(Communicated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
July 31, 2000
Director General of the Israel Foreign Ministry, Eytan Bentsur,
and Saeb Erekat of the Palestinian Authority today (July 31), in
Jerusalem, signed a six-month extension of the mandate of the
Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH).
The Ambassador of Norway to Israel, Svein Ole Saether and the new
commander of TIPH, Einer Henriksen, also participated in the
ceremony.
Erekat opened his statement by thanking the donor states
(Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey). He
noted that the Camp David summit was the start of a renewed
effort in the commitment of all the participants to reach an
agreement that will allow the Palestinians and Israelis to live
as neighbors in their respective states.
Director General Bentsur, too, emphasized that while the summit
ended without achieving an agreement, the sides are committed to
renew the negotiations in good faith to reach a permanent status
agreement, while avoiding unilateral acts.
Mr. Bentsur added that the permanent agreement will necessitate
painful compromises on the Palestinian side as well, and that
such an agreement must also constitute the end of the conflict
while resolving all the claims of both partiees. "In these
sensitive days, at a time when the parties are dealing with the
difficult issues which lie at the heart of the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict, there is a danger of increased
tension and lack of stability. At such a time, the stabilizing
function of the International Presence in Hebron has special
importance", the Director General said.
At the close of his statement, Director General Bentsur
emphasized that Hebron is a city of great national and religious
significance, and that there is vital importance to maintaining
the sense of security and stability which is reinforced by the
activities of TIPH. He added that the dialogue between the sides
to find creative solutions will continue, free of political
rhetoric and external pressures.
With regard to the permanent status agreement, which will
constitute the end of the conflict between Israel and the
Palestinians, Director General Bentsur stressed that
reconciliation, cooperation and education to peace must evolve
between the two peoples, above and beyond the framework of the
agreement that will be signed by the leaders.