Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements (Oslo Accord-13/09/1993)

Letter dated 8 October 1993 from the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

I have the honour to enclose the Declaration of Principles on Interim SelfGovernment Arrangements, including its Annexes, and its Agreed Minutes, signed at Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993 by the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and witnessed by the United States of America and the Russian Federation (see annex). I would be grateful if you would have the present letter and its attachment circulated as an official document of the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly, under agenda item 10, and of the Security Council.

(Signed)

Dr. Nasser AL-KIDWA

Permanent Observer of Palestine
to the United Nations

Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements

The Government of the State of Israel and the PLO team (in the Jordanian Palestinian delegation to the Middle East Peace Conference) (the “Palestinian Delegation”), representing the Palestinian people, agree that it is time to put an end to decades of confrontation and conflict, recognize their mutual legitimate and political rights, and strive to live in peaceful coexistence and mutual dignity and security and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation through the agreed political process.

Accordingly, the two sides agree to the following principles:

Article I
AIM OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
The aim of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations within the current Middle
East peace process is, among other things, to establish a Palestinian Interim
Self-Government Authority, the elected Council (the “Council”), for the
Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, for a transitional
period not exceeding five years, leading to a permanent settlement based on
Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). It is understood that
the interim arrangements are an integral part of the whole peace process and
that the negotiations on the permanent status will lead to the implementation of
Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).

Article II
FRAMEWORK FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD
The agreed framework for the interim period is set forth in this
Declaration of Principles.

Article III
ELECTIONS
1. In order that the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip may
govern themselves according to democratic principles, direct, free and general
political elections will be held for the Council under agreed supervision and
international observation, while the Palestinian police will ensure public
order.
2. An agreement will be concluded on the exact mode and conditions of the
elections in accordance with the protocol attached as Annex I, with the goal of
holding the elections not later than nine months after the entry into force of
this Declaration of Principles.

3. These elections will constitute a significant interim preparatory step
toward the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and
their just requirements.

Article IV
JURISDICTION
Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and Gaza Strip territory,
except for issues that will be negotiated in the permanent status negotiations.
The two sides view the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as a single territorial
unit, whose integrity will be preserved during the interim period.

Article V
TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND PERMANENT STATUS NEGOTIATIONS
1. The five-year transitional period will begin upon the withdrawal from the
Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
2. Permanent status negotiations will commence as soon as possible, but not
later than the beginning of the third year of the interim period, between the
Government of Israel and the Palestinian people’s representatives.
3. It is understood that these negotiations shall cover remaining issues,
including: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security arrangements, borders,
relations and cooperation with other neighbours, and other issues of common
interest.
4. The two parties agree that the outcome of the permanent status negotiations
should not be prejudiced or preempted by agreements reached for the interim
period.

Article VI
PREPARATORY TRANSFER OF POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles and the
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area, a transfer of authority
from the Israeli military government and its Civil Administration to the
authorized Palestinians for this task, as detailed herein, will commence. This
transfer of authority will be of a preparatory nature until the inauguration of
the Council.
2. Immediately after the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles
and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, with the view to
promoting economic development in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, authority will
be transferred to the Palestinians in the following spheres: education and
culture, health, social welfare, direct taxation and tourism. The Palestinian
side will commence in building the Palestinian police force, as agreed upon.

Pending the inauguration of the Council, the two parties may negotiate the
transfer of additional powers and responsibilities, as agreed upon.

Article VII
INTERIM AGREEMENT
1. The Israeli and Palestinian delegations will negotiate an agreement on the
interim period (the “Interim Agreement”).
2. The Interim Agreement shall specify, among other things, the structure of
the Council, the number of its members, and the transfer of powers and
responsibilities from the Israeli military government and its Civil
Administration to the Council. The Interim Agreement shall also specify the
Council’s executive authority, legislative authority in accordance with
Article IX below, and the independent Palestinian judicial organs.
3. The Interim Agreement shall include arrangements, to be implemented upon
the inauguration of the Council, for the assumption by the Council of all of the
powers and responsibilities transferred previously in accordance with Article VI
above.
4. In order to enable the Council to promote economic growth, upon its
inauguration, the Council will establish, among other things, a Palestinian
Electricity Authority, a Gaza Sea Port Authority, a Palestinian Development
Bank, a Palestinian Export Promotion Board, a Palestinian Environmental
Authority, a Palestinian Land Authority and a Palestinian Water Administration
Authority and any other Authorities agreed upon, in accordance with the Interim
Agreement, that will specify their powers and responsibilities.
5. After the inauguration of the Council, the Civil Administration will be
dissolved, and the Israeli military government will be withdrawn.

Article VIII
PUBLIC ORDER AND SECURITY
In order to guarantee public order and internal security for the
Palestinians of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Council will establish a
strong police force, while Israel will continue to carry the responsibility for
defending against external threats, as well as the responsibility for overall
security of Israelis for the purpose of safeguarding their internal security and
public order.

Article IX
LAWS AND MILITARY ORDERS
1. The Council will be empowered to legislate, in accordance with the Interim
Agreement, within all authorities transferred to it.

2. Both parties will review jointly laws and military orders presently in
force in remaining spheres.

Article X
JOINT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN LIAISON COMMITTEE
In order to provide for a smooth implementation of this Declaration of
Principles and any subsequent agreements pertaining to the interim period, upon
the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, a Joint IsraeliPalestinian Liaison Committee will be established in order to deal with issues
requiring coordination, other issues of common interest and disputes.

Article XI
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION IN ECONOMIC FIELDS
Recognizing the mutual benefit of cooperation in promoting the development
of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Israel, upon the entry into force of this
Declaration of Principles, an Israeli-Palestinian Economic Cooperation Committee
will be established in order to develop and implement in a cooperative manner
the programmes identified in the protocols attached as Annex III and Annex IV.

Article XII
LIAISON AND COOPERATION WITH JORDAN AND EGYPT
The two parties will invite the Governments of Jordan and Egypt to
participate in establishing further liaison and cooperation arrangements between
the Government of Israel and the Palestinian representatives, on the one hand,
and the Governments of Jordan and Egypt, on the other hand, to promote
cooperation between them. These arrangements will include the constitution of a
Continuing Committee that will decide by agreement on the modalities of
admission of persons displaced from the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967,
together with necessary measures to prevent disruption and disorder. Other
matters of common concern will be dealt with by this Committee.

Article XIII
REDEPLOYMENT OF ISRAELI FORCES
1. After the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, and not later
than the eve of elections for the Council, a redeployment of Israeli military
forces in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will take place, in addition to
withdrawal of Israeli forces carried out in accordance with Article XIV.
2. In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided by the principle
that its military forces should be redeployed outside populated areas.

3. Further redeployments to specified locations will be gradually implemented
commensurate with the assumption of responsibility for public order and internal
security by the Palestinian police force pursuant to Article VIII above.

Article XIV
ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM THE GAZA STRIP AND JERICHO AREA
Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, as detailed in
the protocol attached as Annex II.

Article XV
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
1. Disputes arising out of the application or interpretation of this
Declaration of Principles, or any subsequent agreements pertaining to the
interim period, shall be resolved by negotiations through the Joint Liaison
Committee to be established pursuant to Article X above.
2. Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations may be resolved by a
mechanism of conciliation to be agreed upon by the parties.
3. The parties may agree to submit to arbitration disputes relating to the
interim period, which cannot be settled through conciliation. To this end, upon
the agreement of both parties, the parties will establish an Arbitration
Committee.

Article XVI
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION CONCERNING REGIONAL PROGRAMMES
Both parties view the multilateral working groups as an appropriate
instrument for promoting a “Marshall Plan”, the regional programmes and other
programmes, including special programmes for the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as
indicated in the protocol attached as Annex IV.

Article XVII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1. This Declaration of Principles will enter into force one month after its
signing.
2. All protocols annexed to this Declaration of Principles and Agreed Minutes
pertaining thereto shall be regarded as an integral part hereof.

DONE at Washington, D.C., this thirteenth day of September 1993.
For the Government of Israel: For the PLO:

(Signed) Shimon PERES

(Signed) Mahmud ABBAS

Witnessed By:

The United States of America

The Russian Federation

(Signed) Warren CHRISTOPHER

(Signed) Andrei V. KOZYREV

ANNEX I

Protocol on the Mode and Conditions of Elections

1. Palestinians of Jerusalem who live there will have the right to participate
in the election process, according to an agreement between the two sides.
2. In addition, the election agreement should cover, among other things, the
following issues:
(a) The system of elections;
(b) The mode of the agreed supervision and international observation and
their personal composition;
(c) Rules and regulations regarding election campaigns, including agreed
arrangements for the organizing of mass media, and the possibility of licensing
a broadcasting and television station.
3. The future status of displaced Palestinians who were registered on
4 June 1967 will not be prejudiced because they are unable to participate in the
election process owing to practical reasons.

ANNEX II

Protocol on Withdrawal of Israeli Forces from the Gaza Strip and Jericho Area

1. The two sides will conclude and sign within two months from the date of
entry into force of this Declaration of Principles an agreement on the
withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.
This agreement will include comprehensive arrangements to apply in the Gaza
Strip and the Jericho area subsequent to the Israeli withdrawal.
2. Israel will implement an accelerated and scheduled withdrawal of Israeli
military forces from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, beginning immediately with
the signing of the agreement on the Gaza Strip and Jericho area and to be
completed within a period not exceeding four months after the signing of this
agreement.
3. The above agreement will include, among other things:
(a) Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of authority from the
Israeli military government and its Civil Administration to the Palestinian
representatives;
(b) Structure, powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority in
these areas, except: external security, settlements, Israelis, foreign
relations and other mutually agreed matters;
(c) Arrangements for the assumption of internal security and public order
by the Palestinian police force consisting of police officers recruited locally
and from abroad (holding Jordanian passports and Palestinian documents issued by
Egypt). Those who will participate in the Palestinian police force coming from
abroad should be trained as police and police officers;
(d) A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon;
(e) Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and
Cooperation Committee for mutual security purposes;
(f) An economic development and stabilization programme including the
establishment of an Emergency Fund, to encourage foreign investment and
financial and economic support. Both sides will coordinate and cooperate
jointly and unilaterally with regional and international parties to support
these aims;
(g) Arrangements for a safe passage for persons and transportation between
the Gaza Strip and Jericho area.

4. The above agreement will include arrangements for coordination between both parties regarding passages:
(a) Gaza – Egypt;
(b) Jericho – Jordan.

5. The offices responsible for carrying out the powers and responsibilities of
the Palestinian authority under this Annex II and Article VI of the Declaration
of Principles will be located in the Gaza Strip and in the Jericho area pending
the inauguration of the Council.
6. Other than these agreed arrangements, the status of the Gaza Strip and
Jericho area will continue to be an integral part of the West Bank and Gaza
Strip, and will not be changed in the interim period.

ANNEX III

Protocol on Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation
in Economic and Development Programmes
The two sides agree to establish an Israeli-Palestinian Continuing
Committee for Economic Cooperation, focusing, among other things, on the following:

1. Cooperation in the field of water, including a Water Development Programme
prepared by experts from both sides, which will also specify the mode of
cooperation in the management of water resources in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip, and will include proposals for studies and plans on water rights of each
party, as well as on the equitable utilization of joint water resources for
implementation in and beyond the interim period.
2. Cooperation in the field of electricity, including an Electricity
Development Programme, which will also specify the mode of cooperation for the
production, maintenance, purchase and sale of electricity resources.
3. Cooperation in the field of energy, including an Energy Development
Programme, which will provide for the exploitation of oil and gas for industrial
purposes, particularly in the Gaza Strip and in the Negev, and will encourage
further joint exploitation of other energy resources. This Programme may also
provide for the construction of a petrochemical industrial complex in the Gaza
Strip and the construction of oil and gas pipelines.
4. Cooperation in the field of finance, including a Financial Development and
Action Programme for the encouragement of international investment in the West
Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Israel, as well as the establishment of a
Palestinian Development Bank.
5. Cooperation in the field of transport and communications, including a
Programme, which will define guidelines for the establishment of a Gaza Sea Port
Area, and will provide for the establishing of transport and communications
lines to and from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to Israel and to other
countries. In addition, this Programme will provide for carrying out the
necessary construction of roads, railways, communications lines, etc.
6. Cooperation in the field of trade, including studies, and Trade Promotion
Programmes, which will encourage local, regional and interregional trade, as
well as a feasibility study of creating free trade zones in the Gaza Strip and
in Israel, mutual access to these zones and cooperation in other areas related
to trade and commerce.
7. Cooperation in the field of industry, including Industrial Development
Programmes, which will provide for the establishment of joint IsraeliPalestinian Industrial Research and Development Centres, will promote
Palestinian-Israeli joint ventures, and provide guidelines for cooperation in
the textile, food, pharmaceutical, electronics, diamonds, computer and sciencebased industries.

8. A Programme for cooperation in, and regulation of, labour relations and
cooperation in social welfare issues.
9. A Human Resource Development and Cooperation Plan, providing for joint
Israeli-Palestinian workshops and seminars, and for the establishment of joint
vocational training centres, research institutes and data banks.
10. An Environmental Protection Plan, providing for joint and/or coordinated
measures in this sphere.
11. A Programme for developing coordination and cooperation in the field of
communications and media.
12. Any other programmes of mutual interest.

ANNEX IV

Protocol on Israeli-Palestinian Cooperation concerning Regional Development Programmes

1. The two sides will cooperate in the context of the multilateral peace
efforts in promoting a Development Programme for the region, including the West
Bank and the Gaza Strip, to be initiated by the Group of Seven. The parties
will request the Group of Seven to seek the participation in this Programme of
other interested States, such as members of the Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development, regional Arab States and institutions, as well as
members of the private sector.
2. The Development Programme will consist of two elements:
(a) An Economic Development Programme for the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip;
(b) A Regional Economic Development Programme.
A. The Economic Development Programme for the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip will consist of the following elements:
(1) A Social Rehabilitation Programme, including a Housing and
Construction Programme;
(2) A Small and Medium Business Development Plan;
(3) An Infrastructure Development Programme (water, electricity,
transportation and communications, etc.);
(4) A Human Resources Plan;
(5) Other programmes.
B. The Regional Economic Development Programme may consist of the
following elements:
(1) The establishment of a Middle East Development Fund, as a first
step, and a Middle East Development Bank, as a second step;
(2) The development of a joint Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian Plan for
coordinated exploitation of the Dead Sea area;
(3) The Mediterranean Sea (Gaza) – Dead Sea Canal;
(4) Regional desalinization and other water development projects;
(5) A regional plan for agricultural development, including a
coordinated regional effort for the prevention of desertification;

(6) Interconnection of electricity grids;

(7) Regional cooperation for the transfer, distribution and
industrial exploitation of gas, oil and other energy resources;

(8) A Regional Tourism, Transportation and Telecommunications Development Plan;

(9) Regional cooperation in other spheres.
3. The two sides will encourage the multilateral working groups and will
coordinate towards their success. The two parties will encourage
inter-sessional activities, as well as pre-feasibility and feasibility studies,
within the various multilateral working groups.

Agreed Minutes to the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements

A. GENERAL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS
Any powers and responsibilities transferred to the Palestinians pursuant to
the Declaration of Principles prior to the inauguration of the Council will be
subject to the same principles pertaining to Article IV, as set out in these
Agreed Minutes below.
B. SPECIFIC UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS

Article IV
It is understood that:
1. Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and Gaza Strip territory,
except for issues that will be negotiated in the permanent status negotiations:
Jerusalem, settlements, military locations and Israelis.
2. The Council’s jurisdiction will apply with regard to the agreed powers,
responsibilities, spheres and authorities transferred to it.

Article VI (2)
It is agreed that the transfer of authority will be as follows:
1. The Palestinian side will inform the Israeli side of the names of the
authorized Palestinians who will assume the powers, authorities and
responsibilities that will be transferred to the Palestinians according to the
Declaration of Principles in the following fields: education and culture,
health, social welfare, direct taxation, tourism and any other authorities
agreed upon.
2. It is understood that the rights and obligations of these offices will not
be affected.
3. Each of the spheres described above will continue to enjoy existing
budgetary allocations in accordance with arrangements to be mutually agreed
upon. These arrangements also will provide for the necessary adjustments
required in order to take into account the taxes collected by the direct
taxation office.
4. Upon the execution of the Declaration of Principles, the Israeli and
Palestinian delegations will immediately commence negotiations on a detailed
plan for the transfer of authority on the above offices in accordance with the
above understandings.

Article VII (2)
The Interim Agreement will also include arrangements for coordination and
cooperation.

Article VII (5)
The withdrawal of the military government will not prevent Israel from
exercising the powers and responsibilities not transferred to the Council.

Article VIII
It is understood that the Interim Agreement will include arrangements for
cooperation and coordination between the two parties in this regard. It is also
agreed that the transfer of powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian
police will be accomplished in a phased manner, as agreed in the Interim Agreement.

Article X
It is agreed that, upon the entry into force of the Declaration of
Principles, the Israeli and Palestinian delegations will exchange the names of
the individuals designated by them as members of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian
Liaison Committee. It is further agreed that each side will have an equal
number of members in the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee will reach
decisions by agreement. The Joint Committee may add other technicians and
experts, as necessary. The Joint Committee will decide on the frequency and
place or places of its meetings.

ANNEX II
It is understood that, subsequent to the Israeli withdrawal, Israel will
continue to be responsible for external security, and for internal security and
public order of settlements and Israelis. Israeli military forces and civilians
may continue to use roads freely within the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area.
DONE at Washington, D.C., this thirteenth day of September 1993.
For the Government of Israel: For the PLO:

(Signed) Shimon PERES
(Signed) Mahmud ABBAS

Witnessed By:
The United States of America The Russian Federation

(Signed) Warren CHRISTOPHER

(Signed) Andrei V. KOZYREV