U.S. envoy arrives for talks with Israelis, Palestinians on new peace plan

The Associated Press

JERUSALEM - A U.S. envoy's peace plan calling for a provisional Palestinian state next year ­ and full statehood by 2005 ­ drew reservations from Israelis and Palestinians on Wednesday. Expectations remain low after two years of fighting and many failed diplomatic missions.

The U.S. plan, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, would be implemented in three phases and closely monitored by the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations.

An interim Palestinian state could be established by the end of 2003, and a peace agreement formally ending the Middle East conflict and creating full-fledged Palestinian statehood could be in place within three years, according to the plan's timeline.

However, the Israelis and the Palestinians have balked at several specific steps they are called on to take.

The first phase, from the present until May 2003, calls for a truce. The Palestinians would hold elections and elect a prime minister for the first time.

In addition, the Palestinian Authority is expected to streamline its dozen or so security services into three branches, under the supervision of an Interior Minister.

The Israelis, in turn, would withdraw troops to positions they held before the outbreak of violence two years ago. That's something Israel opposes without guarantees that Palestinian security forces would prevent attacks on Israelis.

The second phase, from May-December 2003, would include the creation of a provisional Palestinian state with temporary borders.

In the final phase, the sides would negotiate a peace treaty covering issues that sank the previous round of negotiations, including permanent borders, Jewish settlements and control of Jerusalem. The goal would be an agreement in the middle of 2005, resulting in a full-fledged Palestinian state.