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| Yossi Beilin and Yaser Abbed Rabbo in Geneva, Switzerland for the signing of the Initiative. |
The signing of
the Geneva Accords has made a huge impact in the Palestinian and Jewish
communities. It has reawakened hope in the various peace camps, hope
which has been dormant for over three years, as nearly 3,000
Palestinians and 900 Israelis have been killed. It has also been
greeted with vehement opposition.
Jewish Voice for
Peace presents this new section on our website. This is an
indispensable tool for understanding all the aspects --the opposition
and support, the hope and the skepticism -- of the Geneva Initiative.
We provide the full text of the Initiative, as well as our reaction to them.
You can examine a point by point list of our reservations about the Initiative, as well as a list of its strengths. We also want you to have a rounded perspective of the Initiative. To that end, we have provided you with links
to a wide array of articles. These articles range from strong support
to passionate opposition to the Initiative, from Palestinians, Israelis
and their supporters.
Why JVP is Promoting the Geneva Accords
The
Geneva Accords, signed on December 1, 2003, have caused quite a stir
on all sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. An initiative of
Israelis and Palestinians acting outside the auspices of their
government, the Accords attempt to resolve all of the major
issues of the conflict. Jewish Voice for Peace welcomes the
efforts of these negotiators, and hopes that the Accords can serve as a
basis for substantive negotiations. JVP supports any peace
initiative that will achieve peace, justice, security, self
determination, and the rule of law for all the peoples of the
Middle East. We also believe that the Accords fall short on some
key points. But the situation is so dire at this time that it is
crucial that a flawed document be improved, not rejected out of
hand.
Violence in Israel/Palestine has reached levels
unprecedented in the more than 36 years of Israeli occupation of
Palestinian land. In the last three years, nearly 3,000
Palestinians and 900 Israelis have been killed. The Palestinian
population lives with the constant and ubiquitous presence of the
Israeli military machine: their cities are under virtual siege,
they may not travel without official permission (which is often
denied at the whim of local Israeli commanders), they can't
access urgent medical attention, and their children are unable to
complete their school year.
The Israeli public lives in
constant fear of suicide bombings. People are afraid to go to
public markets or get on buses. Parents walk on opposite sides of
streets so their child will have one parent left if one gets
killed in a bombing attack. The ongoing intifada has also had a
major impact on the Israeli economy.
Conditions today
leave no room for hopes of peace, no possibility for
reconciliation, no path other than continued enmity and violence
between the peoples of Israel and Palestine. Under these
circumstances, these two peoples face mutual destruction.
JVP
is promoting public awareness of the Geneva Accords in order to
broaden popular support for increased U.S. governmental pressure
for substantive negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
Even-handed pressure from the U.S. government
is essential if
the parties are to take any steps forward. The Accords provide
the impetus for renewing talks. The problems they have, which in some
casesare quite serious, can and should be worked out.
We have
provided the published text of the Accord and related maps,
documents relating to the conflict, opinion both pro and con,
news articles about the Accord, and links to other websites which
provide related information.
JVP's Concerns about the Geneva Accords
Jewish
Voice for Peace views the Geneva Accords as a substantial step
forward, and sees it as a good basis for restarting a diplomatic
process that can lead to the cessation of hostilities between
Israel and Palestine and to a just peace that both parties can
live with in dignity and security. However, the Accords contain
flaws that echo problems with earlier attempts at a diplomatic
resolution and that should be addressed in further negotiations:
-
While providing for resettlement and compensation of refugees, the
Geneva Accords effectively bar Palestinian refugees from
returning to Israel. This will be a painful compromise for many
refugees. Israel must at least recognize its own role in creating
the refugee problem.
- Security measures to protect civilians are reminiscent of the Oslo Accords. These must be improved upon greatly.
-
Israeli and Palestinian women were invisible or absent in the
negotiations. This is most apparent in the meager mention of a
process for reconciliation between the two peoples. In future
negotiations, the parties should include women?s voices, building
on the great work done by the Jerusalem Link (a coalition made up
of the Israeli Bat Shalom and Palestinian Jerusalem Center for Women).
- Water resources are not yet allocated, which will effectively continue Israeli control.
-
Methods for reconstructing the Palestinian economy and civilian
infrastructure are vague. More emphasis should be given to
cooperative economic endeavors that would benefit both sides and
build a stable Palestinian economy.
- Israel must remove the so-called ?security Wall? from all areas beyond the new borders.
-
While acknowledging that the Accords call for international monitoring
and mediation, the United States must make an honest commitment
to act as a part of an international team and to behave with
equanimity toward and put pressure on both sides of the conflict.
Strengths of the Geneva Accords
Why is this agreement better than previous ones?
Despite
the reservations detailed here JVP believes the Geneva Accords
are a good beginning for further negotiations. We see the Accords
as a significant improvement over past agreements, for the
following reasons:
The Accords are a great improvement on the
Taba discussions, which themselves were a great improvement over
previous agreements.
- The Accords have drawn
strong support from the international community.
Unfortunately, the American and Israeli governments, once again, lag
behind the rest of the world.
- The Accords do not defer the difficult issues to a later time, but deal with them directly.
- The
ending of the Occupation will allow Israelis to see whether or
not Palestinian attacks will decrease. If they do
not, world opinion will change dramatically.
- The
Accords delineate specific Palestinian control over parts of
Jerusalem, and, most importantly,
Palestinian sovereignty over the Haram
al-Sharif/Temple Mount.
- The
Accords specifically guarantee Jewish access to all holy sites,
and international guarantees to protect that access.
- While
the Accords do stipulate a land swap, it is a true one-for-one,
albeit a swap in which the quality being
exchanged is unequal (see above). This is nonetheless
a significant improvement.
- The Accords give Israel defensible, clear borders for the first time in its history.
- The
Accords provide a mechanism for resettlement and compensation for
Palestinian refugees. While insufficient,
this is still a dramatic step forward from previous
agreements.
- Israel is not responsible for defense of
Palestinian borders and, despite being allowed some
access for exercises, Israel acknowledges Palestinian
airspace as "sovereign".
- Both states would recognize each other as the homelands of their respective peoples.
- Mechanisms for security cooperation are put in place.
- Some measures for economic relief for Palestine are envisioned.
- The document, in and of itself, proves there are partners for peace on both sides.
- The
Accords envision a complete Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian
areas and a strong resolve to end all
violence against civilians.
Articles About the Geneva Accords
Following
are links to articles offering
various
different views and analyses of the Geneva Accords. Through
these articles,
you will be able to explore the depth and breadth of
support for and
opposition to the Accords. JVP does not endorse any
materials in any
of the articles.
JVP Newsletter Editorial by Mitchell Plitnick
An Accord To Remember by Yossi Beilin and Yaser Abed Rabbo
The False Hope of the Geneva Accord by Ali Abunimah
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Accord by Rabbi Michael Lerner
Geneva: Setting the Wolves Loose on the Sheep Israel National News
The Geneva Storm Hits Washington by James Zogby
Israelis and Palestinians
Attempt to Jumpstart the Peace Process Despite Washington's
Support for
Sharon by Stephen Zunes
The Geneva Accord: A Critical Assessment by Marwan Bishara
Fateh Statement on the Geneva Accord
Temple Mount Is More Important Than Peace by Natan Sharansky
They Are Afraid of Peace by Amram Mitzna
Geneva Is A Blueprint for War Not Peace by Jeff Jacoby
Palestinians Need To Compromise by Ray Hanania
The Israeli Text and Context of the Geneva Accord by Shiko Behar and Michael Warschawski
We Have Done the Gruntwork of Peace by Amos Oz
Middle East Accord Offers "Best" Chance for Peace by Jimmy Carter
The Reality of the Geneva Accord by various activists
Text of The Geneva Accord
The
following is the text of the Geneva Accord, obtained exclusively by
Haaretz. The text includes two maps, and has references to annexes that
have not yet been published.
Table of Contents
Preamble
Article 1- Purpose of the Permanent Status Agreement
Article 2- Relations Between the Parties
Article 3- Implementation and Verification Group
Article 4 - Territory
Article 5 - Security
Article 6 - Jerusalem
Article 7 - Refugees
Article 8 - Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation Committee (IPCC)
Article 9 - Designated Road Use Arrangements
Article 10 - Sites of Religious Significance
Article 11 - Border Regime
Article 12 - Water : still to be completed
Article 13 - Economic Relations : still to be completed
Article 14 - Legal Cooperation : still to be completed
Article 15 - Palestinian Prisoners and Detainees
Article 16 - Dispute Settlement Mechanism
Article 17 - Final Clauses
Territorial Exchange
Division of Old City of Jerusalem
Draft Permanent Status Agreement
Preamble
The
State of Israel (hereinafter "Israel") and the Palestine Liberation
Organization (hereinafter "PLO"), the representative of the Palestinian
people (hereinafter the "Parties") :
Reaffirming their
determination to put an end to decades of confrontation and conflict,
and to live in peaceful coexistence, mutual dignity and security based
on a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace and achieving historic
reconciliation ;
Recognizing that peace requires the transition
from the logic of war and confrontation to the logic of peace and
cooperation, and that acts and words characteristic of the state of war
are neither appropriate nor acceptable in the era of peace ;
Affirming
their deep belief that the logic of peace requires compromise, and that
the only viable solution is a two-state solution based on UNSC
Resolution 242 and 338 ;
Affirming that this agreement marks
the recognition of the right of the Jewish people to statehood and the
recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to statehood,
without prejudice to the equal rights of the Parties? respective
citizens ;
Recognizing that after years of living in mutual
fear and insecurity, both peoples need to enter an era of peace,
security and stability, entailing all necessary actions by the parties
to guarantee the realization of this era ;
Recognizing each
other?s right to peaceful and secure existence within secure and
recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force ;
Determined
to establish relations based on cooperation and the commitment to live
side by side as good neighbors aiming both separately and jointly to
contribute to the well-being of their peoples ;
Reaffirming
their obligation to conduct themselves in conformity with the norms of
international law and the Charter of the United Nations ;
Confirming
that this Agreement is concluded within the framework of the Middle
East peace process initiated in Madrid in October 1991, the Declaration
of Principles of September 13, 1993, the subsequent agreements
including the Interim Agreement of September 1995, the Wye River
Memorandum of October 1998 and the Sharm El-Sheikh Memorandum of
September 4, 1999, and the permanent status negotiations including the
Camp David Summit of July 2000, the Clinton Ideas of December 2000, and
the Taba Negotiations of January 2001 ;
Reiterating their
commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and
1397 and confirming their understanding that this Agreement is based
on, will lead to, and - by its fulfillment - will constitute the full
implementation of these resolutions and to the settlement of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict in all its aspects ;
Declaring
that this Agreement constitutes the realization of the permanent status
peace component envisaged in President Bush?s speech of June 24, 2002
and in the Quartet Roadmap process ;
Declaring that this
Agreement marks the historic reconciliation between the Palestinians
and Israelis, and paves the way to reconciliation between the Arab
World and Israel and the establishment of normal, peaceful relations
between the Arab states and Israel in accordance with the relevant
clauses of the Beirut Arab League Resolution of March 28, 2002 ; and
Resolved
to pursue the goal of attaining a comprehensive regional peace, thus
contributing to stability, security, development and prosperity
throughout the region ;
Have agreed on the following :
Article 1 - Purpose of the Permanent Status Agreement
1.
The Permanent Status Agreement (hereinafter "this Agreement") ends the
era of conflict and ushers in a new era based on peace, cooperation,
and good neighborly relations between the Parties.
2. The
implementation of this Agreement will settle all the claims of the
Parties arising from events occurring prior to its signature. No
further claims related to events prior to this Agreement may be raised
by either Party.
Article 2 - Relations between the Parties
1.
The state of Israel shall recognize the state of Palestine (hereinafter
"Palestine") upon its establishment. The state of Palestine shall
immediately recognize the state of Israel.
2. The state of Palestine shall be the successor to the PLO with all its rights and obligations.
3.
Israel and Palestine shall immediately establish full diplomatic and
consular relations with each other and will exchange resident
Ambassadors, within one month of their mutual recognition.
4.
The Parties recognize Palestine and Israel as the homelands of their
respective peoples. The Parties are committed not to interfere in each
other?s internal affairs.
5. This Agreement supercedes all prior agreements between the Parties.
6.
Without prejudice to the commitments undertaken by them in this
Agreement, relations between Israel and Palestine shall be based upon
the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
7. With a
view to the advancement of the relations between the two States and
peoples, Palestine and Israel shall cooperate in areas of common
interest. These shall include, but are not limited to, dialogue between
their legislatures and state institutions, cooperation between their
appropriate local authorities, promotion of non-governmental civil
society cooperation, and joint programs and exchange in the areas of
culture, media, youth, science, education, environment, health,
agriculture, tourism, and crime prevention. The Israeli-Palestinian
Cooperation Committee will oversee this cooperation in accordance with
Article 8.
8. The Parties shall cooperate in areas of joint
economic interest, to best realize the human potential of their
respective peoples. In this regard, they will work bilaterally,
regionally, and with the international community to maximize the
benefit of peace to the broadest cross-section of their respective
populations. Relevant standing bodies shall be established by the
Parties to this effect.
9. The Parties shall establish robust
modalities for security cooperation, and engage in a comprehensive and
uninterrupted effort to end terrorism and violence directed against
each others persons, property, institutions or territory. This effort
shall continue at all times, and shall be insulated from any possible
crises and other aspects of the Parties? relations.
10. Israel
and Palestine shall work together and separately with other parties in
the region to enhance and promote regional cooperation and coordination
in spheres of common interest.
11. The Parties shall establish
a ministerial-level Palestinian-Israeli High Steering Committee to
guide, monitor, and facilitate the process of implementation of this
Agreement, both bilaterally and in accordance with the mechanisms in
Article 3 hereunder.
Article 3 : Implementation and Verification Group
1. Establishment and Composition
(a)
An Implementation and Verification Group (IVG) shall hereby be
established to facilitate, assist in, guarantee, monitor, and resolve
disputes relating to the implementation of this Agreement.
(b)
The IVG shall include the U.S., the Russian Federation, the EU, the UN,
and other parties, both regional and international, to be agreed on by
the Parties.
(c) The IVG shall work in coordination with the
Palestinian-Israeli High Steering Committee established in Article 2/11
above and subsequent to that with the Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation
Committee (IPCC) established in Article 8 hereunder.
(d) The structure, procedures, and modalities of the IVG are set forth below and detailed in Annex X.
2. Structure
(a)
A senior political-level contact group (Contact Group), composed of all
the IVG members, shall be the highest authority in the IVG.
(b)
The Contact Group shall appoint, in consultation with the Parties, a
Special Representative who will be the principal executive of the IVG
on the ground. The Special Representative shall manage the work of the
IVG and maintain constant contact with the Parties, the
Palestinian-Israeli High Steering Committee, and the Contact Group.
(c) The IVG permanent headquarters and secretariat shall be based in an agreed upon location in Jerusalem.
(d)
The IVG shall establish its bodies referred to in this Agreement and
additional bodies as it deems necessary. These bodies shall be an
integral part of and under the authority of the IVG.
(e) The
Multinational Force (MF) established under Article 5 shall be an
integral part of the IVG. The Special Representative shall, subject to
the approval of the Parties, appoint the Commander of the MF who shall
be responsible for the daily command of the MF. Details relating to the
Special Representative and MF Force Commander are set forth in Annex X.
(f) The IVG shall establish a dispute settlement mechanism, in accordance with Article 16.
3. Coordination with the Parties
A
Trilateral Committee composed of the Special Representative and the
Palestinian-Israeli High Steering Committee shall be established and
shall meet on at least a monthly basis to review the implementation of
this Agreement. The Trilateral Committee will convene within 48 hours
upon the request of any of the three parties represented.
4. Functions
In addition to the functions specified elsewhere in this Agreement, the IVG shall :
(a) Take appropriate measures based on the reports it receives from the MF,
(b) Assist the Parties in implementing the Agreement and preempt and promptly mediate disputes on the ground.
5. Termination
In
accordance with the progress in the implementation of this Agreement,
and with the fulfillment of the specific mandated functions, the IVG
shall terminate its activities in the said spheres. The IVG shall
continue to exist unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.
Article 4 - Territory
1. The International Borders between the States of Palestine and Israel
(a)
In accordance with UNSC Resolution 242 and 338, the border between the
states of Palestine and Israel shall be based on the June 4th 1967
lines with reciprocal modifications on a 1:1 basis as set forth in
attached Map 1.
(b) The Parties recognize the border, as set
out in attached Map 1, as the permanent, secure and recognized
international boundary between them.
2. Sovereignty and Inviolability
(a)
The Parties recognize and respect each other?s sovereignty, territorial
integrity, and political independence, as well as the inviolability of
each others territory, including territorial waters, and airspace. They
shall respect this inviolability in accordance with this Agreement, the
UN Charter, and other rules of international law.
(b) The Parties recognize each other?s rights in their exclusive economic zones in accordance with international law.
3. Israeli Withdrawal
(a) Israel shall withdraw in accordance with Article 5.
(b) Palestine shall assume responsibility for the areas from which Israel withdraws.
(c) The transfer of authority from Israel to Palestine shall be in accordance with Annex X.
(d) The IVG shall monitor, verify, and facilitate the implementation of this Article.
4. Demarcation
(a)
A Joint Technical Border Commission (Commission) composed of the two
Parties shall be established to conduct the technical demarcation of
the border in accordance with this Article. The procedures governing
the work of this Commission are set forth in Annex X.
(b) Any disagreement in the Commission shall be referred to the IVG in accordance with Annex X.
(c)
The physical demarcation of the international borders shall be
completed by the Commission not later than nine months from the date of
the entry into force of this Agreement.
5. Settlements
(a)
The state of Israel shall be responsible for resettling the Israelis
residing in Palestinian sovereign territory outside this territory.
(b) The resettlement shall be completed according to the schedule stipulated in Article 5.
(c)
Existing arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip regarding Israeli
settlers and settlements, including security, shall remain in force in
each of the settlements until the date prescribed in the timetable for
the completion of the evacuation of the relevant settlement.
(d)
Modalities for the assumption of authority over settlements by
Palestine are set forth in Annex X. The IVG shall resolve any disputes
that may arise during its implementation.
(e) Israel shall keep
intact the immovable property, infrastructure and facilities in Israeli
settlements to be transferred to Palestinian sovereignty. An agreed
inventory shall be drawn up by the Parties with the IVG in advance of
the completion of the evacuation and in accordance with Annex X.
(f)
The state of Palestine shall have exclusive title to all land and any
buildings, facilities, infrastructure or other property remaining in
any of the settlements on the date prescribed in the timetable for the
completion of the evacuation of this settlement.
6. Corridor
(a) The states of Palestine and Israel shall establish a corridor linking the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This corridor shall :
i. Be under Israeli sovereignty.
ii. Be permanently open.
iii.
Be under Palestinian administration in accordance with Annex X of this
Agreement. Palestinian law shall apply to persons using and procedures
appertaining to the corridor.
iv. Not disrupt Israeli
transportation and other infrastructural networks, or endanger the
environment, public safety or public health. Where necessary,
engineering solutions will be sought to avoid such disruptions.
v.
Allow for the establishment of the necessary infrastructural facilities
linking the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Infrastructural facilities
shall be understood to include, inter alia, pipelines, electrical and
communications cables, and associated equipment as detailed in Annex X.
vi. Not be used in contravention of this Agreement.
(b)
Defensive barriers shall be established along the corridor and
Palestinians shall not enter Israel from this corridor, nor shall
Israelis enter Palestine from the corridor.
(c) The Parties shall seek the assistance of the international community in securing the financing for the corridor.
(d) The IVG shall guarantee the implementation of this Article in accordance with Annex X.
(e)
Any disputes arising between the Parties from the operation of the
corridor shall be resolved in accordance with Article 16.
(f) The arrangements set forth in this clause may only be terminated or revised by agreement of both Parties.
Article 5 - Security
1. General Security Provisions
(a)
The Parties acknowledge that mutual understanding and co-operation in
security-related matters will form a significant part of their
bilateral relations and will further enhance regional security.
Palestine and Israel shall base their security relations on
cooperation, mutual trust, good neighborly relations, and the
protection of their joint interests.
(b) Palestine and Israel each shall :
i.
Recognize and respect the other?s right to live in peace within secure
and recognized boundaries free from the threat or acts of war,
terrorism and violence ;
ii. refrain from the threat or use of
force against the territorial integrity or political independence of
the other and shall settle all disputes between them by peaceful means
;
iii. refrain from joining, assisting, promoting or
co-operating with any coalition, organization or alliance of a military
or security character, the objectives or activities of which include
launching aggression or other acts of hostility against the other ;
iv.
refrain from organizing, encouraging, or allowing the formation of
irregular forces or armed bands, including mercenaries and militias
within their respective territory and prevent their establishment. In
this respect, any existing irregular forces or armed bands shall be
disbanded and prevented from reforming at any future date ;
v.
refrain from organizing, assisting, allowing, or participating in acts
of violence in or against the other or acquiescing in activities
directed toward the commission of such acts.
(c) To further
security cooperation, the Parties shall establish a high level Joint
Security Committee that shall meet on at least a monthly basis. The
Joint Security Committee shall have a permanent joint office, and may
establish such sub-committees as it deems necessary, including
sub-committees to immediately resolve localized tensions.
2. Regional Security
i.
Israel and Palestine shall work together with their neighbors and the
international community to build a secure and stable Middle East, free
from weapons of mass destruction, both conventional and
non-conventional, in the context of a comprehensive, lasting, and
stable peace, characterized by reconciliation, goodwill, and the
renunciation of the use of force.
ii. To this end, the Parties shall work together to establish a regional security regime.
3. Defense Characteristics of the Palestinian State
(a) No armed forces, other than as specified in this Agreement, will be deployed or stationed in Palestine.
(b)
Palestine shall be a non-militarized state, with a strong security
force. Accordingly, the limitations on the weapons that may be
purchased, owned, or used by the Palestinian Security Force (PSF) or
manufactured in Palestine shall be specified in Annex X. Any proposed
changes to Annex X shall be considered by a trilateral committee
composed of the two Parties and the MF. If no agreement is reached in
the trilateral committee, the IVG may make its own recommendations.
i.
No individuals or organizations in Palestine other than the PSF and the
organs of the IVG, including the MF, may purchase, possess, carry or
use weapons except as provided by law.
(c) The PSF shall :
i. Maintain border control ;
ii. Maintain law-and-order and perform police functions ;
iii. Perform intelligence and security functions ;
iv. Prevent terrorism ;
v. Conduct rescue and emergency missions ; and
vi. Supplement essential community services when necessary.
(d) The MF shall monitor and verify compliance with this clause.
4. Terrorism
(a)
The Parties reject and condemn terrorism and violence in all its forms
and shall pursue public policies accordingly. In addition, the parties
shall refrain from actions and policies that are liable to nurture
extremism and create conditions conducive to terrorism on either side.
(b)
The Parties shall take joint and, in their respective territories,
unilateral comprehensive and continuous efforts against all aspects of
violence and terrorism. These efforts shall include the prevention and
preemption of such acts, and the prosecution of their perpetrators.
(c)
To that end, the Parties shall maintain ongoing consultation,
cooperation, and exchange of information between their respective
security forces.
(d) A Trilateral Security Committee composed
of the two Parties and the United States shall be formed to ensure the
implementation of this Article. The Trilateral Security Committee shall
develop comprehensive policies and guidelines to fight terrorism and
violence.
5. Incitement
(a) Without prejudice to freedom
of expression and other internationally recognized human rights, Israel
and Palestine shall promulgate laws to prevent incitement to
irredentism, racism, terrorism and violence and vigorously enforce
them.
(b) The IVG shall assist the Parties in establishing
guidelines for the implementation of this clause, and shall monitor the
Parties? adherence thereto.
6. Multinational Force
(a) A
Multinational Force (MF) shall be established to provide security
guarantees to the Parties, act as a deterrent, and oversee the
implementation of the relevant provisions of this Agreement.
(b) The composition, structure and size of the MF are set forth in Annex X.
(c)
To perform the functions specified in this Agreement, the MF shall be
deployed in the state of Palestine. The MF shall enter into the
appropriate Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the state of
Palestine.
(d) In accordance with this Agreement, and as detailed in Annex X, the MF shall :
i.
In light of the non-militarized nature of the Palestinian state,
protect the territorial integrity of the state of Palestine.
ii. Serve as a deterrent against external attacks that could threaten either of the Parties.
iii.
Deploy observers to areas adjacent to the lines of the Israeli
withdrawal during the phases of this withdrawal, in accordance with
Annex X.
iv. Deploy observers to monitor the territorial and maritime borders of the state of Palestine, as specified in clause 5/13.
v. Perform the functions on the Palestinian international border crossings specified in clause 5/12.
vi. Perform the functions relating to the early warning stations as specified in clause 5/8.
vii. Perform the functions specified in clause 5/3.
viii. Perform the functions specified in clause 5/7.
ix. Perform the functions specified in Article 10.
x. Help in the enforcement of anti-terrorism measures.
xi. Help in the training of the PSF.
(e) In relation to the above, the MF shall report to and update the IVG in accordance with Annex X.
(f) The MF shall only be withdrawn or have its mandate changed by agreement of the Parties.
7. Evacuation
(a)
Israel shall withdraw all its military and security personnel and
equipment, including landmines, and all persons employed to support
them, and all military installations from the territory of the state of
Palestine, except as otherwise agreed in Annex X, in stages.
(b)
The staged withdrawals shall commence immediately upon entry into force
of this Agreement and shall be made in accordance with the timetable
and modalities set forth in Annex X.
(c) The stages shall be designed subject to the following principles :
i. The need to create immediate clear contiguity and facilitate the early implementation of Palestinian development plans.
ii.
Israel?s capacity to relocate, house and absorb settlers. While costs
and inconveniences are inherent in such a process, these shall not be
unduly disruptive.
iii. The need to construct and operationalize the border between the two states.
iv. The introduction and effective functioning of the MF, in particular on the eastern border of the state of Palestine.
(d) Accordingly, the withdrawal shall be implemented in the following stages :
i.
The first stage shall include the areas of the state of Palestine, as
defined in Map X, and shall be completed within 9 months.
ii.
The second and third stages shall include the remainder of the
territory of the state of Palestine and shall be completed within 21
months of the end of the first stage.
(e) Israel shall complete
its withdrawal from the territory of the state of Palestine within 30
months of the entry into force of this Agreement, and in accordance
with this Agreement.
(f) Israel will maintain a small military
presence in the Jordan Valley under the authority of the MF and subject
to the MF SOFA as detailed in Annex X for an additional 36 months. The
stipulated period may be reviewed by the Parties in the event of
relevant regional developments, and may be altered by the Parties?
consent.
(g) In accordance with Annex X, the MF shall monitor and verify compliance with this clause.
8. Early Warning Stations
(a) Israel may maintain two EWS in the northern, and central West Bank at the locations set forth in Annex X.
(b)
The EWS shall be staffed by the minimal required number of Israeli
personnel and shall occupy the minimal amount of land necessary for
their operation as set forth in Annex X.
(c) Access to the EWS will be guaranteed and escorted by the MF.
(d)
Internal security of the EWS shall be the responsibility of Israel. The
perimeter security of the EWS shall be the responsibility of the MF.
(e)
The MF and the PSF shall maintain a liaison presence in the EWS. The MF
shall monitor and verify that the EWS is being used for purposes
recognized by this Agreement as detailed in Annex X.
(f) The
arrangements set forth in this Article shall be subject to review in
ten years, with any changes to be mutually agreed. Thereafter, there
will be five-yearly reviews whereby the arrangements set forth in this
Article may be extended by mutual consent.
(g) If at any point
during the period specified above a regional security regime is
established, then the IVG may request that the Parties review whether
to continue or revise operational uses for the EWS in light of these
developments. Any such change will require the mutual consent of the
Parties.
9. Airspace
(a) Civil Aviation
i. The
Parties recognize as applicable to each other the rights, privileges
and obligations provided for by the multilateral aviation agreements to
which they are both party, particularly by the 1944 Convention on
International Civil Aviation (The Chicago Convention) and the 1944
International Air Services Transit Agreement.
ii. In addition,
the Parties shall, upon entry into force of this Agreement, establish a
trilateral committee composed of the two Parties and the IVG to design
the most efficient management system for civil aviation, including
those relevant aspects of the air traffic control system. In the
absence of consensus the IVG may make its own recommendations.
(b) Training
i.
The Israeli Air Force shall be entitled to use the Palestinian
sovereign airspace for training purposes in accordance with Annex X,
which shall be based on rules pertaining to IAF use of Israeli
airspace.
ii. The IVG shall monitor and verify compliance with
this clause. Either Party may submit a complaint to the IVG whose
decision shall be conclusive.
iii. The arrangements set forth
in this clause shall be subject to review every ten years, and may be
altered or terminated by the agreement of both Parties.
10. Electromagnetic Sphere
(a) Neither Party?s use of the electromagnetic sphere may interfere with the other Party?s use.
(b) Annex X shall detail arrangements relating to the use of the electromagnetic sphere.
(c) The IVG shall monitor and verify the implementation of this clause and Annex X.
(d) Any Party may submit a complaint to the IVG whose decision shall be conclusive.
11. Law Enforcement
The
Israeli and Palestinian law enforcement agencies shall cooperate in
combating illicit drug trafficking, illegal trafficking in
archaeological artifacts and objects of arts, cross-border crime,
including theft and fraud, organized crime, trafficking in women and
minors, counterfeiting, pirate TV and radio stations, and other illegal
activity.
12. International Border Crossings
(a) The
following arrangements shall apply to borders crossing between the
state of Palestine and Jordan, the state of Palestine and Egypt, as
well as airport and seaport entry points to the state of Palestine.
(b)
All border crossings shall be monitored by joint teams composed of
members of the PSF and the MF. These teams shall prevent the entry into
Palestine of any weapons, materials or equipment that are in
contravention of the provisions of this Agreement.
(c) The MF
representatives and the PSF will have, jointly and separately, the
authority to block the entry into Palestine of any such items. If at
any time a disagreement regarding the entrance of goods or materials
arises between the PSF and the MF representatives, the PSF may bring
the matter to the IVG, whose binding conclusions shall be rendered
within 24 hours.
(d) This arrangement shall be reviewed by the
IVG after 5 years to determine its continuation, modification or
termination. Thereafter, the Palestinian party may request such a
review on an annual basis.
(e) In passenger terminals, for
thirty months, Israel may maintain an unseen presence in a designated
on-site facility, to be staffed by members of the MF and Israelis,
utilizing appropriate technology. The Israeli side may request that the
MF-PSF conduct further inspections and take appropriate action.
(f)
For the following two years, these arrangements will continue in a
specially designated facility in Israel, utilizing appropriate
technology. This shall not cause delays beyond the procedures outlined
in this clause.
(g) In cargo terminals, for thirty months,
Israel may maintain an unseen presence in a designated on-site
facility, to be staffed by members of the MF and Israelis, utilizing
appropriate technology. The Israeli side may request that the MF-PSF
conduct further inspections and take appropriate action. If the Israeli
side is not satisfied by the MF-PSF action, it may demand that the
cargo be detained pending a decision by an MF inspector. The MF
inspector?s decision shall be binding and final, and shall be rendered
within 12 hours of the Israeli complaint.
(h) For the following
three years, these arrangements will continue from a specially
designated facility in Israel, utilizing appropriate technology. This
shall not cause delays beyond the timelines outlined in this clause.
(i)
A high level trilateral committee composed of representatives of
Palestine, Israel, and the IVG shall meet regularly to monitor the
application of these procedures and correct any irregularities, and may
be convened on request.
(j) The details of the above are set forth in Annex X.
13. Border Control
(a) The PSF shall maintain border control as detailed in Annex X.
(b) The MF shall monitor and verify the maintenance of border control by the PSF.
Article 6 - Jerusalem
1. Religious and Cultural Significance :
(a)
The Parties recognize the universal historic, religious, spiritual, and
cultural significance of Jerusalem and its holiness enshrined in
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In recognition of this status, the
Parties reaffirm their commitment to safeguard the character, holiness,
and freedom of worship in the city and to respect the existing division
of administrative functions and traditional practices between different
denominations.
(b) The Parties shall establish an inter-faith
body consisting of representatives of the three monotheistic faiths, to
act as a consultative body to the Parties on matters related to the
city?s religious significance and to promote inter-religious
understanding and dialogue. The composition, procedures, and modalities
for this body are set forth in Annex X.
2. Capital of Two States
The Parties shall have their mutually recognized capitals in the areas of Jerusalem under their respective sovereignty.
3. Sovereignty
Sovereignty
in Jerusalem shall be in accordance with attached Map 2. This shall not
prejudice nor be prejudiced by the arrangements set forth below.
4. Border Regime
The
border regime shall be designed according to the provisions of Article
11, and taking into account the specific needs of Jerusalem (e.g.,
movement of tourists and intensity of border crossing use including
provisions for Jerusalemites) and the provisions of this Article.
5. al-Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount (Compound)
(a) International Group
i.
An International Group, composed of the IVG and other parties to be
agreed upon by the Parties, including members of the Organization of
the Islamic Conference (OIC), shall hereby be established to monitor,
verify, and assist in the implementation of this clause.
ii.
For this purpose, the International Group shall establish a
Multinational Presence on the Compound, the composition, structure,
mandate and functions of which are set forth in Annex X.
iii.
The Multinational Presence shall have specialized detachments dealing
with security and conservation. The Multinational Presence shall make
periodic conservation and security reports to the International Group.
These reports shall be made public.
iv. The Multinational
Presence shall strive to immediately resolve any problems arising and
may refer any unresolved disputes to the International Group that will
function in accordance with Article 16.
v. The Parties may at
any time request clarifications or submit complaints to the
International Group which shall be promptly investigated and acted
upon.
vi. The International Group shall draw up rules and
regulations to maintain security on and conservation of the Compound.
These shall include lists of the weapons and equipment permitted on the
site.
(b) Regulations Regarding the Compound
i. In view
of the sanctity of the Compound, and in light of the unique religious
and cultural significance of the site to the Jewish people, there shall
be no digging, excavation, or construction on the Compound, unless
approved by the two Parties. Procedures for regular maintenance and
emergency repairs on the Compound shall be established by the IG after
consultation with the Parties.
ii. The state of Palestine shall
be responsible for maintaining the security of the Compound and for
ensuring that it will not be used for any hostile acts against Israelis
or Israeli areas. The only arms permitted on the Compound shall be
those carried by the Palestinian security personnel and the security
detachment of the Multinational Presence.
iii. In light of the
universal significance of the Compound, and subject to security
considerations and to the need not to disrupt religious worship or
decorum on the site as determined by the Waqf, visitors shall be
allowed access to the site. This shall be without any discrimination
and generally be in accordance with past practice.
(c) Transfer of Authority
i.
At the end of the withdrawal period stipulated in Article 5/7, the
state of Palestine shall assert sovereignty over the Compound.
ii.
The International Group and its subsidiary organs shall continue to
exist and fulfill all the functions stipulated in this Article unless
otherwise agreed by the two Parties.
6. The Wailing Wall
The Wailing Wall shall be under Israeli sovereignty.
7. The Old City
(a) Significance of the Old City
i.
The Parties view the Old City as one whole enjoying a unique character.
The Parties agree that the preservation of this unique character
together with safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the inhabitants
should guide the administration of the Old City.
ii. The
Parties shall act in accordance with the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
List regulations, in which the Old City is a registered site.
(b)IVG Role in the Old City
i. Cultural Heritage
1.
The IVG shall monitor and verify the preservation of cultural heritage
in the Old City in accordance with the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
List rules. For this purpose, the IVG shall have free and unimpeded
access to sites, documents, and information related to the performance
of this function.
2. The IVG shall work in close coordination
with the Old City Committee of the Jerusalem Coordination and
Development Committee (JCDC), including in devising a restoration and
preservation plan for the Old City.
ii. Policing
1. The
IVG shall establish an Old City Policing Unit (PU) to liaise with,
coordinate between, and assist the Palestinian and Israeli police
forces in the Old City, to defuse localized tensions and help resolve
disputes, and to perform policing duties in locations specified in and
according to operational procedures detailed in Annex X.
2. The PU shall periodically report to the IVG.
iii.
Either Party may submit complaints in relation to this clause to the
IVG, which shall promptly act upon them in accordance with Article 16.
(c) Free Movement within the Old City
Movement
within the Old City shall be free and unimpeded subject to the
provisions of this article and rules and regulations pertaining to the
various holy sites.
(d) Entry into and Exit from the Old City
i.
Entry and exit points into and from the Old City will be staffed by the
authorities of the state under whose sovereignty the point falls, with
the presence of PU members, unless otherwise specified.
ii.
With a view to facilitating movement into the Old City, each Party
shall take such measures at the entry points in its territory as to
ensure the preservation of security in the Old City. The PU shall
monitor the operation of the entry points.
iii. Citizens of
either Party may not exit the Old City into the territory of the other
Party unless they are in possession of the relevant documentation that
entitles them to. Tourists may only exit the Old City into the
territory of the Party which they posses valid authorization to enter.
(e) Suspension, Termination, and Expansion
i.
Either Party may suspend the arrangements set forth in Article 6.7.iii
in cases of emergency for one week. The extension of such suspension
for longer than a week shall be pursuant to consultation with the other
Party and the IVG at the Trilateral Committee established in Article
3/3.
ii. This clause shall not apply to the arrangements set forth in Article 6/7/vi.
iii.
Three years after the transfer of authority over the Old City, the
Parties shall review these arrangements. These arrangements may only be
terminated by agreement of the Parties.
iv. The Parties shall
examine the possibility of expanding these arrangements beyond the Old
City and may agree to such an expansion.
(f) Special Arrangements
i.
Along the way outlined in Map X (from the Jaffa Gate to the Zion Gate)
there will be permanent and guaranteed arrangements for Israelis
regarding access, freedom of movement, and security, as set forth in
Annex X.
1. The IVG shall be responsible for the implementation of these arrangements.
ii. Without prejudice to Palestinian sovereignty, Israeli administration of the Citadel will be as outlined in Annex X.
(g) Color-Coding of the Old City
A visible color-coding scheme shall be used in the Old City to denote the sovereign areas of the respective Parties.
(h) Policing
i.
An agreed number of Israeli police shall constitute the Israeli Old
City police detachment and shall exercise responsibility for
maintaining order and day-to-day policing functions in the area under
Israeli sovereignty.
ii. An agreed number of Palestinian police
shall constitute the Palestinian Old City police detachment and shall
exercise responsibility for maintaining order and day-to-day policing
functions in the area under Palestinian sovereignty.
iii. All
members of the respective Israeli and Palestinian Old City police
detachments shall undergo special training, including joint training
exercises, to be administered by the PU.
iv. A special Joint
Situation Room, under the direction of the PU and incorporating members
of the Israeli and Palestinian Old City police detachments, shall
facilitate liaison on all relevant matters of policing and security in
the Old City.
(i) Arms
No person shall be allowed to
carry or possess arms in the Old City, with the exception of the Police
Forces provided for in this agreement. In addition, each Party may
grant special written permission to carry or possess arms in areas
under its sovereignty.
(j) Intelligence and Security
i.
The Parties shall establish intensive intelligence cooperation
regarding the Old City, including the immediate sharing of threat
information.
ii. A trilateral committee composed of the two
Parties and representatives of the United States shall be established
to facilitate this cooperation.
8. Mount of Olives Cemetery
(a)
The area outlined in Map X (the Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Olives)
shall be under Israeli administration ; Israeli law shall apply to
persons using and procedures appertaining to this area in accordance
with Annex X.
i. There shall be a designated road to provide free, unlimited, and unimpeded access to the Cemetery.
ii. The IVG shall monitor the implementation of this clause.
iii. This arrangement may only be terminated by the agreement of both Parties.
9. Special Cemetery Arrangements
Arrangements
shall be established in the two cemeteries designated in Map X (Mount
Zion Cemetery and the German Colony Cemetery), to facilitate and ensure
the continuation of the current burial and visitation practices,
including the facilitation of access.
10. The Western Wall Tunnel
(a) The Western Wall Tunnel designated in Map X shall be under Israeli administration, including :
i. Unrestricted Israeli access and right to worship and conduct religious practices.
ii.
Responsibility for the preservation and maintenance of the site in
accordance with this Agreement and without damaging structures above,
under IVG supervision.
iii. Israeli policing.
iv. IVG monitoring
v.
The Northern Exit of the Tunnel shall only be used for exit and may
only be closed in case of emergency as stipulated in Article 6/7.
(b) This arrangement may only be terminated by the agreement of both Parties.
11. Municipal Coordination
(a)
The two Jerusalem municipalities shall form a Jerusalem Co-ordination
and Development Committee ("JCDC") to oversee the cooperation and
coordination between the Palestinian Jerusalem municipality and the
Israeli Jerusalem municipality. The JCDC and its sub-committees shall
be composed of an equal number of representatives from Palestine and
Israel. Each side will appoint members of the JCDC and its
subcommittees in accordance with its own modalities.
(b) The
JCDC shall ensure that the coordination of infrastructure and services
best serves the residents of Jerusalem, and shall promote the economic
development of the city to the benefit of all. The JCDC will act to
encourage cross-community dialogue and reconciliation.
(c) The JCDC shall have the following subcommittees :
i. A Planning and Zoning Committee : to ensure agreed planning and zoning regulations in areas designated in Annex X.
ii.
A Hydro Infrastructure Committee : to handle matters relating to
drinking water delivery, drainage, and wastewater collection and
treatment.
iii. A Transport Committee : to coordinate relevant
connectedness and compatibility of the two road systems and other
issues pertaining to transport.
iv. An Environmental Committee
: to deal with environmental issues affecting the quality of life in
the city, including solid waste management.
v. An Economic and
Development Committee : to formulate plans for economic development in
areas of joint interest, including in the areas of transportation, seam
line commercial cooperation, and tourism.
vi. A Police and
Emergency Services Committee : to coordinate measures for the
maintenance of public order and crime prevention and the provision of
emergency services ;
vii. An Old City Committee : to plan and
closely coordinate the joint provision of the relevant municipal
services, and other functions stipulated in Article 6/7.
viii. Other Committees as agreed in the JCDC.
12. Israeli Residency of Palestinian Jerusalemites
Palestinian
Jerusalemites who currently are permanent residents of Israel shall
lose this status upon the transfer of authority to Palestine of those
areas in which they reside.
13. Transfer of authority
The
Parties will apply in certain socio-economic spheres interim measures
to ensure the agreed, expeditious, and orderly transfer of powers and
obligations from Israel to Palestine. This shall be done in a manner
that preserves the accumulated socio-economic rights of the residents
of East Jerusalem.
Article 7 - Refugees
1. Significance of the Refugee Problem
(a)
The Parties recognize that, in the context of two independent states,
Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace, an agreed
resolution of the refugee problem is necessary for achieving a just,
comprehensive and lasting peace between them.
(b) Such a resolution will also be central to stability building and development in the region.
2. UNGAR 194, UNSC Resolution 242, and the Arab Peace Initiative
(a)
The Parties recognize that UNGAR 194, UNSC Resolution 242, and the Arab
Peace Initiative (Article 2.ii.) concerning the rights of the
Palestinian refugees represent the basis for resolving the refugee
issue, and agree that these rights are fulfilled according to Article 7
of this Agreement.
3. Compensation
(a) Refugees shall be
entitled to compensation for their refugeehood and for loss of
property. This shall not prejudice or be prejudiced by the refugee?s
permanent place of residence.
(b) The Parties recognize the right of states that have hosted Palestinian refugees to remuneration.
4. Choice of Permanent Place of Residence (PPR)
The
solution to the PPR aspect of the refugee problem shall entail an act
of informed choice on the part of the refugee to be exercised in
accordance with the options and modalities set forth in this agreement.
PPR options from which the refugees may choose shall be as follows ;
(a) The state of Palestine, in accordance with clause a below.
(b)
Areas in Israel being transferred to Palestine in the land swap,
following assumption of Palestinian sovereignty, in accordance with
clause a below.
(c) Third Countries, in accordance with clause b below.
(d) The state of Israel, in accordance with clause c below.
(e) Present Host countries, in accordance with clause d below.
i.
PPR options i and ii shall be the right of all Palestinian refugees and
shall be in accordance with the laws of the State of Palestine.
ii.
Option iii shall be at the sovereign discretion of third countries and
shall be in accordance with numbers that each third country will submit
to the International Commission. These numbers shall represent the
total number of Palestinian refugees that each third country shall
accept.
iii. Option iv shall be at the sovereign discretion of
Israel and will be in accordance with a number that Israel will submit
to the International Commission. This number shall represent the total
number of Palestinian refugees that Israel shall accept. As a basis,
Israel will consider the average of the total numbers submitted by the
different third countries to the International Commission.
iv.
Option v shall be in accordance with the sovereign discretion of
present host countries. Where exercised this shall be in the context of
prompt and extensive development and rehabilitation programs for the
refugee communities.
Priority in all the above shall be accorded to the Palestinian refugee population in Lebanon.
5. Free and Informed Choice
The
process by which Palestinian refugees shall express their PPR choice
shall be on the basis of a free and informed decision. The Parties
themselves are committed and will encourage third parties to facilitate
the refugees? free choice in expressing their preferences, and to
countering any attempts at interference or organized pressure on the
process of choice. This will