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Skriven 2005-01-09 23:33:06 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050109) for Sun, 2005 Jan 9
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Statement by the President
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 9, 2005

Statement by the President



January 9, 2005

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am heartened by today's strong turnout in the Palestinian elections.
Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza took a key step toward
building a democratic future by choosing a new president in elections that
observers describe as largely free and fair. This is a historic day for the
Palestinian people and for the people of the Middle East.

America and all free nations strongly support the efforts of the
Palestinian people to create lasting democratic institutions. These efforts
-- including today's presidential elections and the parliamentary elections
that will follow in several months -- are essential for the establishment
of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic, and peaceful Palestinian
state that can live alongside a safe and secure Israel. These elections are
further proof that when given a choice, all peoples seek to live in liberty
and to choose their own government.

The United States stands ready to help the Palestinian people realize their
aspirations. The new Palestinian president and his cabinet face critical
tasks ahead, including fighting terrorism, combatting corruption, building
reformed and democratic institutions, and reviving the Palestinian economy.
We look forward to working with him and the Palestinian people to address
these challenges and to advance the cause of Middle East peace consistent
with the vision I set forth on June 24, 2002, of two states, Israel and
Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Other countries also
have constructive and vital roles to play. Israel must help to improve the
humanitarian and economic situation in the West Bank and Gaza, and follow
through with the Disengagement Plan. The Arab states must take concrete
steps with all parties to create a regional environment conducive to peace,
lend financial support to the Palestinian people, and refuse to assist or
harbor terrorists. The United States is looking carefully at how we can
best organize and fund our own efforts to help the parties achieve a
lasting peace.

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