On 13 October the discussions Ql'the Coordinating Committee established in the Rabin-Arqlat meeting opened in Taba. The Israeli delegation was headed by IDF Deputy Chiej'oj'Stajf' General Amnon Shahak. The Palestinian delegation was headed by Dr. Nabil Sha'ath. The task o this group was to prepare an agreement on comprehensive arrangements that will apply to Gaza and Jericho after the IDF withdrawal. On the same day, a meeting was held in Cairo of the Liaison Committee. The Israeli delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Peres. Following are the opening remarks by General Shahak:
Dr. Shaath, distinguished members of the Palestinian delegation,
A month ago, the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements was signed in Washington. That event marked a momentous breakthrough in the relations between the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples. Still, history may well record that our meetings, today and in the coming weeks, may prove to be no less important a crossroad in the shaping of a common future for both our peoples. We are gathered here to translate the vision of the Declaration into a practical new reality, characterized first and foremost by an absence of violence, abundance of prosperity and security for all.
Our task is not easy, in fact it is very complex, but our mandate is clear: to prepare an agreement on comprehensive arrangements that will apply to the Gaza Strip and Jericho area subsequent to the withdrawal of Israeli military forces. We all know that the manner in which we fulfill our task, our ability to generate a business-like atmosphere and our determination to create mutual confidence - are all crucial to the success of these negotiations. They will also have a direct impact on the nature and progress of the Washington and other talks emanating from the Declaration of Principles.
We Israelis are fully aware of the seriousness and significance of our mission. Let me, therefore, assure you that we intend to conduct these negotiations in good faith and to invest our utmost efforts in order to reach a satisfactory agreement, as rapidly as possible. This agreement will have to encourage tranquility and cooperation, guarantee safety and security for Israelis and Palestinians, and allow Palestinians to run their own affairs by themselves.
Dr. Sha'ath, last Saturday, Jews everywhere began their traditional recitation of the Torah with the reading of the first chapter of the Bible, in the Book of Genesis. I wish to draw on that symbolic new beginning by expressing, what I trust to be a shared hope, that our talks here will indeed register a new genesis in the troubled and painful record of our peoples. My colleagues and I have had first-hand experience in the price and waste caused by war and violence. You must have had the same experience. All that should make us much more resolved to devote ourselves to the success of these negotiations.
I would like to conclude this opening statement by extending our thanks and good wishes to the Egyptian Government for its unceasing assistance in moving the Israelis and Palestinians closer to reconciliation, and for its gracious willingness to host these talks on its soil.
Well, Dr. Shaath, I propose now that we both roll up our sleeves and get down to business. Thank you.