"In the name of God, the beneficent, the merciful:

"I would like to thank (Jordanian) King Abdullah for hosting our meeting here today. I would also like to thank (Egyptian) President (Hosni) Mubarak, King Abdullah, (Bahrain's) King Hamad and (Saudi) Crown Prince Abdullah, who met in Egypt yesterday, for their statement supporting our efforts. Thank you also to Prime Minister Sharon for joining us here in Jordan. And many thanks especially to President Bush, who took the longest journey for peace of all of us.

"As we all realize, this is an important moment. A new opportunity for peace exists, an opportunity based upon President Bush's vision and the quartet's roadmap, which we accepted without any reservations.

"The goal is two states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security.

"The process is one of direct negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resolve all the permanent status issues and end the occupation that began in 1967 under which Palestinians have suffered so much.

"At the same time, we do not ignore the suffering of the Jews throughout history. It is time to bring all this suffering to an end.

"Just as Israel must meet its responsibilities, we the Palestinians will fulfill our obligations for this endeavor to succeed. We are ready to do our part, and will immediately begin.

"Let me be clear. There is no military solution to our conflict. We repeat our denunciation and renunciation of terrorism and violence against Israelis wherever they might be.

"Such methods are inconsistent with our religious and moral traditions and are a dangerous obstacle to the achievement of an independent, sovereign state. They are also in conflict with the kind of state we wish to build for ourselves -- one based on human rights and the rule of law.

"We will exert our full efforts using all our resources to end the militarization of the intifada, and we will succeed. The armed Intifada must end, and we must resort to peaceful means in our quest to end the occupation, the suffering of the Palestinians and the Israelis, and to establish our Palestinian state.

"We emphasize our determination to implement the pledge we made to our people and the international community: the rule of law, a single political authority, weapons only in the hands of those charged with upholding law and order, and political diversity within the framework of democracy.

"Our goal is clear, and we will implement it firmly and without compromise: a complete end to violence and terrorism. And, we will be a full partner in the international war against terrorism, and we call upon our partners in this war to prevent financial and military assistance to those who oppose this position We do this as part of our commitment to the interests of the Palestinian people, and as members of the larger family of humanity.

"We will also act vigorously against incitement to violence and hatred, whatever their form or forum may be. We will take measures to ensure that there is no incitement emanating from the Palestinian institutions. We must also reactivate and reinvigorate the US-Palestinian-Israel anti-incitement committee.

"We will continue our work to establish the rule of law and to consolidate government authority in accountable Palestinian institutions. We seek to build the kind of democratic state that will be a qualitative addition to the international community.

"All the PA (Palestinian Authority) security forces will be a part of these efforts and will work together towards the achievement of our goals. Our national future is at stake, and no one will be allowed to jeopardize it.

"We are committed to these steps because they are in our national interest.

"In order to succeed there must be a clear improvement in the lives of the Palestinians. Palestinians must live in dignity. Palestinians must be able to move, go to their jobs and schools, visit their families, and conduct a normal life. Palestinians must not be afraid for their lives, property or livelihood.

"We welcome and stress the need for the assistance of the international community and in particular ask the Arab states to help us in all these efforts. We also welcome and stress the need for a strong US-led monitoring mechanism.

"Together, we can achieve the goal of an independent, viable and sovereign Palestine as a good neighbor to all states in the region, including Israel."

"I would like to thank his Majesty King Abdullah for arranging this meeting and express Israel's appreciation to President Bush for coming here to be with Prime Minister Abbas and me.

"As the prime minister of Israel, the land which is the cradle of the Jewish people, my paramount responsibility is the security of the people of Israel and of the State of Israel.

"There can be no compromise with terror, and Israel together will all free nations, will continue fighting terror until its final defeat

"Ultimately, permanent security requires peace, and permanent peace can only be obtained through security.

"And there is now hope of a new opportunity for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

"Israel, like others, has lent its strong support for President Bush's vision expressed on June 24, 2002, of two states, Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security.

"The government and people of Israel welcome the opportunity to renew direct negotiations according to the steps of the roadmap as adopted by the Israeli government to achieve his vision.

"It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. A democratic Palestinian state, fully at peace with Israel, will promote the long-term security and well-being of Israel as a Jewish state.

"There can be no peace, however, without the abandonment and elimination of terrorism, violence and incitement. We will work alongside the Palestinians and other states to fight terrorism, violence and incitements of all kinds.

"If all parties perform their obligations, we will seek to restore normal Palestinian lives, improve the humanitarian situation, rebuild trust and promote progress towards the president's vision.

"We will act in a manner which respects the dignity as well as the human rights of all people.

"We can also reassure our Palestinian partners that we understand the importance of territorial contiguity in the West Bank for a viable Palestinian state.

"Israeli policy in the territories that are subject to direct negotiations with the Palestinians will reflect this fact.

"We accept the principle that no unilateral actions by any parties can pre-judge the outcome of our negotiations.

"With regard to the unauthorized outposts, I want to reiterate that Israel is a society governed by the rule of law; thus we will immediately begin to remove unauthorized outposts.

"Israel seeks peace with all its Arab neighbors. Israel is prepared to negotiate in good faith wherever there are partners.

"As normal relations are established, I'm confident that they will find in Israel a neighbor and a people committed to comprehensive peace and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.

"King Abdullah, thank you for hosting this event. Her Majesty, thank you for your hospitality. It is fitting that we gather today in Jordan. King Abdullah is the leader on behalf of peace, and is carrying forward the tradition of his father, King Hussein.

"I'm pleased to be here with Prime Minister Sharon. The friendship between our countries began at the time of Israel's creation. Today America is strongly committed, and I am strongly committed, to Israel's security as a vibrant Jewish state.

"I'm also pleased to be with Prime Minister Abbas. He represents the cause of freedom and statehood for the Palestinian people. I strongly support that cause, as well.

"Each of us is here because we understand that all people have the right to live in peace. We believe that with hard work and good faith, and courage it is possible to bring peace to the Middle East. And today we mark important progress toward that goal.

"Great and hopeful change is coming to the Middle East. In Iraq, a dictator who funded terror and sowed conflict has been removed. And a more just and democratic society is emerging.

"Prime Minister Abbas now leads the Palestinian cabinet. By his strong leadership, by building the institutions of Palestinian democracy and by rejecting terror, he is serving the deepest hopes of his people.

"All here today now share a goal. The Holy Land must be shared between a state of Palestine, and the State of Israel. Living at peace, with each other and with every nation of the Middle East. All sides will benefit from this achievement, and all sides have responsibilities to meet. As the roadmap accepted by the parties makes clear, both must make tangible, immediate steps toward this two-state vision.

"I welcome Prime Minister Sharon's pledge to improve the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian areas. And to begin removing unauthorized outposts immediately. I appreciate his gestures of reconciliation on behalf of prisoners and their families. And his frank statements about the need for territorial contiguity. As I said yesterday, the issue of settlements must be addressed for peace to be achieved.

"In addition, Prime Minister Sharon has stated that no unilateral actions by either side can or should prejudge the outcome of future negotiations. The prime minister also recognizes that it is in Israel's own interest for Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state. These are meaningful signs of respect for the rights of the Palestinians and their hopes for a viable, democratic, peaceful, Palestinian state.

"Prime Minister Abbas recognizes that terrorist crimes are a dangerous obstacle to the independent state his people seek. He agrees that the process for achieving that state is through peaceful negotiations. He has pledged to consolidate Palestinian institutions, including the security forces, and to make them more accountable and more democratic. He has promised his full efforts and resources to end the armed Intifada. He has promised to work without compromise for a complete end of violence and terror. In all these efforts, the prime minister is demonstrating his leadership and commitment to building a better future for the Palestinian people.

"Both prime ministers here agree that progress toward peace also requires an end to violence and the elimination of all forms of hatred and prejudice and official incitement. In schoolbooks, in broadcasts and in the words used by political leaders. Both leaders understand that a future of peace cannot be founded on hatred and falsehood and bitterness.

"Yet these two leaders cannot bring about peace if they must act alone. True peace requires the support of other nations in the region. Yesterday in Sharm el-Sheikh we made a strong beginning. Arab leaders stated that they share our goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, and in security. And they have promised to cut off assistance and the flow of money and weapons to terrorist groups and to help Prime Minister Abbas rid Palestinian areas of terrorism.

"All sides have made important commitments, and the United States will strive to see these commitments fulfilled. My government will provide training and support for a new, restructured Palestinian security service. And we'll place a mission on the ground, led by Ambassador John Wolf. This mission will be charged with helping the parties to move towards peace, monitoring their progress and stating clearly who is fulfilling their responsibilities. And we expect both parties to keep their promises.

"I've also Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to make this cause a matter of the highest priority. Secretary Powell and Dr. Rice as my personal representative will work closely with the parties, helping them move towards true peace as quickly as possible.

"The journey we're taking is difficult. But there is no other choice. No leader of conscience can accept more months and years of humiliation, killing and mourning. And these leaders of conscience have made their declarations today in the cause of peace.