Question One

Does the US intend to be a full partner in the negotiations on the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the Palestinian question in general? At what stage of the negotiations would the US participate and what role would it play?

Answer

Yes. The US would be a full partner in all stages of the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations, leading to a just, durable and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The US would use its full influence for a successful conclusion. President Carter would play a personal active role in the negotiations.

Question Two

What does Paragraph (A) of the Framework for Peace – referring to representatives of the Palestinian people – mean?

Answer

There was no attempt to give a comprehensive explanation. The people of the West Bank and Gaza are specified in some cases. On one occasion, the paragraph referring to ‘other Palestinians as would be agreed’ clearly means representatives from outside theWest Bank and Gaza, not necessarily Egyptian or Jordanian representatives. Of course Palestinians who are Egyptian or Jordanian citizens may become members of the negotiating delegations representing Jordan or Egypt. In other cases the Selfgoverning Authority is mentioned.

The US explains the term ‘Representatives of the Palestinian People’ not on the basis of any authority or a single organization representing the Palestinian people, but as including those elected or chosen to participate in the negotiations.