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Friday, April 11, 2003
Minister Elon praises Cong. Lantos on Road Map letter to Pres. Bush[with text of letters]

A LETTER TO CONGRESSMAN LANTOS FROM ISRAELI CABINET MEMBER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ronn Torossian 212-999-5585 ronn@5wpr.com

ISRAELI CABINET MEMBER SENDS LETTER TO US CONGRESS ON ROAD MAP FOLLOWING US
VISIT

APRIL 10, 2003 - Israeli Cabinet Member, and Minister of Tourism Benny Elon
released the following letter to Congressman Tom Lantos, who recently sent a
letter to President Bush.

"We, in the Israeli Cabinet are quiet concerned about the "Road Map", which
could lead to the creation of a Palestinian terror state. I agree with the
recent letter which was sent to President Bush, which stated a demand that
any negotiation or political process must be preceded by a complete
cessation of violence and terrorism," stated Mr. Elon.

To schedule an interview, please contact: Ronn Torossian, 212-999-5585,
917-721-4436

April 10, 2003

To the Honorable Congressman Tom Lantos By way of fax: 202-226-4183

Dear Congressman Lantos,

I wanted to thank you and strengthen you on your initiative of writing to
President Bush regarding the proposed "Road Map" for the Middle East. You
know how much I admire and appreciate the leadership and actions of
President Bush against terrorism in general and in the Iraq campaign in
particular. He is a source of inspiration for us.

However, I, like you, feel that the "Road Map" in its present form and
concept is not viable and even dangerous to the state of Israel, the only
democracy in the Middle East.

As you correctly pointed out, a "Road Map" that leads to the creation of a
Palestinian terrorist state, is the antithesis of all the Bush
administration is working towards in this era of global terrorism.

Your initiative and demand that any negotiation or political process must be
preceded by a complete cessation of violence and terrorism is commendable.

It is also unfair and immoral to hear certain official voices in England to
the effect that first they have to deal with Iraq and then with Israel, as
if there is moral equivalency between these two countries. I am sure you are
as outraged by this as I am.

Once again thank you, and I hope that you garner the wall to wall support
your letter deserves.

Sincerely

Benny Elon Minister of Tourism
===[Copy of Congressional letter]===

SUPPORT AN EFFECTIVE AND PRINCIPLED PEACE PROCESS

Dear Colleague,

On June 24, 2002, President Bush set out important criteria that must form
the basis of any Middle East peace process. These principles are

* above all, Palestinian terror and violence must cease;
* a new Palestinian leadership -- with real authority -- needs to be
established, free from the taint of terrorism and willing and able to
dismantle the terrorist network;
* there needs to be true accountability and transparency in Palestinian
governance;
* and the Palestinian security apparatus must be overhauled so that it truly
fights terrorism, rather than engages in it.

These principles are now more important than ever, since President Bush
recently announced that a "roadmap" towards peace would be given to Israel
and the Palestinians as soon as the new Palestinian prime minister is
confirmed in office. Together, these four principles form the only sensible
basis for moving ahead towards the President's stated goal of genuine peace.
Without an end to violence, no peace is possible. As co-authors of the
attached letter to President Bush, we strongly urge you to join us in
re-affirming our unshakable commitment to these principles.

If you'd like to sign this letter, please contact Carol Doherty (5-6735) in
Mr. Lantos's office or Amy Serck (6-3960) in Mr. Hyde's office.

Sincerely,

ROY BLUNT STENY H. HOYER

HENRY HYDE TOM LANTOS
=======

The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

On the eve of dramatic changes in the Middle East, we share with you the
hope that new opportunities will develop in the region - opportunities for a
more democratic and peaceful region with fewer direct threats to the United
States and our interests. Recent political changes in the Palestinian
Authority also should provide new opportunities to begin a meaningful
negotiating process with Israel.

We applaud your willingness to request significant new assistance for Israel
in your supplemental request, which will allow Israel to bear more easily
some of the burdens of the current war to disarm and liberate Iraq.

We write to express our support for your efforts to resume peace
negotiations based on the clear principles you outlined in your June 24th
speech. Those principles should underline and guide any "roadmap" towards
peace:
* above all, Palestinian terror and violence must cease;
* a new Palestinian leadership - with real authority - needs to be
established, free from the taint of terrorism and willing and able to
dismantle the terrorist network;
* there needs to be true accountability and transparency in Palestinian
governance; and
* the Palestinian security apparatus must be overhauled so that it truly
fights terrorism, rather than engages in it.

Only then can the Palestinian people begin to see some of their political
aspirations realized and only then can we expect Israel to respond with
concrete actions.

Many are urging you to short circuit this process and to focus on timelines
in achieving the roadmap's benchmarks. We believe that you will not be
dissuaded and will focus instead on real performance. Without a new,
empowered Palestinian leadership that is firmly engaged in fighting terror,
Israel has no one with whom to negotiate.

The United States has developed a level of credibility and trust with all
parties in the region which no other country shares. We are concerned that
certain nations or groups, if given a meaningful role in monitoring progress
made on the ground, might only lessen the chances of moving forward on a
realistic path towards peace.

In summary, Mr. President, we share your belief that real changes in the
Palestinian leadership provide the possibility to explore once again
opportunities to bring real peace to that troubled region of the world. We
support your consistent effort to bring about such changes. Only by holding
fast to those principles and working closely with the government of Israel
and new leaders in the Palestinian Authority can we hope to end the 30
months of terror that have led to nothing but misery for both Palestinians
and Israelis.

Sincerely,

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