Barak: Israel will honor its signed commitments, focus on the future
Israel-USA, Politics, 7/20/1999

The joint press conference yesterday between Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Barak and US President Bill Clinton stressed determination to advance the Middle East peace process on all tracks.

"I believe that focusing on how to solve the problems of the future is a more, may I say, productive way to consume our time than dealing with analyzing past events or their interpretation," Barak told reporters.

Barak said, "We are committed to the renewal of the peace process. It is our intention to move the process forward simultaneously on all tracks -- bilateral, the Palestinian, the Syrians and the Lebanese, as well as the multilateral. "

"Any unilateral steps, acts or threats of terrorism, violence or other forms of aggression have no place in a process of peace. The peace we seek to establish is only the one that will enhance the security of Israel," he said, adding that advancing the peace process requires tough decisions.

"I will not shy away from those difficult choices, but I have responsibility to the people of Israel to do all that I possibly can to minimize the risks and dangers involved. From here, I call upon our Arab partners and their leaders to embark with us together on this historic journey, which requires tough choices from all parties," he added.

Barak said that Israel is committed to implementation of the Wye River accord and suggested a 15-month framework for peace talks, "within which we will know whether we have a breakthrough and are really going to put an end to the conflict." However Barak said that this framework should not be viewed as a deadline.

When asked "If you were walking in a Palestinian's shoes, how would you feel about occupation, annexation, incarceration for months, for years without a charge, without a trial?" Barak said "I was elected Prime Minister of the State of Israel. I'm fully focused on the security and future of the Israelis. I am aware that the same way that a president cannot choose his parents, a nation cannot choose its neighbor. They are Palestinians; we respect them. We want to build a peace with them that will put an end to the conflict with all the sufferings that happen on both sides of this conflict. We are determined to do it."

On Syria's role in the peace process, Clinton said, " I will make it known to President Assad what I consider to be the very satisfactory results of this meeting [with Barak] and that this is an important time to start the peace process. "

Previous Stories:
  Israeli television: Barak and Clinton agree on November 2000 to reach comprehensive peace   (7/17/1999)
  Clinton pledges efforts to establish Middle East peace   (7/16/1999)
  Talks between Barak and King Abdullah   (7/15/1999)
  Report: President al-Assad refuses Barak's appeal   (7/14/1999)

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