Mr. Peres and Mr. Arafat announced that an agreement has been
achieved on the issues of elections, redeployment of the IDF in the West
Bank and transfer of civilian authority. This came after months of
intensive negotiations. A new time table was agreed upon and the target
date for completion was now moved to 25 July. Text:
The Rais of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign
Minister Shimon Peres announced today that, after months of public and
discreet negotiations and meetings between Prime Minister Rabin and
Foreign Minister Peres and Al Rais, understandings have been reached on
main aspects of the Interim Agreement - free and democratic elections for
the Palestinian Council and the Rais, redeployment of the Israeli military
forces in the West Bank, and the transfer of civilian authorities.
Both sides agreed that the Interim Agreement would by fully based on the
DOP - Israel, on the eve of the elections, will redeploy from populated
areas of the West Bank. Elections will be held for the establishment of
the Palestinian Council and Al Rais.
The two sides have agreed that the Interim Agreement will enable
Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security.
Al Rais Arafat and Foreign Minister Peres instructed their delegations
headed by Abu Alla and Uri Savir to enter into intense negotiations in
order to finalize the Interim Agreement by July 25th.
Mr. Arafat and Mr. Peres covered, among other issues, the release of
the Palestinian prisoners held and detained in Israeli jails. The parties
agreed that the prisoners' gradual release will be arranged under the
auspices of the ministerial committee formed for this purpose and will be
included in the Interim Agreement.
Both sides reaffirmed their desire to achieve a just, lasting
comprehensive and durable peace settlement and a historic reconciliation,
and that the Interim Agreement is an integral part of the whole peace
process.