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Mideast Summit in Maryland
Aired November 27, 2007 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: You're watching CNN.
Hi there, everybody. I'm Heidi Collins.
Developments keep coming into the CNN NEWSROOM on Tuesday, the 27th of November.
Here's what's on the rundown.
The key players in place right now. President Bush opens a Middle East peace summit in Annapolis this hour. And can the leaders end the cycle of killings and funerals while the summit is playing in the region?
Middle East on the line -- in the NEWSROOM.
A new push to resolve a decades-old conflict. President Bush says the time is right for the Mideast peace summit beginning this hour in Maryland. We're waiting for opening remarks now by President Bush and the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
CNN's Atika Shubert is following developments from Jerusalem.
But first, let's go to our Ed Henry, who is standing by in Annapolis.
Hi there, Ed.
ED HENRY, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, hello, Heidi.
That's right, White House officials do have some confidence about a deal being ripe potentially. In part, one key ingredient is the President himself, Mr. Bush, taking on a more active hands-on approach, meeting this morning, already a trilateral meeting, as they say, with Israeli and Palestinian officials.
And also, another key ingredient is the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, has a very perilous grip on power. There's a lot of people who believe he needs a deal.
And also, an official close to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert telling my colleague Jill Dougherty that he also believes the time is now for a deal and his hopeful, in fact, that some sort of a document could be signed by Wednesday night, when the parties are going to be leaving Washington. Of course, the talks continuing Wednesday at the White House even after they wrap up here in Annapolis today. Several delegations tell us that Israeli and Palestinian officials were working through the night last night, into the wee hours, trying to come to at least some broad framework of a deal, see some key areas they could agree on. They got up around dawn this morning, got to work on it once again.
Another key factor, though, is the fact that they have over 40 nations from all around the world here trying to prop these talks up. Key people like Saudi Arabia, Syrian officials here, as well. And that perhaps a sign that some in the Mideast want to counteract the power, the growing influence of Iran here.
And another key factor, as I noted, President Bush, he will continue these talks Wednesday at the White House. He will have more bilateral negotiations with the Israeli leader, then with the Palestinian leader, as well. And there's also the possibility of another trilateral meeting, the three parties getting together tomorrow if there's any sort of a breakthrough today. But we're expecting when the president speak this hour, one thing he will say is if this was easy, it would have been done a very long time ago -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Yes, certainly.
All right. CNN's Ed Henry for us there in a very windy Annapolis at the very moment.
Want to geet to Atika Shubert, who is standing by, as we said earlier, in Jerusalem for us.
Atika, I'm not sure if you heard what Ed was just telling us about an Israeli official who is attending these conferences, saying now that we are ready now for a deal.
ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, that's an encouraging news for certainly many Israelis.
We're actually here at the Roma (ph) coffee shop in Jerusalem to try to get a sense of what Israelis think about Annapolis. Certainly they have been watching it very closely. It's going to be live on Israeli television here. But the sense we get from talking to a lot of customers is that most of them support the peace talks, but at the same time they don't expect to see very much coming out of it.
Now, that has been supported by polls showing that both Israelis and Palestinians feel the same way. But there is a sizable and vocal minority that is dead set against the peace talks.
In fact, across Gaza and the West Bank today there have been thousands of people turned out for protests against the Annapolis summit. Some of those demonstrations were violently dispersed by Palestinian police. In fact, one protester was shot and killed.
In the meantime, here in Jerusalem last night thousands turned out at Judaism's most holy site, the Western Wall, to attend a mass prayer, praying for the Annapolis summit to fail because they fear that the talks will mean a division of the holy city of Jerusalem.
So as you can see, this is -- the talks are emotional and divisive. And they've just started.
COLLINS: Yes, Atika, that's true. In fact, we are watching. We are waiting just a few minutes from now for some of the comments that we have been expecting to come up here any minute hopefully from President Bush and some of the other leaders from Israel and Palestine and the like.
CNN's Atika Shubert live for us in Jerusalem this morning.
We will get back to all that is happening in Annapolis near the naval academy there in just a few moments as we continue to watch. We see President Bush and the Israeli and Palestinian leaders actually coming to the stage now, so let's go ahead and listen in.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you for coming.
Prime Minister Olmert, President Abbas, Secretary-General Ban, former Prime Minister Blair, distinguished guests, welcome to one of the finest institutions we have in America, the United States Naval Academy.
(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)
BUSH: Thanks for coming. May God bless their work.
COLLINS: Unfortunately, as you can tell there, we have lost translation just momentarily from Mahmoud Abbas. So it's obviously very difficult for us to understand anything that's going on.
In the meantime, while we wait to get that translation back up for you, want to go ahead for just a moment and bring in CNN's Ed Henry, who is standing by in Annapolis where all of these discussions are taking place.
And Ed, you and I have been e-mailing back and forth in the middle of all of this, saying a little bit more progress I think than we expected right off the top.
HENRY: Absolutely. Absolutely, Heidi.
History being made before our eyes. Really a bit of a coup for President Bush, to come out and announce that there is at least a broad framework, as he called it, a joint understanding between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Just as we were going in to those remarks we were getting word from the press pool with President Bush that an Israeli official had said that there was some sort after deal, a joint declaration, as he put it. But to be clear and to be sure and to temper this, this is essentially an agreement to agree. An agreement to agree.
It is not working out the core difficult issues. There are still going to be stumbling blocks ahead. But as you say, this certainly more progress than I think a lot of people expected. President Bush announcing that both sides have agreed to, as he put it, bring an end to the bloodshed, usher in a new era of peace, also to immediately launch into good-faith bilateral negotiations to solve all these core issues and do it by the end of 2008 -- Heidi.
COLLINS: And again, that was announced sort of right off the top of this whole thing.
And Ed, we appreciate that so very much, you getting us through the lull there, if you will. We now understand that we do have the translation back up for Mahmoud Abbas.
Let's go ahead and go back to hear what he has to say.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRES. OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you for coming.
Prime Minister Olmert, President Abbas, Secretary General Ban, former Prime Minister Blair, distinguished guests, welcome to one of the finest institutes we have in America, the United States Naval Academy.
We appreciate you joining us in what I believe is an historic opportunity to encourage the expansion of freedom and peace in the holy land.
We meet to lay the foundation for the establishment of a new nation, a democratic Palestinian state that will live side by side with Israel in peace and security.
We meet to help bring an end to the violence that has been the true enemy of the aspirations of both the Israelis and Palestinians.
We're off to a strong start.
I'm about to read a statement that was agreed upon by our distinguished guests.
"The representatives of the government of the state of Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, represented respectively by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Mahmoud Abbas, in his capacity as chairman of the PLO executive committee and president of the Palestinian Authority, have convened in Annapolis, Maryland, under the auspices of President George W. Bush of the United States of America, and with the support of the participants of this international conference having concluded the following joint understanding:
"We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis."
"In furtherance of the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, we agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements.
"We agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations and shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008."
"For this purpose, a steering committee led jointly be the head of the delegation of each party will meet continuously as agreed.
"The steering committee will develop a joint work plan and establish and oversee the work of negotiations teams to address all issues, to be headed by one lead representative from each party.
"The first session of the steering committee will be held on 12 December, 2007.
"President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert will continue to meet on a biweekly basis to follow up the negotiations in order to offer all necessary assistance for their advancement.
"The parties also commit to immediately implement their respective obligations under the performance-based road map to a permanent two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict issued by the quartet on 30 April, 2003" -- this is called the road map -- "and agree to form an American, Palestinian and Israeli mechanism led by the United States to follow up on the implementation of the road map.
"The parties further commit to continue the implementation of the ongoing obligations of the road map until they reach a peace treaty. The United States will monitor and judge the fulfillment of the commitment of both sides of the road map.
"Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, implementation of the future peace treaty will be subject to the implementation of the road map, as judged by the United States."
Congratulations for your strong leadership. Appreciate it.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: The Palestinian people are blessed with many gifts and talents. They want the opportunity to use those gifts to better their own lives and build a future for their children.
They want the dignity that comes with sovereignty and independence. They want justice and equality under the rule of law. They want freedom from violence and fear. The people of Israel have just aspirations as well.
They want their children to be able ride a bus or to go to school without fear of suicide bombers. They want an end to rocket attacks and constant threats of assault. They want their nation to be recognized and welcome in the region where they live.
Today Palestinians and Israelis each understand that helping the other to realize their aspirations is key to realizing their own aspirations. Both require an independent, democratic, viable Palestinian state.
Such a state will provide Palestinians with the chance to lead lives of freedom and purpose and dignity. Such a state will help provide the Israelis with something they have been seeking for generations, to live in peace with their neighbors.
Achieving this goal is not going to be easy. If it were easy, it would have happened a long time ago.
To achieve freedom and peace, both Israelis and Palestinians will have to make tough choices. Both sides are sober about the work ahead. But having spent time with their leaders, they are ready to take on the tough issues.
As Prime Minister Olmert recently put it, "We will avoid none of the historic questions. We will not run from discussing any of them."
As President Abbas has said, "I believe that there is an opportunity not only for us, but for the Israelis, too. We have an historic and important opportunity that we must benefit from."
It is with that spirit that we concluded -- that they concluded the statement I just read.
Our purpose here in Annapolis is not to conclude an agreement. Rather, it's to launch negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
For the rest of us, our job is to encourage the parties in this effort and to give them the support they need to succeed.
In light of recent developments, some have suggested that now is not the right time to pursue peace. I disagree. I believe now is precisely the right time to begin these negotiations, for a number of reasons.
First, the time is right because Palestinians and Israelis have leaders who are determined to achieve peace. President Abbas seeks to fulfill his people's aspirations for statehood, dignity and security. President Abbas understands that a Palestinian state will not be born of terror and that terrorism is the enemy standing in the way of a state.
He and Prime Minister Fayyad have both declared, without hesitation, that they are opposed to terrorism and committed to peace. They're committed to turning these declarations into actions on the ground to combat terrorism.
The emergence of responsible Palestinian leaders has given Israeli leaders the confidence they need to reach to the Palestinians in true partnership.
Prime Minister Olmert has expressed his understanding of the suffering and indignities felt by the Palestinian people. He's made clear that the security of Israel will be enhanced by the establishment of a responsible democratic Palestinian state with leaders of courage and conviction on both sides. Now is the time to come together and seek the peace that both sides desire.
Second, the time is right because the battle is under way for the future of the Middle East. And we must not cede victory to the extremists -- with their violent actions and contempt for human life.
The extremists are seeking to impose a dark vision on the Palestinian people, a vision that feeds on hopelessness and despair to sow chaos in the holy land.
If this vision prevails, the future of the region will be endless terror, endless war and endless suffering.
Standing against this dark vision are President Abbas and his government.
They are offering the Palestinian people an alternative vision for the future, a vision of peace, a homeland of their own, and a better life.
If responsible Palestinian leaders can deliver on this vision, they will deal the forces of extremism a devastating blow. And when liberty takes root on the Iraqi soil of the West Bank and Gaza, it will inspire millions across the Middle East who want their societies built on freedom and peace and hope.
By contrast, if the Palestinian reformers cannot deliver on this hopeful vision, then the forces of extremism and terror will be strengthened. A generation of Palestinians could be lost to the extremists and the Middle East will grow in despair.
We cannot allow this to happen. Now is the time to show Palestinians that their dream of a free and independent state can be achieved at the table of peace and that the terror and violence preached by Palestinian extremists is the greatest obstacle to a Palestinian state.
Third, the time is right because the world understands the urgency of supporting these negotiations. We appreciate that representatives from so many governments and international institutions have come to join us here in Annapolis, especially the Arab world.
We are here because we recognize what is at stake. We are here because we each have a vital role to play in helping Palestinians forge the institutions of a free society.
We're here because we understand that the success of these efforts to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians will have an impact far beyond the holy land.
These are the reasons we've gathered here in Annapolis. And now we begin the difficult work of freedom and peace.
The United States is proud to host this meeting, and we reaffirm the path to peace set out in the road map.
Yet, in the end, the outcome of the negotiations they launch here depends on the Israelis and Palestinians themselves. America will do everything in our power to support their quest for peace, but we cannot achieve it for them.
The success of these efforts will require that all parties show patience and flexibility and meet their responsibilities.
For these negotiations to succeed, the Palestinians must do their part. They must show the world they understand that, while the borders of a Palestinian state are important, the nature of a Palestinian state is just as important.
They must demonstrate that a Palestinian state will create opportunity for all its citizens and govern justly and dismantle the infrastructure of terror. They must show that a Palestinian state will accept its responsibility and have the capability to be a source of stability and peace for its own citizens, for the people of Israel and for the whole region.
The Israelis must do their part.
They must show the world that they are ready to begin to bring an end to the occupation that began in 1967, through a negotiated settlement.
This settlement will establish Palestine as the Palestinian homeland, just as Israel is the homeland for the Jewish people. Israel must demonstrate it's support for the creation of a prosperous and successful Palestinian state by removing unauthorized outposts, ending settlement expansion, and finding other ways for the Palestinian Authority to exercise it's responsibilities without compromising Israel's security.
Arab states also have a vital role to play. Re-launching the Arab League initiative and the Arab League's support for today's conference are positive steps. All Arab states should show their strong support for the government of President Abbas, and provide needed assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
Arab states should also reach out to Israel, work toward the normalization of relations and demonstrate in both word and deed that they believe that Israel and its people have a permanent home in the Middle East.
These are vital steps toward the comprehensive peace that we all seek.
Finally, the international community has important responsibilities. Prime Minister Fayyad is finalizing a plan to increase openness and transparency and accountability throughout Palestinian society. And he needs the resources and support from the international community.
With strong backing from those gathered here, the Palestinian government can build the free institutions that will support a free Palestinian state.
The United States will help Palestinian leaders build these free institutions. And the United States will keep its commitment to the security of Israel as a Jewish state and homeland for the Jewish people.
The United States strongly feels that these efforts will yield the peace that we want.
And that is why we will continue to support the Lebanese people. We believe democracy brings peace. And democracy in Lebanon is vital as well for the peace in the Middle East.
The Lebanese people are in the process of electing a president. That decision is for the Lebanese people to make. And they must be able to do so free from outside interference and intimidation.
As they embark on this process, the people of Lebanon can know that the American people stand with them. And we look forward to the day when the people of Lebanon can enjoy the blessings of liberty without fear of violence or coercion.
The task begun here in Annapolis will be difficult. This is the beginning of the process, not the end of it. And, no doubt, a lot of work remains to be done. Yet, the parties can approach this work with confidence.
The time is right, the cause is just and, with hard effort, I know they can succeed.
President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, I pledge to devote my effort during my time as president to do all I can to help you achieve this ambitious goal. I give you my personal commitment to support your work with the resources and resolve of the American government.
I believe a day is coming when freedom will yield the peace we desire and the land that is holy to so many will see the light of peace.
The day is coming when Palestinians will enjoy the blessings that freedom brings and all Israelis will enjoy the security they deserve. That day is coming.
The day is coming when the terrorists and extremists who threaten the Israeli and Palestinian people will be marginalized and eventually defeated. And, when that day comes, future generations will look to the work we began here at Annapolis. They will give thanks to the leaders who gathered on the banks of the Chesapeake for their vision, their wisdom and courage to choose a future of freedom and peace.
Thanks for coming. May God bless their work.
(APPLAUSE)
MAHMOUD ABBAS, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY PRESIDENT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In the name of God, the compassionate, (SPEAKING IN ARABIC) with great hope, but it is accompanied with great worry that this new opportunity might be lost.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But the meanings of your message are well known and they carry your personal bridge and commitment by your great country and its determination to embrace the Palestinian and Israeli peace and the Arab-Israeli peace to be converted in the arena of negotiations to be the first and foremost arena for making peace.
And that this initiative would culminate your term of office is an outstanding achievement which would add a new shining star in the skies of the world, the world of the future free of violence, oppression and bigotry.
And also we would like to applaud you, Mr. President, for choosing this charming city, Annapolis, as a venue for convening this international conference.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In addition to its beauty and distinctive location, it bears the symbol of freedom; the most sublime value in our life.
"Freedom" is the single word that stands for the future of the Palestinians and captures the meanings of all their generations. It is their sunshine and it is the life that inspires their future. It is the last word voiced by the martyrs and victims, and it is the lyric (ph) of their prisoners.
I must also pay tribute to the role played by Dr. Condoleezza Rice and her aides. For without here relentless resolve and determination and her vision vis-a-vis all aspects of conflict in our region, we would not have been convening here.
Dr. Rice took important strides with us in order to affirm that the path of peace is the only choice and it is irreversible. And that the path to negotiations for peace and to achieve peace is the right path.
It is important for me to indicate here that this distinguished participation and large participation from sister Arab and Islamic countries, the quartet, and the group of great industrial countries, and the permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, and many prominent European and Asian countries, as well as non-aligned countries and African states and from South America, in a unique conference in the history of the conflicts would provide impetus and protection, in addition to the fact that it carries the meanings of encouragement to pursue the path of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and move that forward and the need to reach the solution of two states, based on ending occupation and the establishment of the state of Palestine side by side to the state of Israel, and the resolution of all issues relating to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, Arab-Israeli conflict in all their aspects, as an indispensable qualitative step, so that comprehensive and normal peace relations would be established in our region.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I am proud that this Arab and Islamic contribution and this broad international that this Arab and Islamic contribution and this broad international participation in the work of this conference is a testimony to the fact that sister and friendly states are standing by us, the people of Palestine, as a leadership, and for our efforts to achieve peace.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): It is a support of our approach that calls for a balanced historical settlement that would ensure peace and security for our independent state and for Israel, as well as for all countries in the region.
This Arab and Islamic participation in today's meeting is also an affirmation that the Arab peace initiative was not a step without well-defined targets, but indeed it was a bold strategic plan that aims changing the nature of relations in the region and to usher in a new era there.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But to achieve that does not depend on the Arab and Islamic position by itself, but requires meeting this position by a reciprocal strategic willingness that would basically lead to ending the occupation of all Palestinian occupied territories in 1967, including East Jerusalem, as well as the Syrian Golan and what remains of occupied from Lebanese territories, and to resolve all other issues relating to the conflict, especially the Palestinian refugees question in all its political, humanitarian, individual and common aspects, consistent with Resolution 194, as emphasized by the Arab peace initiative and the participation of sister states that host refugees and carry huge burdens in this regard.
I am not making an overstatement, Mr. President, if I say that our region stands at a crossroad that separates two historical phases, pre-Annapolis phase and post-Annapolis phase.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In other words, this extraordinary huge opportunity provided today by the Arab, Islamic and international position, and the overwhelming support from the public opinion in both the Palestinian and Israeli societies for the need to exploit the occasion of this conference that would launch the negotiating process and not to do away with the potential that it carries, I say that this opportunity might not be repeated. And if it were to be repeated, it might not enjoy the same unanimity and impetus.
Mr. President, what we are facing today is not just the challenge of peace, but we are facing a test of our credibility as a whole: the United States, members of the quartet, and all members of the international community, Israel, the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, the Arab and Islamic group, as well.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): It is a test that would leave its indelible impact on the future of the region and on the relationship among its peoples and the international powers that are entrusted in the peace, stability of our region on the other hand.
We came with this perspective to Annapolis today. And, therefore, we do recognize the volume of this possibility that we are bearing and the gravity of the burden that we must shoulder.
We do recognize, and I presume that you share me this view, that the absence of hope and overwhelming despair would feed extremism. Therefore, we have a common duty to spread genuine hope in order to achieve full transformation toward complete peace (inaudible) and long term during your term of office, Mr. President, thanks to your support and understanding.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Tomorrow, we have to start comprehensive and deep negotiations on all issues of final status, including Jerusalem, refugees, borders, settlements, water and security and others.
We have to support this negotiating process in concrete and direct steps on the ground that would prove that we are moving in an irreversible path toward negotiated, comprehensive and full peace, and to ensure ending all settlement activities, including natural growth, and reopening closed Jerusalem institutions, removal of settlement outposts, removal of road blocks, and freedom of prisoners, and to facilitate our mission in the authority to enforce law and the rule of law.
Here, I must defend in all sincerity and candor, and without wavering, the right of our people to see a new dawn, without occupation, without settlement, without separation walls, without prisons where thousands of prisoners are detained, without assassinations, without siege, without barriers around villages and (inaudible).
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I look forward, Mr. President, to see that our prisoners have been set free and returned to exercise their role in supporting peace and to stand by us in our mission to build our statehood and our homeland.
It is my duty to say that, to have peace, we need the fate of the city of Jerusalem to be a critical component in any peace accord that we might reach.
We need East Jerusalem to be our capital and to establish open relations with western Jerusalem, and to ensure for all the faithful from all religions their right to exercise their rituals and to access holy shrines without any discrimination and on the basis of international and humanitarian goals.
In this regard, I wish to emphasize that we shall pursue our obligations under the road map, in order to combat chaos, violence, terrorism, and to ensure security, order and the rule of law. ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): The government of the Palestinian National Authority works tirelessly and without any wavering under extremely conditions to achieve this noble goal that represents, first and foremost, a Palestinian national interest before it becomes a political requirement that is imposed by signed accords or the road map.
Our people distinguish completely between emphasis on the danger of terrorism and using it as a pretext to maintain the status quo and to pursue the current practices that we suffer from every day.
There must be a chance given to us to build our civilian security and economic institutions.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): And the international community must sponsor this opportunity so that our authority and our government would fully fulfill their mandates.
I must emphasize that our determination to end occupation emanates from our vision that we would remove the most important reasons for terrorism in our region and worldwide without underestimating the need to fight terrorism under all circumstances and from any source. Because it is a comprehensive threat that threatens the future of every people and imperils human civilization, its gains and achievements, and brings dire consequences on all of us.
Here, I must applaud the tireless efforts undertaken by Mr. Tony Blair, who continues to work in order to build and enhance building Palestinian institutions and to complete great projects at the economic level in order to improve the living conditions and the terms of peace. And in that endeavor, he continues to submit very constructive ideas.
And I wish to pay tribute to the role of the European Union, Japan and our Arab brothers who made commitments to support these economic projects and building the future Palestinian state institutions.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to address the mind and conscience of every citizen in Israel from this rostrum.
I'm speaking on the basis for our recognition that, despite the importance of international and regional support for the success of the peace process, but the most determining factor for the making peace and stability and its sustainability at the end of the day is the public opinion in Palestine, Israel and their legitimate leaders.
I start by saying that, despite our disagreements on critical issues, but Prime Minister Ehud Olmert showed desire for peace that I have perceived during our bilateral discussions, and that genuinely contributed to reach this important step for which we are meeting today in order to launch.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Mr. Prime Minister, I wish that we, together, continue and closely work in order to achieve a historical mission that we have waited for too long.
Each one of us must pitch in our weight and experience and sense of resolve in order to overcome the obstacles that we will face and to close the gaps between our positions in a bid to achieve a solution that would end occupation and the long years of suffering of the refugees and ensure good neighbor relations, economic cooperation, humanitarian openness so that all of them would ensure guarantees for peace that are stronger than any documents, commitments or pledges, despite the importance of these all.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I say to the citizens of Israel, in this extraordinary day, you, our neighbors on this small land, neither us nor you are begging for peace from each other. It is a common interest for us and for you.
Peace and freedom is a right to us, in as much as peace and security is a right for you and for us.
Time has come for the cycle of blood, violence and occupation to come to an end. Time has come that both of us should look at the future with confidence and hope, and that this long-suffering land, which was called the land of love and peace, would not be worth of its own name.
Peace is not impossible to achieve if there was will and good faith and every party got its legitimate right.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Those who say that peace-making between us is impossible, actually does not need except to perpetuate this conflict toward the unknown, but it is, we all know, in other words, that continuation of bloodshed for many decades to come. After that, we would not reach the solution proposed today, all of which we know, all its components and elements. Or the ideal of peace would be killed in the hearts and minds.
Indeed, peace is possible but it requires our common efforts so that we could make it and preserve it.
And on this day we stretch our hands to you as equal partners in peace. The whole world is our witness and the world as a whole is supporting us.
Therefore, we should not lose this opportunity which might not be available once again. Let us make a peace with a brave (ph) and protect that peace in the interest of the future of our children and your children.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): To our friends across the globe, members of the international quartet, and all participants in this conference, powers and states outside this conference who have been and continue to lend support for us, I say to all of you that our people will never, ever forget your support for it under all circumstances and under our most difficult times.
We look forward that your political presence will continue to be with us after this conference, in order to support Palestinian-Israeli negotiations with a view to reach the desired results.
We all hope that the work of this conference would be supported by the success of the Paris economic conference to be held after a few weeks.
The continuation and success of negotiations would be the real key to change the face of the entire region.
Allah, the Lord, said in the Koran, "In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, all you who believe, enter into peace, all of you, don't follow the steps of Satan.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Satan is your obvious enemy."
The Lord also said, "If they move toward peace, then you should move to peace and have faith in the Lord, because God, the Lord, will listen and support that effort."
And on this occasion, may I record here, as we are here in the United States of America, the words of former United States President John F. Kennedy, who said, quote, "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate," end of quotation.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): To our Palestinian people, to all Palestinians in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and in refugee camps and the Diaspora, may I address these words?
I do recognize that each one of you has his or her personal pain, personal tragedy as a result of this conflict and as a result of the years of tragedy and occupation. These are very bitter years.
Don't be depressed, Don't lose confidence and hope, For the whole world today now is stretching its hand toward us in order to help us put an end to our tragedy, to our holocaust that has been running for too long, and to lift the historical injustice that our people suffer.
And we shall be ready as individuals and as a people to overcome pain and the tragedy when we reach a settlement that would ensure our rights, that would make us equal with all other peoples in the whole world: the right to independence and self-determination.
To the Palestinian mothers who are awaiting the return of their children from prisons, to the Palestinian children who are dreaming of a new life, a better future -- more prosperous, more safe future, to our brave prisoners -- my sisters, brothers, children -- wherever you are, have confidence in the future and tomorrow, because future Palestine is coming, because this is the promise of the whole world to you.
ABBAS (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Be confident that the dawn is coming.
To my people and relatives in the Gaza Strip, you are at the core of my heart. The hours of darkness will end in the face of your resolve and determination. For your insistence on the unity of our people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as one geographical political unit without any divergence, your suffering will end. Right and peace will prevail.
May I close by recalling some words of Abraham Lincoln in one of the darkest moments of American history? Quote, "Let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations," end of quotation.
We started with peace and I end on a note of peace and we hope that peace would prevail. Peace be upon all of you.
(APPLAUSE)
PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL EHUD OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): The honorable president of the United States, George Bush, my colleague, president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, heads of delegations, and distinguished guests, I came here today from Jerusalem, Mr. President, at your invitation, to extend, on behalf of the people of Israel and the state of Israel, to the Palestinian people and to our neighboring Arab states, to extend a hand in peace, a hand which marks the beginning of historic reconciliation between us and you, the Palestinians, and all of the Arab nations.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I had many good reasons not to come here to this meeting. Memory of failures in the near and distant past weighed heavy upon us. The dreadful terrorism perpetrated by Palestinian terrorist organizations has affected thousands of Israeli citizens, has destroyed families and has tried to disrupt the lives of the citizens of Israel.
I witnessed this when I served as mayor of Jerusalem in days of bombings at cafes, on buses, and in recreational centers in Jerusalem, as well as in other cities in the state of Israel.
The ongoing shooting of Qassam rockets against tens of thousands of residents in the south of Israel, particularly in the city of Sderot, serves as a warning sign, one which we cannot overlook.
The absence of governmental institutions and effective law enforcement mechanisms, the role of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing activity of murderous organizations throughout all the territories of the Palestinian Authority, the absence of a legal system that meets the basic criteria of democratic government, all of these are factors which deter us from moving forward too hastily.
OLMERT: (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I am not overlooking any of these obstacles which are liable to emerge along the way. I see them.
But I came here, despite the concerns and the doubts and the hesitations to say to you, President Mahmoud Abbas, and through you to your people, and to the entire Arab world, the time has come.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We no longer and you no longer have the privilege of adhering to dreams which are (inaudible) from the sufferings of our peoples, the hardships that they experience daily, and the burden of living under ongoing uncertainty, which offers no hope of change or of a better future. We want peace. We demand an end to terror, an end to incitement and to hatred.
We are prepared to make a painful compromise, rife with risks, in order to realize these aspirations.
I came here today not in order to settle historical accounts between us and you about what caused the confrontations and the hatred, and what for many years has prevented a compromise, a settlement of peace.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I acknowledge the fact I know that alongside the constant suffering that many in Israel have experienced, because of our history, because of the wars, the terrorism and the hatred toward us, a suffering that has always been part of our lives in our land, your people, too, have suffered for many years; and there are some who still suffer.
Many Palestinians have been living for decades in camps, disconnected from the environment in which they grew up, wallowing in poverty, in neglect, alienation, bitterness, and a deep, unrelenting sense of humiliation.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I know that this pain and this humiliation are the deepest foundations which fomented the ethos of hatred toward us. We are not indifferent to this suffering. We are not oblivious to the tragedies that you have experienced.
I believe that, in the course of negotiations between us, we will find the right way, as part of an international effort, in which we will participate, to assist these Palestinians in finding a proper framework for their future, in the Palestinian state that will be established in the territories agreed upon between us.
Israel will be part of an international mechanism that will assist in finding a solution to this problem.
The negotiations between us will not take place here in Annapolis but rather in our home and in your home. These negotiations will be bilateral, direct, ongoing, and continuous, in an effort to complete the process in the course of 2008.
The negotiations will address all of the issues which we have thus far avoided dealing with.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We will do this directly, openly and courageously. We will not avoid any subject. We will deal with all the core issues.
I am convinced that the reality that emerged in our region in 1967 will change significantly.
This will be an extremely difficult process for many of us, but it is nevertheless inevitable. I know this. Many of my people know this. We are prepared for it. In the course of the negotiations, we will use previous agreements as a point of departure. U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the road map, and the letter of President Bush to the prime minister of Israel dated April 14, 2004.
When the negotiations are concluded, I believe that we shall be able to arrive at an agreement that will fulfill the vision expressed by President Bush: two states for two peoples, a peace-seeking Palestinian state, a viable, strong, democratic and terror-free state for the Palestinian people; and the state of Israel, Jewish and democratic, living in security and free from the threat of terrorism, the national home of the Jewish people.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Clearly the implementation of the agreement will be subject to the implementation of all obligations in the road map with all of its phases and according to its complete sequence, as concluded between us from the very beginning.
We will abide by all of our obligations, and so will you.
The agreement with you and its gradual implementation, cautiously and responsibly, is part of a much wider whole which will lead us, I believe and hope, to peace, to a peace agreement with all of the Arab states.
There isn't a single Arab state in the north, in the east or in the south with which we do not seek peace. There isn't a single Muslim state with which we do not want to establish diplomatic relations.
Anyone who wants to make peace with us, we say to them, from the bottom of our hearts (SPEAKING IN ARABIC - Ahlan wa sahlan - "welcome.")
I am pleased to see here in this hall representatives of Arab countries. Most of them do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. The time has come for you as well.
We cannot continue to stand by indefinitely and to watch the -- watch you standing and watching from the sidelines, watching the peace train, as it were, going by. The time has come to end the boycott, the alienation and the obliviousness toward the state of Israel. It does not help you and it hurts us.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I am familiar with the Arab peace initiative, which was born in Riyadh, affirmed in Beirut and recently reaffirmed by you in Riyadh.
I value this initiative, I acknowledge its importance, and I highly appreciate its contribution. I have no doubt that we will continue to refer to it in the course of the negotiations between us and the Palestinian leadership.
The Arab world represented here by many countries is a vital component in creating a new reality in the Middle East. The peace signed between Israel and Egypt, and subsequently between Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a solid foundation of stability and hope in our region.
This peace is an example and a model of the relations that we can build with Arab states. My close relations with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan are extremely significant for the process of building trust and understanding with the Arab states.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): However, these relations, important though they may be, are not enough. We aspire for normalization with those Arab states which eschew as much as we do radical and fanatical fundamentalism and which seek to grant their citizens a more moderate, tolerant and prosperous world.
This is an interest that all of us share.
There is quite a lot that separates us. There are memories, there is a heritage, that do not emanate from the same historical roots. We have different ways of living, different customs. And the spontaneous emotional identification that you feel with our neighboring Arab countries, which have been trapped for a long time in this age-old, bloody conflict between us.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Nevertheless, there is also a great deal that we share. Like us, you know that religious fanaticism and national extremism are a perfect recipe for domestic instability, for violence, for bitterness and, ultimately, for the disintegration of the very foundations of coexistence based on tolerance and mutual acceptance.
We are a small country with a small population, but rich in good will and with a significant ability to create a partnership that will lead to prosperity, to growth, to economic development, and to stability for the entire region.
From here, from Annapolis, we can come forth with a message of a new political horizon, renewed hope, not only for the Palestinians and the Israelis but also, together with you, for the entire region.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Mr. President of the United States, my colleague Mahmoud Abbas, distinguished guests, almost two years ago, under very sad circumstances, the prime minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, was no longer able to carry the heavy responsibility of leading the state of Israel and this responsibility was passed on to me, first as a result of formal procedures and subsequently on the basis of an election in Israel's democratic system of government.
Prior to my election, I stated that my heart's desire and the desire of my people was to achieve a peace agreement, first and foremost with the Palestinian people.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): This is what I believed then, and this is what I continue to believe in now, with all my heart.
The past two years have been difficult for all of us.
The hardships have not been alleviated. The terrorist organizations have not been weakened. The enemies of peace have not disappeared. And we are still anxiously awaiting the return of our missing and captive sons who are being held by terrorist organizations.
I long for the day when I can see Gilad, Eldad and Udi back with their families. And I will continue relentlessly in my efforts to achieve their release.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I believe that there is no path other than the path of peace. I believe that there is no just solution other than the solution of two national states for two peoples. I believe that there is no path that does not involve painful compromise for you, the Palestinians, and for us, the Israelis.
I would like to thank you, President of United States George Bush, an ally in the path of peace, for your willingness, for the preparedness of your government, your administration, and for the assistance of the secretary of state, Ms. Rice, to assist us in the historical process of peace and reconciliation between us and our neighbors.
OLMERT (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I believe that the time has come. We are ready.
I invite you, my friend, Mahmoud Abbas, and your people to join us in this long and tormenting and complex path for which there is no substitute.
Together, we shall start. Together, we shall arrive.
Thank you very much.
(APPLAUSE)
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