Proposal for Temporary Ceasefire Between Israel and Palestinians - 2003-05-17

Today, Ariel Sharon, the Prime Minister of Israel, had his first contact with Mahmoud Abbas, the new Palestinian counterpart, in over two years. Israeli officials state that Mr. Sharon will propose a temporary ceasefire and a phased withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Palestinian autonomous areas, with the first stage being a retreat from the Gaza Strip. Consequently, the responsibility for security in this area will be transferred to Palestinian security agencies, which are expected to initiate coordinated efforts to halt violence and terrorism. Palestinian officials indicate that Mohammad Dahlan, the new Palestinian security minister who will also participate in today's talks, is ready to take responsibility for Gaza's security. If this plan succeeds in Gaza, Israeli forces will be prepared to withdraw from other areas of the West Bank, including Jericho and Bethlehem. Israeli forces were deployed to the West Bank and Gaza Strip last year following a series of suicide attacks by Palestinians. Mr. Sharon states that if the Palestinian Authority is willing to stop the attacks by Palestinian militants, there will be no need for Israeli soldiers to remain in these areas. On the other hand, Mr. Abbas is expected to seek assurance that Israel is interested in implementing the provisions of the U.S.-backed peace plan presented to both parties the previous week. This peace plan, known as the 'Road Map,' has the support of the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, and Russia. It calls for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of a Palestinian state by 2005. Today's meeting also serves as a test of Mr. Abbas's leadership capabilities as the first Prime Minister of the Palestinian interim government. Meanwhile, with the resignation of Saeb Erekat, the minister responsible for peace talks in Mr. Abbas's cabinet, it seems that the new Palestinian Prime Minister is also facing a crisis within his government. Mr. Erekat resigned after he was not included in the Palestinian delegation for today's talks with the Israeli Prime Minister.