TRANSCRIPT - President George W. Bush Middle East statement, April 4, 2001

MSNBC ^ | 4-4-02 | George W. Bush

[Oldeconomybuyer]

President George W. Bush
Middle East statement

---

Thursday, April 4, 2002

Good morning.
       During the course of one week, the situation in the Middle East has deteriorated dramatically.
       Last Wednesday, my special envoy, Anthony Zinni, reported to me that we were on the verge of a cease-fire agreement that would have spared Palestinian and Israeli lives. That hope fell away when a terrorist attacked a group of innocent people in a Netanya hotel, killing many men and women in what is a mounting toll of terror. In the days since, the world has watched with growing concern the horror of bombings and burials and the stark picture of tanks in the street. Across the world, people are grieving for Israelis and Palestinians who have lost their lives.
       When an 18-year-old Palestinian girl is induced to blow herself up, and in the process kills a 17-year-old Israeli girl, the future itself is dying, the future of the Palestinian people and the future of the Israeli people. We mourn the dead and we mourn the damage done to the hope of peace, the hope of Israel’s and Israelis’ desire for a Jewish state at peace with its neighbors; the hope of the Palestinian people to build their own independent state.
       Terror must be stopped. No nation can negotiate with terrorists, for there is no way to make peace with those whose only goal is death.
       This could be a hopeful moment in the Middle East. The proposal of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, supported by the Arab League, has put a number of countries in the Arab world closer than ever to recognizing Israel’s right to exist. The United States is on record supporting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a Palestinian state. Israel has recognized the goal of a Palestinian state. The outlines of a just settlement are clear: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. This can be a time for hope, but it calls for leadership, not for terror.
       Since September the 11th, I’ve delivered this message: Everyone must choose; you’re either with the civilized world or you’re with the terrorists. All in the Middle East also must choose, and must move decisively in word and deed against terrorist acts.
       The chairman of the Palestinian Authority has not consistently opposed or confronted terrorists.
       At Oslo and elsewhere, Chairman Arafat renounced terror as an instrument of his cause, and he agreed to control it. He’s not done so. The situation in which he finds himself today is largely of his own making. He’s missed his opportunities and thereby betrayed the hopes of the people he is supposed to lead.
       Given his failure, the Israeli government feels it must strike at terrorist networks that are killing its citizens. Yet Israel must understand that its response to these recent attacks is only a temporary measure. All parties have their own responsibilities, and all parties owe it to their own people to act.
       We all know today’s situation runs the risk of aggravating long- term bitterness and undermining relationships that are critical to any hope of peace. I call on the Palestinian people, the Palestinian Authority, and our friends in the Arab world to join us in delivering a clear message to terrorists. Blowing yourself up does not help the Palestinian cause. To the contrary, suicide bombing missions could well blow up the best and only hope for a Palestinian state.
       All states must keep their promise, made in a vote in the United Nations, to actively oppose terror in all its forms. No nation can pick and choose its terrorist friends. I call on the Palestinian Authority and all governments in the region to do everything in their power to stop terrorist activities, to disrupt terrorist financing, and to stop inciting violence by glorifying terror in state-owned media or telling suicide bombers they are martyrs.
       They’re not martyrs. They’re murderers. And they undermine the cause of the Palestinian people. Those governments, like Iraq, that reward parents for the sacrifice of their children are guilty of soliciting murder of the worst kind. All who care about the Palestinian people should join in condemning and acting against groups like al-Aqsa, Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and all the groups which oppose the peace process and seek the destruction of Israel.
       The recent Arab League support of Crown Prince Abdullah’s initiative for peace is promising, is hopeful, because it acknowledges Israel’s right to exist. And it raises the hope of sustained, constructive Arab involvement in the search for peace. This builds on a tradition of visionary leadership begun by President Sadat and King Hussein and carried forward by President Mubarak and King Abdullah.
       Now other Arab states must rise to this occasion and accept Israel as a nation and as a neighbor. Peace with Israel is the only avenue to prosperity and success for a new Palestinian state. The Palestinian people deserve peace and an opportunity to better their lives.
       They need their closest neighbor, Israel, to be an economic partner, not a mortal enemy. They deserve a government that respects human rights and a government that focuses on their needs — education and health care — rather than feeding their resentments.
       It is not enough for Arab nations to defend the Palestinian cause; they must truly help the Palestinian people by seeking peace and fighting terror and promoting development.
       Israel faces hard choices of its own. Its government has supported the creation of a Palestinian state that is not a haven for terrorism. Yet Israel also must recognize that such a state needs to be politically and economically viable. Consistent with the Mitchell plan, Israeli settlement activity in occupied territories must stop, and the occupation must end through withdrawal to secure and recognized boundaries, consistent with United Nations Resolutions 242 and 338. Ultimately, this approach should be the basis of agreements between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon.
       Israel should also show a respect, a respect for and concern about the dignity of the Palestinian people who are and will be their neighbors. It is crucial to distinguish between the terrorists and ordinary Palestinians seeking to provide for their own families. The Israeli government should be compassionate at checkpoints and border crossings, sparing innocent Palestinians daily humiliation. Israel should take immediate action to ease closures and allow peaceful people to go back to work.
       Israel is facing a terrible and serious challenge. For seven days, it has acted to root out terrorist nests. America recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself from terror. Yet to lay the foundations of future peace, I ask Israel to halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas and begin the withdrawal from those cities it has recently occupied. I speak as a committed friend of Israel; I speak out of a concern for its long-term security, the security that will come with a genuine peace.
       As Israel steps back, responsible Palestinian leaders and Israel’s Arab neighbors must step forward and show the world that they are truly on the side of peace. The choice and the burden will be theirs.
       The world expects an immediate cease-fire, immediate resumption of security cooperation with Israel against terrorism, an immediate order to crack down on terrorist networks. I expect better leadership and I expect results.
       These are the elements of peace in the Middle East, and now we must build the road to those goals. Decades of bitter experience teach a clear lesson: Progress is impossible when nations emphasize their grievances and ignore their opportunities. The storms of violence cannot go on. Enough is enough.
       And to those who would try to use the current crisis as an opportunity to widen the conflict: Stay out. Iran’s arms shipments and support for terror fuel the fire of conflict in the Middle East, and it must stop. Syria has spoken out against al Qaida; we expect it to act against Hamas and Hezbollah as well. It’s time for Iran to focus on meeting its own people’s aspirations for freedom, and for Syria to decide which side of the war against terror it is on.
       The world finds itself at a critical moment. This is a conflict that can widen or an opportunity we can seize. And so I’ve decided to send Secretary of State Powell to the region next week to seek broad international support for the vision I’ve outlaid today. As a step in this process, he will work to implement United Nations Resolution 1402, an immediate and meaningful cease-fire, an end of terror and violence and incitement, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah; implementation of the already agreed-upon Tenet and Mitchell plans, which will lead to a political settlement.
       I have no illusions; we have no illusions about the difficulty of the issues that lie ahead.
       Yet our nations’ resolve is strong. America’s committed to ending this conflict and beginning an era of peace. We know this is possible because in our lifetimes we have seen an end to conflicts that no one thought could end. We’ve seen fierce enemies let go of long histories of strife and anger. America itself counts former adversaries as trusted friends — Germany and Japan and now Russia. Conflict is not inevitable. Distrust need not be permanent. Peace is possible when we break free of old patterns and habits of hatred.
       The violence and grief that trouble the Holy Land have been among the great tragedies of our time. The Middle East has often been left behind in the political and economic advancement of the world. That is the history of the region, but it need not and must not be its fate. The Middle East could write a new story of trade and development and democracy, and we stand ready to help. Yet this progress can only come in an atmosphere of peace, and the United States will work for all the children of Abraham to know the benefits of peace.
       Thank you very much.

[bvw]

I am inclinated to give our President George W. Bush the benefit of the doubt on this, yet I know the evil ones will read it as appeasement and their hate, percieved (but absolutely perverted) righteousness and blood lust will be aroused further, not slackened.

[Fabozz]

"To the contrary, suicide bombing missions could well blow up the best and only hope for a Palestinian state."

I don't have any real problems with Bush's speech, except for this one line. The statement is patently false: No number of suicide bombings will ever "blow up the hope for a Palestinian state." Taking Palestinian statehood off the table would be seen as punishing the Palestinian people for the crimes of their unelected leaders, something the "enlightened" world will never countenance.

The PLO could send ten suicide bombers a day into Israeli preschools, and the world would call on both sides to "show restraint." The PLO could set off a nuclear device in Tel Aviv, and the world would call on both sides to "end the cycle of violence." The PLO could release smallpox in Israel and kill three million Jews, and the world would say the time had come to "address the legitimate desire of the Palestinian people for security and dignity." The PLO will never, under any circumstances, end its terrorism, because it has absolutely no incentive to do so. Bombings do nothing to hurt its cause and everything to aid it.

The only path to peace is to eliminate entirely the PLO, with as little harm to Palestinian civilians as possible. Bush can "expect results" all he wants, but he had damn well better have a response planned for the next time a Palestinian decides to claim the $5,000 bounty our loyal Saudi ally places on the lives of Jewish children. I know Bush isn't amoral or an idiot, so for the time being I'll take it on faith that he has such a plan. It would sure be nice to be given a little hint about what that plan might be, however.

[geros]

very true - Jordan is Palestine, this is the elephant in the living room nobody notices.

[Tolik]

You are right. They pull from this great speech what they want to see. Their sound bites are wrong, but they are there. People here on FR won't be fooled, but those getting info from the mainstream media - will.

 

Yahoo World:

Bush Demands Israeli Withdrawal as Tanks Advance
Thu Apr 4, 1:28 PM ET - (Reuters)
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) Tanks thrust into another Palestinian city Thursday shortly before President Bush called on Israel to begin withdrawing from West Bank towns it has reoccupied over the past week. Full Coverage
 

Drudge:

Bush Calls on Israel to Stop Incursions
X X X X X
Says Arafat Betrayed Hopes Of His People
X X X X X
Powell to Middle East

Reuters:

---> Bush Sending Powell, Wants Israel to Stop Incursions

---> Bush Demands Israeli Withdrawal as Tanks Advance

Washington Post:

Thursday, April 4, 2002 | Updated 1:47 p.m. EST
 

placeRandomImg()   President Bush says Secretary of State Powell will seek "broad international support." (AP)

Bush Sends Powell On Mideast Peace Mission President urges Israel to show restraint but says Arafat is in a position "of his own making." Video: Bush on Mideast  |  Text • Live, 2 EST: Palestinian Columnist Israel Tightens Its Grip Forces control Nablus as tense Bethlehem standoff continues. • Israeli Forces Bar Ambulances • Bethlehem Eclipses Arafat's Siege • Egypt Suspends Israel Ties

NY Times: UPDATED THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2002 1:23 PM ET

Bush Is Sending Powell to Middle East
And Urging Israel to Stop Incursions

 

 

(AFP)

President Bush urged Israel today to end its military offensive and called on Arab nations to crack down on terrorists.

Bush Says U.S. Is to Assume Stronger Role in Ending Violence
By DAVID STOUT
President Bush said today he was sending Secretary of State Colin L. Powell to the Middle East next week.
• Text of Bush's Statement on Situation in Mideast

 

 

[rbmillerjr]

You are likely going to be right that the Palis will continue the terror. If they do, they will never have a state. Israel should never agree, and either should we if they continue the cowardly terror campaign.

If eventually they act civilized (which I doubt) and they get a state, and then they continue terror, the puma is out of the bag, and Israel will have right to demolish the state which attacks it.

I'm pessimistic on long term peace. I see the inevitable large scale war.

Lets dont forget some key things that have happened since Bush has been in office. *States are now targets of our military if they merely support terror. I firmly believe that primarily Iran and followed by Syria and the pathetic nuisance of Iraq...will all be targets of our military if they follow the path they are currently following.

I am one American that that considers Iraq effectively neutered - and that Iran (which is the real center of world terrorism) should be first on the list. We should assist Israel in regard to one terrorist org. (Hizbollah) as it is directly trained, financed, and planned for in Iran - indeed Iranians are in Hizbollah.

[bvw]

When such evil receives a even a drop of support from good people it grows like the most invasive vine.

[Thinkin' Gal]

The outlines of a just settlement are clear: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

And...

I speak as a committed friend of Israel; I speak out of a concern for its long-term security, the security that will come with a genuine peace.

"No peace" is a good phrase to plug into a KJV search.

[NormsRevenge]

It kind of makes ya wonder what planet the media creeps are from ? UrAnuS? Perhaps! They don't see that they are the biggest proponents of a continuation of these conflicts. It sells papers and draws in viewers and boosts ratings, No? JMHO...


The United Nations Wants to Take Your Gun!





SEMPER FI
Norm

[mil-vet]

This is a great speech, but it still ignores the fact that peace will only come if the "koran" is modified to teach islamics that their one goal in life is NOT to kill non-islamics ("infidels").

Failing modification of the "koran", the alternative is removal of islam, like smallpox, from the face of the earth.

Remember, islam is out to kill ALL non-islamics, not just jews! On the other hand, maybe I merely imagined 9/11....

[Stultis]

This speech and the policy implied therein is excellent provided that:

1) It is made clear that, although Arafat will be given a genuine chance to do the right thing, it is apt to be his last.

2) Powell goes to Europe before going to the Middle East and obtains firm face-to-face commitments from those hand-wring, rifle-dropping, hypocritical m___-f___ers that, when it comes time to put the screws to Arafat and force him to act, and hold him accountable if/when he does not (and we all know it will come to that), THEY WILL NOT STAB US IN THE BACK and let Arafat off the hook like they did the last time, and the time before that, and the time before that...

This will only work if the Western World is united, and it must be made clear that anyone who breaks rank will pay a severe price (e.g. be publicly nominated and pressed to provide peace-keeping troops in the West Bank).

[Just another Joe]

I agree with the President on the bulk of his speech.
Thee are some points that I'm not sure I CAN agree with.
It's not just the 'palestinians' that want the blood of Israel. IMO, it's almost all the arab nations that would like to see Israel wiped off the face of the earth, or at least humbled to the point of a good whacking.
I really don't see why Israel should have to give up territories won in an armed conflict started decades ago by the same countries that now want the territories back.

[dawn53]

You can't blame Bush for how the press spins this.

Whatever he said they would put their spin on it.

I liked the part where he called the suicide bombers murderers. Especially after the Muslim nations wouldn't even call them terrorists. Let the press try to spin that one.

[swheats]

I like your scenario. I had been thinking why Powell wasn't sent right away.

[88keys]

And everyone else, "stay out of it"...seemed like a good "steely" speech to me...like "you have all been warned, and we do mean it".

Very fair, very serious. Go W.

[NordP]

I'M SO PROUD YOU ARE MY PRESIDENT!!!

GOOD JOB!!!

YOU TELL 'EM GEORGE, WE WANT RESULTS!!!!!

[88keys]

I like the phraseology "responsible Palestinian leaders"...translation: "notice I do not say 'Arafat' here, and do take this to mean that if there are any reponsible Palestinian leader types out there, step up to the plate..."

Peace.

[Mo1]

Exactly WHEN did the people here start believing the press?????

What are you trying to say .. that they slant the truth???

Well I never ... I'll never vote for the press again ..

[Howlin]

I said PRESS, not PREZ.........LOL.

[Mo1]

Oh ... I guess this means I should read before I type huh???

Geee what a concept .. lol