US-EU Declaration: unilateral initiative should be...consistent with Roadmap & two-state vision

IMRA/White House ^ | 6-26-04

[SJackson]

June 26, 2004 TEXT OF U.S.-EU DECLARATION SUPPORTING PEACE, PROGRESS, AND REFORM IN THE BROADER MIDDLE EAST AND IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Dromoland Castle
Shannon, Ireland
26 June 2004

1. The United States and the European Union pledge our support to the governments and peoples of the countries concerned who have, in recent declarations and statements, expressed their determination to meet the challenges of modernisation; to advance political, social, and economic reforms; to build democracy; and to promote human rights. We believe that increased economic and political freedom can advance and change lives in the countries concerned. This task will require the sustained and increased support of the European Union and the United States. We offer this support in friendship, respect, and the spirit of partnership, recognizing that we share the objective of a prosperous, secure, and vibrant area. We welcome and support the initiative launched earlier this month at the G8 Summit in Sea Island, Georgia and the EU Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East endorsed by the European Council on 18 June.

5. We reaffirm our commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Progress towards a negotiated peace settlement in the Middle East and towards reform will be mutually reinforcing. Neither should be a precondition nor a substitute for the other. We support the work of the Quartet on the Roadmap and endorse its declaration of 4 May 2004. We also welcome the League of Arab States' continued support for the Roadmap as expressed at the Summit meeting held in Tunis on 22/23 May and the League's rejection of acts of violence against civilians without distinction. We reiterate our common vision of two states, Israel and a viable, democratic, sovereign, and contiguous Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. We welcome and support the efforts of governments in the countries concerned to contribute to a settlement of this conflict, including the announced intention of Israeli withdrawal from all Gaza settlements and from parts of the West Bank which can be a step towards achieving the two-state solution and has the possibility of restarting progress on the Roadmap. We call for an end of all acts of violence and terrorism. We support all efforts, including those by Egypt, to resolve critical security issues relating to Gaza. In this context, any unilateral initiative should be undertaken in a manner consistent with the Roadmap and the two-state vision. At the same time, we welcome the establishment of the World Bank Trust Fund and urge international support for this important initiative for Palestinian economic and social reconstruction.

[SJackson]

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Diplomatic rule #1, when in Ireland, be sure to reiterate your commitment to a palestinian state.