Clinton gets Palestinian - Israeli interim agreement signed
Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/23/1998

"After some very difficult negotiations... the Israelis and Palestinians here have reached an agreement on issues over which they have been divided for more than 17 months" Clinton announced at the signing ceremony at the White House on Friday afternoon.

Clinton said "this agreement is designed to rebuilt trust and renew hope for peace between the parties. Now both sides must build on that hope carrying out their commitments, begin the difficult but urgent journey toward a permanent settlement." He added "in the end... both reaffirmed their commitment to the path of peace and for that the world can be grateful."

Clinton spoke of the elements of the agreement saying "this commitment is good for Israel's security. The commitments made by the Palestinians were very strong, as strong as any we have ever seen." They include "continuous security cooperation with Israel and a comprehensive plan against terrorism and its support infrastructure."

Clinton added that for the Palestinian side "This agreement significantly expands areas under Palestinian authority to some 40 percent of the West Bank. It also offers the Palestinian people new economic opportunities with an airport and industrial zone, soon safe passage between Gaza and the West Bank and in time a sea port. The Palestinian people will be able to breath a little easier" and saver the fruits of peace.

Clinton spoke about the effect that this agreement will have on the frozen Middle East atmosphere that US Secretary Albright described as being in a "dangerous impasse." Clinton said "Most importantly this agreement is good for the peace process itself" adding now Israelis and Palestinians can once again be partners for peace."

Clinton continued touching on the resolved issues of this agreement that have been in dispute, such as the Palestinian National Council charter that has provisions calling for the destruction of Israel. Clinton said "to bolster this effort chairman Arafat will invite members of the Palestinian national council and other important political entities to reaffirm (their) prime commitments and their support for the peace process. I have agreed to address that meeting, several weeks hence, and underscore the values of reconciliation and tolerance and respect." This refers to the annulment of the charter provision as an issue for the Palestinian National Council members to approach in a democratic manner, as opposed to what was being demanded by Netanyahu, where he wanted the Palestinian National Council leadership to simply top-down annul it. The Palestinian National Council (is not the Palestinian government, and predates it to the days when Palestinians where scattered all over the world as many still are) represents all the Palestinians (factions) in Diaspora, and this agreement shows recognition and respect for this fact.

Clinton added that "no doubt that as peace gains momentum, forces of hate no matter how isolated" will "once again lash out." He added "they know this, the leaders, and they are prepared to face it" referring to extremist elements in both camps that have and continue to oppose such agreements.

Clinton thanked the many involved, including Arafat, King Hussein, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Vice President Albert Gore, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, National Security Advisor Sandy Burger, and Middle east special envoy Dennis Ross, all, for their tireless efforts to make this agreement true.

Netanyahu spoke about this agreement saying "this has required sacrifice from both sides" and "we have seized the moment... and I am asking all people of good will to join us... for the future of peace." He added "we are secure today because for the first time since the signing of the Oslo accord, we will see concrete and verifiable commitments carried out. our partners will join us in fighting terrorism. They will follow a detailed and systematic plan to fights terrorists and their infrastructure. To jail killers that have so far roamed" free, and to stop patriotic "incitement" and "to cancel the articles in the Palestinian charter which calls for the destruction of Israel."

Netanyahu said we will soon embark on negotiations for a permanent peace settlement between our two people. I guarantee you it will not be easy and it will not be simple.. and it will be Mr president despite your best wishes sleepless" a reference to the Clinton's many hours spent at the talks.

Netanyahu added "I am brimming with some confidence" because we have achieved success for both sides and that "gives me confidence to tackle the challenges that will face us."

Netanyahu described Clinton as "A warrior for peace" and as having "boundless optimism."

Arafat for his part described this agreements saying "This is a day of optimism even though it is late in coming."

Arafat said "we will never go back from the path of peace.. no return to confrontation." He added "we are fully committed to what is required of us to achieve security to every Israeli... and Israel."

Arafat spoke of the hopes of the Palestinians saying "we want our children schooled and jobs for our people and want to grow and welcome our visitors in our own airport and seaport."

Arafat referring to the task ahead of implementation, and regarding the coming "final status" negotiations, said "we are certain that we will stand here under the guardianship of President Clinton in order to announce the achievement of permanent peace.. and complete the solution of all issues.. return of the land.. the status of Jerusalem.. the status of the settlements..the return of the refugees.. just distribution of water.. and security in the region." Arafat spoke to the scattered Palestinian refugees saying "this long standing apart in the camps in Lebanon" will end and we will "meet again in dignity."

Arafat said "we have succeeded in stopping all unilateral actions which would undermine the final solution," which was a Palestinian demand of Israel, to bring about a difficult last phase of negotiations to be finalized and implemented before May 4 1999, as stated in the signed Oslo accord.

Clinton who finalized this deal after the reported difficult negotiation snags thanked Arafat for "decades, decades and decades for timeless representation of longing of the Palestinian people to be free self-suffcient and at home."

King Hussein of Jordan who attended some of these meetings despite being under medical care for chemotherapy for a cancer, referring to the many US presidents he has known, said of Clinton's commitment to peace "I have never known a US president to have your dedication, clear headedness, focus and determination to help this issue."

Hussein added "There has been enough destruction, enough death, enough waste, and its time that together, we occupy a place beyond ourselves" for the children of Abraham.

Previous Stories:
  Wye Plantation Israeli demand threatened finished agreement   (10/23/1998)
  Eighth day of Palestinian-Israeli talks focus on implementation   (10/22/1998)
  What does security mean to Palestinian Salim Shawamreh?   (10/21/1998)

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