Jerusalem, 16 January 1998
PM NETANYAHU'S STATEMENT AT END OF CABINET MEETING
(Communicated by Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday (Thursday), 15.1.98, made the
following remarks at the end of the series of cabinet meetings held this
past week
"We have taken a series of decisions this week, which I believe are
important and very balanced. These obviously must be reciprocated in the
processes that we undertake, while showing readiness to carry out this
process. I am travelling with this to Washington. This is an important
mission, and I believe that preparations could not have been better than
what the cabinet accomplished this week. I am extremely satisfied by these
discussions.
All the ministers spoke at today's cabinet meeting, praising the
formulation which has now taken place. The ministers reached the following
conclusions:
A. Israel is adamant that the other party carry out its obligations, while
at the same time Israel will be willing to carry out its commitments.
B. Decisions concerning the new stage and the redeployment will be
executed within the framework of the State of Israel's security
considerations.
C. I, as Prime Minister, must retain ample freedom of action, in order to
conduct important negotiations with the Palestinians when I arrive in
Washington.
We have arrived at a very prudent decision. On one hand, it clarifies the
necessary and detailed national interests which Israel must protect, while
on the other, leaves enough freedom of action for negotiations on the
interim and final status agreements. This has been
a wise decision."