Secretary Condoleezza Rice London Meeting Supporting the Palestinian Authority

Remarks at the London Meeting Supporting the Palestinian Authority

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Queen Elizabeth II Conference Center London, England March 1, 2005

I would like to join Foreign Minister Asselbourn and Secretary General Annan in thanking you, Prime Minister, for hosting this important event in support of the Palestinian people. Mr. Prime Minister: Your personal dedication to the cause of Middle East peace has helped to make the present moment rich with hope and opportunity.
I would also like to thank President Abbas, whose participation in this meeting demonstrates very, very vividly the Palestinian Authority's commitment to democratic reform. I look forward to working with you and your government at this time of great possibility for your people and for your region.

Distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen: There is a consensus, in the Middle East and beyond, that before us today is the best chance for peace that we may see for years to come. To realize this opportunity, we must help the Palestinian people establish institutions that secure their freedom and their dignity, ensure law and order, and bring an end to terrorism. Friday’s terrorist attack in Tel Aviv is a reminder that there are still groups and individuals who will literally kill to prevent peace. And if they are not stopped, the path to peace will be blocked. The roadmap to peace correctly stated that terrorist organizations must be dismantled if our common goals are to be achieved.

During his recent visit to Europe, President Bush reaffirmed the clear vision that guides our efforts: We are determined to see two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and in security. Genuine peace will only blossom when it is rooted in genuine democracy. As President Bush said last week in Belgium: “Only a democracy can serve the hopes of Palestinians, and make Israel secure, and raise the flag of a free Palestine.”

In January, the Palestinian people held presidential elections that international observers agreed were free and fair. These elections were a credit to the Palestinian Authority and a source of honor for the Palestinian people. Israel offered its support to the Palestinians as they took this important first step toward democracy. And we hope to see similar cooperation for the Palestinian elections for parliament this July … and for the municipal elections in Gaza and the West Bank that will continue through the end of this year.

We in the international community must encourage the Palestinians to advance democratic reforms. A more representative Palestinian Authority must continue to answer the people’s call for good governance, economic opportunity, and real justice.

We applaud recent Palestinian efforts to make their government more transparent and accountable. A revised Palestinian Basic Law is serving well as an interim constitution. A new electoral law is being discussed in the Palestinian Legislative Council. And just last week, this Council approved a dynamic new cabinet of ministers who are committed to strengthening the cause of reform.

Ramallah is buzzing these days with vigorous debates and even the occasional shouting match. These are the sounds of democracy. And they are a true joy to hear, Mr. President. The Palestinian people are writing the opening chapter of a more hopeful national story. And their brave efforts deserve our utmost support -- for there is still much work to do.

Good governance requires the establishment of the rule of law, reform of the judiciary, an end to official corruption, and an overhaul of the pension and civil service systems. We must also help the Palestinian Authority build its capacity to deliver basic services like education and health care to its citizens. Political reform must be accompanied by social and economic development that prepares the Palestinian people for the challenges of a 21st-century world.

Advancing reform is urgent work that cannot be deferred. It will come to nothing if terrorist groups, like Palestinian Islamic Jihad, continue to attack Israelis and to deny the Palestinian people the better life they deserve. Therefore, all nations committed to peace must now join together to help the Palestinians prevent terrorists, and the states that support them, from killing this hopeful moment.

The Palestinian Authority needs to reform its security institutions in order to fight terrorism and lawlessness effectively. The United States is prepared to work with partners in the region and around the world to realize this essential goal. General Ward, who is here with me today, will soon relocate to the region to lead our efforts. We commend those neighbors, especially Egypt and Jordan, who have made specific commitments to help the Palestinians create honest and accountable security services.

Peace must be nurtured by many hands if it is to flourish. We all have important roles to play. The Israeli government will soon take a historic step to disengage from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Israel must also take no actions that prejudice a final settlement, and must help ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly viable. A state of scattered territories will not work.

Arab states must end incitement in their media, cut off all funding for terrorism, stop their support for extremist education, and establish normal relations with Israel. We in the international community must share our expertise in all areas of democratic governance … and offer our full financial assistance.

For our part, the United States is eager to support the Palestinians in this time of hope and need. As President Bush announced in his State of the Union address, the United States is pledging $350 million to help the Palestinians build their democratic state. We are also providing $41 million in quick-impact funding. This money should be used immediately to help Palestinian citizens get health care, enroll in higher education programs, and develop their nation’s economy.

Just as we all share a responsibility for peace, so too will we share in the benefits of peace. A free and democratic Palestine will energize the pace of reform in the broader Middle East … and unleash a resounding chorus of hope throughout the wider world.

Today we have the chance to make our shared future one of peace and prosperity for all citizens. We can transform this present moment of hope into an historic turning point -- a pivotal time when free nations join together to help end a conflict, once and for all, that has ruined the lives of millions. And the roadmap to peace will show us the path to the two state solution we all seek.

The course of human liberty is often uneven. But from the long perspective of history, the forward movement of freedom is clear. So let us work together to seize this opportunity for peace. For if we do not, there is no telling when we will get another chance.

2005/252 Released on March 1, 2005