This interview, like the previous one, also dealt with Syria, in view of
reports that Syria had agreed to demilitarize a larger area in its
territory that Israel would be required in its own area. The prime
minister repeated once again the key elements of a possible agreement,
saying that for the time being what was on the agenda were explorations
regarding security arrangements without dealing with a territorial
issue. Mr. Rabin also discussed two statements made recently in Israel, the
first by the leader of the opposition in which he purportedly suggested
that Syria wait until after the next Israeli elections and the second by
Foreign Minister Peres which mentioned withdrawal to the old
Palestine-Syria international border. Excerpts:
Question: Has Syria specifically announced that it agrees to demilitarize
a larger area in its territory than Israel will in its territory?
Answer: That is not precisely the cause. The problem was that the Syrians
demanded that the principle of parity and security arrangements apply to
all spheres and with an overall view that their aim is to prevent clashes,
which have not occurred during the last 19 years along the lines between
them and us on the Golan Heights. But the main problem is the prevention
of surprise attacks even after the signing of a peace agreement. The main
issue which both sides are, at least formally, dealing with - especially
Israel - is to what extent should the principles of mutuality and parity
apply to the geographic issue. On this issue, our position was clear:
there is no room for parity and mutuality in this sphere. The Syrians
demanded that this be set as a principle, but we were not willing to
accept this. Even without agreement ahead of time, we suggested having a
discussion on the issue - but the Syrians refused. In the framework which
has been agreed upon today, each side may state its position on the
issue.
Question: Has Israel already informed Syria to what extent it is willing
to withdraw from the Golan?
Answer: I would like to add that there are four elements which, if not
agreed upon, would prevent the attainment of peace. The first is the peace
border. There is no agreement between Israel and Syria on this issue. The
second element is the duration of withdrawal. How much time would be
needed to withdraw to that same peace border which has yet to be agreed
upon between Israel and Syria? The third element is, of course, our demand
that there be a symbolic withdrawal, along with at least three years of
full normalization on the basis of a very symbolic normalization, just as
we had with Egypt, but appropriate for the Golan. When I say
normalization, I mean embassies, borders open to the movement of people
and of goods. In other words, to test the normalization for a few years in
order to check if indeed the peace is genuine. The fourth element is
security arrangements which would allow for real security in a reality of
peace. These elements contain many components, such as demilitarization,
reduction of forces, early warning, presence and control, which are
military matters discussed in the peace agreement, just as the
multinational force is stationed in the Sinai.
We have not yet reached agreement on these issues, but what is important
is the resumption of negotiations. However, much work remains and there is
a need to bridge the wide gaps between Israel's and Syria's positions,
which requires patience, perseverance and persistence on all of these
issues in which we believe.
Question: Mr. Rabin, other than patience and perseverance, can you say
today that the negotiations between Israel and Syria will not explode
again, or will not become deeply frozen like they were before? Is the path
completely clear, or could the whole thing blow up?
Answer: I do not want to speak about explosions. I have said that there
are disputes over the main elements of the issues, on which there must be
agreement before a peace treaty can be reached. I do not want to make any
predictions. We want to reach peace, but not on any condition and not at
any price.
Question: Can you estimate when this agreement might be reached?
Answer: I can estimate a schedule which, as the Americans have already
stated, is dependent on one issue: security arrangements. As you know, we
are not holding bilateral talks with the Syrians alone. The Syrians demand
that there be an American presence and we thank and appreciate the
Americans for their willingness to assist in this. But I think it is too
early now to predict when an agreement will be signed.
Question: Will an Israeli presence remain on the Golan Heights after an
arrangement? Will Israel insist on this?
Answer: I will not go into details and I will not speak about issues which
obviously are still under serious debate. It is important to remember the
unfortunate statement, made by Syrian Foreign Minister A-Shara who claims
that he received broad hints from the Likud chairman that it would be
worthwhile for Syria to wait until the Likud comes into power. I imagine
that this statement, which was made publicly by A-Shara, by Syrian leaders
in private talks, with Americans and with others, surely made it difficult
for the Syrians to decide to proceed with us towards peace.
Question: The statement by the Israeli Foreign Minister on Israel's
willingness to withdraw to the international border surely made this
decision easier.
Answer: Anything is possible, but you must remember that the Israeli
Foreign Minister was quoting a Governmental decision, to which he did not
add anything. The Government decision was taken in 1967 and then
afterwards rescinded by the same Government.