February 9, 2005
Embassy of Israel Briefing
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian
Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian
President Hosni Mubarak, and King Abdullah
of Jordan convened on Tuesday, February 08,
2005 in Sharm el-Sheikh for a summit
meeting.
During the summit, all parties emphasized
that there is now a window of opportunity
for a new era in the Middle East. This is an
opportunity that should not be missed. It is
the responsibility of all sides involved to
take advantage of the new atmosphere of
tolerance and openness and to work towards a
region of peace and prosperity.
However, it was agreed that this process
will have to be advanced with cautious
optimism. Only by seeing a change in
Palestinian actions, not just words, will
Israelis and Palestinians be able "to attain
the vision of two states living side by side
in peace and tranquility". It is now the
time for the Palestinian Authority to show
its strength and its courage and to subdue
the forces which oppose peace. The key to
change is a total cease-fire and the end to
incitement by the Palestinians. That must be
followed by the complete dismantlement of
the terror organizations. Israel,
recognizing this window of opportunity, will
take tangible steps to ease Palestinian
day-to-day life.
All sides recognize the effort that needs to
be made in order to make a better future for
our children in the Middle East, while
ensuring freedom and stability.
CLICK HERE
to read the complete text of Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon's speech.
Print
Subscribe
Email
Article
