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80. Letter from Foreign Minister Sharon to his counterparts, 28 October 1998.
The letter, the first written by Foreign Minister Sharon to his homologues, explained the content of the Wye agreement and the expectations entailed in it. He expressed the hope that the Memorandum would also reinvigorate the Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon bilateral negotiations as well as the resumption of the work of the multilateral committees. Text:
Your Excellency,
This is my first letter to you as Foreign Minister, and it is being sent almost immediately after the successful conclusion of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians at Wye Plantation, Maryland. These negotiations give witness to the seriousness of Israel's desire to achieve peace with the Palestinians, and are a testament to our steadfast determination to see this process through.
As someone deeply involved in the defense of Israel since my youth, I have seen firsthand the terrible destruction which war wreaks upon combatants, families and nations. I can therefore state that the hardest and most hotly contested negotiations are still infinitely preferable to the easiest of military victories. May I assure you, Excellency, that all Israelis fervently hope that this agreement will hasten the achievement of a full and lasting peace in our region.
As the agreement which was signed between the two sides has tremendous import for the continuation of the peace process, I therefore wish to take this opportunity to apprise you of some of the more salient points contained in that Memorandum.
Israel has undertaken, inter alia, the following concrete commitments as a result of the negotiations:
The transfer of land in Judea and Samaria which will result in the Palestinian Authority controlling some 40 percent of the land in Judea and Samaria (Areas A and B), and exercising its jurisdiction over 98 percent of the Palestinian inhabitants.
The release of Palestinian prisoners incarcerated in Israel, before the expiration of their sentences.
Agreement on the arrangements which will permit the opening of the Gaza Industrial Estate (at Karni).
The conclusion of a protocol on the opening of the international airport in Gaza.
Agreement to renew negotiations on the "Safe Passage" of goods and people between Gaza and Judea and Samaria with an intention to conclude an agreement within a week of the Wye River Memorandum entering into force.
Excellency, I must note that Israel has taken considerable risks in giving these commitments, but we have not done so unilaterally; rather, they are conditioned upon the Palestinian side scrupulously abiding in turn by its obligations which are, inter alia:
Zero tolerance on the part of the Palestinians for terror and violence and the implementation of a work plan to ensure the systematic and effective combat of terrorist organizations and their infrastructure. A major component of this security plan is the apprehension of specific individuals suspected of perpetrating acts of violence and terror, for the purpose of further investigation and prosecution.
The criminalization of unlicensed weapons and their collection and appropriate handling.
A reduction in the numbers of the Palestinian police, as per previous agreements.
The process by which the Palestinian National Covenant is to be annulled will be brought to its fruition by the convening of the members of the Palestine National Council as well as the representatives of other Palestinian organizations for this purpose.
An end to incitement to violence in the Palestinian media. This matter will be monitored by a U.S.-Israel-Palestinian Committee.
Excellency, this agreement must not be allowed to exist in a vacuum: it must be utilized to reinvigorate the peace process. To that end we anticipate:
The reconvening of bilateral negotiations between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon.
The full reconvening of the multilateral track.
The strengthening of "People-to-People" programs in order to engender grass roots support for the peace process and encourage reconciliation.
An end to the denigration of Israel in international fora, including the United Nations General Assembly which is presently meeting in New York.
Excellency, it was on the eve of these negotiations that I was appointed to the helm of Israel's diplomacy. Most of my adult life has been dedicated to the defense of Israel and ensuring its vitality and prosperity. In this respect, my present position is a continuation of many ongoing themes which have characterized my professional endeavors. As I now lead Israel into negotiations on the permanent status with the Palestinians, I want to reassure you of my personal commitment to see these negotiations through, for the benefit of all the inhabitants of the region.
I look forward to engaging in dialogue with you over the coming weeks and months and assure you that our Ambassador in your country has received appropriate and relevant instructions.
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