FM Peres meets with Nabil Sha-ath and Saeb Erakat

(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)
April 4, 2001

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres met today (April 4) with Nabil Sha'ath and Saeb Erakat. Following the meeting, Foreign Minister Peres said that the resumption of security coordination will be the first sign of an easing of the situation and be the basis for moving forward towards negotiations. He characterized the meeting this morning as "an exchange of ideas, not negotiations".

Foreign Minister Peres stressed that according to the Israeli government guidelines, the violence and incitement must cease, signed agreements must be fulfilled by both sides, and no new settlements will be established.

Peres emphasized the Palestinian commitment contained in the letter from Yasser Arafat to the late Prime Minister Rabin of September 1993.

He further stressed that Israel is only reacting to violence, not initiating it.