The Washington Declaration

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Country/entity: Israel
Jordan
Palestine
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Agreement name: The Washington Declaration
Date: 26 Jul 1994
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Interstate/intrastate conflict(s)
Arab-Israeli Conflicts (1948 - )
This conflict involves Israelis and Palestinians over territory and belonging and has long historical antecedents. The agreements post-1990 are between the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and Israel, with some supporting inter-state agreements (i.e. between Israel and Jordan). More recently the importance of the once dominating Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) has diminished not in the least due to the effective disappearance of its left-wing members and the loss of the popularity of their political wing, Fatah. Hamas and other Islamic groups have attained significant relevance in Fatah’s stead, with Hamas controlling the Gaza strip (from which Israel ultimately unilaterally withdrew (not coded as a peace agreement).

Geo-political implications of the conflict have been considerable across the MENA region.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Territory
Peace process: Israel-Palestine peace process
Parties: Israel, signed by Yitzak Rabin; Jordan, signed by King Hussein;
Third parties: mediated by Bill Clinton US President
Description: Affirms a common commitment to peace. Affirms the Common Agenda programmes and takes steps to further normalise relations between Israel and Jordan.

Agreement document: IL_JO_940725_WashingtonDeclaration.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: Groups→Religious groups→Substantive
Page 2, B. 3. Israel respects the present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem. When negotiations on the permanent status will take place, Israel will give high priority to the Jordanian historic role in these shrines. In addition, the two sides have agreed to act together to promote interfaith relations among the three monotheistic religions.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 2, B. 4. The two countries recognize their right and obligation to live in peace with each other as well as with all States within secure and recognized boundaries. The two States affirmed their respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: Page 3, F. ... In this spirit His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have today approved a series of steps to symbolize the new era which is now at hand:
... 3. Two new border crossings will be opened between Jordan and Israel - one at the southern tip of Aqaba-Eilat and the other at a mutually agreed point in the north.

Page 4, F.
All these steps are being implemented within the framework of regional infrastructural development plans and in conjunction with the Jordan-Israel bilaterals on boundaries, security, water and related issues and without prejudice to the final outcome of the negotiations on the items included in the agreed common agenda between Jordan and Israel.
Cross-border provision: Page 3, F. ... In this spirit His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have today approved a series of steps to symbolize the new era which is now at hand:
... 2. The electricity grids of Jordan and Israel will be linked as part of a regional concept.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: Power sharing→Economic power sharing→Sharing of resources
Page 3, E. ...In this framework, mindful of items of the agreed common agenda (borders and territorial matters) they noted that the boundary subcommission reached agreement in July 1994 in fulfilment of part of the role entrusted to it in the sub-agenda. They also noted that the subcommission for water, environment and energy agreed to recognize mutually, as a result of their negotiations, the rightful allocations of the two sides in Jordan River and Yarmouk River waters and to respect fully and comply with the negotiated rightful allocations, in accordance with agreed acceptable principles with mutually acceptable quality.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: F. parties agree to series of bilateral economic measures of cooperation

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media logistics
Page 3, F. ... In this spirit His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have today approved a series of steps to symbolize the new era which is now at hand:
1. Direct telephone links will be opened between Jordan and Israel.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 4, F. 7. Negotiations on economic matters will continue in order to prepare for future bilateral cooperation including the abolition of all economic boycotts.

Page 4, F.
All these steps are being implemented within the framework of regional infrastructural development plans and in conjunction with the Jordan-Israel bilaterals on boundaries, security, water and related issues and without prejudice to the final outcome of the negotiations on the items included in the agreed common agenda between Jordan and Israel.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Tangible
Page 2, B. 3. Israel respects the present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem. When negotiations on the permanent status will take place, Israel will give high priority to the Jordanian historic role in these shrines. In addition, the two sides have agreed to act together to promote interfaith relations among the three monotheistic religions.
Environment: Page 3, E. His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin took note of the progress made in the bilateral negotiations within the Jordan-Israel track last week on the steps decided to implement the sub-agendas on borders, territorial matters, security, water, energy, environment and the Jordan Rift Valley.
Water or riparian rights or access: Page 3, E. His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin took note of the progress made in the bilateral negotiations within the Jordan-Israel track last week on the steps decided to implement the sub-agendas on borders, territorial matters, security, water, energy, environment and the Jordan Rift Valley.

In this framework, mindful of items of the agreed common agenda (borders and territorial matters) they noted that the boundary subcommission reached agreement in July 1994 in fulfilment of part of the role entrusted to it in the sub-agenda. They also noted that the subcommission for water, environment and energy agreed to recognize mutually, as a result of their negotiations, the rightful allocations of the two sides in Jordan River and Yarmouk River waters and to respect fully and comply with the negotiated rightful allocations, in accordance with agreed acceptable principles with mutually acceptable quality.

Page 4, F.
All these steps are being implemented within the framework of regional infrastructural development plans and in conjunction with the Jordan-Israel bilaterals on boundaries, security, water and related issues and without prejudice to the final outcome of the negotiations on the items included in the agreed common agenda between Jordan and Israel.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 2, B. 5. The two countries desire to develop good neighbourly relations of cooperation between them to ensure lasting security and to avoid threats and the use of force between them.

Page 2, C. The long conflict between the two States is now coming to an end. In this spirit, the state of belligerency between Jordan and Israel has been terminated.

Page 3, E. His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin took note of the progress made in the bilateral negotiations within the Jordan-Israel track last week on the steps decided to implement the sub-agendas on borders, territorial matters, security, water, energy, environment and the Jordan Rift Valley.

Page 4, F.
All these steps are being implemented within the framework of regional infrastructural development plans and in conjunction with the Jordan-Israel bilaterals on boundaries, security, water and related issues and without prejudice to the final outcome of the negotiations on the items included in the agreed common agenda between Jordan and Israel.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Page 3, D. Following this declaration and in keeping with the agreed common agenda both countries will refrain from actions or activities by either side that may adversely affect the security of the other or may prejudice the final outcome of negotiations. Neither side will threaten the other by use of force, weapons or any other means against each other and both sides will thwart threats to security resulting from all kinds of terrorism.
Police: Page 4, F. 6. The police forces of Jordan and Israel will cooperate in combating crime, with emphasis on smuggling and particularly drug smuggling. The United States will be invited to participate in this joint endeavour.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: Page 3, D. Following this declaration and in keeping with the agreed common agenda both countries will refrain from actions or activities by either side that may adversely affect the security of the other or may prejudice the final outcome of negotiations. Neither side will threaten the other by use of force, weapons or any other means against each other and both sides will thwart threats to security resulting from all kinds of terrorism.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/peace/guide/pages/the%20washington%20declaration.aspx

The Washington Declaration

Israel - Jordan - The United States

July 25th, 1994

After generations of hostility, blood and tears and in the wake of years of pain and wars, His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin are determined to bring an end to bloodshed and sorrow.

It is in this spirit that His Majesty King Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Yitzhak Rabin of Israel, met in Washington today at the invitation of President William J. Clinton of the United States of America.

This initiative of President William J. Clinton constitutes an historic landmark in the United States' untiring efforts in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The personal involvement of the President has made it possible to realise agreement on the content of this historic declaration.

The signing of this declaration bears testimony to the President's vision and devotion to the cause of peace.

In their meeting, His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have jointly reaffirmed the five underlying principles of their understanding on an Agreed Common Agenda designed to reach the goal of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between the Arab States and the Palestinians, with Israel.

Jordan and Israel aim at the achievement of just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbours and at the conclusion of a Treaty of Peace between both countries.

The two countries will vigorously continue their negotiations to arrive at a state of peace, based on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 in all their aspects, and founded on freedom, equality and justice.

Israel respects the present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Muslim Holy shrines in Jerusalem.

When negotiations on the permanent status will take place, Israel will give high priority to the Jordanian historic role in these shrines.

In addition the two sides have agreed to act together to promote interfaith relations among the three monotheistic religions.

The two countries recognise their right and obligation to live in peace with each other as well as with all states within secure and recognised boundaries.

The two states affirmed their respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every state in the area.

The two countries desire to develop good neighbourly relations of cooperation between them to ensure lasting security and to avoid threats and the use of force between them.

The long conflict between the two states is now coming to an end.

In this spirit the state of belligerency between Jordan and Israel has been terminated.

Following this declaration and in keeping with the Agreed Common Agenda, both countries will refrain from actions or activities by either side that may adversely affect the security of the other or may prejudice the final outcome of negotiations.

Neither side will threaten the other by use of force, weapons, or any other means, against each otherm and both sides will thwart threats to security resulting from all kinds of terrorism.

His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin took note of the progress made in the bilateral negotiations within the Jordan-Israel track last week on the steps decided to implement the sub- agendas on borders, territorial matters, security, water, energy, environment and the Jordan Rift Valley.

In this framework, mindful of items of the Agreed Common Agenda (borders and territorial matters) they noted that the boundary sub-commission has reached agreement in July 1994 in fulfillment of part of the role entrusted to it in the sub-agenda.

They also noted that the sub-commission for water, environment and energy agreed to mutually recognise, as the role of their negotiations, the rightful allocations of the two sides in Jordan River and Yarmouk River waters and to fully respect and comply with the negotiated rightful allocations, in accordance with agreed acceptable principles with mutually acceptable quality.

Similarly, His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin expressed their deep satisfaction and pride in the work of the trilateral commission in its meeting held in Jordan on Wednesday, July 20th 1994, hosted by the Jordanian Prime Minister, Dr. Abdessalam al-Majali, and attended by Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.

They voiced their pleasure at the association and commitment of the United States in this endeavour.

His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin believe that steps must be taken both to overcome psychological barriers and to break with the legacy of war.

By working with optimism towards the dividends of peace for all the people in the region, Jordan and Israel are determined to shoulder their responsibilities towards the human dimension of peace making.

They recognise imbalances and disparities are a root cause of extremism which thrives on poverty and unemployment and the degradation of human dignity.

In this spirit His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have today approved a series of steps to symbolise the new era which is now at hand:

Direct telephone links will be opened between Jordan and Israel.

The electricity grids of Jordan and Israel will be linked as part of a regional concept.

Two new border crossings will be opened between Jordan and Israel - one at the southern tip of Aqaba- Eilat and the other at a mutually agreed point in the north.

In principle free access will be given to third country tourists traveling between Jordan and Israel.

Negotiations will be accelerated on opening an international air corridor between both countries.

The police forces of Jordan and Israel will cooperate in combating crime with emphasis on smuggling and particularly drug smuggling.

The United States will be invited to participate in this joint endeavour.

Negotiations on economic matters will continue in order to prepare for future bilateral cooperation including the abolition of all economic boycotts.

All these steps are being implemented within the framework of regional infrastructural development plans and in conjunction with the Jordan-Israel bilaterals on boundaries, security, water and related issues and without prejudice to the final outcome of the negotiations on the items included in the Agreed Common Agenda between Jordan and Israel.

His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have agreed to meet periodically or whenever they feel necessary to review the progress of the negotiations and express their firm intention to shepherd and direct the process in its entirety.

In conclusion, His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin wish to express once again their profound thanks and appreciation to President William J. Clinton and his Administration for their untiring efforts in furthering the cause of peace, justice and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.

They wish to thank the President personally for his warm welcome and hospitality.

In recognition of their appreciation to the President, His Majesty King Hussein and Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have asked President William J. Clinton to sign this document as a witness and as a host to their meeting.

His Majesty King Hussein

Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin

President William J. Clinton