Even though he has not yet had a chance to read the full text of the Stockholm document, Prime Minister Shamir did not see in it a change, since the very reason for the existence of the PLO was the destruction of Israel. He felt that the PLO was trying to implement the first stage of their plan, the return of Israel to the 1967 lines, and then eventually the destruction of the Jewish state. He was convinced that they have achieved nothing and will achieve nothing. Text:
Q: What is your response to statements made tonight in Sweden to the effect that the PLO recognizes Israel and declares an end to terrorism?
A: First of all, I have not seen the complete text, but as for the cessation of terrorism, we know the truth: Terrorist acts have not ceased even for a minute. To the extent that we are not affected by them in Israel, it is not because the terrorist organizations have stopped their actions; rather, it is because of the success of the security services and the IDF. As for the declarations: they are prepared to declare anything, while their intention and aspiration and philosophy have remained unchanged: the destruction of Israel. It could be that they think that today they can implement the first stage of the plan for destruction, that is, Israel's withdrawal to the 1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the territory of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, while temporarily recognizing the existence of Israel in limited borders. This is theoretical, since in practice, they have nothing, have achieved nothing, nor will they achieve anything.
Q: So you do not see any positive change in the PLO's policy?
A: I do not see such a change, nor do I expect that I ever will see an essential change, since their raison detre is the destruction of Israel. On the day they conclude that this is not possible or desirable, they will have to disband.
Q: What do you think of the fact that the U.S. failure to grant Arafat an entry visa resulted in the U.N. General Assembly's being convened in Geneva in Arafat's honor? What can Israel do about this?
A: I do not think that Israel can do anything very significant in the area of public relations. There have already been numerous U.N. votes of 150-2, with the U.S. and Israel being the only countries to vote against the resolution. What Israel should do is see to it that in the field, the PLO and its friends achieve nothing. On the contrary: they must fail.