Both sides must avoid unilateral acts that prejudice the outcome of permanent status negotiations and that could be perceived by the other side as provocative. In this connection, we note the report's observations on the negative impact of continued settlement activity on the prospects for peace. We believe that this issue is an essential confidence building measure that needs to be addressed by the parties. Carrying out these and other measures proposed by the Committee to restore trust and confidence will not be easy. We call on Prime Minister Sharon and Chairman Arafat to exercise the leadership needed to resume direct negotiations in order to resolve all of the differences between the two sides.
Negotiation provides the only path to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
The United States is prepared to work with the international community to support the parties in their efforts to create an environment for peace, but it cannot impose solutions on them. The decisions are theirs to make. The Committee's task of assessing the causes and solutions for the recent heart-wrenching violence between Israelis and Palestinians was an extremely difficult one. The Committee performed that task with professionalism, independence, and leadership. I now ask that the Committee proceed with the publication of its final report.