VARIOUS: ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE RELEASES STATEMENT THAT STATE OF ISRAEL IS READY TO ACCEPT STEPS LAID OUT IN U.S.-BACKED ROAD MAP
Record ID:
230472
VARIOUS: ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE RELEASES STATEMENT THAT STATE OF ISRAEL IS READY TO ACCEPT STEPS LAID OUT IN U.S.-BACKED ROAD MAP
- Title: VARIOUS: ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE RELEASES STATEMENT THAT STATE OF ISRAEL IS READY TO ACCEPT STEPS LAID OUT IN U.S.-BACKED ROAD MAP
- Date: 26th May 2003
- Summary: (W6) TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (MAY 23, 2003) (REUTERS) 1. MV /SCU RANNAN GISSIN, ADVISOR TO ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER ARIEL SHARON READING DOCUMENTS; SCU GISSIN'S HANDS 0.10 2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) RANNAN GISSIN SAYING "I think the statement of the prime minister's office today that Israel is willing to accept the set up of the Road Map is quite clear and I think also the statement made by the U.S. government speaks for itself. In other words first of all that the U.S. government shares the view of the Israeli government that these are serious concerns that we have submitted and second I think that the important part of the statement is that the United States promises, pledges to address, seriously and fully those concerns as we move along through the stages of implementing the Road Map to peace. There's no doubt that these concerns are very important for us, but they in no way are an impediment to start the process because right now the main stage that we have to accomplish is first of all to bring about a cessation of violence, of terrorism and incitement and until a major effort is expanded by both sides to do just that, we can't even start on the Road Map to peace. So actually accepting the Road Map, that is something that is very important as a declaration of intent, but in practice what is more important is performance right now. And the performance that is required is the performance to dismantle and disarm terrorist infrastructure and terrorist organisations." 1.35 3. SCU GISSIN'S HANDS 1.39 4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) RANNAN GISSIN SAYING "It is important to understand that the government of Israel is fully committed to peace and I think the decision made by the prime minister after the understanding and the expressions made by the U.S. government with regard to addressing those serious concerns that Israel has. Of course, the prime minister is willing and says that he will submit the Road Map, the set up of the Road Map, to the approval of the Israeli government as soon as possible. We have no intention of vacillating, we have no intention of delaying things. All we want to make certain is that when we walk, or when we chart that road to peace, it's going to be towards durable peace, peace with security." 2.26 (W6) RAMALLAH, WEST BANK (MAY 23, 2003) (REUTERS) 5. MV NABIL AMR PALESTINIAN INFORMATION MINISTER WALKING OUT OF HIS RAMALLAH HOME 2.35 6. NABIL AMR PALESTINIAN INFORMATION MINISTER SAYING "We consider this Israeli position as a positive step in the right direction. We hope that Israel will shoulder its responsibilities according to this plan. Thank you." 2.53 7. MV AMR WALKING AWAY UP STAIRS 3.00 (W6) RAMALLAH, WEST BANK (MAY 23, 2003) (REUTERS) 8. SLV ISRAELI SOLDIERS CHECKING CARS; MV ISRAELI CHECKPOINT 3.09 (W6) JERUSALEM (MAY 23, 2003) (REUTERS) 9. SLV ISRAELI POLICE AND ARMY ON STREETS; SOLDIERS CHECKING IDS; ISRAELI FLAG AT CHECKPOINT; WIDE VIEW OF CHECKPOINT (10 SHOTS) 4.04 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
- Embargoed: 10th June 2003 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: TEL AVIV, ISRAEL / RAMALLAH, WEST BANK / JERUSALEM
- City:
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Reuters ID: LVADX3DLUOPE07IEODADGY7PJG5N
- Story Text: The Israeli prime minister's office released a
statement that the state of Israel was ready to accept the
steps which are outlined in the road map and that it would be
presented to the government for approval.
It issued the statement after U.S. Secretary of State
Colin Powell and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice
said Washington would address Israeli reservations that have
held up the Road Map leading to a Palestinian state.
"I think the statement of the prime minister's office
today that Israel is willing to accept the set up of the Road
Map is quite clear and I think also the statement made by the
U.S. government speaks for itself. In other words first of all
that the U.S. government shares the view of the Israeli
government that these are serious concerns that we have
submitted and second I think that the important part of the
statement is that the United States promises, pledges to
address, seriously and fully those concerns as we move along
through the stages of implementing the Road Map to peace,"
Sharon's advisor Rannan Gissin said.
"All we want to make certain is that when we walk, or
when we chart that road to peace, it's going to be towards
durable peace, peace with security," he added.
The Palestinians have embraced the peace plan but up until
now Israel has delayed its acceptance, citing security
reasons.
Palestinian Information Minister Nabil Amr was positive
about the Israeli announcement, saying: "We consider this
Israeli position as a positive step in the right direction. We
hope that Israel will shoulder its responsibilities according
to this plan."
Meanwhile Israel tightened it's closure on the West Bank
and reinforced security in Jerusalem in fear of possible
attacks by Palestinian.
In Jerusalem police and troops where out in full force in
the West and East of the city ahead of Muslim Friday prayers.
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