete cessation of terror, violence, and incitement, full dismantlement of terror organizations, and completion of the reform process in the Palestinian Authority." - PM Sharon
• "Terrorists are against peace. Terrorists kill innocent life to prevent peace from happening. The way to make sure peace happens is for all of us to work to dismantle those who would like to kill. Those are called terrorists." - Pres. Bush

Release of Prisoners:

• Israel has already released approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners, and has approved the release of another 540 Palestinians in the near future. Releasing prisoners is not required by the Road Map; However, Israel has decided to do so as a goodwill gesture towards PM Abbas. Following PM Abbas' request, Israel has agreed to release Hamas and Islamic Jihad prisoners, but Israel has also made it clear that it will not release prisoners with blood on their hands. Releasing prisoners who have committed acts of terror will only strengthen the terrorist organizations, and will encourage them to continue their attacks against Israel.
• "...I don't expect anybody to release somebody from prison who will go kill somebody. That doesn't make any sense. I mean, if we're trying to fight off terror, and we're interested in a peaceful settlement, it doesn't make any sense to release somebody who is going to get out of prison and start killing." - Pres. Bush

Security Fence:

• The security fence is vital because it prevents terrorists from killing both the Road Map and innocent civilians. Its only purpose is to provide security for the people of Israel.
• "The security fence will continue to be built, with every effort to minimize the infringement on the daily life of the Palestinian population." - PM Sharon

Removal of Settlements:

• "Unauthorized outposts will be removed, as required in a law-abiding country." - PM Sharon

Other Goodwill Gestures:

• "In a statement published on my behalf last Friday, we listed a long series of steps to accommodate the Palestinians. If calm prevails and we witness the dismantlement of terror organizations, Israel will be able to take additional steps." - PM Sharon
• The confidence-building measures include removing of a number of checkpoints, transferring more security responsibility to the PA, increasing the number of work permits, transferring funds to the PA, and working to build joint economic projects.
  Click here for Israel's recently announced list of confidence-building measures.

Israel - US Friendship:

• "America is firmly committed to the security of Israel as a Jewish state, and we are firmly committed to the safety of the Israeli people." - Pres. Bush
• "The people of Israel, Mr. President, are greatly thankful and appreciative of your activity, unrelenting commitment to Israel's security and the safety of its citizens, and your determination to advance the peace process between us and the Palestinians." - PM Sharon

 

High-level Meetings:

During the past two weeks, a number of high-level meetings took place:

• July 14 - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon meets with British PM Tony Blair - Article
• July 20 - PM Sharon meets with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas - Statement
• July 21 - Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom addresses the European Union Council of Ministers - Speech
• July 22 - FM Shalom meets with US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge - Statement
• July 23 - FM Shalom meets US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Vice President Richard Cheney - Conference & Article
• July 25 - PM Abbas meets with U.S. President George W. Bush - Article
• July 27 - FM Shalom meets with Moroccan FM Mohamed Benaissa - Statement
• July 29 - PM Sharon meets with Pres. Bush and VP Cheney - Article