RAMALLAH ÑThe Palestinian Authority has presented what is being
termed the most detailed plan for reconciliation with Israel and the
establishment of an
independent state.
Palestinian sources said the plan includes new elements meant to
overcome Israeli security objections regarding a Palestinian state. They
said this includes a clause that would allow Israel to retain parts of the
Jordan Valley for an unspecified interim period.
The plan was drafted in consultations with such Arab allies as Egypt,
Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The sources said the Bush administration is
studying the plan and has raised objections.
The plan has been promoted by Mahmoud Abbas, known as Abu Mazen, the
secretary of the PLO Executive Committee. Abu Mazen toured several Arab
countries and hopes to present the plan next month to the so-called "Quartet,"
composed of the U.S. secretary of state, the foreign ministers of Russia,
the European Union policy chief and the United Nations secretary-general.
Under the proposal, the Palestinians would be given an independent state
in 2005 that would include the entire West Bank, Gaza Strip and eastern
Jerusalem. The state would be declared with Israel's endorsement and be
admitted to the United Nations.
The Palestinians want Israel to agree to begin negotiations next year
after elections are held for a Palestinian leadership. At that point, an
interim Palestinian state would be established that would lead to an Israeli
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in early 2004.
Israel and the Palestinians would spend 2004 discussing final status
issues, such as Palestinian refugees. An agreement is meant to be reached
the following year.
Under the plan, Israel would retain several areas of the Jordan Valley
for an unspecified period. Israel has insisted that it must deploy troops in
the area to prevent an invasion from Iraq.
The sources said the administration has raised numerous objections to
the plan. One concerns timetable. The United States wants to extend the
timetable for elections and first ensure that the Palestinians have a
constitution and a definition of the office of president. The administration
wants the Palestinians to appoint a prime minister that would take much of
the current powers of PA Chairman Yasser Arafat.
