Joint U.S.-U.K. Statement Concerning the Middle East Peace Process
(November 12, 2004)
The United States and the United Kingdom share a vision
of freedom, peace, and democracy for the Broader Middle East. That vision
must include a just and peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict,
based on two democratic states — Israel and Palestine —
living side by side in peace and security. Now is the time to seize
the opportunity of new circumstances in the region to redouble our efforts
to achieve this goal. This will require a series of steps which we look
forward to taking with our international partners and the parties.
First, we re-commit to the overarching two-state vision
set out by President Bush in his statement of June
24, 2002 and repeated in the Roadmap.
Second, we will support the Palestinians as they choose
a new President within the next sixty days and as they embark upon an
electoral process that will lead to lasting democratic institutions.
Third, following that, the President and the Prime
Minister have agreed to mobilize international support behind a plan
to ensure that the Palestinians have the political, economic, and security
infrastructure they need to create a viable state. There will be no
lasting solution without a Palestinian state that is democratic and
free, including free press, free speech, an open political process,
and religious tolerance. Such a state will need a credible and unified
security structure capable of providing security for the Palestinians
and fighting terrorism. There must also be effective economic development
and transparent financial structures which provide for the economic
and social needs of the Palestinian people. The plan will be developed
intensively over the coming period of time in concert with all the relevant
partners.
Fourth, we endorse and support the disengagement
plan of Prime Minister Sharon from Gaza and stipulated parts of the West
Bank as part of this overall plan.
Fifth, these steps lay the basis for more rapid progress
on the Roadmap as a reliable
guide leading to final status negotiations.
Sources: The White House |