MidEast Web Historical Documents: Camp David Summit Statement 2000 (original) (raw)
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Introduction
In July 2000, American, Israeli and Palestinian leaders met at Camp David Maryland in an attempt to work out a compromise that would serve as the framework peace agreement for a final status agreement. Both sides had agreed to set September as a deadline for conclusion of the final status talks, so time was pressing. After many days of intensive negotiations, the summit failed and both Middle Eastern leaders returned home. During the summit, they had been subject to intensive pressures from extremists at home, who insisted that neither leader could make concessions on vital issues such as sovereignty over Jerusalem and the right of return of Palestinian refugees. The summit failed over the crucial issue of Jerusalem, though other outstanding issues had not yet been worked out completely either. The reference to "unilateral actions" in the statement was meant to discourage unilateral declaration of state by the Palestinians and unilateral annexation of areas of the West Bank and Gaza strip by Israel.
The proposals made at Camp David remained secret. However, MEW has prepared an unofficial summary. Maps of the area proposed for the Palestinians are given here.
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TheTrilateral statement issued by the United States, Israel and the Palestinians on the Camp David Summit
Between July 11 and 24, under the auspices of President Clinton, Prime Minister Barak and Chairman Arafat met at Camp David in an effort to reach an agreement on permanent status. While they were not able to bridge the gaps and reach an agreement, their negotiations were unprecedented in both scope and detail. Building on the progress achieved at Camp David, the two leaders agreed on the following principles to guide their negotiations:
The two sides agreed that the aim of their negotiations is to put an end to decades of conflict and achieve a just and lasting peace.
The two sides commit themselves to continue their efforts to conclude an agreement on all permanent status issues as soon as possible.
Both sides agree that negotiations based on U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 are the only way to achieve such an agreement and they undertake to create an environment for negotiations free from pressure, intimidation and threats of violence.
The two sides understand the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that prejudge the outcome of negotiations and that their differences will be resolved only by good-faith negotiations.
Both sides agree that the United States remains a vital partner in the search for peace and will continue to consult closely with President Clinton and Secretary Albright in the period ahead.