[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 46 (Monday, November 15, 2004)]
[Page 2823]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.