(Communicated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
20 July 1999
Foreign Minister David Levy today (Tuesday) 20.7.99, sent a letter to over
140 of his fellow foreign ministers around the world, via Israel's
missions abroad.
Foreign Minister Levy stated that the Israeli government is determined to
advance the peace process. The expected negotiations will not be easy and
will require mutual concessions, but the experience accumulated in the
peace process since the 1991 Madrid Conference leaves considerable room
for hope. Strengthening economic and social bonds among the countries of
the region must win priority since the success of the peace process
depends on them.
Foreign Minister Levy also said that Israel will conduct the negotiations
with the intention of achieving a full regional peace and with the belief
that this goal is attainable. Israel asks that its negotiating partners
adopt a similar position.
Foreign Minister Levy noted that the parties will have to make difficult
decisions and expressed the hope that the international community will
help and support the diplomatic effort made by the negotiating parties.
He added that peace must provide security, emphasizing the need for the
peace process to be accompanied by an encouraging public opinion and the
strengthening of the willingness of nations to live together.
Foreign Minister Levy concluded by expressing his desire to strengthen
relationships with his fellow foreign ministers in order to advance
bilateral dialogues between Israel and the countries of the world and to
advance the Middle East peace process.