    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [April 30, 2003]
    [Page 404]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 404]]

    Statement on the Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East
    April 30, 2003

        On March 14, I noted the important steps taken by the Palestinian
    Legislative Council (PLC) toward the creation of an empowered,
    accountable office of Prime Minister. The PLC has now confirmed a new
    Palestinian Prime Minister ``Abu Mazen'' and
    Cabinet. Today the roadmap for peace developed by the United States over
    the last several months in close cooperation with Russia, the European
    Union, and the United Nations has been presented to Israel and the
    Palestinians.
        The roadmap represents a starting point toward achieving the vision
    of two states, a secure state of Israel and a viable, peaceful,
    democratic Palestine, that I set out on June 24, 2002. It is a framework
    for progress towards lasting peace and security in the Middle East.
    Implementing the roadmap will depend upon the good faith efforts and
    contributions of both sides. The pace of progress will depend strictly
    on the performance of the parties.
        I urge Israelis and Palestinians to work with us and with other
    members of the international community and above all directly with each
    other to immediately end the violence and return to a path of peace
    based on the principles and objectives outlined in my statement of June
    24, 2002. Both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered from the terror
    and violence and from the loss of hope in a better future of peace and
    security. An opportunity now exists to move forward. The United States
    will do all it can to seize this opportunity. To that end, I have asked
    Secretary Powell to travel to the region to
    begin working with the parties so that we can take advantage of this
    moment.