[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
[June 4, 2003]
[Pages 590-594]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the Red Sea Summit in Aqaba, Jordan
June 4, 2003

    King Abdullah ``Abu Mazen'' 
of the Palestinian Authority. I would like to thank King Abdullah for 
hosting our meeting here today. I would like also to thank President 
Mubarak and King Abdullah, King Hamad, and Crown Prince Abdullah, who 
met in Egypt yesterday. I thank them for their statements supporting our 
efforts. I also would like to thank the Israeli Prime Minister Sharon 
for joining us here in Jordan. And many thanks especially to President 
Bush, who took the longest journey for peace of all of us.
    As we all realize, this is an important moment. A new opportunity 
for peace exists, an opportunity based upon President Bush's vision and 
the Quartet's roadmap, which we have accepted without any reservations.
    Our goal is two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in 
peace and security. The process is the one of direct negotiations to end 
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to resolve all the permanent status 
issues and end the occupation that began in 1967, under which 
Palestinians have suffered so much.
    At the same time, we do not ignore the suffering of the Jews 
throughout history. It is time to bring all this suffering to an end.
    Just as Israel must meet its responsibilities, we, the Palestinians, 
will fulfill our obligations for this endeavor to succeed. We are ready 
to do our part.
    Let me be very clear: There will be no military solution to this 
conflict, so we repeat our denunciation and renunciation of terrorism 
against the Israelis, wherever they might be. Such methods are 
inconsistent with our religious and moral traditions and are dangerous 
obstacles to the achievement of an independent sovereign state we seek. 
These methods also conflict with the kinds of state we wish to build, 
based on human rights and the rule of law.
    We will exert all of our efforts, using all our resources, to end 
the militarization of the intifada, and we will succeed. The armed 
intifada must end, and we must use and resort to peaceful means in our 
quest to end the occupation and the suffering of Palestinians and 
Israelis. And to establish the Palestinian state, we emphasize our 
determination to implement our pledges

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which we have made for our people and the international community. And 
that is a rule of law, single political authority, weapons only in the 
hands of those who are in charge of upholding the law and order, and 
political diversity within the framework of democracy.
    Our goal is clear, and we will implement it firmly and without 
compromise: a complete end to violence and terrorism. And we will be 
full partners in the international war against occupation and terrorism. 
And we will call upon our partners in this war to prevent financial and 
military assistance to those who oppose this position. We do this as a 
part of our commitment to the interests of the Palestinian people and as 
members of the large family of humanity.
    We will also act vigorously against incitement and violence and 
hatred, whatever their form or forum may be. We will take measures to 
ensure that there is no incitement--[inaudible]--from Palestinian 
institutions. We must also reactivate and invigorate the U.S.-
Palestinian-Israeli Anti-Incitement Committee. We will continue our work 
to establish the rule of law and to consolidate government authority in 
accountable Palestinian institutions. We seek to build the kind of a 
democratic state that will be a qualitative addition to the 
international community.
    All the PA security forces will be part of these efforts and will 
work together toward the achievement of these goals. Our national future 
is at stake, and no one will be allowed to jeopardize it.
    We are committed to these steps because they are in our national 
interest. In order to succeed, there must be a clear improvement in the 
lives of Palestinians. Palestinians must live in dignity. Palestinians 
must be able to move, go to their jobs and schools, visit their 
families, and conduct a normal life. Palestinians must not be afraid for 
their lives, property, or livelihood.
    We welcome and stress the need for the assistance of the 
international community and, in particular, the Arab states to help us. 
And we also welcome and stress the need for a U.S.-led monitoring 
mechanism.
    Together, we can achieve the goal of an independent Palestinian 
state, sovereign, viable, in the framework of good neighbors with all 
states in the region, including Israel.
    Thank you very much.
    Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel. 
Thank you. I would like to thank His Majesty King Abdullah for arranging 
this meeting and express Israel's appreciation to President Bush for 
coming here to be with Prime Minister Abbas and me. Thank you.
    As the Prime Minister of Israel, the land which is the cradle of the 
Jewish people, my paramount responsibility is the security of the people 
of Israel and of the state of Israel. There can be no compromise with 
terror. And Israel, together with all free nations, will continue 
fighting terrorism until its final defeat.
    Ultimately, permanent security requires peace, and permanent peace 
can only be obtained through security. And there is now hope of a new 
opportunity for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
    Israel, like others, has lent its strong support for President 
Bush's vision expressed on June 24, 2002, of two states, Israel and a 
Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security. The 
Government and people of Israel welcome the opportunity to renew direct 
negotiations according to the steps of the roadmap, as adopted by the 
Israeli Government, to achieve this vision.
    It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians but for 
the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. A democratic 
Palestinian state fully at peace with Israel will promote the long-term 
security and well-being of Israel as the Jewish state.
    There can be no peace, however, without the abandonment and 
elimination of terrorism, violence, and incitement. We will work 
alongside the Palestinians and other

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states to fight terrorism, violence, and incitement of all kinds. As all 
parties perform their obligations, we will seek to restore normal 
Palestinian life, improve the humanitarian situation, rebuild trust, and 
promote progress toward the President's vision. We will act in a manner 
that respects the dignity as well as the human rights of all people.
    We can also reassure our Palestinian partners that we understand the 
importance of territorial contiguity in the West Bank for a viable 
Palestinian state. Israeli policy in the territories that are subject to 
direct negotiations with the Palestinians will reflect this fact. We 
accept the principle that no unilateral actions by any party can 
prejudge the outcome of our negotiations.
    In regard to the unauthorized outposts, I want to reiterate that 
Israel is a society governed by the rule of law. Thus, we will 
immediately begin to remove unauthorized outposts.
    Israel seeks peace with all its Arab neighbors. Israel is prepared 
to negotiate in good faith wherever there are partners. As normal 
relations are established, I am confident that they will find in Israel 
a neighbor and a people committed to comprehensive peace and prosperity 
for all the peoples of the region.
    Thank you all.
    President Bush. King Abdullah, The friendship between our countries began at the time 
of Israel's creation. Today, America is strongly committed, and I am 
strongly committed, to Israel's security as a vibrant Jewish state.
    I'm also pleased to be with Prime Minister Abbas. 
``Abu Mazen'' He represents the cause of freedom and 
statehood for the Palestinian people. I strongly support that cause as 
well.
    Each of us is here because we understand that all people have the 
right to live in peace. We believe that with hard work and good faith 
and courage, it is possible to bring peace to the Middle East. And today 
we mark important progress toward that goal.
    Great and hopeful change is coming to the Middle East. In Iraq, a 
dictator who funded terror and sowed conflict 
has been removed, and a more just and democratic society is emerging. 
Prime Minister Abbas now leads the Palestinian Cabinet. By his strong 
leadership, by building the institutions of Palestinian democracy, and 
by rejecting terror, he is serving the deepest hopes of his people.
    All here today now share a goal: The Holy Land must be shared 
between the state of Palestine and the state of Israel, living at peace 
with each other and with every nation of the Middle East.
    All sides will benefit from this achievement, and all sides have 
responsibilities to meet. As the roadmap accepted by the party makes 
clear, both must make tangible, immediate steps toward this two-state 
vision.
    I welcome Prime Minister Sharon's pledge to 
improve the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian areas and to begin 
removing unauthorized outposts immediately. I appreciate his gestures of 
reconciliation on behalf of prisoners and their families and his frank 
statements about the need for territorial contiguity. As I said 
yesterday, the issue of settlements must be addressed for peace to be 
achieved. In addition, Prime Minister Sharon has stated that no 
unilateral actions by either side can or should prejudge the outcome of 
future negotiations. The Prime Minister also recognizes that it is in 
Israel's own interest for Palestinians to govern themselves in their own 
state. These are meaningful signs of respect for the rights of the 
Palestinians

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and their hopes for a viable, democratic, peaceful Palestinian state.
    Prime Minister Abbas ``Abu Mazen'' 
recognizes that terrorist crimes are a dangerous obstacle to the 
independent state his people seek. He agrees that the process for 
achieving that state is through peaceful negotiations. He has pledged to 
consolidate Palestinian institutions, including the security forces, and 
to make them more accountable and more democratic. He has promised his 
full efforts and resources to end the armed intifada. He has promised to 
work without compromise for a complete end of violence and terror. In 
all these efforts, the Prime Minister is demonstrating his leadership 
and commitment to building a better future for the Palestinian people.
    Both Prime Ministers ``Abu 
Mazen'' here agree that progress toward peace also requires 
an end to violence and the elimination of all forms of hatred and 
prejudice and official incitement in schoolbooks, in broadcasts, and in 
the words used by political leaders. Both leaders understand that a 
future of peace cannot be founded on hatred and falsehood and 
bitterness.
    Yet, these two leaders ``Abu 
Mazen'' cannot bring about peace if they must act alone. True 
peace requires the support of other nations in the region. Yesterday, in 
Sharm el-Sheikh, we made a strong beginning. Arab that  bin Isa Al they share 
our goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in 
peace and in security. And they have promised to cut off assistance and 
the flow of money and weapons to terrorist groups and to help Prime 
Minister Abbas rid Palestinian areas of terrorism.
    All sides have made important commitments, and the United States 
will strive to see these commitments fulfilled. My Government will 
provide training and support for a new, restructured Palestinian 
security service. And we'll place a mission on the ground, led by 
Ambassador John Wolf. This mission will be 
charged with helping the parties to move towards peace, monitoring their 
progress, and stating clearly who was fulfilling their responsibilities. 
And we expect both parties to keep their promises.
    I've also asked Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to make this cause a matter of the highest 
priority. Secretary Powell and Dr. Rice, as my personal representative, 
will work closely with the parties, helping them move toward true peace 
as quickly as possible.
    The journey we're taking is difficult, but there is no other choice. 
No leader of conscience can accept more months and years of humiliation, 
killing, and mourning. And these 
leaders  bin Isa Al of made ``Abu Mazen'' their 
declarations today in the cause of peace.
    The United States is committed to that cause. If all sides fulfill 
their obligation, I know that peace can finally come.
    Thank you very much, and may God bless our work.

Note: King Abdullah spoke at 3:30 p.m. at Beit al Bahar. Prime Minister 
Abbas spoke in Arabic, and his remarks were translated by an 
interpreter. In his remarks, the President referred to Queen Rania of 
Jordan; former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and Assistant Secretary 
of State for Nonproliferation John S. Wolf. Prime Minister Abbas 
referred to President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt; King Hamad bin Isa Al 
Khalifa of Bahrain; and Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. A portion 
of these remarks could not be verified because the tape was incomplete.