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| By: The White House |
| Published: April 18, 2005 |
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April 18, 2005
Press Gaggle by Scott McClellan Aboard Air Force One
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Q Any reaction to -- Prime Minister Sharon says he's going to delay the Gaza pullout until August because of a holiday.
MR. McCLELLAN: I've seen that report. We're not able to confirm that that's the case. You know, Prime Minister Sharon is moving forward on the disengagement plan, and what is important now is that the parties -- the Israelis and Palestinians -- coordinate closely on the withdrawal. Prime Minister Sharon made an offer to coordinate with Palestinian leaders, and we hope the Palestinian leaders will take them up on that offer so that they can be move forward in a coordinated way. And that's all -- you know, one of the responsibilities the Quartet's new envoy, James Wolfensohn, will be to help the Palestinians move forward on institution-building in the Gaza as Israel pulls out of the area.
Q And what about the Israeli announcement they're going to build 50 new
homes on the West Bank?
MR. McCLELLAN: I saw that report, as well. We will be seeking clarification from the government of Israel. Prime Minister Sharon reiterated his commitment to the roadmap just last week in Crawford and his commitment to the President's two-state vision. The roadmap has obligations for both parties. Israel should not be expanding settlements, and the Palestinian leaders need to act to dismantle terrorists' organizations. And I think the President made his views very clear last week, as well, that Israel should not expand settlements.
But on this one, we'll seek more information from the government of Israel about this report. But we have a real opportunity before us, too, with the Gaza withdrawal. And it's important that we seize this opportunity so that we can move forward on the roadmap to the two-state vision. |
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Full Gaggle
- (the White House)
04.18.2005
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