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Posted on 05/03/2002 10:23:34 AM PDT by Jethro Tull
Bush sets terms for Palestinian state, urges end to Israeli `occupation,' Powell announces international conference
Thu May 2, 6:38 PM ET
By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer
WASHINGTON - The United States joined with the United Nations (news - web sites), the European Union (news - web sites) and Russian on Thursday in calling for an international Mideast peace conference as President George W. Bush (news - web sites) set tough terms for a Palestinian state.
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Powell said the conference would deal with security, economic reform, humanitarian issues and "the political way forward" to a Palestinian state.
"It's something that the parties in the region will welcome," he said.
European leaders, meeting with Bush in Washington Thursday on trade and other issues, gave their backing to the U.S. diplomatic efforts.
"We attach the utmost importance to the work that we can do jointly in the Middle East," said Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of Spain, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency.
Speaking after meeting with European leaders, Bush said he expects more progress toward Middle East peace when he meets in Washington next week with Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Bush said any Palestinian state must be democratic and not based on a foundation of terror and corruption. The president also renewed his description of Israel's hold on the West Bank as an "occupation" and said it must yield to Palestinian statehood.
"A Palestinian state must be achieved by negotiation of an end to occupation," Bush said. "A Palestinian state must be based on the principles that are critical to freedom and prosperity: democracy and open markets, the rule of law, transparent and accountable administration and respect for individual liberties and civil society."
Bush also called on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (news - web sites) to "show he can lead."
"I'm optimistic we're making good progress," the president said. "After all, a week ago, Yasser Arafat was boarded up in this building in Ramallah. ... He's now free to show leadership." Arafat walked out of his Ramallah headquarters Thursday after Israel ended its monthlong siege on the compound.
Bush was not specific about how much land he wants Israel to relinquish for a Palestinian state. That critical issue is likely to be aired when he meets with Sharon Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Powell urged Israel to lift restrictions on Palestinian travel and said Arafat should take steps to bring calm to the region.
Also, Powell said, "something will have to be done about the settlements" on the West Bank — implying the Bush administration might try to force Israeli Jews out of the area.
"Mr. Arafat, I hope, will understand that he doesn't have many more chances to seize this kind of opportunity," Powell said.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites), standing alongside Powell at their joint news conference, said he expected a U.N. report to be prepared on Israel's attack on the Jenin refugee camp "even if you cannot get on the ground."
Annan decided on Wednesday to abandon an inspection mission because of Israeli opposition. But he said Thursday there still would be an effort to collect information about events at Jenin.
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate both passed by wide margins resolutions of support for the Jewish state and blessing its recent military campaign as an attempt at "dismantling the terrorist infrastructure" in Palestinian territory.
"Let every terrorist know, the American people will never abandon freedom, democracy or Israel," said Texas Rep. Tom DeLay said.
I GIVE BUSH CREDIT.
I PRAY IT WORKS.
One may safely assume then that there shall never be a Palestinian state. Bush knows that. He throwing sops to the Arabs.
Finally, some words of wisdom. I hope they can achieve peace and autonomy for Palestine and territorial integrity for Israel without further bloodshed.
Seems more like the same continuous "debit" to western civilization.
LOL....right Powell. Arafat understands you will bend over for him as often as he likes. He thinks you are so cute when you try to talk tough.
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