The prime minister saw little significance in the PNC declaration and felt that Israel will have to continue its political efforts to convince other nations not to recognize the new entity lest they be aiding and abetting an effort to eliminate the State of Israel. Text:
Shamir: "[The Palestine National Council's decision] is neither new nor surprising. It's an additional step in the war of Arab terrorist organizations against the existence and independence of the State of Israel, and we will respond accordingly.
Q: What will be the political ramifications of international recognition of the its declarations?
A: Patiently, we must prepare for such a possibility. This involves the State of Israel's political war. We will continue, as long as is necessary, to convince all the nations of the world that conferring recognition abets this creature, meaning assistance in the elimination of the State of Israel.
Q: What message do you have for residents of the territories who may want to celebrate today?
A: I would say to residents of the territories, of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, that this does not constitute the road to a life of peace and security, of coexistence with the Jewish People in Eretz Israel. The path of violence, of hostile attacks against the existence of the State of Israel, has led and will lead to unnecessary suffering, and, as always, to tragedies among the population of these territories. The sole path to both the fulfillment of their yearnings and to a normal life is through negotiations with Israel.
Q: Do you think that we will see fireworks today in certain areas of Eretz Israel?
A: I don't wish to speculate, but even fireworks are a phenomenon lacking any significance in the field.