Ministerial Committee on Jerusalem Affairs - Feb 18- 1997

The Ministerial Committee on Jerusalem Affairs met today (Tuesday), 18.2.97.

1. The Committee decided the following:
   1. To advance the construction of Highway #45 and Highway #4 (which connects Jerusalem with Highway #45).

   2. To accelerate the processes regarding both the outline and the detailed plans for constructing the Eastern Ring Road in Jerusalem, including the Mt. Scopus road.

   3. To advance the planning for Highway #80. First priority will be given to the stretch from Tel Arad to Mishor Adumim. Clearing the route for the road will be submitted for the Committee's approval prior to its implementation.

2. At the beginning of the discussion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was asking that the Committee decide today on the issue of the roads, and that the discussion of construction in Jerusalem would take place next week, when Jerusalem Mayor MK Ehud Olmert returns from abroad.

   The Prime Minister emphasized that during his recent visit to the United States, he did not seek approval from President Clinton -- or any other administration official -- regarding anything that we are doing in or around Jerusalem.

   The Prime Minister added that during his visit to the U.S., he reiterated Israel's policy of insisting on our sovereignty over all parts of Jerusalem and ensuring the unity and security of the city.

   The Prime Minister said that he does not need to be preached to by anyone on the commitment to Jerusalem and his intentions to build and pave roads in Jerusalem, as well as to prevent illegal Palestinian Authority activity in Jerusalem.

   Regarding Highway #45, the Prime Minister said that it was essential for traffic between the coastal plain and Jerusalem, was an alternative to Highway #1, and would greatly contribute to the development of the State of Israel.

   He said that this was a highway of peace since it will serve both the Jewish and the Palestinian populations, and will lead to both Ramallah and Amman.