IT HAS BEGUN!

Good Morning everyone. The We The People Foundation and We The People Congress is releasing information this weekend at their website that is very exciting. Not only is there going to be a Weekly Televised Broadcast for people to learn the truth but many more exciting innovative programs are forthcoming to teach us all more about our Government and our rights as Sovereign Citizens of America.

On November 14, 2002, there was a Freedom Drive to Washington for Redress of Grievances in an effort to get answers from our Government. Unfortunately, government officials just ignored this group and now the movement to restore us to a Constitutional Government has begun. Beow I have posted a portion of Bob Shultz's speech on the Mall in Washington, D.C.. It is powerful and he is telling the truth. Mr. Shultz is a born-again believer and loves our country. What he is telling us is something we would never learn in government controlled schools. I will post the second half of the speech tomorrow but you can read it in it's entirety at the We The People site. If the people will just quietly say no to anymore government intrusion into their lives and learn the truth for themselves, we can turn this country around and with God's help hold back the forces of evil for a little longer. That is my prayer.

God Bless
Elaine



The National Mall, Washington DC

November 14, 2002

Acknowledgement

Bob Schulz wishes to acknowledge and thank Anthony Hargis for his fine research paper, "The Lost Right, Redress of Grievances." (undated). Bob’s speech draws heavily on that research and the underlying documents.

The founding fathers, in an act of the Continental Congress in 1774, said, "If money is wanted by Rulers who have in any manner oppressed the People, [the People] may retain [their money] until their grievances are redressed, and thus peaceably procure relief, without trusting to despised petitions or disturbing the public tranquility."

This very American Right of Redress of Grievances Before Taxes is deeply embedded in our law.

The founding fathers could hardly have used words more clear when they declared, "the people … may retain [their money] until their grievances are [remedied]."

By these words, the founding fathers fully recognized and clearly stated: that the Right of Redress of Grievances includes the right of Redress Before payment of Taxes, that this Right of Redress Before Taxes lies in the hands of the People, that this Right is the People’s non-violent, peaceful means to procuring a remedy to their grievances without having depend on – or place their trust in -- the government’s willingness to respond to the People’s petitions and without having to resort to violence.

Before going further, I’d like to clarify two points: first, the question we are dealing with here is not whether the government has the power to tax, but whether the government is abusing its constitutionally limited power to tax; and second, there is the question of whether the government is using the tax revenue to effect other abuses of its authority.

The founding fathers were well acquainted with the fact that government is the enemy of Freedom, that those wielding governmental power despise petitions from the People; the representatives of the People, in a popular assembly, seem sometimes to fancy that they are the People themselves and exhibit strong symptoms of impatience and disgust at the least sign of opposition from any quarter.

The founding fathers knew that it was possible for the institutions of the Congress, the Executive and the Courts to someday begin to fail in their duty to protect the people from tyranny. They knew that unless the People had the right to withhold their money from the government their grievances might fall on deaf ears and Liberty would give way to tyranny, despotism and involuntary servitude.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states clearly and unambiguously, "Congress shall make NO law …abridging …the right of the people … to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

While some Rights are reserved with qualifications in the Bill of Rights, there are none whatsoever pertaining to the Right of Redress. There are no limits on the Right of Redress. Any constitutional offense is legitimately petitionable.

We have established that the Founding Fathers clearly declared that the Right of Redress of Grievances includes the Right to withhold payment of taxes while the grievance remains. By the 1st Amendment, the founding fathers secured for posterity the Right of Redress of Grievances Before payment of Taxes and they made the Right of Redress Before Taxes operate against "the government," that is, against all branches of "the government," -- the legislative, the executive and the judicial branches. Redress reaches all.

Notice that the founding fathers, sitting as the Continental Congress in 1774, held that this Right of Redress Before Taxes was the means by which "the public tranquility" was to be maintained. Then, sitting as the Constitutional Convention, the founding fathers declared that one of the major purposes of the (federal) government was to "insure domestic tranquility." Therefore, whenever this Right of Redress is violated, the People have a double grievance: a denial of justice by the government and, an incitement by the government to general unrest.



Today, our concern is the grievance that falls under the heading of a design to subvert the Constitution and laws of the country by those wielding governmental power.

Under this heading, all officers of the government are liable, if they strayed from their oath of office.

If we are to secure our Rights, we must rely on the laws of nature and a reasoned sense of innovation. To rely on precedent is to oppress posterity with the ignorance or chains of their fathers. Being forced by the government to rely on precedent is, itself, a grievance.

The sequence of Redress Before Taxes was well established in English law at a time when great numbers of Englishmen traveled to America. They brought with them English history and English law: they brought with them the principle of "taxes with consent"; the unlawfulness of "troops quartered in private homes," of "cruel and unusual punishments," and a whole collection of Rights, such as Redress, Speech, Assembly and Trial by Jury.

Any notion, spurious act of Congress or opinion by a Court that taxes must by paid before Redress is a perversion of Natural Law, of modern English law, of the American Constitution and of Truth and Justice.

The reverse principle of "Taxes Before Redress" is based on the essence of monarchy and kingly power: the king owns everything under his domain. People possess property under a monarch by his grace alone. Since a king owns everything under his domain, he merely has to speak to lawfully dispose of his property. Thus, if a king imposed a tax on land he imposed it on his own land and whoever occupied the land was obligated to pay the tax to the king’s treasury. A tax, then, being a part of the king’s property, was legally presumed to be in the possession of the king before and after its assessment.

Since the landholder, or landless subject, enjoyed the privilege of tenancy on the land only by the will of the king, he could be required to pay over the tax before he could contest the assessment—or redress a grievance.
Thus, the theory that a tax must be paid before redress rests on the presumption that society is organized as a monarchy; that all people living therein exist by grace of an autocrat – whether one man or an assembly of men. This proposition was soundly rejected by the Founders in designing our unique system of governance.

In America, such presumptions constitute grievances. The first duty of any officer is to uphold the Constitution – the entire Constitution, without reservation and without bribery or blackmail.

Petitioning the government for a Redress of Grievance naturally includes the ability to compel admissions – the production of information and answers to questions.

****************TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW*******************
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, GO TO: WE THE PEOPLE FOUNDATION AND CONGRESS

WHAT ARE THE TAX AND SPENDERS DOING IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS?

In this exclusive World Net Daily article, Jon Dougherty hits the nail on the head.

We will not see new tax bills until next year but I have a feeling they will be going up. Tax the property owners is the new genre to politicians the country over. In order to pay their constituents and keep power, little programs that cost us money must be developed.

In spite of all this mess I would like to take the time to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I believe that the War Clouds are overhead but for those of us who know the Lord, we can have peace through the coming storm.

Love
Elaine


'Tax-and-spend' politics
Posted: December 27, 2002
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2002 WorldNetDaily.com

When economic times were good throughout much of the 1990s – "good" times that, Americans now know, were largely based on corporate shams and political debauchery – governments from sea to shining sea basked in the glow of full coffers. Liberal paternalists and their allies in the RINO – Republicans In Name Only – Party created new programs and expanded old ones at a pace that suggested leaders local and national believed the golden rainbow would never fade.

Except that it did – as it always does.

Now, caught in an economic web of their own making, local and national leaders are scrambling to find ways to pay for all the largess they created. Programs outweigh available dollars, and while beneficiaries don't quite yet outnumber the wage earners and wealthy who support them, the ratio is certainly a lot lower now than 10 years ago, when the "boom" really began in earnest.

One way the socialist tax-and-spenders are using to refill their coffers is by punishing anyone who owns or rents a place to lay their weary heads at night.

As reported Tuesday, the U.S. Census Bureau says Americans paid 10.4 percent more in property taxes for the year ending June 30 compared to the same period a year earlier – an increase that was the highest since 1993, the first full year of the Clinton administration.

Taxes for the first half of this year were up 14.1 percent compared to the first six months of 2001, while second-quarter taxes skyrocketed 24 percent compared to the first three months of 2001.

Some areas are worse than others, but generally speaking, the issue is widespread. And, experts say, tax-and-spenders in other parts of the country are preparing to soak their constituents as well.

"There are probably 60 to 70 cities of 100,000 population that are contemplating it today," David Brunori, editor of State Tax Notes, a non-profit publication that tracks tax trends, told USA Today.

Some of the increase stems from higher property values – a good thing for land and home owners. However city, county and local governments also are raising tax rates to balance their budgets in the face of declining revenues due to the lingering recession.

Earlier this month New York City approved an 18.5 percent property-tax increase, while neighboring Westchester County, N.Y. – considered one of the wealthiest – is examining a 28.6 percent hike.

In Atlanta, meanwhile, officials hiked rates 50 percent this year, while Minnesota expects to increase rates at least 10 percent in 2003.

Some neighborhoods in Chicago have seen property taxes increase 75-100 percent. Coupled with utility increases, some rents have reached record levels. And Wisconsin raised property taxes 5.36 percent and 4.98 percent in 2001 and 2002 respectively.

"It is unfortunate that homeowners are being asked to bear the brunt of irresponsible spending policies," Peter Sepp, of the National Taxpayers Union told the paper.

Agreed. But even more egregious is American taxpayers' lack of widespread outrage over those who have made a career out of redistributing wealth from those who earn, deserve and are productive to those who don't earn, aren't deserving and are unproductive.

Supporters of this approach say property taxes, which account for an average of 70-75 percent of a municipality's income, are a necessary funding mechanism. Costs for fire and police protection, ambulance service, garbage collection, dog catching and street maintenance rise annually – a city has to have money to provide these essentials.

Fine. But what irks taxpayers is the wastefulness and lack of planning endemic in most government operations. Expanded programs, raised salaries and new expenditures do not go away when money is tight.

The problem is the same on the local and national level. Too many politicians think they must do too many things for too many people. Yet when government performs a function, it costs money that must be extracted from anyone who earns a wage. It's a simple concept but obviously not enough of us understand it.

Until we rid ourselves of tax-and-spend politicians, we're going to be stuck financing tax-and-spend politics.







GIVE YOUR LOVED ONE THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS YEAR

A REPORT FROM BETHLEHEM!

CNN posted this report today and I was thrilled to read what is happening in "The Little Town Of Bethlehem". Revival is in the land and people are getting saved. More than this is the feeling that this revival must occur before the Lord returns. What an exciting thought at this Christmas Season. I hope you enjoy the article.
God Bless
Elaine

When Jesus Comes to Bethlehem
By Chris Mitchell
Middle East Correspondent

Despite economic losses, the true meaning of Christmas still fills the hearts of Christians in Bethlehem.

CBN.com - BETHLEHEM — Christians around the world are preparing for the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ two thousand years ago in the Judean town of Bethlehem. But Bethlehem is not nearly as quiet as it was in Jesus’ day. Instead, the little town finds itself caught in the crossfire of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Yet in spite of the recent turmoil, there are signs of revival and hope in the little town of Bethlehem.

Since the beginning of the Palestinians’ Intifada more than two years ago, Bethlehem has become a battlefield. The town used to be a hub of tourism, but now some areas of Bethlehem resemble a war zone. The fighting has had a devastating impact on the economy.

Yet despite the economic losses, the true meaning of Christmas still fills the hearts of Christians in Bethlehem.

"Christmas means God Himself became flesh, as it is mentioned in John 1:14, this flesh that came to our town — little Bethlehem — and we see the Heavens rejoice and we see the shepherds come to see this good news that a Savior is born in Bethlehem," said one Christian man.

Manger Square rests in the heart of Bethlehem. In most years, the square would be filled with tourists from around the world in anticipation of Christmas. But now it is mainly empty. Yet in the midst of the difficulties here in Bethlehem, some say there are signs of revival in the town where Jesus Christ was born.

Pastor Naim Khoury is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bethlehem.

"I believe that from all my heart we've seen that in our work, in the days of troubles and difficulties and war, in the last two, three weeks, and the last year of troubles, we've been doubled in our attendance," Pastor Khoury said. "We've seen people getting saved every Sunday. And we are seeing the opening of the beginning of the revival in the Holy Land. And I believe revival should come and must come first before Jesus comes back again. And I believe that we're going to see that revival is happening soon."

As in many other local churches, the current situation has made it very difficult on the congregation.

"Ninety five percent of them are without a job, and we hope and pray this Christmas will be a breakthrough, it will bring peace for us and a rest so that people will have another chance and another opportunity to go and work and make a living for their family because they have it hard," said Pastor Khoury’s wife.

Khoury says the turmoil has led many to a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. "They are in love with the Lord, they testify about Jesus wherever they go. We are seeing good results, we've been doubled in the church. We're seeing every single Sunday people coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Every single Sunday," he said.

"We've never, ever seen this happening in our community or in the West Bank," he continued. "That people are seeking for something different than they used to. I think the Word of God has been spread around. We've been preaching, witnessing, telling people about Jesus. And people are accepting that with great, great love and with great opening in their hearts and minds too."

Khoury has seen his people filled with a passion for God that he has rarely seen before.

"They are really very, very anxious and eager to know more and more about the Lord. We've been talking about the prophecies and the love of God and the end of time. And people ask questions, 'What's next?’ I said, ‘Next? You need to be ready. The Lord is coming soon. We have to go to our new Heavenly home. We are pilgrims, visitors here on earth. We are looking for this glorious home, glorious day when Jesus comes back again,’" he said.

Pastor Khoury believes this Christmas is a time not only to remember the first coming of Jesus Christ, but that today's turmoil in the Middle East holds the promise of his Second Coming.

"And I believe with all my heart that He is coming soon, and what is happening in the whole Middle East area and not only in the Middle East, but also in the whole world. That's a big sign to wake us up as Christians and to look that Jesus Christ is coming soon," he said.

Khoury believes it is especially important for Christians in the West to pray for and support the Christians in the Holy Land. And out of the furnace of affliction, he has a message for Christians in the West: "Don't take Christianity for granted. Don't take it lightly. Be deep in the Word. Love Jesus."

*******JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!************

Good Morning Everyone. Isn't It Wonderful To Be A Christian!

Last night we experienced a wonderful communion service at our church. Our pastor once again went over the real meaning of Christmas. I know for sceptics out there this is not the time that Jesus was really born and the Wise Men did not come to Bethlehem until about two years after the birth. I know that pagans originally decorated trees and worshiped them. I know that Santa is from a pagan celebration and that commercialism has replaced the Lord. But for us last night in our little church, we remembered our Lord. We were once again reminded from the scriptures why He came and what that First Advent meant to us individually and to the world. We then once again took the bread and grape juice in memory of Him til He comes again!

God blessed us in that special service last night! We experienced His presence in such a sweet and peaceful way and as a church we were given joy for this season. Joy that our sins are forgiven through the blood of this one whose birth we celebrate. Joy that our famlies are saved and that we are on our road to heaven. Joy that no matter what happens our God is able to keep us and present us faultless before his throne. Joy that soon He is coming again and we will celebrate together communion with our Lord.

So let the naysayers go on doing what they do best. Let the liberal humanistic world blot His name out of every school and secular institution in the world. The truth is that He came to the world He created to redeem it unto himself and He lives in heart of every believer in this world and the evil one cannot ever take that away. In fact He put it best when He said in Matthew 16:18, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Amen!

Do you have that peace and joy in your heart today. You can simply by asking Jesus into your heart to forgive your sins and be the Lord of your life. That is all he requires to become a child of God.

Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

As for us who already know Him as Lord, let us ponder what it means to be a Christian this special season just as Mary kept all things in her heart the day He was Born!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. HE IS LORD!


THE REAL REASON FOR CHRISTMAS:

Luke 2:1-40
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

*******JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!************







GIVE YOUR LOVED ONE THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS CHRISTMAS

KEEP YOUR EYES ON ISRAEL: SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!




Good Morning and Merry Christmas Everyone.

Today I want to discuss an interesting idea that came to my mind last night. My sister and her husband, Nancy and Dennis Bazemore were at my home and we watched the Video entitled Six Day War: Was The Six Day War A Miracle. This is an awesome presentation of how Israel after thousands of years took Jerusalem from Jordanian control and the way it happened is nothing short of miraculous.

Having loved Bible Prophecy from a very early age this presentation was a thrilling thing to watch as God divinely interceded in the affairs of that tiny nation once again. Overnight, and under mysterious circumstances the Jordanian army left the Temple Mount and Israel just walked in and took it back. Remember that the third most "holy site of Islam" is there and the Jordanians just deserted it! The Jews were once more in control of the Temple Mount and many students of prophecy believe that this event started the prophetic time clock once more with regards to the coming Rapture of the Church, the ushering in of Antichrist, the 7 Year Tribulation Period and the Millennial Reign of Christ.

Now let me say first and foremost I am not a date setter. No one knows the exact day or hour when the Lord will begin to bring the things on this old earth to an end but the scriptures tell us, as in Matthew 24, that we can know the times.

The Jews failed to recognize their long awaited Messiah because the scriptures that taught about this such as the prophecies from Book of Daniel had not been taught. Today the world for the most part does not know the signs of the times because a majority of churches have not taught Bible Prophecy.

As I watched the video, I remembered the scriptures in the Old Testament concerning Israel and her forty years in the wilderness. After all the miracles of being delivered from Egypt and seeing the hand of God move to protect them and fulfill his promise to Abraham, they did not trust Him. Joshua and Caleb believed that they could take the Promised Land but the majority of the Israelites did not and because of that unbelief, God allowed Israel to wander in the desert for another forty years (Numbers Chapter 14). If you have time, I encourage you to read that portion of scripture it is fascinating.

Move forward now to 1967! Israel was handed Jerusalem almost as a gift fulfilling Bible Prophecy. Moshe Dyan was the Israeli leader at that time and because of reasons that boggle the mind, he gave control of the Temple Mount back to the Arabs! I believe he did it mainly out of fear of world reaction and outrage. Was this move due to unbelief? Has Israel been relegated to another 40 years of suffering because of this one strange decision? No one knows but this is something to really consider and watch as events unfold. If this idea has merit then the 40 years will end in 2007. This is something to Think About!

The "Quartet" has decided on the Issue of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and has a plan for developing two nations in the area. I have posted an article from CNN.com about their decisions below. Never mind what the Lord has said about the matter. The year for final settlement is 2005. Wow! God is at work in His land and it is a thrill to watch all that is happening. Remember that this region is to be site of earths Final Conflict with God and according to Scripture, He wins! Praise The Lord!

I pray that this little idea might bring about some interesting discussions and debate. However more than this, I pray that we see many more people saved before the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord! His Birthday that we are celebrating is so important but His Coming Again is even more so!

Are You Ready?

God Bless
Elaine





'Mideast quartet' OKs '99.5 percent' of U.S. proposal
From Elise Labott
CNN
Saturday, December 21, 2002 Posted: 10:38 AM EST (1538 GMT)

President Bush and Vice President Cheney meet with diplomats from the United Nations, European Union and Russia on Friday.

SPECIAL REPORT

• Interactive: Timeline
• Special Report: Mideast

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A draft "road map" drawn up by the so-called "Mideast quartet" says the ultimate goal for the troubled region is a "final and comprehensive settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict by 2005" -- a process that must first begin with an immediate cease-fire.

"A settlement, negotiated between the parties, will result in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbors. The settlement will resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and end the occupation that began in 1967," the seven-page draft says.

CNN late Friday obtained a copy of the draft, which has yet to be fully approved. A senior diplomat said members of the "quartet" -- made up of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations -- have "agreed to 99.5 percent of the road map."

Delegates from the quartet met Friday in Washington -- first at the U.S. State Department and then at the White House with President Bush -- to discuss the proposal.

In a written statement after the meetings, the participants said that, "based upon a common understanding on the content and goals of this process," the group had "made substantial progress toward finalizing a road map for presentation to the parties in the near future."


U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan: Implementation of the "road map" will require "sacrifices by both sides and parallel steps from both sides."


"The quartet calls for an immediate, comprehensive, cease-fire," the statement said. "All Palestinian individuals and groups must end all acts of terror against Israelis, in any location. ... Such a cease-fire should be accompanied by supportive measures undertaken by the government of Israel."

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the implementation of the road map "will require sacrifices by both sides and parallel steps from both sides."

The United States was going to publicly release the plan at the quartet meeting, but under pressure from Israel it decided not to until Israeli parliamentary elections are over next month.

U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called the decision to delay "just a recognition of the reality of decision-making and the state of play in the government of Israel."

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov called the draft "a good document."

"The most important thing is to implement it," he said. "That is our main objective now."

Under the draft road map, the quartet lays out three phases for Israel and Palestinians to follow.

Phase 1: Present to May 2003
• At the outset, the Palestinian leadership must issue an "unequivocal statement reiterating Israel's right to exist in peace and security, and calling for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire to end armed activity and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere."

... an end to all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere.
-- Draft text, Middle East peace "road map"

• At the same time, the Israeli leadership must issue an "unequivocal statement affirming its commitment to the two-state vision of an independent, viable, sovereign Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel." That statement also must call for an end "to violence against Palestinians everywhere."

• The draft also says Israel must withdraw from Palestinian areas from September 28, 2000 -- when the current intifada began -- and that both sides "restore the status quo that existed at that time."

• Security measures must be undertaken by both sides. A new Palestinian security apparatus must be established with its operations "aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror and dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure."

... (an end) to violence against Palestinians everywhere."
-- Draft text, Middle East peace "road map"

• Israel cannot take any actions "undermining trust, including [proactive security measures], deportations, attacks on civilians; confiscation and/or demolition of Palestinian homes and property, as a punitive measure or to facilitate Israeli construction; and destruction of Palestinian institutions or infrastructure."

• Quartet representatives will begin informal monitoring of the situation on the ground during this phase. The draft also calls on Arab states to "cut off public and private funding and all other forms of support for groups supporting and engaging in violence and terror."

• This phase also details measures for Palestinian institution building, including a process to produce a draft constitution for the eventual Palestinian state. It also calls on Israel to take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the territories, including the lifting of curfews and easing of transportation of goods.

Phase 2: June 2003-December 2003
With such a leadership, reformed civil institutions and security structures, the Palestinians will have the active support of the quartet and the broader international community in establishing an independent, viable state.
-- Draft text, Middle East peace "road map"

Phase 2 is focused on the creation of an "independent Palestinian state with provisional borders." It says such a provisional state can only be achieved once the Palestinian people have chosen leaders "uncompromised by terror" and "willing and able to build a practicing democracy based on tolerance and liberty."

"With such a leadership, reformed civil institutions and security structures, the Palestinians will have the active support of the quartet and the broader international community in establishing an independent, viable state," the draft says.

• During this phase, an international conference will be held to support Palestinian economic recovery and leading to the establishment of the provisional state "with provisional borders." At that time, Arab states are to "restore pre-intifada links to Israel."

Phase 3: 2004-2005
... agreed, just, fair and realistic solution to the refugee issue, and a negotiated resolution on the status of Jerusalem that takes into account the political and religious concerns of both sides, and protects the religious interests of Jews, Christians and Muslims worldwide.
-- Draft text, Middle East peace "road map"


At the start of 2004, another international conference will be held to "formally launch a process with the active, sustained and operational support of the quartet, leading to a final permanent status resolution by 2005, including on borders, Jerusalem, refugees, (and) settlements."

The quartet will then work with both sides to try to make sure the deadline is met by the end of 2005 that will result in a Palestinian state, ending the "occupation that began in 1967."

The final settlement will also result in an "agreed, just, fair and realistic solution to the refugee issue, and a negotiated resolution on the status of Jerusalem that takes into account the political and religious concerns of both sides, and protects the religious interests of Jews, Christians and Muslims worldwide."

• The last line of the draft says Arab states must accept "full normal relations with Israel and security for all the states of the region in the context of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace."

Israeli elections
The Bush administration said it will make the plan public after Israeli general elections, which are set for January 28. Israeli Prime Minister and Likud party leader Ariel Sharon will face off with Labor Party candidate Amram Mitzna for the post of prime minister.

Mitzna has promised to restart talks immediately with the Palestinians and give the talks a chance for one year. He also said he would order a total Israeli evacuation from Gaza.

Sharon takes a harder line on relations with the Palestinians, and says substantive negotiations are dependent on the Palestinian Authority reining in armed groups. He also rejects Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat as a negotiating partner and strongly backs existing Jewish settlements in the occupied territories.


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