Declaration of Principles
On Interim Self-Government Arrangements

(September 13, 1993)


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


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.


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.


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


The five-year transitional period will begin upon the withdrawal from
the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.


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.


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.


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


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.


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


The Israeli and Palestinian delegations will negotiate an agreement on
the interim period (the "Interim Agreement")


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.


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.


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.


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


The Council will be empowered to legislate, in accordance with the
Interim Agreement, within all authorities transferred to it.


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


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.


In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided by the
principle that its military forces should be redeployed outside populated
areas.


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


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.


Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may be resolved by a
mechanism of conciliation to be agreed upon by the parties.


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


This Declaration of Principles will enter into force one month after
its signing.


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



Palestinians of Jerusalem who live there will have the right to
participate in the election process, according to an agreement between the
two sides.


In addition, the election agreement should cover, among other things,
the following issues:


the system of elections;
the mode of the agreed supervision and international observation and
their personal composition; and
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.




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



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.


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.


The above agreement will include, among other things:


Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of authority from the
Israeli military government and its Civil Administration to the Palestinian
representatives.
Structure, powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority in
these areas, except: external security, settlements, Israelis, foreign
relations, and other mutually agreed matters.
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.
A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon.
Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and
Cooperation Committee for mutual security purposes.
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.
Arrangements for a safe passage for persons and transportation between
the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.




The above agreement will include arrangements for coordination between
both parties regarding passages:


Gaza - Egypt; and


Jericho - Jordan.




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.


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:


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


A program for cooperation in, and regulation of, labor relations and
cooperation in social welfare issues.


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.


An Environmental Protection Plan, providing for joint and/or
coordinated measures in this sphere.


A program for developing coordination and cooperation in the field of
communication and media.


Any other programs of mutual interest.






ANNEX IV

PROTOCOL ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION CONCERNING
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS



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.


The Development Program will consist of two elements:


an Economic Development Program for the 'West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
a Regional Economic Development Program.



The Economic Development Program for the West Bank and the Gaza strip
will consist of the following elements:


A Social Rehabilitation Program, including a Housing and Construction
Program.
A Small and Medium Business Development Plan.
An Infrastructure Development Program (water, electricity,
transportation and communications, etc.)
A Human Resources Plan.
Other programs.




The Regional Economic Development Program may consist of the following
elements:


The establishment of a Middle East Development Fund, as a first step,
and a Middle East Development Bank, as a second step.
The development of a joint Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian Plan for
coordinated exploitation of the Dead Sea area.
The Mediterranean Sea (Gaza) - Dead Sea Canal.
Regional Desalinization and other water development projects.
A regional plan for agricultural development, including a coordinated
regional effort for the prevention of desertification.
Interconnection of electricity grids.
Regional cooperation for the transfer, distribution and industrial
exploitation of gas, oil and other energy resources.
A Regional Tourism, Transportation and Telecommunications Development
Plan.
Regional cooperation in other spheres.








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:


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.


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:


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.


It is understood that the rights and obligations of these offices will
not be affected.


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.


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