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Middle East Peace: A Half Century of U.S. Engagement
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| President Bush, with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addresses the opening session of the Middle East Peace Conference at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, November 27. (© AP Images) |
We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis. In furtherance of the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, we agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty, resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues, without exception, as specified in previous agreements.
-- Joint statement from Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the 2007 Annapolis Conference
President Bush summed up the importance and challenges faced by the Israelis and Palestinians, saying that they each understand that helping the other to realize their aspirations is the key to realizing their own aspirations. Statehood for the Palestinians will mean the chance to lead lives of freedom and purpose and dignity. For Israel, it will mean living in peace with their neighbors, something that has eluded them for generations.
The time, President Bush told world leaders, is right because the Palestinians and Israelis have leaders determined to achieve peace. The time is right because a battle for the future of the Middle East is underway, and victory must not be ceded to extremists. And the time is right because the world understands the urgency of supporting these negotiations.
The first session of negotiations begins December 12, 2007.
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