The two leaders discussed the need for the PA to combat terror and the need to conclude the Hebron agreement as soon as possible. Mr. Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to the agreements and intends to honor them. Excerpts:
Attorney Yitzhak Molcho and Cabinet Secretary Danny Naveh met on Sunday night, 15.12.96, with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat in Gaza.
The participants in the meeting discussed the need for the Palestinian Authority to combat terrorism, particularly the recent terrorist activity of the PFLP.
Also discussed at the meeting were ways to advance the peace process, as well as the various aspects of the agenda for the negotiations on Hebron.
During the meeting, Arafat phoned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed his sorrow over last weeks murder of members of the Tzur family from Beit El. Arafat said that he has demanded that the PFLP cease its terrorist activities.
The Prime Minister also offered his condolences over the death of a Palestinian laborer killed last week in Israel. The Prime Minister said that both sides must act against terrorism, while continuing to advance the peace negotiations.
The Prime Minister added that, in his view, the Hebron matter can be concluded very soon, following which it will be possible to outline plans for the continuation of the process.
"We are committed to agreements, and all parties must honor their commitments," the Prime Minister said. Arafat said that he concurs with this position.
The conversation lasted for a few minutes, since the Prime Minister was engaged in an Internet chat with "surfers" from around the world. To his surprise, Arafat knew of the Internet event and expressed an interest in the messages that the Prime Minister was relaying via computer.
The two concluded their talk saying that both sides have an interest in relations not deteriorating and in the peace negotiations advancing.