2004-4-16
This is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English program, In the
News.
President Bush this week announced his support for a proposal by
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The plan is called a
disengagement. Details published Friday said Israel would remove
troops and all settlements from the Gaza Strip by the end of next
year. About seven-thousand settlers live there.
Israel would also remove four settlements in the West Bank. But
six large settlements would remain. The ruling Likud party of Mister
Sharon is expected to vote on the proposal on May second.
Mister Sharon visited the White House on Wednesday. President
Bush praised what he called "historic and courageous actions."
Mister Bush said Friday that the plan gives the Palestinians, in his
words, "a chance to create a reformed, just and free government."
Palestinian leaders have denounced the president. Prime Minister
Ahmed Qureia said Mister Bush is the first president to accept
Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories. Opposition to
settlements has been American policy for more than twenty years.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair
was at the White House Friday. He said he welcomed the plan. Mister
Blair urged other countries to get involved. He said this is a
chance to help the Palestinians get ready to govern the territory
that would be under their control.
At least for now, Israel would continue to control airspace,
waters and land passages.
Mister Sharon says the disengagement is necessary because the
Palestinian Authority has failed to stop attacks against Israelis.
Diplomatic efforts also have not succeeded.
A Bush administration official said the president supports the
plan because Israel is taking steps to remove existing settlements.
Mister Bush said removing all Jewish settlements in the West Bank
would be unrealistic.
Palestinian officials called for an emergency meeting of the
United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union.
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat says Palestinians will never
stop seeking an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Israel captured Gaza and the West Bank in the
nineteen-sixty-seven Middle East War. It soon began to build
settlements. Palestinians want their own state in all of the West
Bank and Gaza. They also demand the right of return to lands that
are now part of Israel.
Mister Bush says Palestinian refugees should settle in a future
Palestinian state. He urged Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate
a final settlement to establish borders and to settle the refugee
issue.
The Israeli plan also provides for a security barrier that is
being built through parts of the West Bank. Palestinians say it
divides their land and their lives. President Bush say the barrier
should be temporary.
On Friday, several thousand Palestinians protested against
President Bush and Prime Minister Sharon.
In the News, in VOA Special English, was written by Cynthia Kirk.
This is Steve Ember.