UN Economic and Social Council
June 30 - July 25, 2003

Agenda Item 11

Statement by
Ambassador Sichan Siv

United States Representative to the
Economic and Social Council

Geneva, Switzerland

July 18, 2003

Madam President,

President Bush's meetings in Sharm el-Sheikh and Aqaba demonstrate that the United States is committed to assisting the parties along the difficult road to peace. Our efforts are focused on facilitating dialogue and implementation of the steps in the roadmap by both sides. However, it will ultimately be up to the parties to take the necessary steps to make the process succeed.

The prospects for progress in the Arab-Israeli peace process are the most promising that they have been in several years. Meeting with President Bush in Aqaba, Prime Minister Sharon and Prime Minister Abbas both expressed their commitment to the goals of peace and security and the need to remain focused on moving forward. The transfer of authority in Gaza and Bethlehem, from the Israeli defense forces to Palestinian security forces, demonstrates that there has been important progress made by the two parties in direct negotiations.

President Bush will meet separately with Prime Minister Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon later this month in Washington. The United States has also been consulting closely with other members of the Quartet - the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations -- with the Arab states, and with interested parties in the international community, regarding their role in this process. We will continue to support programs aimed at meeting Palestinian economic needs. In this respect, we are providing $20 million in direct financial assistance to the Palestinian people through the Palestinian Authority.

Madam President, one-sided resolutions undercut the credibility of the work of ECOSOC. They unfairly isolate Israel, doing nothing to improve the situation in the region. ECOSOC resolutions should not prejudge political issues, including territorial issues that the parties have agreed are to be decided in final status negotiations. We must instead focus on working together constructively to address Palestinian needs and support the two parties on the road to peace.

Thank you, Madam President.