[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[November 12, 2004]
[Page 2971]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Joint Statement Between the United States of America and the United 
Kingdom Concerning the Middle East Peace Process
November 12, 2004

    The United States and the United Kingdom share a vision of freedom, 
peace, and democracy for the Broader Middle East. That vision must 
include a just and peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, 
based on two democratic states--Israel and Palestine--living side by 
side in peace and security. Now is the time to seize the opportunity of 
new circumstances in the region to redouble our efforts to achieve this 
goal. This will require a series of steps which we look forward to 
taking with our international partners and the parties.
    First, we re-commit to the overarching two-state vision set out by 
President Bush in his statement of June 24, 2002 and repeated in the 
Roadmap.
    Second, we will support the Palestinians as they choose a new 
President within the next sixty days and as they embark upon an 
electoral process that will lead to lasting democratic institutions.
    Third, following that, the President and the Prime Minister have agreed to mobilize international support 
behind a plan to ensure that the Palestinians have the political, 
economic, and security infrastructure they need to create a viable 
state. There will be no lasting solution without a Palestinian state 
that is democratic and free, including free press, free speech, an open 
political process, and religious tolerance. Such a state will need a 
credible and unified security structure capable of providing security 
for the Palestinians and fighting terrorism. There must also be 
effective economic development and transparent financial structures 
which provide for the economic and social needs of the Palestinian 
people. The plan will be developed intensively over the coming period of 
time in concert with all the relevant partners.
    Fourth, we endorse and support the disengagement plan of Prime 
Minister Sharon from Gaza and stipulated parts 
of the West Bank as part of this overall plan.
    Fifth, these steps lay the basis for more rapid progress on the 
Roadmap as a reliable guide leading to final status negotiations.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.