May 14, 2003

Dear Representative/Senator,

On April 30, 2003, the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia (together known as the Quartet) issued the long-awaited Road Map to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. The Road Map presents a coherent foundation for resolving the crisis of the last 2 ½ years by requiring both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to carry out measures “in parallel” to address the legitimate needs of both parties – security for Israel and security and freedom for the Palestinians.

Presentation of the Road Map followed the installation of the first Palestinian Authority Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas. In his address to the Palestinian Legislative Council on April 29, 2003, Mr. Abbas made clear his commitment to peace. In a message to the Israeli people, he stated that his government wants to achieve peace through negotiations. He denounced terrorism by “any party and in all its shapes and forms”.

The Palestinian Authority has accepted the Road Map for peace to which US President Bush is committed. The Road Map is not perfect. But we have accepted it in good faith because of its destination: peace and security for both peoples, an independent and viable Palestinian with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side-by-side with Israel on Israel’s pre-1967 borders.

We are eager to fulfill our Road Map obligations and have indeed already met many of them including the appointment of an empowered cabinet and the drafting of a constitution.

The Israeli government, however, has still not accepted the Road Map, having stalled implementation by first presenting a litany of modifications, then declaring the Road Map a “draft” and most recently demanding that Palestinians give up the rights of refugees as a pre-condition. Such dilatory tactics only serve to undermine Palestinian efforts at Road Map implementation and strengthen those who opposed the Road Map from its inception.

I am convinced that the Israeli and Palestinian peoples want a peaceful alternative to the violence and oppression of the last 2 ½ years. Neither Palestinians nor Israelis can afford to miss this opportunity to embark on this road to peace. Consequently, on behalf of all those who support peace in this troubled region, I urge you to lend your considerable support, along with your colleagues, to persuade Prime Minister Sharon to accept the Road Map. I understand that Mr. Sharon will be meeting with President Bush in Washington on May 20, 2003. Nothing would be more fitting for the occasion than if by that time, Israelis and Palestinians have embarked on a journey, as partners, toward peace.

Respectfully,

Dr. Saeb Erekat Minister of Negotiations Affairs Palestinian Authority