21 April 2003
U.S. Urges Confirmation of New Palestinian Government
(Says cabinet proposed by Abu Mazen "can achieve Palestinian state") (880)
The United States is confident that the Palestinian cabinet proposed
by Prime Minister Abu Mazen reflects the desires of the Palestinian
people and should be confirmed, said State Department Spokesman
Richard Boucher.
"I think we're confident in the idea that this cabinet would be
confirmed by the Palestinian Legislative Council, it would be ... the
cabinet that the Palestinian legislature wants, and that the
opportunity should not be missed at this moment," said Boucher,
speaking at the April 21 State Department briefing.
The spokesman said it was "urgent" that the Palestinians complete the
process of establishing a government.
A "strong and empowered Palestinian cabinet, headed by Abu Mazen,
committed to serious efforts on reform and security, is deeply in the
interest of the Palestinian people," Boucher said.
"The Palestinian people deserve serious leaders ready to work toward
the vision of two independent states, an independent Palestine living
side by side with Israel. That's the opportunity now. We would hope
they would not miss it," he said.
Boucher said the views of other foreign leaders and representatives
"coincides with ours," in the desire to see a new Palestinian
leadership in place "that can achieve a Palestinian state."
Following is an excerpt from the April 21 State Department briefing
containing Spokesman Boucher's comments on the formation of the new
Palestinian government:
(begin excerpt)
QUESTION: Slight change of subject, but it's also the Middle East. Abu
Mazen appears to be frustrated because I believe this Wednesday
there's a deadline for the PA to install a cabinet and he is wanting
to perhaps crack down more security-wise and eliminate some of the
terrorist groups, and yet Chairman Arafat seems to have his choices
and there's, I guess it's coming to brinkmanship in the PA themselves.
MR. BOUCHER: Correct. I think the deadline for formation of the
cabinet is the 23rd, which is Wednesday. Our view is that formation of
a strong and empowered Palestinian cabinet, headed by Abu Mazen and
committed to serious efforts on reform and security, is deeply in the
interests of the Palestinian people. It is essential that the
Palestinians complete this process of establishing a government
urgently.
The United States is determined to do all we can to help such a
government move rapidly toward the two-state vision outlined by
President Bush, and the Palestinians can't afford to miss this
opportunity. We are hopeful that Abu Mazen will choose and then the
Palestinian Legislative Council would confirm a cabinet that is
capable of taking the steps on Palestinian reform and taking clear and
sustained action against violence and terrorist attacks that are
necessary.
The Palestinian people deserve serious leaders ready to work toward
the vision of two independent states, an independent Palestine living
side by side with Israel. That's the opportunity. Now we would hope
they would not miss it.
QUESTION: So does that mean you are ruling out any new prime minister?
Just you want Abu Mazen?
MR. BOUCHER: We think that the process that has been undertaken so far
is a good one, that but for a few final details that a prime minister
and a cabinet have been chosen. As I said before, I think we're
confident in the idea that this cabinet would be confirmed by the
Palestinian Legislative Council. It would be the council that the
Palestinian legislature wants, the cabinet that the Palestinian
legislature wants, and that the opportunity should not be missed at
this moment.
QUESTION: Richard, what has the United States done to try to break
this deadlock over the formation of the cabinet?
MR. BOUCHER: Well, I think, in the end, it's a matter for the
Palestinians themselves and for Palestinian legislators, for
Palestinian political leaders, to make the decisions necessary to take
advantage of the opportunity and get on with their future. This view
that I've expressed to you has been expressed directly to Palestinians
in our contacts, has been made clear to a variety of people who we
have talked to in terms of other foreign leaders, other foreign
ministers, some of whom are traveling to the region and expressing
their own view, which we are happy to say if it coincides with ours
that it's time to get on with this process, it is time to confirm this
government, and it's time not -- it's time to start building the new
institutions, the new leadership that can achieve a Palestinian state,
not miss that opportunity.
QUESTION: Can you tell us and give us details of the latest such
contact, endeavor to?
MR. BOUCHER: Well, the Secretary has talked over the weekend with
Foreign Minister Palacio of Spain. He has talked this morning with
European High Representative Solana, with Greek Foreign Minister
Papandreou, who is in the EU presidency; also been in touch with the
Israeli Foreign Minister and the Russian Foreign Minister. And in all
of these discussions, the situation with regard to Israelis and
Palestinians has been a topic, and our desire to move forward on
things like the roadmap, which we are waiting for the confirmation of
the Palestinian government.
QUESTION: All of them but Palacio were today?
MR. BOUCHER: That's right.
(end excerpt)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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