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Israel Aspires to a True Peace

(Embassy of Israel, Washington) Summary of Israeli Cabinet Meeting - August 18, 2002 - The Government of Israel's objective is to reach a political settlement; Israel aspires to a political process that will lead to a true peace. Israel insists on the following conditions for a genuine process: 1. A halt to terror, violence and incitement, and 2. Genuine security, economic and legal reforms in the Palestinian Authority. In order to reach peace a different Palestinian leadership, one that is not stained by terror, is necessary. The Government of Israel will not give in on these issues. Regarding humanitarian issues related to the plight of the Palestinian civilian population, the latter must be assisted in every way possible. When Israel proceeds to the political process, it will insist on a settlement in stages that will enable oversight and progress according to the degree to which the parties' commitments are being upheld and carried out, and according to developments in relations between Israel and the Palestinians. There will be no compromises in the struggle against terror. Israel is vigorously conducting the struggle beginning with actions to interrupt the smuggling of weapons and munitions; actions against terrorist leaders; the presence in the Palestinian cities; and, first and foremost, reliance upon our forces. The unfreezing of 10% of the Palestinian VAT funds being held back by Israel. The continued gradual unfreezing of funds also depends on Palestinian moves and the uses to which the funds are put. Unity has been, and remains, supremely important to the success of Israel's stand in the political and diplomatic struggle.
2002-08-26 00:00:00
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