Mr. Bush’s Speech
President Bush will soon make a seminal policy speech outlining his vision for peace, security and enhanced democracy in the Middle East. Governments and citizens across the region will be affected as the President adds substance to his expressed determination to “work toward the conditions necessary to establish a peace” between Israelis and Palestinians, and “put institutions in place which will allow for a (Palestinian) government to develop which will bring confidence not only to Israelis, but to Palestinians.”
President Bush will soon make a seminal policy speech outlining his vision for peace, security and enhanced democracy in the Middle East. Governments and citizens across the region will be affected as the President adds substance to his expressed determination to “work toward the conditions necessary to establish a peace” between Israelis and Palestinians, and “put institutions in place which will allow for a (Palestinian) government to develop which will bring confidence not only to Israelis, but to Palestinians.”
We strongly support the President’s statement that reform of Palestinian institutions is necessary and that this will require “security steps; transparency when it comes to economic matters; anti-corruption devices; (and) rule of law enforced by a court system.”
We believe the following principles should be included in Mr. Bush’s policy statement:
* There is no solution possible unless the Palestinian people and their leaders make a decision and reinforce a determination that they will live in peace and security with the State of Israel. Israel cannot negotiate under conditions of terrorism, and the United States should not ask it to. Israel and the US have spoken with one voice about the failure of the PA to find, arrest, and keep in jail those who perpetrate terror against Israel. Any reformed Palestinian institutions must be free of association with terrorists. It should be clearly stated that no organization that admits to the deliberate targeting of civilians could be part of the Palestinian political spectrum.
* Political discussion of UN Resolution 242 has focused largely on obligations accruing to Israel. It would be appropriate for the US to call on the Palestinians and the Arab States to meet their obligation under Res. 242 for the “termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force.”
* Fundamental to any future agreement is the maintenance of the integrity of the State of Israel. Israel has already made difficult concessions, and has proven its willingness to do so again under secure circumstances. It is time for the Palestinians to give up their demand for a return of refugees and their descendants to lands inside Israel proper.
* The US is a strong and consistent ally and Israel in return has been, and will continue to be, one of America’s closest friends – sharing values and a mutual, fundamental commitment to democracy, individual liberties and the rule of law. Based on these values, the US is committed to helping ensure the strength and security of a free and independent Israel. Furthermore, the US is committed to helping ensure that the Palestinian people achieve the democracy and liberty of which their current leadership has deprived the. The President could advance Palestinian freedom by calling upon the people to express their desire for peace and stability.