Middle East Peace - Official Texts

State Department Noon Briefing
Afghanistan, India/Pakistan, Argentina, Somalia, Greece, bin Laden/tapes, Iraq, Israel/Palestinians
21 December — Mr. Boucher: I don't make a whole lot. I'm not really interested in parsing the statements of a terrorist group like Hamas. I'll restate what we said before: terror and violence throughout the region must halt immediately. It is Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority's responsibility and obligation to their own people to halt this terrorist violence.
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State Department Noon Briefing
Afghanistan, Israel/Palestinian Authority, India/Pakistan, Somalia, Pakistan/China, Argentina, Comoros, anthrax, Greece, Turkmenistan, Philippines
20 December — Mr. Boucher: The Secretary did meet this morning with General Zinni and Assistant Secretary Burns. They discussed the current situation of the Israelis and the Palestinians and they considered what the next steps might be.
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Burns Consults with Morocco about Trade, Mideast Conflict
Expresses support for U.S.-North African economic partnership
19 December — Assistant Secretary of State for the Near East William Burns told journalists in Rabat December 11 that the United States looked forward to close consultations with Morocco over the coming months, particularly related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and deepening U.S.-Moroccan trade ties.
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Powell Says Arafat Can Reduce Violence
Powell's December 17 "News Hour” interview
18 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's call for an end of anti-Israeli violence, made in Arabic December 16 and conveyed through the Arabic media to the Palestinian people.
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State Department Noon Briefing
UNSC Res-1373, Pakistan, India, Somalia, EU, Mideast, Netherlands, department, South Korea, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Russia
19 December — Mr. Boucher: But I do think that we have put the emphasis all along on direct conversations between the Israelis and Palestinians, especially in the security area. This is the best way to work practical arrangements to end the violence, so certainly we welcome any contacts like that, any steps that they can take in that way to coordinate on stopping the violence.
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Powell Says Two State Vision for Mideast Still Stands
Reaffirms policy speech November 19 in meeting with Polish FM
18 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell said the U.S. continues to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state despite the surge in violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Powell Speaks to Sharon and Arafat, Dec. 18
Arafat asked to complete crackdown; Sharon to prepare for dialogue
18 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke by phone December 18, with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon about ending the violence, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher reported at the regular press briefing December 18.
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State Department Noon Briefing
Israel/Palestinian Authority, Europe, NATO, department, India/Pakistan, war on terror, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Haiti
18 December — Mr. Boucher: The conversations the Secretary had today with Prime Minister Sharon and Chairman Arafat were to look at how to move forward, how to continue efforts to end the violence. The Secretary stressed clearly to Chairman Arafat that he needs to take firm and decisive steps to end the violence.
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A/S Burns Concludes Mideast Tour, Returns with Zinni to Washington
Says Egypt key partner in Mideast peace effort
17 December — Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns told reporters in Cairo December 15 that, after more than a week of consultations with Arab leaders, he was returning to Washington, along with U.S. Special Envoy Anthony Zinni, to consult with President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell.
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U.S. Vetoes Security Council Resolution on Mideast
Negroponte statement, Dec. 14
17 December — The United States on December 15 vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution on the Middle East, which condemned excessive violence and urged the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to help the parties.
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White House Report: Arafat, Afghanistan, India/Pak, Cuba, Bush
White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer briefed reporters
17 December — The weekend speech by Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat urging cessation of violence against Israel was constructive, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters December 17.
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State Department Noon Briefing
China, Bohlen, Haiti, Afghanistan, Middle East, War Against Terrorism, India, Belgium, Iraq, Turkey
17 December — Mr. Boucher: We have made quite clear our view that Israel needs to focus on the repercussions of any actions that it takes. We have made clear that both sides need to make decisions, take actions that facilitate rather than complicate the process. And we have made that clear in our discussions with the Israeli Government.
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U.S. Welcomes Arafat Call for End to Terrorism
State Dept. calls on Palestinians to destroy terrorist organizations
16 December — The U.S. State Department said December 16 that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's call earlier the same day for an end to terrorism was "constructive," and that the Palestinian Authority must take steps "to bring to justice those responsible for terrorist attacks and to destroy the organizations that would launch future attacks."
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Powell Says U.S. Determined to Get Bin Laden
Discusses bin Laden, Iraq, Mideast, ABM treaty on "Fox News Sunday”
16 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell, interviewed December 16 on "Fox News Sunday," said President Bush is determined that "however long it takes," the United States will find Usama bin Laden.
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Powell Says U.S. Withdrawal from ABM not Creating Crisis or Arms Race
Secretary of State interviewed December 16 on "Meet the Press”
16 December — U.S. plans to withdraw from the U.S.-Russia Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, announced December 13 by President Bush, are not creating a crisis in the U.S. relationship with Russia and are not creating a new arms race, according to Secretary of State Colin Powell.
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State Dept. Announces Gen. Zinni Returning to Washington from Mideast
Envoy will report to U.S. leaders on situation in light of recent events
15 December — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher announced December 15 that Senior Advisor Anthony Zinni is returning to Washington for consultations after almost three weeks in the Mideast working with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to help bring their confrontation to an end.
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Bush Says Bin Laden Videotape "Devastating Declaration of Guilt"
President also says peace in Mideast remains a priority
14 December — President Bush called a recently released videotape of statements by Osama bin Laden on the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States "a devastating declaration of guilt for this evil person."
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U.S. Considers Arafat Leader of Palestinian People
Assistant Secretary Burns in Damascus and Beirut Dec. 13
14 December — Assistant Secretary of State for the Near East William Burns said December 13 that the United States "considers President Arafat to be the leader of the Palestinian people" and will continue to "work with the Palestinian leadership as it moves against extremist groups who threaten the interests of the Palestinian people."
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Burns Discusses Regional Peace, Terrorism with Lebanon's Hariri
A/S Burns emphasizes U.S. commitment to comprehensive peace
14 December — Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns met with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and other senior officials in Beirut December 13 and conveyed the message that the United States is committed to a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East.
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White House Daily Briefing
President’s schedule, Thailand, presidential appointments, Israel/Palestinian Authority, Mideast, bin Laden/tape....
14 December — Mr. Fleischer: The President is confident that Yasser Arafat has the ability to take action if he so desires. And he is looking for concrete signs from Chairman Arafat that he will take such action.
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State Department Noon Briefing
Middle East, Afghanistan, war on terrorism, arms control, India, Bangladesh, department/anthrax, Macedonia
14 December — Mr. Boucher: We remain engaged in the Middle East, we remain prepared to help the parties reach a cease-fire, and we remain very active in encouraging Chairman Arafat to take the steps that are necessary to stop the violence. We believe very strongly he must lead now. He has to use all necessary means and with absolutely no further delay to arrest those responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, to destroy the formal and informal structures that perpetuate terrorism, and we look to see the results.
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Powell Urges Aggressive Action Against Terrorists by Arafat
Terrorists bigger threat to Palestinian Authority than to Israel
13 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to "act very aggressively" against terrorist organizations such as Hamas, saying they posed a bigger danger to the Palestinian cause than to Israel.
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White House Daily Briefing
ABM Treaty/President's decision, Russia, China, bin Laden tape, economic stimulus, Middle East/Israel, status of bin Laden, Arizona Diamondback ballplayers
13 December — Mr. Fleischer: The President is aware, of course, of these statements, and the President believes very strongly that Chairman Arafat needs to demonstrate his desire to achieve peace in the Middle East. And the President believes it is incumbent on Chairman Arafat to demonstrate in actions and deeds, and not just words, that he will bring the killers to justice.
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Vision of Palestinian State at Peace with Israel Is Possible
Assistant Secretary Burns calls for resumption of negotiations
12 December — Assistant Secretary of State for the Near East William Burns said the realization of the vision of a Palestinian state existing alongside Israel in peace and security will be difficult but possible to achieve.
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Powell, German Foreign Minister Press Availability in Berlin
Respond to questions on terrorism, the Middle East
10 December — Terrorist elements in the Palestinian community "are destroying the vision of peace," Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a brief press availability with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer in Berlin December 10.
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Powell En Route to Moscow, Discusses Middle East, Russia
Arafat "has to deal with Hamas," Powell says
10 December — En route to Moscow December 9, Secretary of State Colin Powell offered journalists on his plane his thoughts on the Middle East in the context of the latest suicide bombing in Israel.
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House Passes Resolution on Palestinian Terror Attacks
H. Con. Res. 280 passed Dec. 5 in 384-11 vote
10 December — The House of Representatives passed December 5 a resolution expressing solidarity with Israel in the face of terror attacks launched by Palestinian terrorist groups.
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Zinni Holds Security Talks with Israelis, Palestinians
State calls arrest of some Palestinian terrorist "promising"
7 December — State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said U.S. envoy to the Middle East Anthony Zinni, who has been in the Middle East for the past two weeks, participated in a trilateral security meeting with Israeli and Palestinian officials December 7. Reeker said the meeting resulted in a "constructive" discussion of practical steps to combat terror and violence.
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Senate Majority Leader Condemns Terror Attacks in Israel
Says world's patience for excuses, inaction by Arafat has ended
7 December — The Palestinian Authority and its leader Chairman Yasser Arafat have exhausted the world's patience by not dealing effectively with terror attacks, according to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (Democrat of South Dakota).
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Powell, Turkish Foreign Minister Cem Press Briefing, Ankara
Terrorism, Iraq, Middle East, ESDP, Afghanistan
5 December — During a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in Ankara, Powell was asked about Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's claim that he is making a one hundred percent effort to stop terrorist violence directed at Israel.
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Powell Calls for End of Terrorist Bombs Against Israel
Also commented on Iraq in press conference in Ankara, Turkey
5 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell said as long as terrorist bombings against Israel continue, it will be very difficult to create conditions for a cease-fire and eventual resumption of political negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Hyde Introduces Resolution on Terror Attacks Against Israel
H. Con. Res. 280 demands Palestinian Authority end terror
5 December — The chairman of the House International Relations Committee and the ranking minority member of that panel joined forces December 4 to introduce a resolution that condemns Palestinian terror attacks against Israel and calls on the Palestinian Authority to "destroy the infrastructure of Palestinian terrorist groups."
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Bush, Norway's Prime Minister Discuss Middle East, Afghanistan
Bush defends his decision to establish military tribunals
5 December, Washington — President Bush and Norway's Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik discussed the Middle East situation and Afghanistan as they sat down for talks in the Oval Office December 5.
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Bonn Afghan Progress Hailed by Bush, Norway's Leader
Mideast also discussed as Bush meets with Prime Minister
5 December — Palestine Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat "must show leadership and bring those to justice who would use murder as a weapon to derail peace and to destroy innocent life," Bush said. "He must show leadership. Now is his time. And other nations around the world that are interested in peace must encourage Mr. Arafat, must insist that Mr. Arafat use everything in his power to prevent further terrorist attacks in Israel."
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White House Daily Briefing
Middle East/Chairman Arafat actions, President's conversations with Sharon/Zinni
5 December — Mr. Fleischer: I think if you listen to what the President said yesterday — now, it's about 16 hours after what he said — it's too soon to say. The President will keep a very close eye on the events in the Middle East and on the actions that Chairman Arafat takes, to make certain that Chairman Arafat is dedicated to the cause of peace and to making sure that he takes action against the terrorists who are challenging not only the security of Israel, but the authority of Chairman Arafat.
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Powell Press Briefing on Board Plane En Route Bucharest
Middle East, ABM Treaty, OSCE Ministerial, Iraq, Afghanistan
4 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell believes that Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestinian Authority, is "capable of doing a lot more than he has done so far" to stop terrorist attacks against Israel.
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Powell Press Conference Following OSCE Ministerial
Welcomes OSCE's action plan against terrorism
4 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell, speaking to the press December 4 following the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's ministerial meeting in Bucharest, welcomed the OSCE's adoption of an anti-terrorism action plan, noting that "it is not our war on terrorism, it is the international community's war against terrorism." He also answered questions on a wide range of topics, including current developments in the Middle East.
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Zinni in Contact with Israelis, Palestinians on Cease-fire
State says Arafat must act forcefully against terrorists
4 December — Retired General Anthony Zinni is in contact with Israeli and Palestinian officials to help them any way he can to negotiate a cease-fire so that the Mitchell peace recommendations can be implemented, State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker told reporters at the department's daily briefing in Washington December 4.
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State Department Noon Briefing
SecState travel/itinerary, visa waiver program, terrorism, Somalia, Israel/Palestinian Authority, Cuba, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Egypt, Pakistan
4 December — Mr. Reeker: General Zinni remains in the region. I don't think I have a specific readout of all of his phone calls. He has certainly been in touch with officials in both the Israeli Government and on the Palestinian side, along with other officials from our Embassy and our Consulate.
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White House, State Department Say Arafat Must Do More to Stop Terror
Search for peace in Middle East must continue, Fleischer, Reeker say
3 December, Washington — Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat must do everything in his power to find those who murdered innocent Israelis in the weekend suicide attacks in Jerusalem and Haifa and bring them to justice, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer and State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker told reporters December 3.
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Secretary Powell on CBS's Face the Nation Dec. 2
Arafat must act now to stop terrorist attacks, secretary says
3 December — Secretary of State Colin Powell said that he had called Chairman Yasser Arafat, telling him that the Jerusalem bombings were not only acts of terror against the people of Israel, but a direct attack on his role as head of the Palestinian Authority.
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Secretary Powell Condemns Terrorist Bombings in Jerusalem
“These despicable and cowardly actions must be brought to an end”
3 December — The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the evil and horrific terrorist attacks in Jerusalem tonight.
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White House Daily Briefing
3 December — Question: Prime Minister Sharon said that Israel will — he was kind of using President Bush's words, saying Israel will chase after those responsible for terror, those who carry it out and those who assist, and they will pay a price.
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Statement by President Bush on Bombings in Jerusalem
“No person of conscience” can tolerate such acts, president says
2 December — On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, to my friend Prime Minister Sharon, and to all the people of Israel.
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Remarks by President Bush on Terrorist Bombings in Israel
“Advocates for peace” must rise up and fight terror, Bush says
2 December — President Bush: "Now is the time for leaders throughout the world who urge there to be a peace to do something about the terror that prevents peace from happening in the first place."
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Burns Meets Egyptian President Mubarak, Other Leaders
Burns seeks path for establishment of Palestinian state
29 November — Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Obeid and Presidential Counselor Osama al-Baz in Cairo November 29 and discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the fight against terrorism, and bilateral economic cooperation.
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Powell Meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Maher
Discussions on Middle East and Iraq
29 November — U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher El Sayeed, speaking with reporters at the conclusion of their bilateral discussions in Washington November 29, underscored the strength of U.S.-Egyptian relations.
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U.S. Envoys Meet with Chairman Arafat
Zinni to continue U.S. efforts towards ceasefire
28 November — State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns and former U.S. Army General Anthony Zinni met with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the Palestinian Authority area November 28.
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Edward Walker Supports Powell's Speech on Mideast Peace
Encourages parties to seize opportunities offered by U.S.
27 November — Following is an article by Edward Walker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, supporting Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech November 19 laying out the U.S. policy for promoting peace in the Middle East.
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Powell Says Cease-Fire Needed for Progress in Mideast
Says Retired General Zinni Will Facilitate Talks Between Parties
26 November — Secretary of State Colin Powell said no progress is possible toward achieving peace in the Middle East unless the Israelis and Palestinians establish a cease-fire to allow the implementation of the other Mitchell Committee recommendations for peace.
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Israeli Prime Minister to Washington Dec 3-4
White House Announces Working Visit, Nov 21
21 November — The White House announced November 21 that Israeli Prime Minister Sharon would make a working visit to Washington December 3-4, 2001, during which he will meet with President Bush.
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Bush Heartened on Middle East Peace
White House sees peace as a stabilizing influence
20 November — President Bush "has been heartened" by reactions in Israel and by the Palestinian Authority to Secretary of State Powell's call to renew efforts to seek a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict through negotiations, not violence, White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters November 21.
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U.S. Envoys to Travel to Middle East
General Zinni Makes First Visit, Seeks Ceasefire
20 November — State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters November 20 that the objective of Assistant Secretary Burns and General Zinni's travel to the Middle East after November 24 is "to work, in these particular circumstances that we have right now, on achieving a cease-fire, on achieving non-belligerency, on achieving implementation of the steps that were understood by Tenet and recommended by the Mitchell committee to stop the violence, ease the restrictions, build confidence, get back to talks."
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Powell Lays Out U.S. Vision for Mideast Peace
Pledges to defeat terrorism, rebuild Afghanistan, promote trade
19 November — Secretary of State Colin Powell said the U.S. government has a vision for a peaceful, prosperous Middle East where "two states — Israel and Palestine — live side by side within secure and recognized borders."
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Powell Sends Top Advisers to Mideast for Cease-fire Consultations
19 November — William Burns, Anthony Zinni to arrive in region by November 24-25
Secretary of State Colin Powell said he expects Assistant Secretary of State William Burns and special adviser Anthony Zinni to arrive in the Middle East November 24 or 25 for consultations with Israelis and Palestinians on implementing a cease-fire.
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UN Secretary General Annan's Statement on Middle East
Annan welcomes Powell's remarks on Palestine, Israel
19 November, United Nations — Secretary General Kofi Annan praised Secretary of State Colin Powell's November 19 speech outlining the U.S. commitment to the Middle East peace process.
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Powell Interview on Meet the Press
Secretary of State discusses Afghanistan, Middle East developments
12 November — Asked about President Bush's use of the name "Palestine" in his November 10 speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Powell said: "The President used it yesterday quite deliberately to show that if one is moving forward with a vision of two states living side by side, just as Mr. Sharon has that as his vision, something that he hopes will be mutually agreed upon, and the whole international community wants to do that on the basis of UN Resolutions 242 and 338, it is appropriate then, as we start to reach more aggressively toward that vision to call those two states what they will be: Israel, Palestine."
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Powell, Foreign Minister of Bahrain
Briefing following meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council Nov. 11
12 November — Al-Khalifa said the Gulf states were "encouraged" by President Bush's statement to the UN General Assembly November 10 on the hope for future cooperation between the two states of Israel and Palestine.
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U.S. Wants to Work with Moderate Majorities in Mideast
Assistant Secretary Burns Speech to Fulbright Scholars
6 November — Meeting with Fulbright scholars from the U.S. and Arab countries at the University of Maryland on October 26, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns said the U.S. wants to work with moderate majorities in the Middle East to develop a positive agenda for cooperation.
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Excerpt: U.S. Again Calls for Israeli Withdrawal from Palestinian Areas
Boucher said need for withdrawal is a "strongly held" U.S. view
26 October — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that the U.S. continues to urge the Israeli government to withdraw from all Palestinian-controlled areas.
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Powell Urges Israelis, Palestinians to Reduce Violence
Comments on plane returning to the U.S. from APEC meeting
Secretary of State Colin Powell said he encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to show restraint when sending Israeli forces into Palestinian areas to make arrests.
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Boucher Calls for Israelis, Palestinians to Lower Tensions
Calls for immediate withdrawal by IDF, arrests by PA
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the Israeli government needs to withdraw its military forces "immediately" from Palestinian areas and the Palestinian Authority needs to act decisively to arrest terrorists in order to lower tensions.
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Assistant Secretary Burns Outlines "Positive Agenda for Middle East"
U.S. will work with those committed to peaceful settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict, economic opportunity, and civil society
In a speech before the Middle East Institute in Washington October 19, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs William Burns said the U.S. intends to work with the majority of those in the region who desire a peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, increased economic opportunity and a commitment to civil society.
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Excerpt: White House Says Sharon's Remarks "Unacceptable"
Says Israel has no better friend than the U.S.
White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer said that President Bush believes Israeli Prime Minister Sharon made "unacceptable" remarks regarding U.S. support for Israel.
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Excerpt: State's Boucher Urges Israelis, Palestinians to End Violence
Also urges Libya to meet U.N. demands on terrorism
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. government has urged Israelis and Palestinians again to avoid any actions that could jeopardize reestablishment of direct discussions and a restoration of calm.
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Bush Confirms U.S. Support for Palestinian State as Part of Settlement
Administration responds to reports of planned Mideast initiative
Washington — The New York Times and Washington Post newspapers reported October 2, that the Bush Administration was poised to launch a new Middle East initiative at the UN General Assembly in September.
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Excerpt Transcript: Bush White House Photo Op, Oct 2
Bush Comments on Palestinian State
"The idea of a Palestinian state has always been part of a vision, so long as the right to Israel to exist is respected," President Bush said when asked October 2 by reporters if the United States is prepared to recognize a Palestinian State as part of a broad Middle East Peace process.
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Excerpt: U.S. Facilitated Sept 28 Israeli-Palestinian Security Talks
Boucher urges parties not to jeopardize renewed dialogue
The U.S. government attended and facilitated Israeli-Palestinian security discussions September 28 and is encouraged that both sides agreed to meet again soon to try to further security cooperation, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in Washington September 28.
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Excerpt: White House Welcomes Peres-Arafat Meeting September 26
Spokesman calls it "important first step"
Characterizing the September 26 meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Peres and Palestinian leader Arafat as "an important first step," White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters at the regular briefing September 26, that President Bush welcomed the resulting Israeli-Palestinian commitments to sustain a cease-fire.
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Transcript: State Department Briefing, 25 September
State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher briefed.
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Interview of Secretary Powell by Al-Jazeerah

"One of my biggest priorities since I became Secretary of State was to eliminate the violence in that part of the world and begin the peace process again. And so that is why I have been working so hard to get the Mitchell Plan started. The Mitchell Plan leads to negotiations, negotiations that will be the basis of UN resolutions 242 and 338, Land-for-Peace. That's where we have to go."
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Transcript: Bush Expresses Deep Concern on Ongoing Middle East Violence
Arafat must clamp down on terror; Israel must show restraint

August 14 — President Bush expressed deep concern about ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians and said his administration seeks to instill a desire among the parties to reject conflict and commence dialogue.
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Text: Bush Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Jerusalem
Calls on Israelis and Palestinians to choose path for peace

August 9 — I deplore and strongly condemn the terrorist bombing in downtown Jerusalem today. My heartfelt sympathies and those of the American people are with the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families.
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Excerpt: White House Deplores Mideast Violence
Urges parties to implement Mitchell recommendations

August 01 — White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the Bush administration at all levels deplores the violence in the Middle East and urges the Israelis and Palestinians to implement the Mitchell Committee recommendations.
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Excerpt: State's Boucher Calls Targeted Killings "Wrong"
Says Mitchell recommendations best way to achieve peace

August 01 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher has condemned Israel's practice of targeted killings.
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Excerpt: Bush on Latest Mideast Violence
Says U.S. will stay actively involved to end violence

July 31 — President Bush said he will "continue to remain actively involved" in efforts to end the cycle of Middle East violence and start the steps toward peace contained in the Mitchell report.
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Excerpt: Bush Administration Deplores Latest Mideast Violence
White House spokesman urges parties to observe cease-fire

July 31 — White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said President Bush has called on all parties in the Middle East conflict to break the cycle of violence and show restraint.
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Excerpt: U.S. in Continuous Contact with Israelis, Palestinians
State Dept urges maximum restraint to reduce violence

July 30 — State Department spokesman Chuck Hunter said senior U.S. officials are in continuous contact with Israelis and Palestinians in an effort to reduce violence and move as quickly as possible into the next phase of the Mitchell Committee recommendations.
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Excerpt: White House Spokesman on Possibility of Mideast Monitors
Discussion ruled out until lasting cease-fire takes effect

July 30 — White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the question of monitors for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not be discussed until a lasting cease-fire takes hold.
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Excerpt: State's Reeker Endorses 3rd Party Monitoring
CIA engaged in separate issue of security cooperation

July 24 — State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said the United States endorses the proposal of the major industrial democracies and Russia for third party observers accepted by both parties to monitor the cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Text: Statement of G8 Leaders on the Middle East Situation
Statement released during Summit in Genoa

July 21 — Following is a statement on the Middle East by the Group of Eight leaders meeting in Genoa, Italy, in their annual Summit:
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Transcript: G-8 Foreign Ministers Post-Meeting Press Conference
Ministers View Middle East as "greatest cause for concern"

July 20 — The Group of Eight (G-8 foreign ministers, reviewing regional conflicts at their July 18-19 meeting in Rome, identified the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as being of the greatest concern, said Italian Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero.
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Text: G-8 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Middle East
Ministers reaffirm Mitchell report in its entirety

July 19 — Foreign ministers of the world's seven major industrialized nations plus Russia, at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Rome July 19, urged the Palestinians and Israelis to implement "in its entirety" the recommendations contained in the Mitchell Report.
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Excerpt: U.S. Seeks Maximum Peace Efforts from Israelis, Palestinians
State Dept says parties have power to bring down violence

July 17 — State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said U.S. officials are in "continuous contact" with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in efforts to reduce violence and start discussion of a timeline for implementing the Mitchell Committee recommendations.
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Excerpt: State's Boucher on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. officials in continuous contact with both parties

July 16 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said U.S. officials are in continuous contact with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, focusing on political and security issues and pressing for a timeline to implement the Mitchell recommendations.
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Excerpt: State's Boucher on Status of Mideast Tensions
More effort required if Mitchell recommendations are to succeed

July 13 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that despite efforts by Israelis and Palestinians to control violence in the region, much more must be done if the Mitchell report is not to "end up being another piece of paper on the shelf."
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Excerpt: State's Boucher Urges Israelis, Palestinians to Curb Violence
Says U.S. did not give "green light" to any military action

July 12 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said he had no knowledge of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon seeking U.S. support for military action against the Palestinians during talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell.
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Excerpt: Powell on Mitchell Recommendations, Iraq
Appeals to Israelis, Palestinians reduce violence

July 11 — Secretary of State Colin has appealed to Israelis and Palestinians to do everything they can to reduce violence in order to implement the Mitchell report recommendations.
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Excerpt: State's Boucher Urges Maximum Efforts to End Mideast Violence
Says "unconditional cessation of violence" needed

July 9 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called on both sides in the Middle East conflict, particularly the Palestinians, to keep their commitments to stop violence.
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Transcript: Powell Discusses Results of Mideast Trip with Reporters
Topics include Iraq, Mitchell Report, security arrangements

July 3 — Following is a transcript of Secretary of State Colin Powell's press conference while traveling on his trip to the Middle East from Amman, Jordan to Paris June 29:
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Powell-Arafat Press Briefing in Ramallah, West Bank
Powell reaffirms U.S. commitment to full Mitchell report

June 28 — Secretary of State Colin Powell reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the Mitchell report "in all of its aspects and elements" and called for an end to violence in the region so that the task of "restoring confidence and trust" between Israelis and Palestinians can begin.
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Transcript: Powell-Sharon Press Briefing in Jerusalem
Powell, Sharon specify 7 days of quiet, 6-week cooling off

June 28 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said he and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon discussed a seven-day period of calm followed by a six-week cooling off period, after which the parties would move to confidence building measures and final status negotiations.
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Remarks by Powell, Israeli President Moshe Katsav
Powell calls for lower violence to prepare for cooling off

June 28 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said he is anxious to "build upon the somewhat lower level of violence" to create a quiet period that could lead to a cooling off period, as called for by the Mitchell committee.
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Powell-Peres Remarks to Press After Meeting in Jerusalem
Powell says he will raise cooling off period with parties

June 28 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said he will discuss the timing of the cooling off period and the confidence-building period with Palestinians and Israelis, as called for by the Mitchell committee.
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Transcript: Powell, Maher Press Conference in Egypt
Powell calls for quiet to allow "cooling off" to begin

June 27 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said June 27 that he is anxious to see violence in the region go down to the point where the "cooling off" period between Israel and the Palestinians prescribed in the Mitchell report can begin as a prelude to confidence building measures and an eventual resumption of negotiations.
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Transcript: Powell Urges Further Violence Reduction
Calls Mitchell recommendations a "sequence package"

June 27 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said he is traveling to the Middle East to urge Israelis and Palestinians to support the Mitchell recommendations for easing tensions between them.
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Excerpts: Powell on Mideast Trip, Iraq
Will seek implementation of Mitchell recommendations

June 25 — Secretary of State Colin Powell says he is traveling to the Middle East to press for the implementation of the Mitchell recommendations for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Powell Remarks to Press Outside United Nations
Discusses fight against HIV/AIDS, Middle East situation

June 25 — Secretary of State Colin Powell says he expects that the United States will add to its initial $200 million contribution to the United Nations' global trust fund set up to fight HIV/AIDS.
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Powell Discusses U.S. Policy in Mideast
Explains importance of violence reduction on eve of peace mission

June 25 — On the eve of his departure to the Middle East, Secretary of State Colin Powell said reducing violence between Israelis and Palestinians is the first priority.
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Bush Asks Secretary of State Powell to Travel to Middle East
Trip to help preserve Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire
By Wendy S. Ross and Kiersten McCutchan
Washington File Staff Writers

Washington, June 20 — President Bush has asked Secretary of State Colin Powell to travel to the Middle East the week of June 24 in an attempt to strengthen the ceasefire between the Israelis and the Palestinians, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer announced June 20.
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Excerpts: Sustained Efforts Needed for Violence Reduction
U.S. encouraged by Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation

July 19 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. government is encouraged by the efforts of Israeli and Palestinian authorities to contain the upsurge in violence during the past few days, and he urged both sides to continue to show good faith and sustained efforts.
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Excerpts: Powell Says Mideast Violence Has Started to Decline
Says international community united behind Mitchell Report

June 18 — Secretary of State Colin Powell says violence between Israelis and Palestinians has started to decline but not to the point that other diplomatic steps toward peace can be taken.
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Excerpts: Bush Hails Israeli-Palestinian Cease-fire Agreement
Says parties must now take additional steps to peace

June 13 — President Bush has welcomed an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire plan that was brokered by the United States.
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Excerpts: U.S. Officials Working to Implement Mitchell Report State Dept also comments on Iranian elections, Iraq

June 12 — Central Intelligence Director George Tenet scheduled a meeting with Israeli and Palestinian security officials in the West Bank city of Ramallah June 12 to discuss security cooperation, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.
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Text: Bush Suspends Jerusalem Embassy Act Another Six Months
Bush says suspension necessary for U.S. national interest

June 12 — Acting on his authority under the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, President Bush on June 11 suspended for six months the process of moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The new waiver takes effect on June 15, the date he was required by law to act on the matter.
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Excerpts: State Department on Tenet, Burns Talks in Middle East
U.S. hopes to further "calm" situation in the Middle East

June 7 — U.S. Central Intelligence Director George Tenet has begun meetings with Israeli and Palestinian security officials in an attempt to further "calm" the situation between Israelis and Palestinians, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said in a press briefing June 7.
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Excerpts: State Dept on CIA Chief's Mideast Peace Mission
Also comments on violence, detained Americans in Israel

June 6 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that U.S. Central Intelligence Director George Tenet has conferred with Egyptian and Jordanian security officials and will soon engage with Israeli and Palestinian security officials as part of an effort to end violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Powell June 3 Interview on NBC's "Meet the Press"
Discusses Mideast, Iraq, China, AIDS, missile defense

June 5 — Secretary of State Colin Powell says his message to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat regarding violence in the Middle East is "this is the time to bring the violence under control."
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White House Report: Bush on the MidEast, June 5
Bush in Cabinet Room on the Middle East

June 5 — Asked in the Cabinet Room June 5 what he expected to accomplish by sending CIA Director George Tenet to the Middle East, President Bush said, "We believe strongly we need to stop the cycle of violence before anything can happen. And I've been on the phone, and the Secretary of State has been on the phone, urging all parties involved to adhere to the cease-fire.
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Excerpts: State Dept on Efforts to Quell Mideast Violence
Says further efforts needed for lasting cease-fire

June 4 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. government has seen some encouraging signs from the Palestinians and Israelis on reducing violence but further efforts are needed.
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Transcript: Powell June 3 Interview on CNN's Late Edition
Secretary of State discusses Middle East, China

June 4 — Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed the call by Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat to his people for an unconditional ceasefire, and said the "very, very strong terms" of his statement must now be followed by action on the ground.
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Text: Secretary Powell on Suicide Bombing in Tel Aviv
Condemns bombing, calls on Arafat to declare ceasefire

June 2 — Tonight's suicide bombing on an Israeli beach is a horrible act that ended many innocent lives for no conceivable earthly purpose. This act of terrorism deserves the entire world's strongest condemnation.
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Text: Bush Condemns Terrorist Attack in Israel
Calls on Arafat to call for an immediate cease-fire

June 1 — Following is the text of a White House statement condemning the terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv, Israel:
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Transcript: Burns on Talks with Mubarak About Mideast Peace
Developing plan to implement Mitchell recommendations

May 31 — U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo May 31 to discuss implementing the recommendations of the Mitchell report on easing the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
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Text: Daniel Charles Kurtzer Nominated to Be Ambassador to Israel
Kurtzer has served as U.S. envoy to Egypt since 1997

May 25 — Following is the text of a White House announcement May 25 that President Bush intends to nominate Daniel Charles Kurtzer to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel:
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Excerpt: State Dept Says U.S. Officials to Meet Arafat Soon Israelis, Palestinians again urged to accept Mitchell report

May 24 — U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk and U.S. Consul General in Jerusalem Ronald Schlicher will meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat soon, after having met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon May 21, State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said in a media briefing in Washington May 24.
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Excerpts: Bush Calls Sharon, Arafat About Mitchell Report
White Hse, State Dept say Bush urged acceptance of report

May 23 — President Bush called Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat May 23 and urged them to accept the Mitchell report as a framework to ending violence and resuming peace efforts, the White House and State Department said in Washington May 23.
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Bush Discusses Mitchell Report with Leaders of Egypt and Jordan
Both agree to work with U.S. for peace in the Middle East
By Wendy S. Ross
Washington File White House Correspondent

May 22 — Washington — President Bush placed phone calls early May 22 to Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's King Abdullah II to discuss the escalating violence in the Middle East and the recommendations in the Mitchell committee report on ways to halt it and help return the Israelis and the Palestinians to the peace process, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters at his afternoon briefing.
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Transcript: Powell Endorses Mitchell Report on Mideast Violence
Recommends steps to resume peace effort

May 21 — U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the U.S. has endorsed the recommendations of the Sharm el Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee on ending violence between Israelis and Palestinians and resuming peace negotiations.
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Middle East Violence Must End, Mitchell Says as He Releases Report
Identifies responsibilities for Israelis, Palestinians
By Wendy S. Ross
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington, May 21 — There must be an immediate and unconditional cessation of violence in the Middle East, former Senator George Mitchell said in a New York news conference May 21 and on a CNN interview shortly thereafter as he made public the report of a commission he headed.
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Text: Powell Letter to Mitchell on Mideast Violence Findings
US calls on both sides to address primary recommendations

May 21 — Following is the text of Secretary of State Colin Powell's letter to former Senator George Mitchell May 12, praising the work of the Mitchell Commission on Middle East peace:
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Cheney Decries Escalation of Violence in Middle East
Interviewed May 20 on Meet the Press
By Wendy S. Ross
Washington File White House Correspondent

Washington, May 20 — The developments of the last two days between Israel and the Palestinians "are very worrisome," Vice President Dick Cheney said May 20 in an interview with Tim Russert on NBC's "Meet the Press."
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Transcript: Powell Urges More Direct Action by Mideast Leaders to Stop Violence
Secretary, Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov brief after talks

May 18 — Secretary of State Colin Powell, briefing along with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov following talks in Washington May 18, called for an "unconditional cessation of violence" in the Middle East.
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Excerpts: State Dept on Israeli-Palestinian Dispute, Iraq
Preparations for changing U.N. Iraq sanctions under way

May 18 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said a meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is still under consideration during Powell's trip to Africa and Europe at the end of May.
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Text: NEA Asst. Sec.-Designate William Burns' Testimony
Outlines Mideast policies and guidelines of Bush admin

May 17 — William J. Burns, who has been nominated by President Bush to head the Near East and North Africa (NEA bureau of the U.S. State Department, said "active American engagement in the Middle East is a necessity, not an option."
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Transcript: Excerpts: State Dept on Iraq, Peres Visit to U.S.
Powell calls Sharon and Arafat during weekend

April 30 — State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said the U.S. government insists on maintaining strong controls on Iraq because of continuing suspicions that the regime of Saddam Hussein is trying to develop weapons of mass destruction.
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Transcript Excerpts: U.S. Continues to Facilitate Security Talks
Egyptian, Jordanian efforts for peace welcomed

April 23 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the U.S. government condemns the terrorist attacks in Israel during the past weekend.
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Transcript: Walker on Talks with Turkish Officials
Israeli-Palestinian issues, Syria, Iraq

April 20 — U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Edward Walker said the U.S. and Turkish governments are "extremely concerned" about the Israeli-Palestinian turmoil and the recent Israeli attack on a Syrian radar installation in Lebanon.
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Transcript Excerpt: State Dept on Sinai Peacekeeping
Spokesman says no decision on future U.S. role

April 19 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the Bush administration is conducting a review of U.S. military deployments around the world, including the U.S. participation in the multinational peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.
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Transcript Excerpts: State Dept on Latest Eruption of Mideast Violence Boucher says high level contacts underway to stop fighting

April 17 — Following are excerpts from the transcript of Boucher's April 17 briefing related to the Middle East: Full Text

Text: Powell Statement on Middle East Violence
Secretary calls for maximum restraint by all parties

April 17 — Secretary of State Colin Powell said the U.S. is "deeply concerned" about the eruption of violence in the Middle East during the last four days. Full Text

Text: Powell Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Kuwait
Powell and Senior Kuwaiti diplomat hold meeting

April 16 — Secretary of State Colin Powell met with Kuwait's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaykh Mohammad al-Sabah in Washington April 16 and reaffirmed the U.S. security commitment to Kuwait.
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Transcript: Bush and King Abdullah Meet at White House
Two leaders discuss trade and peace

April 10 — President Bush and King Abdullah of Jordan met at the White House April 10 to discuss trade and to examine issues relating to Mideast peace. Full Text

State Dept on Israeli-Palestinian Issues
Israeli settlements, security talks, shooting incident

April 5 — State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called continuing Israeli construction activity in the region a provocative action that risks inflaming an already volatile situation. Full Text

Bush Urges an End to Mideast Violence
President calls on Palestinians, Israelis for calm

March 29 — President Bush said in a March 29 statement that he was "deeply concerned" about the escalating violence in the Mideast. "The tragic cycle of incitement, provocation and violence has gone on far too long," he said.
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Powell on U.S. Policy toward Mideast Conflict
Also addresses threats from Iraq and Iran

March 19 — U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the United States will stay involved in the quest for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and urged both sides to take steps to rebuild trust. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the United States will stay involved in the quest for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and urged both sides to take steps to rebuild trust.
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Powell, Arafat on Mideast Peace
Powell calls for lifting economic pressure on Palestinians

February 25 — Secretary of State Colin Powell has expressed deep concern over the violence between Israelis and Palestinians and what he called "the dire economic situation" of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
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Powell-Sharon on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Powell calls on both sides to reduce violence

February 25 — Secretary of State Colin Powell has appealed to both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to quell the increasing violence.
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Secretary Colin Powell announces plans for his first trip to the Middle East
Says a variety of bilateral and multilateral issues will be discussed

February 9 — Secretary Powell said on February 9 that he would share views with regional leaders about Middle East peace, Iraq and other issues.
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