Wye River Memorandum Washington D.C., October 23, 1998 Government's decision of November 11, 1998. 1. The Government approves the Wye River Memorandum signed in Washington on October 23, 1998, (henceforth "the Agreement") and will present it to the Knesset for approval. 2. a) The implementation of all the Palestinian obligations throughout all phases of the Agreement is a condition for the implementation of the Israeli obligation under the Agreement according to the timetable set in it. b) The implementation of each phase of the Further Redeployments mentioned in the Agreement will be brought before the Government for prior discussion and approval. 3. a) The Government approves the map of the first phase of the Further Redeployment as presented to the Government. Approval of the maps of the additional phases of the Further Redeployment shall be given in the Ministerial Committee mentioned below, which shall decide on the matter with the Government's consent. b) In accordance with Paragraph 36(A)(6) of the Basic Law the Prime Minister has appointed a Ministerial Committee consisting of the Minister of Defense, chairman; the Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Minister of Education, Culture and Sport; the Minister of Immigrant Absorption; and the Minister for Public Security. c) Government Ministers may view the maps of each phase of the Further Redeployment at the Government Secretariat as the date of its implementation approaches and they may appear before the Committee and express their views. d) The Minister of Defense will determine the work agenda of the Committee. 4. a) Since the signing of the Agreement, official Palestinian declarations regarding the PLO Covenant have substantively contradicted the Agreement. b) The Agreement decrees a decision at the Palestinian National Council to confirm the Palestinian Authority Chairman's statement in his letter to President Clinton regarding the cancellation of the Palestinian Covenant articles which contravene the PLO's commitment to denounce terrorism, recognize Israel and live peacefully with Israel. c) In the light of the above, the fulfillment of Israel's commitment according to the Agreement is conditioned on a properly conducted vote at the Palestinian National Council. 5. a) Israel persists in its demand for the transfer of suspects and wanted fugitives according to the agreement. b) As for the list of 30 suspects, the Government notes the Prime Minister's statement, according to which: "The arrest of the 30 suspects is included in the 'Working Plan for combatting terrorism', so that one third will be arrested at each phase of the 12 weeks, and the U.S. has promised Israel that this will be implemented. The U.S has also committed to Israel that there will be special arrangements to prevent a "revolving door" policy in relation to these prisoners, and that if nevertheless a release of these prisoners will occur, it will be considered a violation of the Agreement." 6. As to the third Further Redeployment, in so far as Israel, according to its own judgment, will make a decision on it, the scope of the Redeployment will not exceed the total of one percent in all categories. 7. In the negotiations on Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District the Government will preserve the vital national interests of the State of Israel, as affirmed in the Government's decision of January 14, 1998. These include security areas, the areas around Jerusalem, the areas of Jewish settlement, infrastructure interests, water sources, military and security locations, the areas around north-south and west-east transportation arteries, and historic sites of the Jewish people. 8. The Government asserts that a unilateral declaration by the Palestinian Authority on the establishment of a Palestinian state, prior to the achievement of a Final Status Agreement, would constitute a substantive and fundamental violation of the Interim Agreement. In the event of such a violation, the Government would consider itself entitled to take all necessary steps, including the application of Israeli rule, law and administration to settlement areas and security areas in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, as it sees fit. Israel reiterates its position, in accordance with the Agreement with the PA, that the final status must be the result of free negotiations between the parties without the implementation of unilateral steps which will change the status of the area. 9. The Government will continue to pursue its policy of strengthening and developing the communities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip, on the basis of a multi-annual plan. 10. The government will see to it that security roads will be built in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza District. 11. The Government expresses its hope that there will be complete compliance with the provisions of the Wye River Memorandum, and that this Agreement will contribute to the advancement of peace. |
|