SPECIAL SECTION

Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of Bulgaria, Romania and Greece: Joint Statement (Delphi, 3-4 October 1998)

The President of Bulgaria, H.E. Petar Stoyanov, the President of Romania, H.E. Emil Constantinescu, and the Prime Minister of Greece, H.E. Costas Simitis, accompanied by their Foreign Ministers, held their first Tri-lateral Summit Meeting in Delphi, Greece on 3-4 October 1998.

The three leaders, whose countries share a common European destiny, reaffirmed their commitment to principles of international law on peace, security and good neighbourly relations, respect for sovereignty, integrity, and inviolability of external borders, as well as the recourse to the International Court of Justice to settle territorial differences, which are enunciated in the European Union Presidency Conclusions of the Luxembourg Council of December 1997 and in "Agenda 2000".

The Presidents of Bulgaria and Romania and the Prime Minister of Greece noted with satisfaction that their Summit Meeting highlighted the increasing co-operation among their three countries, a process started at Ioannina in 1995 with the meeting of their countries' Foreign Ministers. Since then, three further Meetings of Foreign Ministers successfully took place. It was also noted with satisfaction that the first Meetings of the Ministers of Transport, Environment and Public Works, and also of the Ministers of the Interior/Public Order of Bulgaria, Romania and Greece were held in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1998. The scope and context of this tri-lateral co-operation have thus greatly increased.

It was stressed that this co-operation has contributed importantly to the promotion of security, stability and co-operation in Europe as a whole, within the perspective of the continent's growing integration. Therefore, it was underlined that the close co-operation of all three countries, on a bi-lateral, tri-lateral and multi-lateral basis, should continue in all fields, notably in infrastructure networks, transport, and energy, in promoting economic and trade relations, in combating organised crime, terrorism, illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons, radioactive and nuclear materials, economic crime, money-laundering and all other forms of non-conventional threats to security.

In this regard, they stressed the utmost importance of the implementation of those Pan-European Corridors IV, VII, VIII, IX, X, and the Trans-European Priority Project No. 7-Via Egnatia and PATHE Axis, that cross the three countries.

Despite ongoing conflict in the region and financial crisis in a larger context, the three leaders emphasised that their countries offer a stable political and economic environment for attracting international investment.

The three leaders noted with satisfaction the recent signing in Sofia (8 September 1998) of a protocol for the enhanced tri-lateral co-operation on combating crime, especially trans-border crime. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for information-sharing and other jointly co-ordinated activities, on a systematic basis, between the customs authorities of the three countries in order to ensure effective customs control. They further agreed that their Ministers of Interior/Public Order and Justice should convene regularly in Joint Meetings. They expressed support for the establishment in Bucharest of the SECI Regional Centre for Combating Organised Crime and Corruption, and for Bulgaria's initiative to host the Regional Co-ordinating Centre for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking.

They welcomed the opening of the enlargement process of the European Union, in which Bulgaria and Romania participate as candidate countries. They regard the co-operation between their three countries as an additional means of preparing Bulgaria and Romania for accession to the EU. They also stressed the importance of the continued open-door NATO policy, and expressed their hope that concrete steps in that direction shall be taken in the upcoming Washington Summit, taking into account the need to enhance the Alliance's decisive role in consolidating peace and stability in South-East Europe and the continent as a whole. They also welcomed the recent signing of the agreement for the establishment of the Multinational Peace Force South-East Europe (MPFSEE).

The Presidents of Bulgaria and Romania and the Prime Minister of Greece exchanged views on a wide range of regional and international issues.

Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, immediate neighbours of Yugoslavia, are deeply concerned that the escalation of the conflict in Kosovo has reached a crucial point; further negative developments could have serious consequences for the three countries and the region as a whole. The three leaders made an urgent and dramatic appeal to all sides involved, particularly to Yugoslav authorities, to work for a negotiated settlement of the conflict in Kosovo and full implementation of the UNSCR 1199, that a cease-fire should be put immediately into effect, that parties should come to the negotiating table without preconditions, aiming at achieving a peaceful solution for a large autonomy for Kosovo within the internationally recognised borders of the FR of Yugoslavia, and that the rights and freedoms of all the inhabitants of Kosovo should be respected so that another course of action can be avoided.

The three leaders expressed their support for the restoration of an effective political dialogue in Albania within the framework of democratic institutions. They called upon the Government and all Political Parties in Albania to take appropriate steps for building a state of law in Albania, and for the effective functioning of its institutions. They welcomed and fully supported the relevant initiatives of the international community.

The Presidents of Bulgaria and Romania and the Prime Minister of Greece welcomed the increased success of the initiatives in South-Eastern Europe, fostering regional dialogue and co-operation in all fields, both at a State level and among their respective civil societies, such as the Co-operation of South-Eastern European Countries, the Royaumont Process on Stability and Good Neighbourliness in South-Eastern Europe, the South-East Europe Co-operative Initiative (SECI), and the Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC).

Following the historic first Meeting of Heads of State and Government of Countries of South-Eastern Europe in Crete (3-4 November 1997), and the Istanbul Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs (8-9 June 1998), they examined ways and possibilities of ensuring further progress during the Antalya Summit (12-13 October 1998). They noted that these initiatives serve to foster the integration of the region's countries into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

The Presidents of Bulgaria and Romania and the Prime Minister of Greece, convinced that the comprehensive political dialogue they have established constitutes an effective platform to exchange views on matters of common interest, agreed to continue their Summit Meetings on a regular basis and to further promote the co-operation of their three countries, on both a Ministerial and Experts level, in all fields.

The next summit will take place in Bulgaria.

Summit Declaration of the Countries of South-Eastern Europe (Antalya, 12-13 October 1998)

We, the Heads of Government of the countries of South-Eastern Europe, Mr. Momir Bulatovic, Mr. Branco Crvenkovski, Mr. Ivan Kostov, Mr. Costas Simitis, Mr. Radu Vasile, Mr. Mesut Yilmaz, have met in Antalya on 12-13 October 1998. Present at the meeting were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries of South-Eastern Europe, Mr. Ismail Cem, Mr. Blagoj Handziski, Mr. Zivadin Jovanovic, Mrs. Nadezhda Mikhailova, Mr. Paskal Milo, Mr. Theodoros Pangalos, and Mr. Andrei Plesu.

Mr. Ivo Sanader and Mr. Besim Spahic participated in the meeting as observers.

At this second summit meeting of the countries of South-Eastern Europe, we have reviewed the global political and economic situation, the developments affecting stability and security in our region, the progress of our co-operation at various levels since our first meeting in Crete, including the implementation of the conclusions reached in the Meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

As we approach the end of this century, we stress our common will to open a chapter of peace, understanding, economic welfare, prosperity and co-operation in the history of our region for the benefit of our peoples and of all Europe. We are conscious that this can only be achieved by means of strengthening our good neighbourly relations, promoting democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights, including rights of persons belonging to national minorities, solidarity and co-operation. To this end, we firmly support further development of our mutual relations in all fields on a bi-lateral and multi-lateral basis.

Meetings held at various levels on good neighbourly relations, stability, security and the co-operation process in South-Eastern Europe contribute to the establishment of a comprehensive framework for multi-lateral co-operation originating from within the region. We reiterate our full support for further development of this framework through concrete measures and schemes, and welcome the decisions taken by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs on institutional aspects to increase efficiency and to streamline various projects, proposals and ideas.

We consider the Meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs as significant and timely steps in the development of this Process, particularly in the wake of the historic developments which ended the political and ideological divisions. Ministerial and Expert Meetings to conduct consulations on political and security issues, and to promote co-operation in areas extending from economic development and environmental questions to human dimension, cultural exchanges, youth, reforms, and combating terrorism and organised crime are all endeavours to respond to challenges to peace, stability and security in our region.

Various initiatives in the field of defence and security co-operation were noted, including the meeting of the Ministers of Defence held in Skopje on 26 September 1998 of the countries participating in the SEDM Process, as well as the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Multinational Peace Force of South-Eastern Europe.

We do not ignore the existence of serious challenges to regional stability, including tensions, divergence and even crisis. Our political will and determination for co-operation, supported by our peoples, are most valuable assets to respond to such challenges. Our success in creating a more favourable political and economic environment will also facilitate the timely integration of all the countries of the region in the European and international community.

We strongly emphasise, therefore, the importance of addressing the regional issues by the countries of South-Eastern Europe jointly. We appreciate the openness and frankness of the participants during the discussions, as well as their efforts and contributions to facilitate solutions.

We discussed together the serious situation in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

We reaffirmed our support of the UN Security Council's Resolutions 1160 and 1199, and we called on all parties to implement them in full in order to avoid further aggravation of the crisis. We underlined the necessity of immediate cessation of violence and starting urgently a constructive dialogue without preconditions for finding negotiated political solutions based on granting large autonomy and self-government for Kosovo within the internationally recognised borders of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity we all support and on the full protection of the rights of all inhabitants, citizens, national minorities and ethnic communities on a basis of equality, in accordance with the UN Charter, Helsinki Principles and the OSCE standards.

We emphasised the need for creating all necessary conditions in Kosovo for the refugees and displaced persons to return freely and safely to their homes. We particularly underlined the importance of improving the humanitarian situation with the engagement of international humanitarian organisations, and reiterated our support for the efforts of the international community to that end.

While we were having our consultations, we were informed that a breakthrough had been achieved in the talks between the representatives of the international community and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia concerning the full and verifiable implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution no. 1199 with the support and assistance of the international organisations.

We express our deep satisfaction of this new development and of the understanding reached. We strongly support its full implementation so as to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.

We attach great importance to the political, economic and social stability of Albania. We have followed with great concern the recent developments which occurred in the country. We welcome the formation of a new Government as a precondition for further steps for establishing public order and developing a constructive dialogue among all political forces in Albania within the framework of democratic institutions. In this context, we welcome the formation of the "Friends of Albania" group within the framework of the OSCE, co-chaired by the EU, to co-ordinate efforts to stimulate and assist the process of stabilisation and economic recovery. We will continue, bi-laterally and through this Group, our support and assistance to Albania.

We also discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is another test-case for Europe.

We noted with pleasure that the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12-13 September 1998 were held in a peaceful atmosphere. We expressed our sincere hope that its results shall be a further step towards the development of a pluralistic democracy in this country, and we called on the newly-elected political and constitutional bodies to co-operate in good faith to ensure the efficient functioning of the common institutions and the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

We reiterated our strong support for the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, in order to consolidate a state of two Entities and three constituent peoples.

We jointly state that the European orientation of the countries of South-Eastern Europe is an integral part of their objectives for political, economic and social development.

It is our firm belief that Europe cannot be complete without the countries of South-Eastern Europe, without our peoples representing civilisations and cultures which have traditionally contributed to the formation of a contemporary European identity.

On the eve of the approaching millennium, we welcome the intensified efforts for wider European integration and emphasise the importance of including the countries of the region in the processes of deepening and broadening of European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Our endeavours to promote regional co-operation are in broad congruence with the aspirations of the countries of the region to increase integration with Europe.

We consider that the existing mutual relationships with other regional co-operation schemes are complementary in nature, and believe that they enrich the fruitful network of co-operative structures for reaching common objectives.

One of the meaningful instruments for developing good neighbourly relations is the encouragement of co-operation between the genuine representatives of peoples freely and democratically elected to their Parliaments. We encourage the initiatives to establish a consultative forum among the Parliamentarians of the countries of South-Eastern Europe.

We reiterate our common opinion that enhanced economic and trade relations between our nations would best contribute to better understanding and co-operation in our region, and stress our political will to strive for the removal of the existing barriers before such a co-operation.

We shall, therefore, intensify our efforts for the increase of economic co-operation, reforms, enhancement of communications, energy, and transport infrastructure, including the realisation of the Pan-European corridors, development of new technologies and environmental protection, as well as promotion of favourable conditions for investments in the region.

We express our satisfaction on the arrangements for the establishment of the Regional Centre for Trade Promotion in the Balkans as a concrete step toward promoting regional economic co-operation.

Having reviewed the recent negative trends in the world economic situation, particularly in the financial markets and stock exchanges, we acknowledge their undesirable effects on the countries of South-Eastern Europe, and particularly on economies in transition. We believe that there is still more to be gained from globalisation, and protectionist measures should be avoided.

In this vein, we welcome the bi-lateral free trade agreements which have already been signed and/or are being negotiated among the countries of the region. We agreed to continue this Process with a view to gradually creating the conditions for the establishment of a free-trade zone, compatible with the international commitments of our countries.

We took note of the deliberations of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Istanbul on 8 - 9 June 1998 for enhancing political co-operation. We welcomed their tasking the political directors to initiate a study for the development of a Charter of Good Neighbourly Relations in South-Eastern Europe. We also welcomed the draft proposal submitted by Turkey to the Antalya Summit, and invite the Foreign Ministers to deploy every effort with a view to finalising work on this document before the end of 1999.

We consider that the Charter should be based on the universally recognised principles to which we are all committed; areas and modalities of co-operation in the fields elaborated on in the declarations of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs as well as an appropriate institutional framework to implement co-operation in those fields.

We express our warm thanks for the hospitality of Turkey for hosting the Antalya Summit Meeting.

The next meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Countries of South-Eastern Europe will take place in Romania in 1999.

The Wye River Memorandum
Following is the text of the Interim Agreement signed October 23 at the White House by Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (October 23, 1998)

The following are steps to facilitate implementation of the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip of September 28, 1995 (the "Interim Agreement") and other related agreements, including the Note for the Record of January l7, 1997) (hereinafter referred to as "the prior agreements") so that the Israeli and Palestinian sides can more effectively carry out their reciprocal responsibilities, including those relating to further redeployments and security, respectively. These steps are to be carried out in a parallel-phased approach in accordance with this Memorandum and the attached time line. They are subject to the relevant terms and conditions of the prior agreements and do not supersede their other requirements.

I. Further Redeployments

A. Phase One and Two for Further Redeployments

1. Pursuant to the Interim Agreement and subsequent agreements, the Israeli side's implementation of the first and second F.R.D. will consist of the transfer to the Palestinian side of 13% from Area C as follows: 1 % to Area (A), 12% to Area (B).

The Palestinian side has informed that it will allocate an area/areas amounting to 3% from the above area (B) to be designated as Green Areas and/or Nature Reserves. The Palestinian side has further made it known that they will act according to the established scientific standards, and that there will, therefore, be no changes in the status of these areas, without prejudice to the rights of the existing inhabitants in these areas, including Bedouins; while these standards do not allow new construction on these areas, existing roads and buildings may be maintained.

The Israeli side will retain the overriding security responsibility in these Green Areas/Nature Reserves for the purpose of protecting Israelis and confronting the threat of terrorism. Activities and movements of the Palestinian Police Forces may be carried out after coordination and confirmation; the Israeli side will respond to such requests expeditiously.

2. As part of the foregoing implementation of the first and second F.R.D., 14.2% from Area (B) will become Area (A).

B. Third Phase of Further Redeployments

With regard to the terms of the Interim Agreement and of Secretary Christopher's letters of January 17, 1997 to the two sides, relating to the further redeployment process, there will be a committee to address this question. The United States will be briefed regularly.

II. SECURITY

In the provisions on security arrangements of the Interim Agreement, the Palestinian side agreed to take all measures necessary in order to prevent acts of terrorism, crime, and hostilities directed against the Israeli side, against individuals falling under the Israeli side's authority, and against their property, just as the Israeli side agreed to take all measures necessary in order to prevent acts of terrorism, crime and hostilities directed against the Palestinian side, against individuals falling under the Palestinian side's authority, and against their property. The two sides also agreed to take legal measures against offenders within their jurisdiction and to prevent incitement against each other by any organizations, groups or individuals within their jurisdiction.

Both sides recognize that it is in their vital interests to combat terrorism and fight violence in accordance with Annex I of the Interim Agreement and the Note for the Record. They also recognize that the struggle against terror and violence must be comprehensive in that it deals with terrorists, the terror support structure, and the environment conducive to the support of terror. It must be continuous and constant over a long-term, in that there can be no pauses in the work against terrorists and their structure. It must be cooperative in that no effort can be fully effective without Israeli-Palestinian cooperation and the continuous exchange of information, concepts, and actions.

Pursuant to the prior agreements, the Palestinian side's implementation of its responsibilities for security, security cooperation, and other issues will be as detailed below during the time periods specified in the attached time line:

A. Security Actions

1. Outlawing and Combating Terrorist Organizations

(a) The Palestinian side will make known its policy of zero tolerance for terror and violence against both sides.

(b) A work plan developed by the Palestinian side will be shared with the U.S. and, thereafter, implementation will begin immediately to ensure the systematic and effective combat of terrorist organisations and their infrastructure.

(c) In addition to the bilateral Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation, a U.S.-Palestinian committee will meet biweekly to review the steps being taken to eliminate terrorist calls and the support structure that plans, finances, supplies and abets terror. In these Meetings, the Palestinian side will inform the U.S. fully of the actions it has taken to outlaw all organizations (or wings of organizations, as appropriate) of a military, terrorist or violent character and their support structure, and to prevent them from operating in areas under its jurisdiction.

(d} The Palestinian side will apprehend the specific individuals suspected of perpetrating acts of violence and terror for the purpose of further investigation, and prosecution and punishment of all persons involved in acts of violence and terror.

(e) A U.S.-Palestinian committee will meet to review and evaluate information pertinent to the decisions on prosecution, punishment or other legal measures which affect the status of individuals suspected of abetting or perpetrating acts of violence and terror.

2. Prohibiting Illegal Weapons

(a) The Palestinian side will ensure an effective legal framework is in place to criminalize, in conformity with the prior agreements, any importation, manufacturing or unlicensed sale, acquisition or possession of firearms, ammunition or weapons in areas under Palestinian jurisdiction.

(b) In addition, the Palestinian side will establish and vigorously and continuously implement a systematic program for the collection and appropriate handling of all such illegal items in accordance with the prior agreements. The U.S. has agreed to assist in carrying out this program.

(c) A U.S.-Palestinian-Israeli committee will be established to assist and enhance cooperation in preventing the smuggling or other unauthorized introduction of weapons or explosive materials into areas under Palestinian jurisdiction.

3. Prevention Incitement

(a) Drawing on relevant international practice and pursuant to Article XXII (1) of the Interim Agreement and the Note for the Record, the Palestinian side will issue a decree prohibiting all forms of incitement to violence or terror, and establishing mechanisms for acting systematically against all expressions or threats of violence or terror. This decree will be comparable to the existing Israeli legislation which deals with the same subject.

(b) A U.S.-Palestinian-Israeli committee will meet on a regular basis to monitor cases of possible incitement to violence or terror, and to make recommendations and reports on how to prevent such incitement. The Israeli, Palestinian and U.S. sides will each appoint a media specialist, a law enforcement representative, an education specialist, and a currently―or formerly―elected official to the committee.

B. Security Cooperation

The two sides agree that their security cooperation will be based on a spirit of partnership and will include, among other things, the following steps:

1. Bilateral Cooperation
There will be full bilateral security cooperation between the two sides which will be continuous, intensive and comprehensive.

2. Forensic Cooperation
There will be an exchange of forensic expertise, training, and other assistance.

3. Trilateral Committee
In addition to the bilateral Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation, a high-ranking U.S.-Palestinian-Israeli committee will meet as required, and not less than biweekly, to assess current threats, deal with any impediments to effective security cooperation and coordination, and address the steps being taken to combat terror and terrorist organizations.

The committee will also serve as a forum to address the issue of external support for terror. In these Meetings, the Palestinian side will fully inform the members of the committee of the results of its investigations concerning terrorist suspects already in custody, and the participants will exchange additional relevant information. The committee will report regularly to the leaders of the two sides on the status of cooperation, the results of the Meetings and its recommendations.

C. Other Issues

1. (a) The Palestinian side will provide a list of its policemen to the Israeli side, in conformity with the prior agreements.

(b) Should the Palestinian side request technical assistance, the U.S. has indicated its willingness to help meet those needs in cooperation with other donors.

(c) The Monitoring and Steering Committee will, as part of its functions, monitor the implementation of this provision and brief the U.S.

2. PLO Charter

The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Central Council will reaffirm the letter of January 22, 1998 from PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat to President Clinton concerning the nullification of the Palestinian National Charter provisions that are inconsistent with the letters exchanged between the PLO and the Government of Israel on September 9-10, 1993. PLO Chairman Arafat, the Speaker of the Palestine National Council, and the Speaker of the Palestinian Council will invite the members of the PNC, as well as the members of the Central Council the Council, the Council, and the Palestinian Heads of Ministries to a meeting to be addressed by President Clinton to reaffirm their support for the Peace Process and the aforementioned decisions of the Executive Committee and the Central Council.

3. Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

Among other forms of legal assistance in criminal matters, the requests for arrest and transfer of suspects and defendants, pursuant to Article II (7) of Annex IV of the Interim Agreement, will be submitted (or resubmitted) through the mechanism of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Legal Committee, and will be responded to in conformity with Article II (7) (f) of Annex IV of the Interim Agreement, within the l2-week period. Requests submitted after the eighth week will be responded to in conformity with Article II (7) (f) of Annex IV of the Interim Agreement within the 12-week period. Requests submitted after the eighth week will be responded to in conformity with Article II (7) (f) within four weeks of their submission. The United States has been requested by the sides to report on a regular basis on the steps being taken to respond to the above requests.

4. Human Rights and the Rule of Law

Pursuant to Article XI (1) of Annex 1 of the Interim Agreement, and without deviating from the above, the Palestinian Police will exercise powers and responsibilities to implement this Memorandum with due regard to internationally accepted norms of human rights and the rule of law, and will be guided by the need to protect the public, respect human dignity, and avoid harassment.

III. INTERIM COMMITTEES AND ECONOMIC ISSUES

The Israeli and Palestinian sides reaffirm their commitment to enhancing their relationship and agree on the need to actively promote economic development in the West Bank and Gaza. In this regard the parties agree to continue or to reactivate all standing committees established by the Interim Agreement, including the Monitoring and Steering Committee, the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), the Civil Affairs Committee (CAC), the Legal Committee, and the Standing Cooperation Committee.

2. The Israeli and Palestinian sides have agreed on arrangements which will permit the timely opening of the Gaza Industrial Estate. They have also concluded a "Protocol Regarding the Establishment and Operation of the International Airport in the Gaza Strip During the Interim Period."

3. Both sides will renew negotiations on Safe Passage immediately. As regards the southern route, the sides will make best efforts to conclude the agreement within a week of the entry into force of this Memorandum. Operation of the southern route will start as soon as possible thereafter. As regards to the northern route, negotiations will continue with the goal of reaching an agreement as soon as possible. Implementation will take place expeditiously thereafter.

4. The Israeli and Palestinian sides acknowledge the great importance of the Port of Gaza for the development of the Palestinian economy, and the expansion of Palestinian trade. They commit themselves to proceeding without delay to conclude an agreement to allow the construction and operation of the port in accordance with the prior agreements. The Israeli-Palestinian Committee will reactivate its work immediately with a goal of concluding the protocol within 60 days, which will allow the construction of the port to begin.

5. The two sides recognize that unresolved legal issues adversely affect the relationship between the two peoples. They, therefore, will accelerate efforts through the Legal Committee to address outstanding legal issues and to implement solutions to these issues in the shortest possible period. The Palestinian side will provide to the Israeli side copies of all of its laws in effect.

6. The Israeli and Palestinian sides also will launch a strategy of economic dialogue to enhance their economic relationship. They will establish an Ad Hoc Committee within the framework of the JEC for this purpose. The Committee will review the following four issues: (1) Israeli purchase taxes; (2) cooperation in combating vehicle theft; (3) dealing with unpaid Palestinian debts; and (4) the impact of Israeli standards as barriers to trade, and the expansion of the A1 and A2 lists. The Committee will submit an interim report within three weeks of the entry into force of this Memorandum, and within six weeks will submit its conclusions and recommendations to be implemented.

7. The two sides agree on the importance of continued international donor assistance to facilitate implementation of agreements reached by both sides. They also recognize the need for enhanced donor support for economic development in the West Bank and Gaza. They agree to jointly approaching the donor community to organize a ministerial conference before the end of 1998 to seek pledges for enhanced levels of assistance.

IV. Permanent Status Negotiations

The two sides will immediately resume permanent status negotiations on an accelerated basis and will make a determined effort to achieve the mutual goal of reaching an agreement by May 4, 1999. The negotiations will be continuous and without interruption. The United States has expressed its willingness to facilitate these negotiations.

V. Unilateral Actions

Recognizing the necessity to create a positive environment for the negotiations, neither side shall initiate or take any step that will change the status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in accordance with the Interim Agreement.

Attachment: Time Line
This Memorandum will enter into force ten (10) days from the date of signature.
Done at Washington, D.C. on this 23rd day of October 1998.
For the Government of the State of Israel.
For the PLO.
Witnessed by: The United States of America.
Time Line
Notes: Parenthetical references below are to paragraphs in "The Wye River Memorandum," to which this time line is an integral attachment. Topics not included in the time line follow the schedule provided for in the text of the Memorandum.
1. Upon Entry into Force of the Memorandum:
- Third further redeployment committee starts (I (B)).
- Palestinian security work plan shared with the U.S. (II (A)(1 )(b))
- Full bilateral security cooperation (II (B)( I )).
- Trilateral Security Cooperation Committee starts (II (B)(3)).
- Interim committees resume and continue; Ad Hoc Economic Committee starts (III).
- Accelerated permanent status negotiations start (IV).
2. Entry into Force-Week 2:
- Security work plan implementation begins (II (A)(1)(b)); (II (A)(1)(c)); Committee starts.
- Illegal weapons framework in place (II (A)(2)(a)); Palestinian implementation report (II (A)(2)(b)).
- Anti-incitement Committee starts (II (A)(3)(b)); decree issued (II (A)(3)(a)).
- PLO Executive Committee reaffirms Charter letter (II (C)(2)).
- Stage 1 of F.R.D. implementation: 2% C to B, 7.1 % B to A. Israeli officials acquaint their Palestinian counterparts as required with areas; F.R.D. carried out; report on F.R.D. implementation (I (A)).
3. Week 2-6:
- Palestinian Central Council reaffirms Charter letter (weeks two to four) (II (C)(2)).
- PNC and other PLO organizations reaffirm Charter letter (weeks four to six) (II (C)(2)).
- Establishment of weapons collection program (II (A)(2)(b)) and collection stage (II (A)(2)(c)); Committee starts and reports on activities.
- Anti-incitement Committee report (II (A)(3)(b)).
- Ad Hoc Economic Committee: interim report at week three; final report at week six (III).
- Policemen's list (II (C)(1)(a)); Monitoring and Steering Committee review starts (II (C)(1)(c)).
- Stage 2 of F.R.D. implementation: 5% C to B. Israeli officials acquaint their Palestinian counterparts as required with areas; F.R.D. carried out; report on F.R.D. implementation (I (A)).
4. Week 6-12:
- Weapons collection stage (II (A)(2)(b)); (II (A)(2)(c)); Committee reports on its activities.
- Anti-Incitement Committee report (II (A)(3)(b)).
- Monitoring and Steering Committee briefs U.S. on policemen's list (II (C)( 1 )(c)).
- Stage 3 of F.R.D. implementation: 5% C to B, 1% C to A, 7.1% B to A.
- Israeli officials acquaint Palestinian counterparts as required with areas; F.R.D. carried out; report on F.R.D. implementation (I (A)).
5. After Week 12:
Activities described in the Memorandum continue as appropriate and if necessary, including;
- Trilateral security cooperation Committee (II (B)(3)).
- (II (A)( 1 )(c)) Committee.
- (II (A)(1)(e)) Committee.
- Anti-incitement Committee (II (A)(3)(b)).
-Third Phase F.R.D. Committee (I (B))
- Interim Committees (III).
- Accelerated permanent status negotiations (IV).