H.E. Dr. Hani Mulki
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Speech by Foreign
Minister
at the London Conference on the Palestinian Authority's Reform
March 1, 2005
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to begin by extending my gratitude to the United Kingdom and Prime
Minister Tony Blair for organizing this conference. We meet today at a very
important juncture, not only in the light of the recent events of the
Palestinian-Israeli situation, but rather one that stretches out to engulf the
whole future of the Middle East.
Jordan has welcomed the outcome of the Palestinian presidential elections; we
join the international observers' endorsement of the sense of transparency that
prevailed throughout. The Palestinian partner has proved to be a competent
stakeholder, one that is able and willing to deliver the commitments it
undertook.
In this spirit, we call upon our partners here today to further extend their
support to President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian National Authority for
all steps taken to restore the rule of law and order. We realize at this point
the importance of taking concrete steps to combat favoritism and corruption
while encouraging inclusiveness and freedom of opinion. As Jordan continues
training Palestinian police to help maintain peace and security, it has embarked
upon a training program organized by the Jordanian Judicial Institution for (20)
Palestinian judges and district attorneys with the main focus being human
rights, due process, and humanitarian law.
The Palestinian National Authority should not be judged based on the actions of
individuals and small groups, in this regard we welcome the latest efforts of
the Palestinians Authority and the different factions to reach an understanding.
We condemn the recent attack in Tel Aviv and must not allow those who
perpetrated this act to derail the peace process and hold it hostage for their
own criminal and evil intentions.
Mr. Chairman,
Jordan underlines the great importance of this meeting, as it should not be
removed from the peace process but rather should provide full support for the
process and the principle of the comprehensibility of the final solution. While
the people of our region are drawn to the conclusions that would be reached here
today, it is our responsibility to facilitate the work of the Palestinian
National Authority in drafting a proper election law, and carrying out judicial
reforms and professional training in all fields. In this regard, we are grateful
for the development assistance proposed, which would greatly contribute towards
achieving key priority projects.
This meeting, is of such great importance that we have envisaged a follow-up
mechanism that will ensure a process of continued support, evaluation, and
encouragement.
Mr. Chairman,
The Palestinian leadership has been navigating the dangerous waters of
reorganizing the internal situation with a steady hand and has adjusted its
message to satisfy both public and international moods. It has also been able to
face the post-Arafat World with confidence and authority.
In this regard, we wish to reaffirm our conviction that the Israeli
Disengagement Plan should be in line with, and not substitute to the Roadmap.
The need for peace is urgent. The details are known and clear; a two-state
solution, based on Security Council Resolutions (242), (338), (1397), (1515),
the principle of Land for Peace, and the terms set forth in the Madrid
Conference of 1992. This process will allow for a comprehensive settlement to
emerge, mainly: a free, sovereign, viable, democratic and contiguous Palestinian
state. It must also address the Syrian and Lebanese peace tracks and ultimately
allow Israel to live in peace with its neighbors.
Mr. Chairman,
It is with these considerations that we call upon Israel to fulfill its
obligations to the peace process, as well as the implementation of the Quartet
Roadmap. A common sense approach says that bad policy leads to bad results. Good
intentions are not sufficient. Appropriate policy and actions, along with
adequate understanding of the domestic, regional and international environment
are the pre-requisites of good strategy. An unfavorable outcome should suggest
that the policy is defective and therefore should not be pursued at all cost. It
is in this context that we call for a strong political will in Israel through
working hand in hand with the new Palestinian leadership. Easing the daily
sufferings of the Palestinians who feel more and more threatened by Israeli
imposed checkpoints and curfews; lifting and sieges of Palestinian cities and
towns by the separation barrier being built deep in the West Bank; and halting
the continued Israeli land confiscation and settlement construction, in order to
demonstrate the extent of the political will exercised by Israel to end the
conflict.
Releasing all the prisoners including the Jordanian prisoners and handing over
the financial rights pertaining from the tax revenues to the Palestinian
Authority, are steps that will create the climate for peace, and will give the
efforts of President Abbas the push to get out of the bottle neck situation that
prevails at the present time. Our hope is the implementation of a new set of
confidence building measures will be highlighted by the upcoming Palestinian
Legislative Council elections in July of this year.
Both parties to the conflict are invited to fulfill their obligations in a non
discriminatory manner. What is needed now, is to stop violence on both sides.
This calls for an operational plan that pursues concurrently a triple-function
policy (a) credibility building (b) understanding the subtleties of both
communities and cultures, and (c) including the people at the grass root level
in policy making.
Mr. Chairman,
While Jordan, as a positive and fair partner, will continue to exert every
possible effort in all the steps made to achieve peace and stability in the
region, it will not compromise its vital national interests in the issues of the
final status negotiations.
In this regard, we regret the decision of the Israeli government to continue
building the separation wall, thus disregarding international legality which was
manifested in the ruling of the International Court of justice, as well as
relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. We view this
exercise as one that aims to impose a fait accompli on the Palestinian Occupied
Territories. These practices will only tear the heart out of the peace process,
but will threaten regional interests as well as international peace and
security.
Mr. Chairman,
The reform of the Palestinian institutions is a major concern to all of us. We
believe that elected leadership of the Palestinian Authority can make the major
changes needed for a better future. This leadership will require the support of
the Palestinian people and all of us here today. We should spare no effort to
help the Palestinians to carry on with the process of democratization, and to
support the newly formed Palestinian Government to undertake the duties that lie
ahead.
Mr. Chairman,
Despite the unrest in the Palestinian territories, reform will likely moderate
Palestinian discourse in the peace process, over the last decade, surveys of
Palestinians opinion have documented a clear trend towards moderation - such as
accepting Israel and a Palestine limited to the 1967 Occupied Territories - more
so than any time since the start of the peace process in 1992. Polls also
demonstrate that Palestinians who hope for a better future - including
fundamental political reform - tend to reject violence and support
reconciliation with Israel; the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council
elections, if facilitated, can help realize this kind of hope.
Still, for reforms to succeed, Israel and the international community will have
to make sacrifices; Israel must respect its commitments made at the Sharm El
Sheikh Summit. Israel needs to remove physical impediments, such as checkpoints
and its stifling military presence in populated areas, and suspend activities -
sush as settlement constructions and targeted assassinations which all of us
view as provocative. If Israel refuses to take such steps, the demand for reform
will weaken, radical groups will have the advantage, and another chance at peace
‘will be lost.'
I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the fact that
although the Palestinian issue lies at the core of the Middle East conflict, we
must not overlook the fact that ending this conflict will not be sufficient to
sustain peace. Peace can only come by addressing the comprehensive nature of the
conflict. In this regard, as the Arab Peace Initiative is consistent with, and
complimentary to the Roadmap and all relevant United Nations Resolutions, we
should spare no effort to utilize it as a historical initiative that will not
only normalize relations between Israel and its neighbors but will invite Israel
to be an active and friendly member in the region, alongside its Arab neighbors.
Awareness of this initiative was compromised due to the Intifada. We ask each
and every one to endorse and support its implementation.
Mr. Chairman,
The international community has manifested a much needed and appreciated support
for the region, with the aim of creating a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous
Middle East.
President Bush's support of the peace process, envisioning two states living
side by side in peace and security; and the endeavors of both the European Union
and the G8 to help peace-making and democracy building in the region all come
within the context of this vital international backing. Jordan appreciates this
support and reaffirms its commitment to the goal of peace, democracy, and
stability.
Thank you.