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The Way Forward in the Middle East

Ariel Sharon (New York Times) Main points made by the Prime Minister: Disputed Territories: Because Israel acted out of self-defense in 1967, UN Security Council Resolution 242 did not call for Israel to fully withdraw from the territories but to new "secure boundaries." The West Bank and Gaza, in effect, became disputed territories, where Israel had rights, as well. Prior to Intifada, No Israeli Military Rule over Palestinians: Israel, operating under the 1993 Oslo agreement, withdrew its military government over the Palestinian population so that by 1999, 98 percent of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza were under Palestinian rule. To Move Forward, Defeat Terrorism: Israel will not negotiate under fire and insists that principles renouncing violence, which underpinned negotiations with President Sadat and King Hussein, be applied to Israeli-Palestinian talks. Camp David/Taba Parameters Unacceptable: The Israeli people witnessed the Palestinians exploiting Israel's vulnerabilities, desecrating holy sites, and smuggling massive amounts of weapons. As a result, Israel's vital interests in any peace settlement include: Defensible Borders -- Israel cannot return to the vulnerable 1967 armistice lines, and does not have to withdraw fully according to Resolution 242. Unified Jerusalem -- Israel will not redivide Jerusalem.
2002-06-10 00:00:00
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