The Palestinian Authority's Political Programme,

28 May 1994

Nature, Definition, Mandate and Methodology of the Authority

The authority was established through a decision from the PLO - the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people - as an extenuation of the PLO. The Authority will gain its legitimacy from the PLO, which will remain its political and legislative reference. The Palestinian authority is a temporary interim authority implementing its tasks until general democratic elections in the Palestinian land takes place. It is in charge of executing the interim programs during the interim phase in order to achieve a national programme for connecting the interim period to the final solution.

The authority will temporarily exercise its executive and legislative mandate until the general elections.

The Palestinian authority will form its internal system, which will define the methodology of implementing its programs and tasks. The authority is commissioned to perform its tasks according to clear grounds and measures of national commitment and efficiency . this will be through its specialized institutions, systems, and framework, which the authority will establish by incorporating Palestinian capabilities wherever they exist.

Interim Authority Work Programme - Tasks and Mechanisms

1. Implementation and execution of authority in the Palestinian lands, starting with Gaza and Jericho, through its endorsed responsibilities and mandate and through a Palestinian definition its legitimacy and obligations.

2. Ensuing all that it related to the authority's responsibilities which are issues postponed for subsequent negotiations, finalizing them, and regaining the rest of the Occupied Territories.

3. Striving to achieve final release and return of all prisoners and expellees.

4. Composing and executing plans and special programs for training ... the prisoners, struggling cadres, and martyrs' families in addition to sanctioning a comprehensive national plan for the youth.

5. Comprising a special programme for the return of the expellees.

6. Preparing for legislative and municipal elections and ensuring their free nature and legitimacy.

7. Planning and formulating an active local government structure which includes a new framework for local, municipal, and village councils.

8. Following up on implementing the economic agreements and other agreements with the Arab states, especially Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia, with whom agreements have been signed

9. Drafting... Laws, and decrees especially for the National Authority's institutions. These will regulate various aspects of life which will enhance the concepts and principles of democracy and elections. They will maintain the preservation of citizens' right, general freedoms, independence of the judiciary system, separation of powers, achievement of male/female equality, and equality of opportunity and merit which will consolidate a foundation of free-market economics and guarantee the privates sector a primary role.

10. Coordination with international institutions and donor countries in development programs, in accordance with international procedures vis-a-vis the Authority's mandate.

11. The Authority is committed to follow up on all previous agreements concerning the authority and ensuring their implementation through laws and regulations in accordance with the public good.

12. Reorganization of political life by licensing political parties and movements, and protection of political freedom including the freedom of opinion and membership in political parties.

13. Reconstruction of the judiciary system, which will achieve judicial independence in order to function on a foundation of justice and guarantee the supremacy of law in all aspects of life.

14. Preparation of modern, efficient monetary system distinguished by its transparency, auditing, accountability, which will secure the usage of public money, and its administration.

15. Complementing and structuring primary institutions such as a treasury, development bank, employees bureau, accounting bureau, administrative monitor, economic council, and statistics bureau.

16. Accelerating implementation of development programs by giving priority to infra-structural projects, creating job opportunities, and providing basic services in order to facilities an active incentive for the production sector.

17. Implementing an emergent developmental programme and drafting all capabilities and merits of the Palestinian people in this field. In addition to concentrating on the Gaza strip in implementing this emergency plan and giving priority to solving its problems and economic deficiencies.

18. Continuing guidance and organization of the executive authority and its administration through the demarcation of its mandate and defining it in order to make it an incentive element for development and construction.

19. Reorganization of the service sectors including development, elevation of its human resources, and promotion of educational levels and skills for the work force.

20. Supporting and energizing the Palestinian community's institutions including the cultural and artistic institutions, and the protection... of the Palestinian heritage and its identity.

21. Providing support and aid to lift the capabilities of the national security forces in order for it to protect the security of the citizens, their property, and individual freedom. In addition to maintaining stability and social security and preservation and implementation of the law while protecting its supremacy.

22. Sustaining the capabilities and incentives to ensure women's active participation in the economic, social and political fields, in addition to the preparation of training programs and development of women's merit.

23. Forming the adequate mechanisms for implementing the cultural and economic agreements in addition to the artistic cooperation.. with neighboring friendly states and international organizations.