Key points of joint document

Bush read out the document flanked by Olmert and Abbas [AFP]

Key points of a joint document by the Israelis and Palestinians pledging to  pursue a peace deal by the end of 2008, as read out by George Bush, the US president, at the Annapolis conference on Tuesday:

– The beginning of an era of mutual recognition.

– Agreement to immediately launch good faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty to resolve all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements.

– Efforts will be made to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008.

– A steering committee will be formed, headed jointly by the head of the delegation of each party, will meet continuously as agreed.

– The first session of the steering committee will be held on December 12, 2007.

– Olmert and Abbas will meet bi-weekly following the first session to follow-up discussions and offer all necessary assistance for their advancement.

– The parties commit to immediately implement their respective obligations under the performance based road map to a permanent two-state solution to the conflict issued by the Quartet in April 2003.

– The two sides will continue to work on their obligations under the 2003 road map, until a peace treaty is reached.

– Their progress in negotiations will be monitored and judged by the US.

– Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, implementation of the future peace treaty will be subject to the implementation of the road map, as judged by the US.