MAIN POINTS OF THE
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

September 13, 1993

The Declaration of Principles, signed by the PLO and Israel, contains a set of mutually agreed - upon general principles regarding the 5 - year interim period of Palestinian self - rule. As such, the DOP defers permanent status issues to the permanent status negotiations, which will begin no later than the 3rd year of the interim period. The permanent status agreement reached in these negotiations will take effect after the 5 - year interim period.

1. Transfer of Powers to the Palestinians:

The DOP features an agreement in principle regarding a transfer of power and responsibilities to the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, so they may have control over their own affairs.

2. The DOP does not Prejudge the Permanent Status:

The DOP specifically states that permanent status issues, such as Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security arrangements and borders are to be excluded from the interim arrangements and that the outcome of the permanent status talks should not be prejudged or preempted by the interim arrangements. During this period, the Israeli government retains sole responsibility for foreign affairs, defense and borders. Israel's position on Jerusalem remains unchanged. When the DOP was signed, Prime Minister Rabin stated that " Jerusalem is the ancient and eternal capital of the Jewish people. " An undivided Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty, with religious freedom for all, is and remains a fundamental Israeli position.

3. Security Remains an Israeli Responsibility:

In the DOP, Israel and the PLO agree that during the interim period, Israel will remain responsible for security along the international borders and the crossing points to Egypt and Jordan. Israel will also retain responsibility for and the overall security of Israelis in the West Bank and Gaza, the Israeli settlements in those areas, and freedom of movement on roads.

4. Implementation of the DOP:

The Declaration of Principles establishes the following phases:

1. Gaza - Jericho: Self-rule in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area, including a withdrawal of Israeli forces from those areas, is to serve as a first step in the implementation of the DOP. The details of the Gaza-Jericho aspect of the DOP were negotiated and concluded in an agreement signed in Cairo between Israel and the PLO on May 4, 1994.

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