Jerusalem, 15 March 2001
PM Sharon addresses Silicon Valley hi-tech fair via
videoconference
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Thursday, March 15, 2001, addressed a
hi-tech fair taking place in California's Silicon Valley, by means
of a videoconference. Following are his main points:
The Prime Minister stated that the Government is committed to
pursuing a lasting peace with security, but with a different, more
realistic, step-by-step approach than that which was attempted till
now. "I will make every effort to maintain stability and quiet as
this is the environment needed for economic growth," he said.
Prime Minister Sharon stressed that Israel has the national resolve,
determination and will to develop and realize its potential for
sustainable economic growth based on geo-political stability on the
one hand, and economic stability and the necessary economic reforms
on the other.
Regarding the economic situation in the Palestinian Authority, Prime
Minister Sharon said: "Today we have embarked on a program of
fighting terrorism while easing some of the restrictions for those
who want to work, live their lives and provide a livelihood for their
families. The strength of the nations and their ability to survive in
this new global environment depends less on military might and more
on their technological and economic innovative capability."
Prime Minister Sharon stated that he intends to manage a responsible
national budget based on a low deficit, while increasing investment
in infrastructure and in high-quality education for all Israeli
citizens. He added that he would continue the process of
privatization and deregulation to insure smooth integration of the
Israeli economy into the expanding global political markets. "Our
people are our most precious national resource. The top priority of
my government today is investment in our education system with an
emphasis on science and technology, and Zionist education. Another
principal goal of my government is to increase immigration and bring
Jews from all over the world to settle in Israel. This will bring
many more high-skilled workers that will bolster our highly
sophisticated and ever-growing economy."
In conclusion, Prime Minister Sharon invited all participants to join
us here in this effort and added: "I offer a partnership in a most
exciting challenge to make peace, stability and prosperity a reality
through economic and technological progress, which will benefit both
yourselves and our neighbors."