The following statement was made by the Prime Minister on 6 January during a meeting of the Federation of the Israel Chamber of Commerce. It dealt with his meeting with Chairman Arafat in which they discussed last minute disagreements on the emerging Hebron accord. The two essential components of the agreement are security and reciprocity. Excerpt:
I met last night with [PA Chairman] Yasser Arafat at the Erez Checkpoint. I had hoped that the meeting would remain confidential, since I feel that it is important that there also be meetings which help build trust and working relations. I believe that there are meetings which should not take place in front of the flash of cameras. These, too, have their time and place. At the moment, we have to solve problems. It was in an effort to solve these problems that this meeting which to my regret was leaked was held.
We achieved certain progress. There are still matters on which there is disagreement. But we, on our part, are working and striving to reach the best, most secure and most responsible agreement for the residents of Hebron, and through this, I stress, also for the citizens of Israel in general. I believe that a better and more secure agreement is to the benefit of both parties.
A few days ago we saw the results of instability and insecurity in Hebron, and how dangerous this is to the parties and to the entire peace process. Therefore, the same objectives and reinforcements that we ascribe to the security issue in Hebron will serve both parties well. We are making progress, but we have not yet reached agreement on all issues.
We will insist upon the elements of security and reciprocity, which will be essential components also as we proceed on this course.
I cannot understand the meaning of agreements that are not bound by the mutual commitment of both parties. I do not think a good agreement is one which must be honored by only one party. I believe that a good agreement is one which increases the security dimension, rather than limiting it. These principles will guide us in the future as well. I am optimistic regarding our ability to attain peace with security for all citizens of Israel, and I am imbued with the determination and the patience needed to conduct such sensitive negotiations.