JMCC OCCASIONAL DOCUMENT SERIES
Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arragnements
Washington DC, 13 September 1993
(JMCC, occasional document series no.3, pp 29, November 1994)
Contents
Declaration of Principles
The Government of the State of Israel and the P.L.O. team
(in the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to the Middle East Peace Conference)
(the "Palestinian Delegation"), representing the Palestinian
people, agree that it is time to put an end to decades of confrontation
and conflict, recognize their mutual legitimate and political rights, and
strive to live in peaceful coexistence and mutual dignity and security
and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic
reconciliation through the agreed political process.
Accordingly, the two sides agree to the following principles:
Article I: AIM OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
The aim of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations within
the current Middle East peace process is, among other things, to establish
a Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority, the elected Council (the
"Council"), for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip, for a transitional period not exceeding five years, leading
to a permanent settlement based on Security Council Resolution 242 and
338.
It is understood that the interim arrangements are an
integral part of the whole peace process and that the negotiations on the
permanent status will lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolutions
242 and 338.
Article II: Framework for the Interim Period
The agreed framework for the interim period is set forth
in this Declaration of Principles.
Article III: ELECTIONS
- In order that the Palestinian people in the West
Bank and GazaStrip may govern themselves according to democratic principles,
direct, free and general political elections will be held for the Council
under agreed supervision and international observation, while the Palestinian
police will ensure public order.
- An agreement will be concluded on the exact mode and
conditions of the elections in accordance with the protocol attached as
Annex I, with the goal of holding the elections not later than nine months
after the entry into force of this Declarations of Principles.
- These elections will constitute a significant interim
preparatory step toward the realization of the legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people and their just requirements.
Article IV: Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and Gaza
Strip territory, except for issues that will be negotiated in the permanent
status negotiations. The two sides view the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
as a single territorial unit, whose integrity will be preserved during
the interim period.
Article V: Transitional period and permanent status negotiations
The five-year transitional period will begin upon the
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
- Permanent status negotiations will commence as soon as
possible, but not later than the beginning of the third year of the interim
period, between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian people representatives.
- It is understood that these negotiations shall cover
remaining issues, including: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security
arrangements, borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbors,
and other issues of common interest.
- The two parties agree that the outcome of the permanent
status negotiations should not be prejudiced or preempted by agreements
reached for the interim period.
Article VI: Preparatory tansfer of powers and responsibilities
Upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles
and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area, a transfer
of authority from the Israeli military government and its Civil Administration
to the authorised Palestinians for this task, as detailed herein, will
commence. This transfer of authority will be of a preparatory nature until
the inauguration of the Council.
- Immediately after the entry into force of this Declaration
of Principles and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area,
with the view to promoting economic development in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip, authority will be transferred to the Palestinians on the following
spheres: education and culture, health, Social welfare, direct taxation,
and tourism. The Palestinian side will commence in building the Palestinian
police force, as agreed upon. Pending the inauguration of the Council,
the two parties may negotiate the transfer of additional powers and responsibilities,
as agreed upon.
Article VII: Interim Agreement
The Israeli and Palestinian delegations will negotiate
an agreement on the interim period (the "Interim Agreement").
- The Interim Agreement shall specify, among other things,
the structure of the Council, the number of its members, and the transfer
of powers and responsibilities from the Israeli military government and
its Civil Administration to the Council. The Interim Agreement shall also
specify the Council's executive authority, legislative authority in accordance
with Article IX below, and the independent Palestinian judicial organs.
- The Interim Agreement shall include arrangements, to
be implemented upon the inauguration of the Council, for the assumption
by the Council of all of the powers and responsibilities transferred previously
in accordance with Article VI above.
- In order to enable the Council to promote economic growth,
upon its inauguration, the Council will establish, among other things,
a Palestinian Electricity Authority, a Gaza Sea Port Authority, a Palestinian
Development Bank, a Palestinian
Export Promotion Board, a Palestinian Environmental Authority,
a Palestinian Land Authority and a Palestinian Water Administration Authority,
and any other Authorities agreed upon, in accordance with the Interim Agreement
that will specify their powers and responsibilities.
- After the inauguration of the Council, the Civil Administration
will be dissolved, and the Israeli military government will be withdrawn.
Article VIII: Public order and security
In order to guarantee public order and internal security
for the Palestinians of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Council will
establish a strong police force, while Israel will continue to carry the
responsibility for overall security of Israelis for the purpose of safeguarding
their internal security and public order.
Article IX: Laws and military orders
The Council will be empowered to legislate, in accordance
with the Interim Agreement, within all authorities transferred to it.
- Both parties will review jointly laws and military orders
presently in force in remaining spheres.
Article X: Joint Israeli-Palestinian liaison committee
In order to provide for a smooth implementation of this
Declaration of Principles and any subsequent agreements pertaining to the
interim period, upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles,
a Joint Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Committee will be established in order
to deal with issues requiring coordination, other issues of common interest,
and disputes.
Article XI: Israeli-Palestinian cooperation in economic
fields
Recognizing the mutual benefit of cooperation in promoting
the development of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Israel, upon the entry
into force of this Declaration of Principles, an Israeli-Palestinian Economic
Cooperation Committee will be established in order to develop and implement
in a cooperative manner the programs identified in the protocols attached
as Annex III and Annex IV.
Article XII: Liaison and cooperation with Jordan and Egypt
The two parties will invite the Governments of Jordan
and Egypt to participate in establishing further liaison and cooperation
arrangements between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian representatives,
on the one hand, and the Government of Jordan and Egypt, on the other hand,
to promote cooperation between them. These arrangements will include the
constitution of a Continuing Committee that will decide by agreement on
the modalities of admission of persons displaced from the West Bank and
Gaza Strip in 1967, together with necessary measurto prevent disruption
and disorder. Other matters of common concern will be dealt with by this
Committee.
Article XIII: Redeployment of Israeli forces
- After the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles,
and not later than the eve of elections for the Council, a redeployment
of Israeli military forces in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will take
place, in addition to withdrawal of Israeli forces carried out in accordance
with Article XIV.
- In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided
by the principle that its military forces should be redeployed outside
populated areas.
- Further redeployments to specified locations will be
gradually implemented commensurate with the assumption of responsibility
for public order and internal security by the Palestinian police force
pursuant to Article VIII above.
Article XIV: Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and
Jericho Area
Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Jericho
area, as detailed in the protocol attached as Annex II.
Article XV: Resolution of disputes
- Disputes arising out of the application or interpretation
of this Declaration of Principles, or any subsequent agreement pertaining
to the interim period, shall be resolved by negotiations through the Joint
Liaison Committee to be established pursuant to Article X above.
- Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may
be resolved by a mechanism of conciliation to be agreed upon by the parties.
- The parties may agree to submit to arbitration disputes
relating to the interim period, which cannot be settled through conciliation.
To this end, upon the agreement of both parties, the parties will establish
an Arbitration Committee.
Article XVI: Israeli-Palestinian cooperation concerning
regional programs
Both parties view the multilateral working groups as an
appropriate instrument for promoting a "Marshal Plan," the regional
programs and other programs, including special programs for the West Bank
and Gaza Strip, as indicated in the protocol attached as Annex IV.
Article XVII: Miscellaneous provisions
- This Declaration of Principles will enter into
force one month after its signing.
- All protocols annexed to this Declaration of Principles
and Agreed Minutes pertaining thereto shall be regarded as an integral
part hereof.
Done at Washington, D.C., this thirteenth day of September,
1993.
For the Government of Israel: [Shimon Perez]
For the P.L.O.: [Mahmoud Abbas]
Witnessed by:
The United States of America: [Warren Christopher]
The Russian Federation: [Andrei Kozyrev]
Annex I
Protocol on the mode and conditions of elections
- Palestinians of Jerusalem who live there will have the right
to participate in the election process, according to an agreement between
the two sides.
- In addition, the election agreement should cover, among other things,
the following issues:
- The system of elections;
- the mode of the agreed supervision and international observation and
their personal composition; and
- rules and regulations regarding election campaign, including agreed
arrangements for the organizing of mass media, and the possibility of licensing
a broadcasting and TV station.
- The future status of displaced Palestinians who were registered
on 4th June 1967 will not be prejudiced because they are unable to participate
in the election process due to practical reasons.
Annex II
Protocol on withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and Jericho
Area
- The two sides will conclude and sign within two months
from the date of entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, an
agreement on the withdrawal of Israeli military forces form the Gaza Strip
and Jericho area. This agreement will include comprehensive arrangements
to apply in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area subsequent to the Israeli
withdrawal.
- Israel will implement an accelerated and scheduled withdrawal
of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, beginning
immediately with the signing of the agreement on the Gaza Strip and Jericho
area and to be completed within period not exceeding four months after
the signing of this agreement.
- The above agreement will include, among other things:
- Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of authority
from the Israeli military government and its Civil Administration to the
Palestinian representatives.
- Structure, powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian
authority in these areas, except: external security, settlements, Israelis,
foreign relations, and other mutually agreed matters.
- Arrangements for the assumption of internal security
and public order by the Palestinian police force consisting of police officers
recruited locally and from abroad (holding Jordanian passports and Palestinian
documents issued by Egypt). Those who will participate in the Palestinian
police force coming from abroad should be trained as police and police
officers.
- A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed
upon.
- Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination
and Cooperation Committee for mutual security purposes.
- An economic development and stabilization program, including
the establishment of an Emergency Fund, to encourage foreign investment,
and financial and economic support. Both sides will coordinate and cooperate
jointly and unilaterally with regional and international parties to support
these aims.
- Arrangements for a safe passage for persons and transportation
between Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
- The above agreement will include arrangements for
coordination between both parties regarding passages:
a. Gaza--Egypt; and
b. Jericho--Jordan.
- The offices responsible for carrying out the powers and
responsibilities of the Palestinian authority under this Annex II and Article
VI of the Declaration of Principles will be located in the Gaza Strip and
in the Jericho area pending the inauguration of the Council.
- Other than these agreed arrangements, the status of the
Gaza Strip and Jericho area will continue to be an integral part of the
West Bank and Gaza Strip, and will not be changed in the interim period.
Annex III
Protocol on Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation in economic
and development programs
The two sides agree to establish an Israeli-Palestinian
Continuing Committee for Economic Cooperation, focusing, among other things,
on the following:
- Cooperation in the field of water, including a Water
Development Program prepared by experts from both sides, which will also
specify the mode of cooperation in the management of water resources in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and will include proposals for studies and
plans on water rights of each party, as well as on the equitable utilization
of joint water resources for implementation in and beyond the interim period.
- Cooperation in the field of electricity, including an
Electricity Development Program, which will also specify the mode of cooperation
for the production, maintenance, purchase and sale of electricity resources.
- Cooperation in the field of energy, including an Energy
Development Program, which will provide for the exploitation of oil and
gas for industrial purposes, particularly in the Gaza Strip and in the
Negev, and will encourage further joint exploitation of other energy resources.
This Program may also provide for the construction of a Petrochemical industrial
complex in the Gaza Strip and the construction of oil and gas pipelines.
- Cooperation in the field of finance, including a Financial
Development and Action Program for the encouragement of international investment
in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Israel, as well as the establishment
of a Palestinian Development Bank.
- Cooperation in the field of transport and communications,
including a Program, which will define guidelines for the establishment
of a Gaza Sea Port Area, and will provide for the establishing of transport
and communications lines to and from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to
Israel and to other countries. In addition, this Program will provide for
carrying out the necessary construction of roads, railways, communications
lines, etc.
- Cooperation in the field of trade, including studies,
and Trade Promotion Programs,which will encourage local, regional and inter-regional
trade, as well as a feasibility study of creating free trade zones in the
Gaza Strip and in Israel, mutual access to these zones, and cooperation
in other areas related to trade and commerce.
- Cooperation in the field of industry, including Industrial
Development Programs, which will provide for the establishment of joint
Israeli-Palestinian Industrial Research and Development Centers, will promote
Palestinian-Israeli joint ventures, and provide guidelines for cooperation
in the textile, food, pharmaceutical, electronics, diamonds, computer and
science-based industries.
- A program for cooperation in, and regulation of, labor
relations and cooperation in social welfare issues.
- A Human Resources Development and Cooperation Plan, providing
for joint Israeli-Palestinian workshops and seminars, and for the establishment
of joint vocational training centers, research institutes and data banks.
- An Environmental Protection Plan, providing for joint
and/or coordinated measures in this sphere.
- A program for developing coordination and cooperation
in the field of communication and media.
- Any other programs of mutual interest.
Annex IV
Protocol on Israeli-Palestinian ccoperation concerning
regional development programs
- The two sides will cooperate in the context of the multilateral
peace efforts in promoting a Development Program for the region, including
the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, to be initiated by the G-7. The parties
will request the G-7 to seek the participation in this program of other
interested states, such as members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development, regional Arab states and institutions, as well as members
of the private sector.
- The Development Program will consist of two elements:
- An Economic Development Program for the West Bank and
the Gaza Strip.
- A Regional Economic Development Program.
A. The Economic Development Program for the West Bank
and the Gaza Strip will consist of the following elements:
- A Social Rehabilitation Program, including a Housing
and Construction Program.
- A Small and Medium Business Development Plan.
- An Infrastructure Development Program (water, electricity,
transportation and communications, etc.).
- A Human Resources Plan.
- Other programs.
B. The Regional Economic Development Program may
consist of the following elements:
- The establishment of a Middle East Development
Fund, as a first step, and a Middle East Development Bank, as a second
step.
- The development of a joint Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian
Plan for coordinated exploitation of the Dead Sea area.
- The Mediterranean Sea (Gaza) - Dead Sea Canal.
- Regional Desalinization and other water development projects.
- A regional plan for agriculture development, including
a coordinated regional effort for the prevention of desertification.
- Interconnection of electricity grids.
- Regional cooperation for the transfer, distribution and
industrial exploitation of gas, oil and other energy resources.
- A regional Tourism, Transportation and Telecommunications
Development Plan.
- Regional cooperation in other spheres.
- The two sides encourage the multilateral working groups,
and will coordinate towards their success. The two parties will encourage
intersessional activities, as well as pre-feasibility and feasibility studies,
within the various multilateral working groups.
Agreed minutes to the declaration
of principles on interim self-government arrangements
A. General undertandings and agreements
Any powers and responsibilities transferred to the Palestinians
pursuant to the Declaration of Principles prior to the inauguration of
the Council will be subject to the same principles pertaining to Article
IV, as set out in these Agreed Minutes below.
B. Specific understandings and agreements
Article IV
It is understood that:
- Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and
Gaza Strip territory, except for issues that will be negotiated in the
permanent status negotiations: Jerusalem, settlements, military locations,
and Israelis.
- The Council's jurisdiction will apply with regard to
the agreed powers, responsibilities, spheres and authorities transferred
to it.
Article VI(2)
It is agreed that the transfer of authority will be as
follows:
- The Palestinian side will inform the Israeli side of
the names of the authorised Palestinians who will assume the powers, authorities
and responsibilities that will be transferred to the Palestinians according
to the Declaration of Principles in the following fields: education and
culture, health, social welfare, direct taxation, tourism, and any other
authorities agreed upon.
- It is understood that the rights and obligations of these
offices will not be affected.
- Each of the spheres described above will continue to
enjoy existing budgetary allocations in accordance with arrangements to
be mutually agreed upon. These arrangements also will provide for the necessary
adjustments required in order to take into account the taxes collected
by the direct taxation office.
- Upon the execution of the Declaration of Principles,
the Israeli and Palestinian delegations will immediately commence negotiations
on a detailed plan for the transfer of authority on the above offices in
accordance with the above understandings.
Article VII(2)
The Interim Agreement will also include arrangements for
coordination and cooperation.
Article VII(5)
The withdrawal of the military government will not prevent
Israel from exercising the powers and responsibilities not transferred
to the Council.
Article VIII
It is understood that the Interim Agreement will include
arrangements for cooperation and coordination between the two parties in
this regard. It is also agreed that the transfer of powers and responsibilities
to the Palestinian police will be accomplished in a phased manner, as agreed
in the Interim Agreement.
Article X
It is agreed that, upon the entry into force of the Declaration
of Principles, the Israeli and Palestinian delegations will exchange the
names of the individuals designated by them s members of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian
Liaison Committee. It is further agreed that each side will have an equal
number of members in the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee will reach
decisions by agreements. The Joint Committee may add other technicians
and experts, as necessary. The Joint Committee will decide on the frequency
and place or places of its meetings.
ANNEX II
It is understood that, subsequent to the Israel withdrawal,
Israel will continue to be responsible for external security, and for nternal
security and public order of settlements and Israelis. Israeli military
forces and civilians may continue to use roads freely within the Gaza Strip
and the Jericho area.
Done at Washington, D.C., this thirteenth day of September,
1993.
For the Government of Israel: [Shimon Perez]
For the P.L.O: [Mahmoud Abbas]
Witnessed by:
The United States of America: [Warren Christopher]
The Russian Federation: [Andrei Kozyrev]
Exchanged letters
Mr. Prime Minister,
The signing of the Declaration of Principles marks a new
era in the history of the Middle East. In firm conviction thereof, I would
like to confirm the following PLO commitments:
The PLO recognizes the right of the State of Israel to
exist in peace and security.
The PLO accepts United Nations Security Council Resolutions
242 and 338.
The PLO commits itself to the Middle East peace process,
and to a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two sides and
declares that all outstanding issues reiating to permanent status will
be resolved through negotiations.
The PLO considers that the signing of the Declaration
of Principles constitutes a historic event, inaugurating a new epoch of
peaceful coexistence, free from violence and all other acts which endanger
peace and stability. Accordingly, the PLO renounces the use of terrorism
and other acts of violence and will assume responsibility over all PLO
elements and personnel in order to assure their compliance, prevent violations
and discipline violators.
In view of the promise of a new era and the signing of
the Declaratiof Principles and based on Palestinian acceptance of Security
Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the PLO affirms that those articles of
the Palestinian Covenant which deny Israel's right to exist, and the provisions
of the Covenant which are inconsistent with the commitments of this letter
are now inoperative and no longer valid. Consequently, the PLO undertakes
to submit to the Palestinian National Council for formal approval the necessary
changes in regard to the Palestinian Covenant.
Yitzhak Rabin
Prime Minister of Israel
Mr. Chairman,
In response to your letter of September 9, 1993, I wish
to confirm to you that, in light of the PLO commitments included in your
letter, the Government of Israel has decided to recognize the PLO as the
representative of the Palestinian people and commence negotiations with
the PLO within the Middle East peace process.
Sincerely,
Yitzhak Rabin
Prime Minister of Israel
September 10, 1993
Yasser Arafat
Chairman
The Palestine Liberation Organization
Dear Minister Holst,
I would like to confirm to you that, upon the signing
of the Declaration of Principles, I will include the following positions
in my public statements:
In light of the new era marked by the signing of the Declaration
of Principles, the PLO encourages and calls upon the Palestinian people
in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to take part in the steps leading to the
normalization of life, rejecting violence and terrorism, contributing to
peace and stability and participating actively in shaping reconstruction,
economic development and cooperation.
His Excellency
Johan Jorgen Holst
Foreign Minister of Norway
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