Text of Sharon's Statement at Aqaba Summit

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 05, 2003

Text of Sharon's Statement at Aqaba Summit

The following is the text of statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the conclusion of the US-Israeli-Palestinian summit held Wednesday in Aqaba, Jordan:

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The following is the text of statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the conclusion of the US-Israeli-Palestinian summit held Wednesday in Aqaba, Jordan:

I would like to thank His Majesty King Abdullah for arranging this meeting, and express Israel's appreciation to President Bush for coming here to be with Prime Minister Abbas and me. Thank you.

As the prime minister of Israel, the land which is the cradle ofthe Jewish people, my paramount responsibility is the security of the people of Israel and of the State of Israel. There can be no compromise with terror and Israel, together with all free nations, will continue fighting terrorism until its final defeat.

Ultimately, permanent security requires peace and permanent peace can only be obtained through security, and there is now hope of a new opportunity for peace between Israelis and the Palestinians.

Israel, like others, has lent its strong support for President Bush's vision, expressed on June 24, 2002, of two states -- Israel and a Palestinian state -- living side by side in peace and security. The Government and people of Israel welcome the opportunity to renew direct negotiations according to the steps of the roadmap as adopted by the Israeli government to achieve this vision.

It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. A democratic Palestinian state fully at peace with Israel will promote the long-term security and well-being of Israel as a Jewishstate.

There can be no peace, however, without the abandonment and elimination of terrorism, violence and incitement. We will work alongside the Palestinians and other states to fight terrorism, violence and incitement of all kinds.

As all parties perform their obligations, we will seek to restore normal Palestinian life, improve the humanitarian situation, rebuild trust, and promote progress toward the president's vision. We will act in a manner that respects the dignity as well as the human rights of all people.

We can also reassure our Palestinian partners that we understandthe importance of territorial contiguity in the West Bank, for a viable, Palestinian state. Israeli policy in the territories that are subject to direct negotiations with the Palestinians will reflect this fact.

We accept the principle that no unilateral actions by any party can prejudge the outcome of our negotiations.

In regard to the unauthorized outposts, I want to reiterate thatIsrael is a society governed by the rule of law. Thus, we will immediately begin to remove unauthorized outposts.

Israel seeks peace with all its Arab neighbors. Israel is prepared to negotiate in good faith wherever there are partners. Asnormal relations are established, I am confident that they will find in Israel a neighbor and a people committed to comprehensive peace and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.

Thank you all. (Compiled by Israel Government Press Office)

Questions?Comments? Click here

Bush Calls Palestinian, Israeli PMs to Promote "Road Map" Peace Plan

Bush-Sharon-Abbas Summit to be Held in Jordan

Aqaba Summit Pledges to Revive Peace Process

US Planning Historic Shift of Military Power Abroad: Report ( 7 Messages)

G8 Meeting Urged to Highlight Water Issue in Africa ( 2 Messages)

Hu Jintao, Bush Pledge to Further Develop Constructive Relations of Cooperation ( 2 Messages)

Efforts Urged to Frame China's Long-time Plan on Science,Technology ( 2 Messages)

Global Warming Troubles Qinghai-Tibet Railway Construction ( 2 Messages)