Excerpts from Democratic Party platform

WASHINGTON, July 12 (JTA) – Following are excerpts from the Democratic Party platform, finalized in Miami this weekend by party leaders. The platform goes to the Democratic conference at the end of this month for an up and down vote; it’s unlikely to be rejected. The platform, which has not yet been made public, includes these points on foreign policy: • The Middle East. “The Democratic Party is fundamentally committed to the security of our ally Israel and the creation of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors. Our special relationship with Israel is based on the unshakable foundation of shared values and a mutual commitment to democracy, and we will ensure that under all circumstances Israel retains the qualitative edge for its national security and its right to self-defense. Under a Democratic administration, the United States will demonstrate the kind of resolve to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that President Clinton showed. We will work to transform the Palestinian Authority to promote new and responsible leadership, committed to fighting terror and promoting democracy. We support the creation of a democratic Palestinian state dedicated to living in peace and security side by side with the Jewish state of Israel. The creation of a Palestinian state should resolve the issue of Palestinian refugees by allowing them to settle there, rather than in Israel. Furthermore, all understand that it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of final-status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949. And we understand that all final-status negotiations must be mutually agreed.” • In its preamble to the section on weapons of mass destruction, the platform says that Bush administration policies “have failed to take effective steps to stop the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs.” Further on, it adds: “We must show determined leadership to end the nuclear weapons program in North Korea and prevent the development of nuclear weapons in Iran.” The platform goes on to outline specific actions aimed at containing North Korea, but does not outline specifics about Iran’s program.