OSLO I AGREEMENT
September 13, 1993
Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements
The Government of the State of Israel and the PLO 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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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The five-year transitional period will begin upon the withdrawal from the Gaza
Strip and Jericho area.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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 authorized
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.
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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 Arrangement:
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The Israeli and Palestinian delegations will negotiate an agreement on the
interim period (the "Interim Agreement")
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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The Council will be empowered to legislate, in accordance with the Interim
Agreement, within all authorities transferred to it.
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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:
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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.
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In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided by the principle
that its military forces should be redeployed outside populated areas.
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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:
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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.
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Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may be resolved by a mechanism
of conciliation to be agreed upon by the parties.
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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:
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This Declaration of Principles will enter into force one month after its
signing.
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All protocols annexed to this Declaration of Principles and Agreed Minutes
pertaining thereto shall be regarded as an integral part hereof.
Done at Washington, DC, this thirteenth day of September 1993.
For the Government of Israel
For the PLO
Witnessed By:
The United States of America
The Russian Federation
ANNEX I
Protocol on the Mode and Conditions of Elections
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Palestinians of Jerusalem who live there will have the right to participate in
the election process, according to an agreement between the two sides.
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In addition, the election agreement should cover, among other things, the
following issues:
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the system of elections;
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the mode of the agreed supervision and international observation and their
personal composition; and
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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The above agreement will include, among other things:
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Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of authority from the Israeli
military government and its Civil Administration to the Palestinian
representatives.
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Structure, powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority in these
areas, except: external security, settlements, Israelis, foreign relations, and
other mutually agreed matters.
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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.
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A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon.
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Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and Cooperation
Committee for mutual security purposes.
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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.
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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:
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Gaza - Egypt; and
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A program for cooperation in, and regulation of, labor relations and
cooperation in social welfare issues.
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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.
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An Environmental Protection Plan, providing for joint and/or coordinated
measures in this sphere.
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A program for developing coordination and cooperation in the field of
communication and media.
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Any other programs of mutual interest.
ANNEX IV
Protocol on Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation concerning Regional Development
Programs
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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 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, regional
Arab states and institutions, as well as members of the private sector.
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The Development Program will consist of two elements:
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The Economic Development Program for the West Bank and the Gaza strip will
consist of the following elements:
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A Social Rehabilitation Program, including a Housing and Construction Program.
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A Small and Medium Business Development Plan.
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An Infrastructure Development Program (water, electricity, transportation and
communications, etc.)
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A Human Resources Plan.
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Other programs.
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The Regional Economic Development Program may consist of the following elements:
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The establishment of a Middle East Development Fund, as a first step, and a
Middle East Development Bank, as a second step.
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The development of a joint Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian Plan for coordinated
exploitation of the Dead Sea area.
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The Mediterranean Sea (Gaza) – Dead Sea Canal.
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Regional Desalinization and other water development projects.
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A regional plan for agricultural development, including a coordinated regional
effort for the prevention of desertification.
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Interconnection of electricity grids.
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Regional cooperation for the transfer, distribution and industrial exploitation
of gas, oil and other energy resources.
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A Regional Tourism, Transportation and Telecommunications Development Plan.
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Regional cooperation in other spheres.
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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
General Understanding 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.
Article IV
Specific Understandings and Agreements:
It is understood that:
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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:
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The Palestinian side will inform the Israeli side of the names of the
authorized 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.
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It is understood that the rights and obligations of these offices will not be
affected.
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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.
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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, DC, this thirteenth day of September 1993.
For the Government of Israel
For the PLO
Witnessed By:
The United States of America
The Russian Federation
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