Haaretz
September 22, 2004
NEW YORK - President George W. Bush called on
Israel yesterday to enforce a freeze in the settlements and to end the
"daily humiliation" of the Palestinians, and told the Palestinians that a
"commitment to democratic reform is essential to resolving the
Arab-Israeli conflict."
In a speech to the UN General Assembly on
its first day of the new session, the president said "this commitment to
democratic reform is essential to resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Peace will not be achieved by Palestinian rulers who intimidate
opposition, tolerate corruption, and maintain ties to terrorist groups.
The long-suffering Palestinian people deserve better. They deserve true
leaders capable of creating and governing a free and peaceful Palestinian
state."
Bush appeared determined that the U.S.-backed road map to
peace is still a viable option.
"Those who would lead a new
Palestinian state should adopt peaceful means to achieve the rights of
their people, and create the reformed institutions of a stable democracy,"
he said
Bush appeared even-handed by challenging Israel as
well.
"Israel should impose a settlement freeze, dismantle
unauthorized outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian
people, and avoid any actions that prejudice final negotiations," Bush
said.