Statement by Ambassador Gad Yaacobi
Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations
on
"The Question of Palestine"
(Agenda Item 40)
49th Session of the General Assembly
United Nations
29 November 1994
New York
Mr. President,
These are fateful days for Israel, for the Palestinians and for the
entire Middle East. On the one hand, we are gradually bringing about a
great change: from conflict to understanding, from bitter division to
advancement. On the other hand, violent extremists are trying to
destroy the progress we have made already. By killing innocent human
beings they are trying to kill the chance for peace and normalization.
I shall refrain from responding to the unfortunate statement made here
by the speaker for the PLO. Some of his statements were totally
unfounded. I would like to make just one comment, to set the record
straight.
Today, forty-seven years ago, the United Nations General Assembly
decided on the establishment of two states in British Mandatory
Palestine: the State of Israel and an Arab State. The Jews living under
the British Mandate accepted this resolution, and established the State
of Israel on 14 May 1948. The Palestinians, unfortunately, with the
support of all the Arab countries, rejected the resolution and launched
a war on the state of Israel.
At the war's end, a year later, the State of Israel survived. Some
Palestinians became citizens of Israel, some became citizens of Jordan,
which captured the West Bank, some became subjects of Egypt, which
captured the Gaza Strip, and some became refugees in Arab countries.
I hope that we have learned the lessons of the past, and now turn to
build a new future. I have some doubts about this notion after hearing
the speaker for the PLO.
For all peoples of the Middle East, especially for the Palestinians and
their leadership, these are decisive days.
The events of the past fourteen months represent an unprecedented
turning-point. Even if this is just the beginning, even if many
obstacles must still be overcome the old status quo has been
shattered forever.
On 13 September 1993, Israel and the PLO signed the Declaration of
Principles. This agreement marked a watershed in the history of
relations between Israelis and Palestinians. The DOP rests upon several
basic tenets: mutual recognition, direct negotiation without
preconditions as the only framework to advance peace, and an interim
period for confidence-building and for an orderly transition to the
permanent status.
The signing of the Declaration of Principles set in motion a process
that we hope will gradually lead to a resolution of the issues dividing
us. We have already made progress towards this goal. On 4 May 1994, the
Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area was signed by Israel
and the PLO in Cairo. It began the Declaration of Principles'
implementation on the ground. On 13 May 1994, the Israel Defense Forces
withdrew from Jericho. Five days later, on 18 May 1994, they completed
their withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Police
immediately assumed authority for the security of Palestinians in these
areas. Three months later, on 29 August 1994, we signed the Agreement
on Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities. This early
empowerment agreement transfers powers and responsibilities in five
spheres from the Israeli military government and its Civil
Administration to the Palestinian Authority. Immediately upon signature
of the agreement, responsibility in the area of education was
transferred, in order to allow the new school year to begin on time. On
15 November 1994, Israel transferred responsibilities in the fields of
welfare and tourism to the Palestinian Authority. In the near future we
will see the implementation of early empowerment in the areas of health
and direct taxation.
This has been an impressive journey towards fulfilling a common goal:
Enabling the Palestinians to assume responsibility for their own lives.
Much has been accomplished in a relatively short time.
Nonetheless, groups such as Hamas and the Islamic Jihad continue to
embrace violence. They are aiming to derail the progress towards peace,
stability, and development. As they pursue their terrorist activities,
these groups receive support and encouragement from Iran and other
countries. In recent months, suicide bombers and fanatic gunmen have
targeted innocent Israeli civilians, and have wrought indiscriminate
havoc and bloodshed. Lately, fundamentalist radicals affiliated with
these groups have rioted against the Palestinian Authority and the
Palestinian Police in the Gaza Strip.
Combatting terrorism and violence is essential for increasing security.
This, in turn, is essential for increasing trust and cooperation.
The struggle is between those who are trapped in the past and those who
are trying to build a better future.
Mr. President,
For the builders of peace, the immediate tasks are clear:
- We have to enable the Palestinian Authority to meet its
responsibilities under the Declaration of Principles.
- All parties to the peace process must cooperate in the fight
against terrorism. We cannot allow those who would drag us back to
the past to succeed in their vision of renewed war and bloodshed.
We have to curb the forces that are supporting the fanatic,
radical groups.
- Assistance from the donor countries is crucial for developing
infrastructure, education, health, sanitation, and employment in
the Gaza Strip, Jericho area, and eventually in other areas in the
West Bank. The Palestinian Authority and the donor countries need
to find ways to ensure that funds are quickly transferred to such
projects. The donor countries have now convened in Brussels to
discuss this issue. We hope that all commitments will soon be
fulfilled.
- The entire international community must join in the effort to
improve the basic conditions in Gaza, Jericho and eventually in
other areas of the West Bank. Every man, woman and child in these
places must be able to pick the fruits of peace. If peace is to be
rooted firmly in the hearts and minds of the people, it must touch
every person individually. Its blessings need to be felt in every
house, every school, every workplace, and every community. In this
way, more and more people will understand that peace is the best
security. It is the key to assuming responsibility for oneself and
for one's future; And it is the true road to economic, social and
human advancement.
I would appeal to the Palestinian representatives to leave the issues
which relate to the permanent settlement to their appropriate time, as
was agreed by the parties. None of these are relevant to the present
stage of negotiations. Let us concentrate on building understanding and
cementing the agreement between us.
Israel, for its part, remains committed to the peace process with the
Palestinians. Only if both parties meet their obligations under the
agreements signed, can we create the better future that is our common
goal.
Thank you, Mr. President.