Foreign Minister Peres briefly explained the historic significance of the
Oslo II agreement, noted its main points and called on the international
community to shoulder part of the financial responsibility that would
improve the economic situation of the Palestinians. To those countries who
agreed to send observers to the forthcoming elections in Gaza and the West
Bank for the Palestinian Council, Mr. Peres expressed his appreciation (not
included in the text). Text:
Excellencies:
Today, in Washington DC, the Israel-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip will be signed. This event marks another
milestone on the path to achieving peace with the Palestinian People. It is
the result of a strategic decision taken by the Government of Israel to end
its reluctant control of another people and further the opportunities for a
lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, which in the past had been
defined as existential and insoluble and which constantly threatened to
ignite yet another regional war, today seems on the verge of resolution.
Israel and the Palestinians are moving towards a better future - one in
which the whole Middle East should participate.
This agreement will engender democratic self-rule by the Palestinians and
expand their responsibilities while at the same time providing the necessary
mechanisms to safeguard Israel's security. It is designed to bring about the
gradual broadening of Palestinian self-government in the West Bank and
enable the Palestinians to develop their own institutions and conduct their
own lives through democratic elections for a Palestinian Council, to be held
in the presence of international observers.
In order to facilitate the holding of elections in the West Bank, the Israel
Defense Forces will redeploy its troops and there will be almost no IDF
presence in areas populated by Palestinians in the territories. Further
redeployments are scheduled to take place six months after the inauguration
of the Palestinian Council and continue throughout the interim period.
Recognizing that the enemies of peace in our region do not hesitate to
engage in violence in order to stymie the peace process, the Agreement
provides for the immediate, efficient and effective action, by both sides,
against any incident involving the threat of violence, incitement or
terrorism.
There is no doubt that the success of the peace process is dependent not
only upon the goodwill of those involved but also upon an improvement in the
economic situation of the Palestinians. The people in the region must be
assured that the future holds the promise of a better life for them and
their children. For our part, we seek to encourage economic links between
Israel and Palestinian institutions and individuals and create joint
enterprises in industry, trade, agriculture and tourism.
The Interim Agreement places special emphasis on the common interests of
both Israel and the Palestinians and provides a framework for a new
relationship. The test of its success will be in its implementation. The
continued tangible support of the peace process by the international
community through financial programs and assistance is vital to its success
and is an absolute necessity if we are to build a new and bright future for
our war torn region.
I take heart in the certainty that I can count on your full support for the
peace process.
Yours sincerely,
Shimon Peres