Speech Applauding Israeli Disengagement from Gaza
(August 22, 2005)
Excerpts (speech at
the National Convention of Veterans of Foreign
Wars):
"In
the heart of the Middle East a hopeful
story is unfolding. After decades of shattered
promises and stolen lives, peace is within
reach in the Holy Land. The Palestinian
people have expressed their desire for
sovereignty and peace in free and fair
elections. President Abbas has rejected
violence and taken steps toward democratic
reform. This past week, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people took a courageous
and painful step by beginning to remove settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern West
Bank. The Israeli disengagement is
an historic step that reflects the bold
leadership of Prime Minister Sharon. Both
Israelis and Palestinians have elected
governments committed to peace and progress,
and the way forward is clear. We're working
for a return to the road map. We're helping
the Palestinians to prepare for self-government
and to defeat terrorists who attack Israel,
and terrorists who oppose the establishment
of a peaceful Palestinian state. We're
providing $50 million in direct assistance
to the Palestinians for new housing and
infrastructure projects in Gaza. We remain
fully committed to defending the security
and well-being of our friend and ally,
Israel, and we demand an end to terrorism
and violence in every form, because we
know that progress toward peace depends
on an end to terror.
We'll
continue working for the day when the map
of the Middle East shows two democratic
states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side
in peace and security.”
Sources: The White House |