Reaction by Foreign Minister Shimon Peres to
US Secretary of State Powell's Novemeber 19 Policy Speech
Israel Television, November 19, 2001
Q: Mr. Peres, what is your opinion of Mr. Powell's speech?
FM Peres: It is a speech of utmost importance. It contains vision, it
contains policy, and it also contains commitment on the part of the
United States of America. Three things - one cannot resolve all the
problems in a single speech.
Q: Mr. Peres, when Colin Powell talks about the end of the
occupation, does he mean a return to the '67 borders?
FM Peres: He is referring to the accepted formulation, which is
Security Council resolutions 338 and 242. This has always been the
formula. Indeed, this does not constitute anything new.
However, first and foremost, from our perspective, there is a very
emotional commitment concerning the relations between America and
Israel, a commitment to the security of Israel, an uncompromising
position on the issue of ending terrorism, an uncompromising attitude
on the issue of security, and there is one additional fresh element -
that the Palestinians must recognize Israel as the Jewish state. One
could perceive here an American hint concerning the right of return.
On the other hand, of course, he speaks about a halt to settlement
building. Incidentally, we have made a commitment not to establish
new settlements and, therefore, there was no need for him to repeat
this, since this is the present position of the Israeli government.
It [the statement on settlements] does not constitute a change of any
kind, and we have said as much to Powell.
I must add that he also spoke with considerable emotion about the
issue of occupation. We are also conscious of this matter, and we
certainly wish to alleviate the conditions in the territories. He
spoke about the issue of monitors, although, as I understand it, he
has stated that this requires the agreement of both parties. He spoke
about cooperation with Europe and with other states, but he also
stated that America will be considerably more active in this regard.
Q: Yesterday, Prime Minister Sharon stated in his meeting with the EU
Presidency that he stands by the prerequisite of seven days of calm,
prior to starting the implementation of the Mitchell Report. In
your opinion, does Mr. Powell support the position of the Prime Minister?
FM Peres: Mr. Powell neither supported nor rejected it. But he did
say that a one hundred percent effort [to acheive calm] was required
- this is the language that he used - and he stated that the
Palestinians are not fulfilling this. Therefore, at this moment, this
is a theoretical argument, because whether there are seven days of
quiet as a result of a one hundred percent effort, or there are one
hundred percent results - this should only be the case. Although
there has indeed been a considerable reduction in terrorist attacks,
this is due for the most part to the efforts of the Israel Defense
Forces.
Q: Is it possible that Powell's speech will have an influence on
Arafat?
FM Peres: I do not know if the speech will have an influence.
Arafat is also in a particularly difficult situation. He more or less
has said that for a year now, the Palestinians have been mired in the
mud...in this 'intifada'. The truth is that the time has come. After
all, a speech does not change a situation - a speech reflects a
situation, and also presents a vision. All in all, from a Palestinian
perspective, the 'Intifada' has been a great disappointment. We also
hear the Palestinian voices around us. I believe Arafat has been
saying that on the one hand, there are many problems, but, on the
other hand, a very important opportunity has presented itself,
especially as the gaps [between the parties] have become narrower. An
example of this is the issue of two states living side by side. A
year ago this would have disturbed most of Israeli public opinion.