Jerusalem, March 13, 2001
The Israeli Position regarding Negotiations with the Palestinians
The following policy directives were issued by Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres after coordination with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:
1. The Government of Israel is determined in its asipration to achieve peace with its Palestinian neighbors.
2. The Government of Israel has placed at the top of its priorities the primary goal of restoring security and calm, in order to ensure the well-being of the citizens of the State of Israel.
3. The Government of Israel takes the position that the conduct of peace negotiations calls for tranquillity.
4. The Government of Israel is seeking to stabilize the situation in the territories, and to improve conditions for those living there. Such improvements will be implemented in a way that will not impact upon security. The Government of Israel has no desire to burden the Palestinian civilian population not involved in terrorism and violence. If calm prevails in particular areas, the necessary improvements can be implemented there immediately.
5. The steps taken by Israel in recent days in the area of Ramallah do not constitute a change in existing Israeli policy. These steps were meant to provide a specific security response to a grave security alert. This is demontrated by the fact that the Prime Minister and Defense Minister decided last night (12 March) to lift the closure which had been placed on the West Bank towns of Tulkarm, Kalkiliya, Bethlehem and Hebron.