U.S. Peace Plan Draft Excerpts By the Associated Press (fwd)

["Clement M. Henry" <chenry@mail.la.utexas.edu>]

This looks like an interesting attempt to relaunch the peace process,
though from the standpoint of a week later, with the collapse of the
coalition government in Israel, I wonder how far it can go.  Might a more
rightwing Sharon government accept it to show that it, too, is trying for
peace?  CH

OCTOBER 24, 06:39 ET
U.S. Peace Plan Draft Excerpts

By the Associated Press


These are excerpts from a draft of a new Middle East peace plan formulated
by the so-called Quartet of mediators - the United States, the United
Nations, the European Union and Russia. The document, obtained by The
Associated Press, has been presented to Israel and the Palestinians by a
visiting U.S. envoy.

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Phase I: October 2002-May 2003

First Stage: October-December 2002

Appointment of new Palestinian Cabinet, establishment of empowered prime minister, including any necessary Palestinian legal reforms for this purpose.

Palestinian leadership issues unequivocal statement reiterating Israel's right to exist in peace and security and calling for an immediate end to the armed Intefada and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere.

Palestinian security organizations are consolidated into three services reporting to an empowered Interior Minister.

Government of Israel ends actions undermining trust, including attacks in civilian areas, and confiscation/demolition of Palestinian homes/property, deportations as a punitive measure or to facilitate Israeli construction.

Government of Israel dismantles settlement outposts erected since the establishment of the present Israeli government and in contravention of current Israeli government guidelines.

Second Stage: January-May 2003

As comprehensive security performance moves forward, Israeli Defense Forces withdraw progressively from areas occupied since Sept. 28, 2000. Withdrawal to be completed before holding of Palestinian elections. Palestinian security forces redeploy to areas vacated by the IDF.

Palestinians and Israelis conclude a new security agreement building upon Tenet work plan, including an effective security mechanism and an end to violence, terrorism and incitement, implemented through a restructured and effective Palestinian security service.

Government of Israel freezes all settlement activity consistent with the Mitchell report, including natural growth of settlements.

Palestinians hold free, open and fair elections for Palestinian legislative council.

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Phase II: June 2003-December 2003 (Transition)

Progress into Phase II will be based on judgment of the Quartet, faciliated by the establishment of a permanent monitoring mechanism on the ground, whether conditions are appropriate to move on - taking into account performance of all parties and Quartet monitoring. Phase II starts after Palestinian elections and ends with the possible creation of a Palestinian state with provisional borders by end of 2003.

International Conference: Convened by the Quartet, in agreement with the parties, immediately after the successful conclusion of Palestinian elections to support Palestinian economic recovery and launch negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians on the possibility of a state with provisional borders.

Conclusion of transitional understanding and creation of a state with provisional borders by end of 2003. Enhanced international role in monitoring transition.

Further action on settlements simultaneous with establishment of Palestinian state with provisional borders.

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Phase III: 2004-2005 (Statehood)

Progress into Phase III, based on judgment of the Quartet, taking into account actions of all parties and Quartet monitoring.

Second International Conference: Convened by the Quartet, with agreement of the parties, at beginning of 2004 to endorse agreement reached on state with provisional borders and to launch negotiations between Israel and Palestinians toward a final, permanent status resolution in 2005, including on borders, Jerusalem, refugees and settlements; and to support progress toward a comprehensive Middle East settlement between Israel and Lebanon and Syria, to be achieved as soon as possible.

Arab state acceptance of normal relations with Israel and security for all the states in the region, consistent with Beirut Arab Summit initiative.