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Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ariel Sharon
on his Return from the Wye Plantation Summit
Ben-Gurion
Airport, Israel
October 25, 1998
A peace process is nearly as difficult as war. In a peace process, one is compelled to make concessions. Here, we
are talking about relinquishing parts of our homeland, the cradle of the Jewish people. We have decided,
however, despite the pain, to make every effort to achieve peace, while ensuring maximum security for the State
of Israel and its citizens in every place - and let me emphasize: in every place. Bearing in mind the agreement that
the Government inherited, the agreement that has now been achieved is a good one. There are important gains in
this agreement for Israel and I want you to know that it was accomplished after very difficult negotiations - talks
that lasted all day and all night, that were carried out with United States mediation and with the special efforts of
President Clinton. The Prime Minister has already described what has been achieved, and therefore I will not
repeat those points.
I would like to highlight the issue of the 13 percent withdrawal. I have stated my position on this subject to you
on more than one occasion. The price of 13 percent was predetermined and was not subject to negotiation. The
price exacted is indeed a heavy one, and there is a danger in a withdrawal of this scope. I said it then and I say it
again today: I had a problem on this issue. I have emphasized the difficult negotiations, but we succeeded in
reducing the dangers as much as possible and achieving the maximum possible. In return for the price that we
ultimately paid, we have achieved the best possible agreement in the circumstances, and I hope that the
agreement will pave the way to a life of peace. Of course, everything depends on whether the details of the
accord are carried out. Israel desires peace and we all want the agreement to succeed its success being judged by
the implementation of every detail in the agreement. Therefore, we have insisted that we withdraw in stages, with
each withdrawal contingent upon the Palestinians fulfilling their obligations, and this was the main cause of
contention.
In addition, I would like to comment on the issue of Jonathan Pollard which, to my regret, has sparked reactions
that have surprised me. Efforts have been made in the past to release Jonathan Pollard and other prisoners, and
these efforts will continue in the future, reflecting the ancient Jewish tradition of releasing captives.
I want to thank all the people who were with us at Wye Plantation. I would like to tell you that, contrary to
various reports of an easy life out there, it was in fact one of the most arduous experiences I have ever been
through, and I must also emphasize the general effort invested by everyone. I must also stress that the ministerial
team led by the Prime Minister worked in an atmosphere of maximum cooperation and coordination - possibly
the best atmosphere that I have ever known in the course of my long service in the Government.
Thank you.
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