Speech Outlining Views on Peace in
Post-Arafat Era
(December 1, 2004)
And we will stand with the Palestinian and Israeli
peoples and help end the destructive conflict between them. Prime Minister
Martin has expressed the desire of his government to take a broader
role in the quest for peace and democracy, and America welcomes your
involvement. It's a time of change and a time of hope in that region.
We seek justice and dignity, and a viable independent
and democratic state for the Palestinian people. We seek security and
peace for the state of Israel, a state that Canada, like America, first
recognized in 1948. These are worthy goals in themselves, and by reaching
them, we will also remove an excuse for hatred and violence in the broader
Middle East.
Achieving peace in the Holy Land is not just a matter
of pressuring one side or the other on the shape of a border or the
site of a settlement. This approach has been tried before, without success.
As we negotiate the details of peace, we must look to the heart of the
matter, which is the need for a Palestinian democracy. The Palestinian
people deserve a peaceful government that truly serves their interests,
and the Israeli people need a true partner in peace.
Our destination is clear: two states, Israel and Palestine,
living side-by-side in peace and security. And that destination can
be reached by only one path, the path of democracy and reform and the
rule of law. If all parties will apply effort, if all nations who are
concerned about this issue will apply goodwill, this conflict can end
and peace can be achieved. And the time for that effort and the time
for that goodwill is now.
Sources: The White House |