Jerusalem, 26 January 1998
PRIME MINISTER TALKS WITH BRITISH PM BLAIR
(Communicated by Prime Minister's Media Advisor)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday), 26.1.98, spoke with
British Prime Minister Tony Blair; Britain currently holds the presidency
of the European Union.
Netanyahu updated Blair on the political process in the region and on his
talks in Washington. PM Netanyahu told Blair, who is scheduled to meet
with Arafat today, that Israel is adamant about the Palestinians also
fulfilling their obligations which will enable the advancement of the
peace process. Netanyahu also discounted the threats of violence being
made by the Palestinians, adding that threats do not constitute the path
to peace.
In regard to Arafat's letter concerning the Palestinian charter as
delivered to Prime Minister Blair Netanyahu said that Israel is
demanding the cancellation of the charter by the Palestine National
Council, as required. Moreover, the Arafat letter does not abrogate a
number of the charter's sections which speak of continuing the armed
struggle against Israel.
PM Blair told Netanyahu that the Palestinians, indeed, must fulfill their
security commitments and that he will stress this point in his meeting
with Arafat.
Blair and Netanyahu resolved to continue their joint discussions.