Envoy for Gaza Disengagement
Secretary [of State Condoleeza] Rice: "Good morning. Nearly three years ago, the members of the Quartet agreed to a roadmap for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. From the London conference in February to President Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Sharon this week, we have all worked to realize the vision of the roadmap: two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
Today we take another important step to realize that vision. On behalf of all the members of the Quartet, I am announcing the appointment of a Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. We have an opportunity right now to help Israelis and Palestinians build trust with one another and achieve the peace and security they both desire. President Bush is determined to seize the opportunity to help both sides reach their goal.
The parties have shown good faith and political courage in recent months, but the obstacles before them remain substantial. Working for the cause of peace is the vital interest and moral duty of every free nation. Therefore, the United States, together with the United Nations, the European Union and the Russian Federation -- the Quartet -- are committed to making the difference for peace.
UN Secretary General Annan, EU High Representative Solana, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and I all agree that we must seize the moment and secure the very best person available for this critical mission of Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. That is why we have agreed on one of the world's most skilled, experienced and dedicated public servants, Mr. James Wolfensohn, the President of the World Bank."
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"Israel's military operations pertaining to the demolitions of thousands of homes in Rafah are reckless, and leave tens of thousands of people without a roof over their heads". Wolfensohn added that "As a Jew, I am ashamed of this kind of treatment of people".
Mr Wolfensohn also implied that as a result of the invasion of Rafah, Israel could expect little sympathy if it seeks to raise funds from international economic institutions to boost the country's ailing economy. "Israel's behavior is reckless," he said. "Approval for any Israeli request for assistance should not be expected."
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon rebuffed a request from President Bush on Tuesday that he consider abandoning the construction of a fence separating Israeli and Palestinian territory on the West Bank.
Two administration officials said Bush pressed Sharon during an Oval Office visit to reconsider the barrier, which the Palestinians oppose.
But Sharon said later he had to press ahead with the fence to prevent Palestinian suicide bombers from attacking Israelis.
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Sharon Dismisses Bush Warning
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Settlements to increase: Israel
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West Bank Construction Forges Ahead
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Israel clears officer of killing journalist who had white flag
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Israelis decide not to punish soldier who killed British film-maker in Gaza
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[April 11] second anniversary of the death of student Tom Hurndall who died while protecting children from gunfire in the Gaza strip.
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Since Tom was shot by a rifle with an advanced telescopic lens, his parents are demanding that the charge be murder, but they are also demanding the eradication of the "culture of impunity" with which the IDF operates in the occupied territories of Palestine.
