Support for Palestinian Civil Security & Rule of Law

June 24, 2008

Secretary Rice (June 24): "I'm really honored to represent the United States at this very important conference and obviously, the support for Palestinian institutions of security and justice is essential to achieving our vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. This is, indeed, an important conference as we move to try and achieve what we started at Annapolis. And I would first like to thank Chancellor Merkel for your initiative in putting this conference together and to Tony Blair for his leadership in co-hosting this important event. And thank you again, Frank, for the wonderful arrangements here in Germany." Full Text  | More on the Secretary's travel

President Bush Meets with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority

May 17, 2008
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

President Bush:

“…we talked, of course, about the Palestinian state. I told the President that I am absolutely committed to working with him and his negotiators, as well as the Israelis, to get a state defined. And I do so for a couple of reasons. One…[the Palestinians] are good, smart, capable people that when given a chance will build a thriving homeland. It'll be an opportunity to end the suffering that takes place in the Palestinian Territory.

And the second reason I am for it is because it's the only way for lasting peace. The President and his team are committed to peace. They stand squarely against those who use violence to stop the peace process. And for that I admire you and your team, Mr. President, and I commit to you once again that our government will help achieve a dream, a dream that you have -- and the truth of the matter is, a dream that the Israelis have, which is two states living side by side in peace. “  (full text) (In Focus: President Bush’s Middle East Trip)

Secretary Rice (Ramallah , May 4, 2008) 

We continue to believe that it is an achievable goal to have an agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis by the end of the year..

Thank you for welcoming me yet again to Ramallah for our very important discussions about how to move the Annapolis process forward on all three tracks, first of all, the improvement of life for Palestinians and their daily lives... I had a very good discussion this morning with Prime Minister Fayyad and with Defense Minister Barak about the efforts that are being made in places like Jenin. And I congratulate you on the deployment of Palestinian security forces there…  We hope, of course, to continue to improve the opportunities around the West Bank for people to have economic opportunity in a secure environment…. President Bush believes very strongly that the time has come for the establishment of a Palestinian state… and we continue to believe that it is an achievable goal to have an agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis by the end of the year... Secretary Rice, Ramallah, May 4, 2008 (More)

Rice with Ban Ki-Moon and Javier Solana.

The Quartet Expresses Concern over Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza

“Noting its deep concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the Quartet called for continued emergency and humanitarian assistance and the provision of essential services to Gaza without obstruction. The Quartet expressed its continuing concern over the closure of major Gaza crossing points given the impact on the Palestinian economy and daily life. The Quartet condemned the terrorist attack on Nahal Oz fuel terminal on April 9, and noted that such attacks on the Gaza crossings interfere with the supply of essential services and undermine the interests of the Palestinian people. Principals strongly encouraged Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Egypt to work together to formulate a new approach on Gaza that would provide security to all Gazans, end all acts of terror, provide for the controlled and sustained opening of the Gaza crossings for humanitarian reasons and commercial flows, support the legitimate Palestinian Authority government, and work towards conditions that would permit implementation of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access.”  Quartet Meeting statement, London, May 2, 2008.

Vice President Cheney Visit to the Middle East

“No one deserves to go through life in a climate of fear, or deprivation, or dreading what the next day may bring. That should not be, and must not be, the direction of events in this region. The future belongs to the advocates of peace and reconciliation, As President Bush has said, "The establishment of the state of Palestine is long overdue. The Palestinian people deserve it." The United States will commit resources to help the Palestinians build the infrastructure necessary for a stable, secure and prosperous democracy, and a society led by a government that joins in the fight against terror and honors the aspirations of all its people…” U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, Ramallah, March 23, 2008  full text - more

$148 million reached in United States Government’s Contribution to UNRWA for 2008:

The U.S. contribution to the General Fund will support UNRWA’s provision of basic and vocational education, primary health care, and relief and social services to over 4.4 million registered Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (more)