Posted on 06/24/2002 12:48:28 PM PDT by RCW2001
Bush Middle East Speech Discussion Thread
Missed it - I'm at work; the only thing I can do is get the live audio stream from MSNBC (oh, yes, it still exists, even though they don't post a link to it!)
"You deserve democracy and the rule of law. You deserve an open society and a thriving economy. You deserve a life of hope for your children."
I thought these words were very powerful and courageous...and showed true leadership.
As we make progress towards security, Israel forces need to withdraw fully to positions they held prior to September 28, 2000. And consistent with the recommendations of the Mitchell Committee, Israeli settlement activity in the occupied territories must stop.In other words, that report remains endorsed by this Administration:
The GOI should freeze all settlement activity, including the "natural growth" of existing settlements.
Despite their long history and close proximity, some Israelis and Palestinians seem not to fully appreciate each other's problems and concerns. Some Israelis appear not to comprehend the humiliation and frustration that Palestinians must endure every day as a result of living with the continuing effects of occupation, sustained by the presence of Israeli military forces and settlements in their midst, or the determination of the Palestinians to achieve independence and genuine self-determination. Some Palestinians appear not to comprehend the extent to which terrorism creates fear among the Israeli people and undermines their belief in the possibility of co-existence, or the determination of the GOI to do whatever is necessary to protect its people.
The Interim Agreement provides that "the two parties view the West Bank and Gaza as a single territorial unit, the integrity and status of which will be preserved during the interim period." Coupled with this, the Interim Agreement's prohibition on taking steps which may prejudice permanent status negotiations denies Israel the right to continue its illegal expansionist settlement policy. In addition to the Interim Agreement, customary international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits Israel (as an occupying power) from establishing settlements in occupied territory pending an end to the conflict.
The happiest person in Jerusalem right now is Shimon Peres. The Geneva Convention doubters will note that every signatory of the Convention except Israel has now officially declared that they believe the settlements are barred by the Convention.
-Eric
The Bible says, "I have set before you life and death; therefore, choose life." The time has arrived for everyone in this conflict to choose peace, and hope, and life.
And how does that statement sum it up "perfectly?"
What does a vague, years-old proposal to sell reactors to North Korea have to do with the above? When Bush starts to give/sell nuclear weapons launch codes to the Commies, I'll pay attention to that.
Be specific with details. Can you do that?
What does free elections have to do with supporting terrorism?
Agreed. Using the John McLaughlin scale where 10 is an absolute declaration of war on terrorism and 1 is a Chamberlain/Carter style surrender, I give this speech about a 7. If the administration supports what Israel will inevitably have to do after the next homicide bombing, it goes to a 9.
I asked him the same thing - I don't think he can be specific. He sounds like yet another hit-and-run poster.
Yes he did but said that both parties would have to work out a peace plan .. but ONLY after the PA decides if the want new leadership and peace
Yes. He left the question of the exact placement of the final borders open, but given that he said the occupation began in 1967 had to end, it seems as though something close the the '67 borders is what he has in mind. And yes, you are right, he first demands reform of the PA.
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