"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.
"We
agree to engage in vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations, and
shall make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of
2008. For this purpose, a steering committee, led jointly by the head
of the delegation of each party, will meet continuously, as agreed.
"The
steering committee will develop a joint work plan and establish and
oversee the work of negotiations teams to address all issues, to be
headed by one lead representative from each party. The first session of
the steering committee will be held on 12 December 2007.
"President
Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert will continue to meet on a biweekly
basis to follow up the negotiations in order to offer all necessary
assistance for their advancement.
"The parties also commit to
immediately implement their respective obligations under the
performance-based road map to a permanent two-state solution to the
Israel-Palestinian conflict, issued by the Quartet on 30 April 2003 -
this is called the road map - and agree to form an American,
Palestinian and Israeli mechanism, led by the United States, to follow
up on the implementation of the road map.
"The parties further
commit to continue the implementation of the ongoing obligations of the
road map until they reach a peace treaty. The United States will
monitor and judge the fulfillment of the commitment of both sides of
the road map. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, implementation of
the future peace treaty will be subject to the implementation of the
road map, as judged by the United States."
