Declaration of Principles on
Interim Self-Government Arrangements
September 13, 1993
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
Resolutions 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 Gaza
Strip 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
Declaration 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 TRANSFER 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 defending against
external threats, as well as 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
Governments 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 measures to 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 agreements 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 "Marshall 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
For the P.L.O.
Witnessed By:
The United States of America
The Russian Federation
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 from 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
a 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 the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
- The above agreement will include arrangements for coordination
between both parties regarding passages:
- Gaza - Egypt; and
- 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 COOPERATION 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
Organisation 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.
- 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.
- 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 agricultural 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 will 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 UNDERSTANDINGS 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 as 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 agreement. 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 Israeli withdrawal,
Israel will continue to be responsible for external security, and for internal 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
For the P.L.O.
Witnessed By:
The United States of America
The Russian Federation |