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May 17, 2005

Note to Media: It's Not Just an Israeli Demand.

As was the case with the Oslo accords, some in the media just can't seem to get it right when it comes to the road map peace plan.

Again, an Associated Press dispatch notes Israel's obligations under the road map, while redefining the Palestinian obligations as Israeli demands.

Palestinian officials have criticized the "disengagement" plan, saying Israel has refused to coordinate the pullout with them and demanding that it be incorporated into the internationally backed "road map" peace plan, which envisions the creation of a Palestinian state by the end of the year. ...

Israel has demanded the Palestinians crack down on militants, but Palestinian officials have favored using persuasion to maintain the truce.

The road map envisions the creation of a Palestinian state in 2005, yes. But this target date is contingent on certain actions being taken first. As the plan states:

The plan establishes a realistic timeline for implementation. However, as a performance-based plan, progress will require and depend upon the good faith efforts of the parties, and their compliance with each of the obligations outlined below. ... Non-compliance with obligations will impede progress.

Which means we have to get through Phase I first. Phase I of the plan states:

Rebuilt and refocused Palestinian Authority security apparatus begins sustained, targeted, and effective operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror and dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. This includes commencing confiscation of illegal weapons ....

It's not just an Israeli demand.

Posted by GI at May 17, 2005 04:34 PM