Declaration of Principles – Oslo I

Declaration of Principles on interim self-government arrangements (Oslo I)

September 13, 1993

The Government of the State of Israel and the P.L.O. 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 and 338.
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
and 338.

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
   representatives.
3. It is understood that these negotiations shall cover remaining issues, including: Jerusalem,
   refugees,
   settlements, security arrangements, borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbors, 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 authorised 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 on 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 Israeli-Palestinian 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 programs 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 PROGRAMS
Both parties view the multilateral working groups as an appropriate instrument for promoting a
“Marshall
Plan”, the regional programs and other programs, including special programs 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 P.L.O.

Witnessed By:
The United States of America

The Russian Federation

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:
   1. the system of elections;
   2. the mode of the agreed supervision and international observation and their personal
      composition;
      and
   3. rules and regulations regarding election campaign, including agreed arrangements for the
      organizing
      of mass media, and the possibility of licensing a broadcasting and TV station.
3. The future status of displaced Palestinians who were registered on 4th June 1967 will not
   be prejudiced
   because they are unable to participate in the election process due 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:
   1. Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of authority from the Israeli military
      government and
      its Civil Administration to the Palestinian representatives.
   2. Structure, powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority in these areas, except:
      external
      security, settlements, Israelis, foreign relations, and other mutually agreed matters.
   3. 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.
   4. A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon.
   5. Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and Cooperation Committee for
      mutual
      security purposes.
   6. An economic development and stabilization program, 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.
   7. 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:
   1. Gaza – Egypt; and
   2. 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
PROGRAMS

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 Program 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 Program, 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 Program, 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 Program 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 Program
   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 Program, 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 Program 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 Programs, which
   will
   encourage local, regional and inter-regional 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 Programs, which will
   provide
   for the establishment of joint Israeli- Palestinian Industrial Research and Development Centers,
   will
   promote Palestinian-Israeli joint ventures, and provide guidelines for cooperation in the textile,
   food,
   pharmaceutical, electronics, diamonds, computer and science-based industries.
8. A program for cooperation in, and regulation of, labor relations and cooperation in social
   welfare
   issues.
9. A Human Resources Development and Cooperation Plan, providing for joint
   Israeli-Palestinian
   workshops and seminars, and for the establishment of joint vocational training centers, research
   institutes
   and data banks.
10. An Environmental Protection Plan, providing for joint and/or coordinated measures in this
    sphere.
11. A program for developing coordination and cooperation in the field of communication and
    media.
12. Any other programs of mutual interest.

ANNEX IV

PROTOCOL ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN
COOPERATION CONCERNING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS

1. The two sides will cooperate in the context of the multilateral peace efforts in promoting a
   Development Program for the region, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, to be initiated
   by the
   G-7. The parties will request the G-7 to seek the participation in this program 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 Program will consist of two elements:
   1. an Economic Development Program for the ‘West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
   2. a Regional Economic Development Program.
   1. The Economic Development Program for the West Bank and the Gaza
      strip will consist of the
      following elements:
      1. A Social Rehabilitation Program, including a Housing and Construction Program.
      2. A Small and Medium Business Development Plan.
      3. An Infrastructure Development Program (water, electricity, transportation and
         communications,
         etc.)
      4. A Human Resources Plan.
      5. Other programs.
   2. The Regional Economic Development Program 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 intersessional 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 authorised 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 P.L.O.

Witnessed By:
The United States of America

The Russian Federation