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Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements-Sept. 13, 1993
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The Government of the State of Israel and the P.L.O. team (in the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to the Middle East Peace Conference) (the "Palestinian Delegation"), representing the Palestinian people, agree that it is time to put an end to decades of confrontation and conflict, recognize their mutual legitimate and political rights, and strive to live in peaceful coexistence and mutual dignity and security and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation through the agreed political process. Accordingly, the, two sides agree
to the following principles:
ARTICLE I
AIM OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
The aim of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations within the current Middle East peace process is, among other things, to establish a Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority, the elected Council (the "Council"), for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, for a transitional period not exceeding five years, leading
to a permanent settlement based on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.
It is understood that the interim arrangements are an integral part of the whole peace process and that the
negotiations on the permanent status will lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.
ARTICLE II
FRAMEWORK FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD
The agreed framework for the interim period is set forth in this Declaration of Principles.
ARTICLE III
ELECTIONS
1.In order that the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip may govern themselves according to
democratic principles, direct, free and general political elections will be held for the Council under agreed
supervision and international observation, while the Palestinian police will ensure public order.
2.An agreement will be concluded on the exact mode and conditions of the elections in accordance with the
protocol attached as Annex I, with the goal of holding the elections not later than nine months after the
entry into force of this Declaration of Principles.
3.These elections will constitute a significant interim preparatory step toward the realization of the legitimate
rights of the Palestinian people and their just requirements.
ARTICLE IV
JURISDICTION
Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and Gaza Strip territory, except for issues that will be negotiated
in the permanent status negotiations. The two sides view the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as a single territorial
unit, whose integrity will be preserved during the interim period.
ARTICLE V
TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND PERMANENT STATUS NEGOTIATIONS
1.The five-year transitional period will begin upon the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
2.Permanent status negotiations will commence as soon as possible, but not later than the beginning of the
third year of the interim period, between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian people
representatives.
3.It is understood that these negotiations shall cover remaining issues, including: Jerusalem, refugees,
settlements, security arrangements, borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbors, and other
issues of common interest.
4.The two parties agree that the outcome of the permanent status negotiations should not be prejudiced or
preempted by agreements reached for the interim period.
ARTICLE VI
PREPARATORY TRANSFER OF POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the
Jericho area, a transfer of authority from the Israeli military government and its Civil Administration to
the authorised Palestinians for this task, as detailed herein, will commence. This transfer of authority will
be of a preparatory nature until the inauguration of the Council.
2.Immediately after the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles and the withdrawal from the Gaza
Strip and Jericho area, with the view to promoting economic development in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip, authority will be transferred to the Palestinians on the following spheres: education and culture,
health, social welfare, direct taxation, and tourism. The Palestinian side will commence in building the
Palestinian police force, as agreed upon. Pending the inauguration of the Council, the two parties may
negotiate the transfer of additional powers and responsibilities, as agreed upon.
ARTICLE VII
INTERIM AGREEMENT
1.The Israeli and Palestinian delegations will negotiate an agreement on the interim period (the "Interim
Agreement")
2.The Interim Agreement shall specify, among other things, the structure of the Council, the number of its
members, and the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the Israeli military government and its
Civil Administration to the Council. The Interim Agreement shall also specify the Council's executive
authority, legislative authority in accordance with Article IX below, and the independent Palestinian
judicial organs.
3.The Interim Agreement shall include arrangements, to be implemented upon the inauguration of the
Council, for the assumption by the Council of all of the powers and responsibilities transferred
previously in accordance with Article VI above.
4.In order to enable the Council to promote economic growth, upon its inauguration, the Council will
establish, among other things, a Palestinian Electricity Authority, a Gaza Sea Port Authority, a
Palestinian Development Bank, a Palestinian Export Promotion Board, a Palestinian Environmental
Authority, a Palestinian Land Authority and a Palestinian Water Administration Authority, and any other
Authorities agreed upon, in accordance with the Interim Agreement that will specify their powers and
responsibilities.
5.After the inauguration of the Council, the Civil Administration will be dissolved, and the Israeli military
government will be withdrawn.
ARTICLE VIII
PUBLIC ORDER AND SECURITY
In order to guarantee public order and internal security for the Palestinians of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,
the Council will establish a strong police force, while Israel will continue to carry the responsibility for defending
against external threats, as well as the responsibility for overall security of Israelis for the purpose of safeguarding
their internal security and public order.
ARTICLE IX
LAWS AND MILITARY ORDERS
1.The Council will be empowered to legislate, in accordance with the Interim Agreement, within all
authorities transferred to it.
2.Both parties will review jointly laws and military orders presently in force in remaining spheres.
ARTICLE X
JOINT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN LIAISON COMMITTEE
In order to provide for a smooth implementation of this Declaration of Principles and any subsequent agreements
pertaining to the interim period, upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, a Joint
Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Committee will be established in order to deal with issues requiring coordination, other
issues of common interest, and disputes.
ARTICLE XI
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION IN ECONOMIC FIELDS
Recognizing the mutual benefit of cooperation in promoting the development of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip
and Israel, upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, an Israeli-Palestinian Economic Cooperation
Committee will be established in order to develop and implement in a cooperative manner the programs identified
in the protocols attached as Annex III and Annex IV .
ARTICLE XII
LIAISON AND COOPERATION WITH JORDAN AND EGYPT
The two parties will invite the Governments of Jordan and Egypt to participate in establishing further liaison and
cooperation arrangements between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian representatives, on the one hand,
and the Governments of Jordan and Egypt, on the other hand, to promote cooperation between them. These
arrangements will include the constitution of a Continuing Committee that will decide by agreement on the
modalities of admission of persons displaced from the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967, together with
necessary measures to prevent disruption and disorder. Other matters of common concern will be dealt with by
this Committee.
ARTICLE XIII
REDEPLOYMENT OF ISRAELI FORCES
1.After the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, and not later than the eve of elections for the
Council, a redeployment of Israeli military forces in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will take place, in
addition to withdrawal of Israeli forces carried out in accordance with Article XIV.
2.In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided by the principle that its military forces should be
redeployed outside populated areas.
3.Further redeployments to specified locations will be gradually implemented commensurate with the
assumption of responsibility for public order and internal security by the Palestinian police force pursuant
to Article VIII above.
ARTICLE XIV
ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM THE GAZA STRIP AND JERICHO AREA
Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, as detailed in the protocol attached as Annex II.
ARTICLE XV
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
1.Disputes arising out of the application or interpretation of this Declaration of Principles. or any
subsequent agreements pertaining to the interim period, shall be resolved by negotiations through the
Joint Liaison Committee to be established pursuant to Article X above.
2.Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may be resolved by a mechanism of conciliation to be
agreed upon by the parties.
3.The parties may agree to submit to arbitration disputes relating to the interim period, which cannot be
settled through conciliation. To this end, upon the agreement of both parties, the parties will establish an
Arbitration Committee.
ARTICLE XVI
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION CONCERNING REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Both parties view the multilateral working groups as an appropriate instrument for promoting a "Marshall Plan",
the regional programs and other programs, including special programs for the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as
indicated in the protocol attached as Annex IV .
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1.This Declaration of Principles will enter into force one month after its signing.
2.All protocols annexed to this Declaration of Principles and Agreed Minutes pertaining thereto shall be
regarded as an integral part hereof.
Done at Washington, D.C., this thirteenth day of September, 1993.
For the Government of Israel
For the P.L.O.
Witnessed By:
The United States of America
The Russian Federation
ANNEX I
PROTOCOL ON THE MODE AND CONDITIONS OF ELECTIONS
1.Palestinians of Jerusalem who live there will have the right to participate in the election process,
according to an agreement between the two sides.
2.In addition, the election agreement should cover, among other things, the following issues:
a.the system of elections;
b.the mode of the agreed supervision and international observation and their personal composition;
and
c.rules and regulations regarding election campaign, including agreed arrangements for the
organizing of mass media, and the possibility of licensing a broadcasting and TV station.
3.The future status of displaced Palestinians who were registered on 4th June 1967 will not be prejudiced
because they are unable to participate in the election process due to practical reasons.
ANNEX II
PROTOCOL ON WITHDRAWAL OF ISRAELI FORCES FROM THE GAZA
STRIP AND JERICHO AREA
1.The two sides will conclude and sign within two months from the date of entry into force of this
Declaration of Principles, an agreement on the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip
and Jericho area. This agreement will include comprehensive arrangements to apply in the Gaza Strip and
the Jericho area subsequent to the Israeli withdrawal.
2.Israel will implement an accelerated and scheduled withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza
Strip and Jericho area, beginning immediately with the signing of the agreement on the Gaza Strip and
Jericho area and to be completed within a period not exceeding four months after the signing of this
agreement.
3.The above agreement will include, among other things:
a.Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of authority from the Israeli military
government and its Civil Administration to the Palestinian representatives.
b.Structure, powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority in these areas, except: external
security, settlements, Israelis, foreign relations, and other mutually agreed matters.
c.Arrangements for the assumption of internal security and public order by the Palestinian police
force consisting of police officers recruited locally and from abroad holding Jordanian passports
and Palestinian documents issued by Egypt). Those who will participate in the Palestinian police
force coming from abroad should be trained as police and police officers.
d.A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon.
e.Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and Cooperation Committee for mutual
security purposes.
f.An economic development and stabilization program, including the establishment of an
Emergency Fund, to encourage foreign investment, and financial and economic support. Both
sides will coordinate and cooperate jointly and unilaterally with regional and international parties
to support these aims.
g.Arrangements for a safe passage for persons and transportation between the Gaza Strip and
Jericho area.
4.The above agreement will include arrangements for coordination between both parties regarding
passages:
a.Gaza - Egypt; and
b.Jericho - Jordan.
5.The offices responsible for carrying out the powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority under
this Annex II and Article VI of the Declaration of Principles will be located in the Gaza Strip and in the
Jericho area pending the inauguration of the Council.
6.Other than these agreed arrangements, the status of the Gaza Strip and Jericho area will continue to be an
integral part of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and will not be changed in the interim period.
ANNEX III
PROTOCOL ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION IN ECONOMIC
AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The two sides agree to establish an Israeli-Palestinian continuing Committee for Economic Cooperation, focusing,
among other things, on the following:
1.Cooperation in the field of water, including a Water Development Program prepared by experts from both
sides, which will also specify the mode of cooperation in the management of water resources in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip, and will include proposals for studies and plans on water rights of each party, as
well as on the equitable utilization of joint water resources for implementation in and beyond the interim
period.
2.Cooperation in the field of electricity, including an Electricity Development Program, which will also
specify the mode of cooperation for the production, maintenance, purchase and sale of electricity
resources.
3.Cooperation in the field of energy, including an Energy Development Program, which will provide for
the exploitation of oil and gas for industrial purposes, particularly in the Gaza Strip and in the Negev, and
will encourage further joint exploitation of other energy resources. This Program may also provide for
the construction of a Petrochemical industrial complex in the Gaza Strip and the construction of oil and
gas pipelines.
4.Cooperation in the field of finance, including a Financial Development and Action Program for the
encouragement of international investment in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Israel, as well as
the establishment of a Palestinian Development Bank.
5.Cooperation in the field of transport and communications, including a Program, which will define
guidelines for the establishment of a Gaza Sea Port Area, and will provide for the establishing of
transport and communications lines to and from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to Israel and to other
countries. In addition, this Program will provide for carrying out the necessary construction of roads,
railways, communications lines, etc.
6.Cooperation in the field of trade, including studies, and Trade Promotion Programs, which will
encourage local, regional and inter-regional trade, as well as a feasibility study of creating free trade
zones in the Gaza Strip and in Israel, mutual access to these zones, and cooperation in other areas related
to trade and commerce.
7.Cooperation in the field of industry, including Industrial Development Programs, which will provide for
the establishment of joint Israeli- Palestinian Industrial Research and Development Centers, will promote
Palestinian-Israeli joint ventures, and provide guidelines for cooperation in the textile, food,
pharmaceutical, electronics, diamonds, computer and science-based industries.
8.A program for cooperation in, and regulation of, labor relations and cooperation in social welfare issues.
9.A Human Resources Development and Cooperation Plan, providing for joint Israeli-Palestinian
workshops and seminars, and for the establishment of joint vocational training centers, research institutes
and data banks.
10.An Environmental Protection Plan, providing for joint and/or coordinated measures in this sphere.
11.A program for developing coordination and cooperation in the field of communication and media.
12.Any other programs of mutual interest.
ANNEX IV
PROTOCOL ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION CONCERNING
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
1.The two sides will cooperate in the context of the multilateral peace efforts in promoting a Development
Program for the region, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, to be initiated by the G-7. The
parties will request the G-7 to seek the participation in this program of other interested states, such as
members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, regional Arab states and
institutions, as well as members of the private sector.
2.The Development Program will consist of two elements:
a.an Economic Development Program for the 'West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
b.a Regional Economic Development Program.
A.The Economic Development Program for the West Bank and the Gaza strip will consist of the
following elements:
1.A Social Rehabilitation Program, including a Housing and Construction Program.
2.A Small and Medium Business Development Plan.
3.An Infrastructure Development Program (water, electricity, transportation and
communications, etc.)
4.A Human Resources Plan.
5.Other programs.
B.The Regional Economic Development Program may consist of the following elements:
1.The establishment of a Middle East Development Fund, as a first step, and a Middle East
Development Bank, as a second step.
2.The development of a joint Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian Plan for coordinated
exploitation of the Dead Sea area.
3.The Mediterranean Sea (Gaza) - Dead Sea Canal.
4.Regional Desalinization and other water development projects.
5.A regional plan for agricultural development, including a coordinated regional effort for
the prevention of desertification.
6.Interconnection of electricity grids.
7.Regional cooperation for the transfer, distribution and industrial exploitation of gas, oil
and other energy resources.
8.A Regional Tourism, Transportation and Telecommunications Development Plan.
9.Regional cooperation in other spheres.
3.The two sides will encourage the multilateral working groups, and will coordinate towards their success.
The two parties will encourage intersessional activities, as well as pre-feasibility and feasibility studies,
within the various multilateral working groups.
AGREED MINUTES TO THE DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES ON INTERIM
SELF-GOVERNMENT ARRANGEMENTS
A. GENERAL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS
Any powers and responsibilities transferred to the Palestinians pursuant to the Declaration of Principles prior to
the inauguration of the Council will be subject to the same principles pertaining to Article IV, as set out in these
Agreed Minutes below.
B. SPECIFIC UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS
Article IV
It is understood that:
1.Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and Gaza Strip territory, except for issues that will be
negotiated in the permanent status negotiations: Jerusalem, settlements, military locations, and Israelis.
2.The Council's jurisdiction will apply with regard to the agreed powers, responsibilities, spheres and
authorities transferred to it.
Article VI (2)
It is agreed that the transfer of authority will be as follows:
1.The Palestinian side will inform the Israeli side of the names of the authorised Palestinians who will
assume the powers, authorities and responsibilities that will be transferred to the Palestinians according to
the Declaration of Principles in the following fields: education and culture, health, social welfare, direct
taxation, tourism, and any other authorities agreed upon.
2.It is understood that the rights and obligations of these offices will not be affected.
3.Each of the spheres described above will continue to enjoy existing budgetary allocations in accordance
with arrangements to be mutually agreed upon. These arrangements also will provide for the necessary
adjustments required in order to take into account the taxes collected by the direct taxation office.
4.Upon the execution of the Declaration of Principles, the Israeli and Palestinian delegations will
immediately commence negotiations on a detailed plan for the transfer of authority on the above offices in
accordance with the above understandings.
Article VII (2)
The Interim Agreement will also include arrangements for coordination and cooperation.
Article VII (5)
The withdrawal of the military government will not prevent Israel from exercising the powers and responsibilities
not transferred to the Council.
Article VIII
It is understood that the Interim Agreement will include arrangements for cooperation and coordination between
the two parties in this regard. It is also agreed that the transfer of powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian
police will be accomplished in a phased manner, as agreed in the Interim Agreement.
Article X
It is agreed that, upon the entry into force of the Declaration of Principles, the Israeli and Palestinian delegations
will exchange the names of the individuals designated by them as members of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Liaison
Committee.
It is further agreed that each side will have an equal number of members in the Joint Committee. The Joint
Committee will reach decisions by agreement. The Joint Committee may add other technicians and experts, as
necessary. The Joint Committee will decide on the frequency and place or places of its meetings.
Annex II
It is understood that, subsequent to the Israeli withdrawal, Israel will continue to be responsible for external
security, and for internal security and public order of settlements and Israelis. Israeli military forces and civilians
may continue to use roads freely within the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area.
Done at Washington, D.C., this thirteenth day of September, 1993.
For the Government of Israel
For the P.L.O.
Witnessed By:
The United States of America
The Russian Federation
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