Palestinian Negotiator Details ‘Critical’ Moment for Mideast

GWEN IFILL:

Last night, we spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert about prospects for peace. Tonight, we turn to a man who has, since 1991, been involved in nearly every incarnation of the Middle East peace process, Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Welcome.

SAEB EREKAT, Chief Palestinian Negotiator:

Thank you, Gwen.

GWEN IFILL:

Yesterday we heard President Abbas say that this was a test of credibility for Palestinians, for Israelis, and for the international community, including the United States. So I want to ask you a version of a question I asked Prime Minister Olmert last night, which is, what's different this time?

SAEB EREKAT:

What's different this time is that, after seven years of stalemate, seven years of killing fields between Palestinians and Israelis, President Bush, Dr. Rice managed to provide this opportunity for us, the Palestinians and Israelis.

And they literally brought the world to us yesterday in Annapolis, telling us, "We're not going to negotiate for you. We're not going to make the decisions for you, but we are here for you."

The difference between yesterday and Camp David so many years ago was the Arabs were here, all of them, and the Syrian presence was very significant, and the Saudi presence was very significant. They all came to say, "We are with a comprehensive peace agreement in accordance with the Arab peace initiative, total Israeli withdrawal for total peace."

The international community, that's divided on so many issues, were united yesterday. They came from the five continents to say it's going to be a two-state solution, Palestine next to Israel, living side by side in peace and security.

Now, we should focus today on the day after. Today, we are the day after. And I believe the credibility that President Abbas talked about yesterday means three things. Number one is our ability to change the facts on the ground through this trilateral committee, led by the Americans, and I think today they appointed General Jones.

And this is the first time since 1991 that the U.S. will be the judge. You know, the Israelis must stop settlements, stop the wall, open … in Jerusalem. We must perform our security duties, meaning one gun, one authority, the rule of law.

And today, we're hopeful, because it's the first time — I cannot judge the Israelis. The Israelis cannot judge me. But when the Israelis violate their agreement, what can I do? If I violate, they have teeth. They close my towns, villages, refugee camps. They have the power; they occupy me. I believe the American presence here to say to you who's doing and who's not doing is very significant to check.

Number two is that, in December the 12th, we would resume the permanent status negotiations. And I believe it's about decisions and not negotiations. We've been there before. We've turned every possible stone. We know the issues of Jerusalem settlement, borders, refugees, water, security. We have a year to do it, and we can do it.

Number three is the upcoming summit for economic development that's coming in Paris, and we need huge bridges to revive our economy.