In the following briefing the minister of foreign affairs dealt with the Hebron Protocol, Israel-Syria negotiations and Israel-Egypt ties. By then Jordan announced it would welcome a visit by Mr. Netanyahu and the Omani foreign minister said his country was prepared to continue its dialogue with Israel. Excerpts:
Israel-Palestinians
When this government came to power, we stated that we would uphold all the commitments of the previous government. This is the basis for our negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.
Let no one think that this was accomplished through the exertion of pressure. Israel has done what it itself intended to do from the outset.
Many people worked hard to formulate the Hebron agreement they struggled over every comma, every word, every sentence. This is important; this is necessary. But this will not bring about peace. What will bring peace is what happens on the ground.
One cannot speak the language of peace in an agreement or in negotiations, and another language in speaking to the people. There must be one language and one message.
We have embarked on a path from which there is no turning back, and we welcome this. The only thing that can destroy this effort is violence. Violence can be verbal, and it can lead to deeds. I would like to note favorably the message by Chairman Arafat in Hebron. I do not agree with every word that is only natural. But there was one sentence in his remarks which deserves to be remembered: "The Palestinians in Hebron do not seek conflict with the Jewish settlers there."
The message of peace is not that of jihad. When people speak of jihad, there is always a problem of how it is to be understood by the masses. When we are moving towards agreement, there can be no jihad, on either side.
It is important, in the future, that we resolve the problems between us directly, face-to-face. The first to rejoice at this will be the United States. We live in the same region we cannot feel as strangers to one another.
We are entering a time of great opportunity. If we revert to focusing on the past, we will not move forward. If each side will probe its wounds, it will come up against a signpost which is the antithesis of progress.
The Prime Minister has said that under the terms of the original agreement, signed by the previous government, the issues of further redeployment and military locations are not subject to negotiation. This does not mean that the Palestinians will automatically agree to all that we say. As we move forward, and if the prevailing atmosphere will demonstrate that all sides are making an effort to create a feeling of "togetherness," without violence the differences in our positions will narrow.
If to every disagreement the reaction will be to freeze normalization whether in the Gulf, in North Africa, or any Arab country or organization we will be transforming ourselves and the peace process into hostages. Normalization must serve as a stimulus for the peace process, not the contrary.
Neither side will receive one hundred percent of what it wants. This logic must guide both sides until the completion of the permanent status arrangement. I am a "prisoner of hope" and an optimist.
Israel-Syria
I would like to take this opportunity to call upon Syria to enter into talks around the negotiating table. That is where each side can present its position.
Israel is prepared for Syria to raise all issues at the negotiating table, where they will be discussed responsibly and openly. We know what Syrias position is. Each of us has a position. But the responsibility and the desire to move forward must come from both sides.
There is no country in the world that would allow itself to be dictated to in advance, namely: "First announce that you accept my position, and then we will sit down and talk." I therefore say to the Syrians: It is a waste of time. Put aside the declarations which only further fan the flames of violence.
Israel has no intention of isolating Syria. Syria is an important and integral part of the peace process.
I hope that my message will be received with the sense of responsibility and sincerity with which it is expressed.
I was among those who strove to achieve the convening of the Madrid Conference. I was a partner to all the intricate formulations on the basis of which Syria came to Madrid. If Syria today wants peace on the same basis let it come to negotiate.
Israel-Egypt
I wish to note with appreciation the recent contribution by Egypt and Jordan, which assisted at the critical stages in overcoming differences, and facilitated the achievement of the agreement, which all welcome. I trust that the cloud that overshadowed our relations [with Egypt] has passed, and I am confident that the dialogue between us and Egypt will once more be frank and responsible. Both of us, Egypt and Israel, bear a special responsibility as pioneers on the path of peace. The importance of this pioneering role must be emphasized. I believe it can be very constructive.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
I would like to emphasize the tremendous efforts being made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance the foundations of peace. Few know that some 300 Palestinians have participated in training programs sponsored by the Ministry in the fields of agriculture, agricultural development in arid areas, irrigation, medicine and preventive medicine.
I am currently conducting talks with businessmen from the private sector. I believe also in the importance of the cultivation of this sector by others with whom I am in contact, in Europe and in Japan.
We are developing more than one hundred projects, with Norwegian assistance, under the People-to-People program, in many areas. During my last visit to Norway, it was agreed that special efforts would be made to advance these projects, and that Israel would participate in funding them.