MAIN POINTS OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN
INTERIM AGREEMENT ON THE WEST BANK AND
THE GAZA STRIP

September 28, 1995

Background

On September 28, 1995, the Israeli - Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip was signed in Washington, D.C.

This agreement, which marks the conclusion of the first stage in negotiations between Israel and the PLO, incorporates and supersedes the Gaza - Jericho and early empowerment agreements.

The main object of the Interim Agreement is to broaden Palestinian self - government in the West Bank by means of an elected self - governing authority -- the Palestinian Council. This will allow the Palestinians to conduct their own internal affairs, reduce points of friction between Israelis and Palestinians, and open a new era of cooperation and co - existence based on common interest, dignity and mutual respect. At the same time it protects Israel's vital interests, and in particular its security interests, both with regard to external security as well as the personal security of its citizens in the West Bank.

The Interim Agreement between Israel and the PLO, including its various annexes, comprises over 300 pages. To the main body of the agreement are appended seven annexes dealing with: security arrangements, elections, civil affairs ( transfer of powers ), legal matters, economic relations, Israeli - Palestinian cooperation, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The major provisions of the agreement are as follows:

Elections

Democratic elections will be held to the Palestinian Council, for an interim period not to exceed five years from the signing of the Gaza - Jericho Agreement ( i.e. no later than May 1999 ). All Palestinians of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip age 18 or over, who are registered in the population register, will have the right to vote. The elections will take place 22 days after the conclusion of an IDF redeployment from populated areas in the West Bank.

The elections to the Council will be personal and by district. A separate election will be held simultaneously for the election of the Head of the Executive Authority of the Council.

The candidacy of an individual, a party or a coalition of parties shall be rejected if the said candidate, party or coalition professes racist views or acts in an illegal or undemocratic manner.

Palestinian residents of Jerusalem will be able to participate in the elections according to

<1>