In view of the closure of the areas and mounting violence in Israel, the prime minister decided to cut short his visit to Washington and return to Israel. Prior to his departure he met with Secretary of State Christopher, who echoed the sentiments expressed by President Clinton and Prime Minister Rabin on the positive tone and substance of the talks in the American capital. Before leaving for Israel, the prime minister was able to meet with the leaders of the House of Representatives, senators, the media and heads of the Jewish community. Text of Mr. Christopher statement follows:
In light of his announced early departure, it was my pleasure to pay a courtesy call this afternoon on Prime Minister Rabin following his official meeting with President Clinton, the vice president, myself, Secretary [of defense] Aspin, and other members of the Administration.
We reviewed the results of the very productive talks we had on a broad range of issues and how we plan to follow up on these discussions to enhance our close bilateral relationship and move forward on the Arab-Israeli peace process. Both the president and I are very pleased with the positive tone and substance of our discussions with the prime minister.
I regret that the prime minister is going to have to cut short his visit to the United States. And let me say here that we are deeply troubled by the mounting violence and acts of terrorism. Those who carry out these acts of violence are seeking to undermine the hopes and prospects for peace. They won't succeed.
Violence and terrorism don't work and will never work. Negotiations do work and can produce peace and reconciliation. In this respect, we urge all the parties to return to the negotiations on April 20.
Prime Minister Rabin, the other parties to the peace process, and President Clinton have been working hard to end the violence that has been so much a part of the Middle East landscape, It's time to end violence and promote peace, to give the next generation a reason to hope and not to hate, and to make reconciliation and not continued conflict the hallmark of a new Middle East.
The peace process provides us with the best opportunity to build this new Middle East. We call on all in the region to look to the future and seize this historic opportunity for peace.