On the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, the prime minister felt that the Camp David Accords are still the best model for additional peace treaties between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Mr. Shamir explained why he abstained during the 1978 Knesset vote on the Camp David Agreement saying he opposed certain clauses, among them the return to the 1967 lines. He continued to maintain his view that "land for peace" formula was harmful for Israel and irrelevant at this time. Mr. Shamir also referred to a secret IDF Intelligence Branch assessment which was leaked to the press, contained an evaluation that the Arab world was undergoing through major changes and that included the PLO as well. It could be inferred from that assessment that Israel should talk to the PLO. The prime minister rejected such an appraisal and said he had not seen any change that would alter his basic views. Text:
Q: What is the political lesson to be learned from the Camp David Accords?
A: The most important lesson from the entire matter of the Camp David Accords is that it is possible to arrive at peace between Israel and the Arab countries. We remember that the negotiations were difficult; there were ups and downs, there were obstacles which had to be overcome. In the final analysis, it was arrived at. We reached a peace treaty. This is the lesson.
Q: When you abstained in the vote on the peace accords, didn't you believe that it was possible to make peace with Arab countries?
A: No - I certainly believed it. I was also for this. I had reservations, however, with regard to several clauses in this treaty.
Q: Which clauses, for example?
A: For example, I opposed the withdrawal to the pre- 1967 borders as constituting a precedent, and I opposed the removal of our settlements. Isn't this sufficient?
Q: But at the time you agreed to the principle of "land for peace": The return of all of Sinai in exchange for the peace treaty.
A: Alright, but Sinai was not part of Eretz Israel. We therefore agreed; [Menachem) Begin and all of us agreed because of this. In general, after the Knesset approved the decision, I did everything within the framework of the posts I held to ensure that this peace would be a genuine peace, and would benefit Israel,
Q: You have said on numerous occasions that you view the Camp David Accords as the best political solution for the Middle East. Does this mean that you accept the principle of "land for peace," which is promulgated by the peace treaty and by Resolution 242
A: This is interpretation. I certainly view the Camp David Accords as an excellent agreement, and I believe that it is the best agreement to serve as a basis for additional agreements with other Arab elements.
Q: Do you really believe it is possible to solve the Israel-Arab conflict without accepting the "land for peace" principle?
A: I do not believe that a formula of this type must be sought. My friend, this formula is no longer relevant today. Peace can certainly be arrived at without the help of such formulas, whose task is merely to cause damage, and to prevent.
Q: Everybody says that the "land for peace" formula constitutes the sole basis for a solution.
A: I was pleased to hear today that President Bush stated that the Camp David Accords are an excellent agreement and can serve as an excellent basis for additional agreements. I am of the same opinion.
Q: President Mubarak said that he intended to visit Israel, but your comments on an international conference and the PLO closed the door to such a visit. What is your response?
A: I can say only that our door is wide open to receive him whenever he wants to come here, Here we will talk about peace, and I hope we will also arrive at an agreement. I have never stipulated conditions to President Mubarak. When he merely hinted his desire to come here, we said, 'Please, be our guests.' But he backtracked, and set conditions.
Q: Mubarak said he shares no common basis with you for talks.
A: When meetings are held, it is impossible to put forward conditions to the other side [and say], 'Let's talk, provided that you accept everything that I want from you.' Our way is, 'Lets talk and try to arrive at a common denominator.'
Q: In signing the peace treaty, Begin conceded all of Sinai and the settlements it contained. Is it clear to you as well that Israel will have to make some sort of concession in order to reach an additional peace agreement?
A: I am convinced that in any peace treaty, both sides must overcome many things, and must also make concessions. I stress: Both sides.
Q: Is this related to your intimation that you intend to say things during your visit to the U.S. that you have never said before?
A: There is no relation to this. They will hear many things concerning conditions, approaches, details. We will make a serious effort to promote peace.
Q: Can you provide an answer to the growing demands that Israel talk with the Palestinians, and perhaps even with the PLO, in order to advance the process?
A: The people of Israel has a long tradition of being alone. We exist, thank heavens, and are even making progress. We say openly that there is no need to talk with this terrorist body called the PLO for the sake of peace, for the simple reason that this organization does not want peace with Israel; it wants. peace without Israel. If we want to arrive at peace, we must speak with those same elements which really want and are interested in peace. I hope that the Palestinian Arab population in Judea, Samaria and Gaza is also interested in peace.
Q: How do you respond to recent appraisals, such as the assessment by the military intelligence branch, to the effect that the Arab world, including the PLO, has undergone a change?
A: I stated what I said earlier because I know and am familiar with all the recent developments.
Q: That is, you see no change.
A: I see nothing that can change my mind on this.
Q: There are those who say that by signing the Camp David Accords and recognizing the Palestinians' legitimate rights, Israel created a Palestinian state with its own hands.
A: There were those who said this. I admit that we took risks. But sometimes risks can and need to be taken for the sake of peace.
Furthermore, it is also possible to overcome, and to reach the goal, after you take risks. Our goal in in this case is peace.
Q: In your opinion, what is the chance that you will become the second prime minister from the Likud to sign a peace treaty with the Arabs?
A: I do not consider the personal achievement to be so significant. What is important is that the State of Israel live in peace with all its neighbors. I want to contribute to this, and I hope that I will succeed.
Q: How do you estimate your chances in participating in such an event?
A: I will try with all my strength to contribute to the attainment of this goal. If am so privileged, I will be pleased.