Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Very positive news. No "Right of Return" into Israel proper, no guarantee of the entire West Bank for a future Palestinian State - no false hopes for future negotiations, only hard reality.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Bush hails 'historic' Sharon plan
It could lead to a "peaceful, democratic, viable Palestinian state," he added.
But he seemed to discard the principles that the borders of a new state should be negotiated between the two sides, and should be based on the 1967 borders, before Israel claimed Palestinian land.
He said the "realities on the ground and in the region have changed greatly" and should be reflected in any final peace deal.
In another concession to Mr Sharon, the president said the solution to the Palestinian refugee problem should take place "in a Palestinian state - and the settlement of refugees there - not in Israel"...
Update: Here is a transcript of the statements.
Just watched the BBC coverage of the Sharon and Bush press conference.
First the commenter sneers at the Palestinians refugees returning to a Palestinian state.
Then a reporter from Gaza gives reaction from embattled dreams of kids in Gaza and Abu Ala commenting on the plan.
Britain and others say the large settlements are illegal built on Palestinian land.
1 crumb of comfort the barrier should be temporary.
ITS UNREAL.....