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 th)
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