Here is the full text of the three main points the parties at the Middle East summit in Sharm El-Sheikh agreed to, as read out Tuesday by US President Bill Clinton:
"Let me summarize what has been agreed, so there will be no misunderstanding: Our primary objective has been to end the current violence, so we can begin again to resume our efforts toward peace. The leaders have agreed on three basic objectives and steps to realize them.
"First: Both sides have agreed to issue public statements unequivocally calling for an end of violence. They also agreed to take immediate concrete measures to end the current confrontation, eliminate points of friction, ensure an end to violence and incitement, maintain calm and prevent recurrence of recent events. To accomplish this, both sides will act immediately to return the situation to that which existed prior to the current crisis in areas such as restoring law and order, redeploying forces, eliminating points of friction, enhancing security cooperation, and ending the closure, and opening the Gaza Airport. The United States will facilitate security cooperation between the parties as needed.
"Second: The United States will develop with Israelis and Palestinians, as well as in consultation with the United Nations Secretary General, a committee of fact-finding on the events of the past several weeks and how to prevent their recurrence. The committee's report will be shared by the US President with the UN Secretary General and the parties prior to publication. The final report shall be submitted under the auspices of the US President for publication.
"Third: If we are to address the underlying roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there must be a pathway back to negotiations and the resumption of efforts to reach a permanent status agreement based on the UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and subsequent understandings. Toward this end, the leaders have agreed that the United States would consult with the parties within the next two weeks about how to move forward.” -- SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
