Leaders pledge to work for Middle East peace
Speaking at a joint news conference today following meetings with US President George W Bush, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas pledged their support for the US-led roadmap for peace.
The so-called roadmap outlines a series of steps leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State by 2005. Both sides have formally accepted the peace plan but have not yet started to implement it.
It was the first time all three men had met together after meetings were held between each leader and Mr Bush in the king of Jordan’s palace in the port of Aqaba.
In his statement Mr Abbas – also known as Abu Mazen – renounced terrorism against Israel and insisted that the ‘armed intifada (Palestinian uprising) must end’.
He promised to ensure that Palestinian weapons were only held by law enforcement officers and vowed to fight against anti-Israeli incitement and hatred.
Mr Sharon voiced his support for a two-state solution and pledged to dismantle unauthorised Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories immediately.
The US President had already warned Israel that it must be prepared to end the settlements in Palestinian areas, stating yesterday: ‘Israel must deal with the settlements. Israel must make sure there is a continuous territory that the Palestinians can call home.’
Speaking after a meeting in Egypt with five Middle Eastern heads of state, Mr Bush said: ‘We see the potential for the birth of a new Palestinian state and the potential for broader peace among the peoples of this region.’
As a gesture of goodwill ahead of the summit, the Israeli government released about 100 Palestinian prisoners.
Mr Bush stated today that ‘important progress’ had been made and promised training and support for ‘a new, restructured Palestinian security service’
However, the day was marred when leader of Palestinian group militant Hamas, Abdelaziz Rantissi, vowed to continue the armed struggle, after the news conference ended.
