on the Question of Palestine

(Agenda Item 42)

50th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
29 November 1995

Mr. President,

It has been just over three weeks since the assassination of the Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin. Israel lost a beloved leader, a great statesman who initiated a historic change in Israel and the entire Middle East. I personally lost a close friend, with whom I worked for many years. Prime Minister Rabin paid for his commitment to peace with his life.

It is disturbing that there are people fanatics, radicals and fundamentalists who resort to murder in a vain attempt to prevent progress. Their goal is not just to murder people, but to murder the hope for a better tomorrow. We will never give in to those who wish to return us to the days of fear; of war; of hate. Israel is determined to continue on the path blazed by our late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and our current Prime Minister, Shimon Peres. Peace is our continuing commitment.

We know the risks of peacemaking, but we also know that there is no alternative. Only through peace can we hope to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves for a better, secured future.

Mr. President,

For over two years, Israel and the Palestinians have been on the road to a just and lasting peace. The road has been long and difficult. It takes true leadership on both sides to be successfully navigated. But this is the only road which can serve the peoples of the Middle East.

Only with the signing of the Declaration of Principles by Israel and the PLO on 13 September 1993, did the prospects for achieving a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians appear within our grasp. The DOP set the conditions which will govern our relations for an interim period until a permanent status agreement will be reached.

Since that September morning, we have reached several agreements designed to transform the DOP from a paper agreement into a framework for working relations between our two peoples.

On 4 May 1994, we signed the Gaza-Jericho Agreement, providing for the transfer of responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and Jericho to the Palestinian Authority. Later that year, the Palestinians received responsibilities for their own affairs in several civil spheres throughout the West Bank.

Then, the Oslo B Agreement was signed on 28 September 1995 in Washington. This agreement provides for: the transfer of power to the Palestinian Authority throughout the West Bank, a redeployment of Israeli troops from the major population centers, and elections for a Palestinian Council.

Palestinians throughout the West Bank will conduct their own internal affairs. For the first time, Palestinian students will be taught from curriculum selected by Palestinian educators. For the first time, Palestinian taxes will help to build an infrastructure and a strong, healthy economy.

Early next year, residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip will participate in the first democratic, free, and contested elections in their history.

We hope to initiate a new era in the Middle East- an era characterized by cooperation and peaceful co-existence between Egypt, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinians, and others. An era based on dignity and mutual respect; where peace is not some abstract concept, but a daily reality. May I say very frankly that it is so disappointing to hear the speech of the representative who preceded me on this podium. He spoke as if nothing has happened; as if we are not making progress; as if Israel has not suffered cruel terrorist attacks by Islamic fundamentalists; as if the agreements which were signed are not known to him or he is ignoring the significant progress. It is very confusing to hear this message, while agreements with the authoritative leadership of the Palestinian people have already been signed.

Arriving at the Interim agreement was not easy, and its implementation is difficult. But despite the difficulties; despite the terror; despite the threats, the two sides remain determined to move forward. Two weeks ago, Israeli troops handed over control of Jenin, the first Arab city in the West Bank, to our Palestinian partners. Today, the transfer of responsibilities continues in Tulkarm, scheduled to be completed on 10 December. On 14 December, the Israel Defense Forces is scheduled to complete their handing over of Nablus to the Palestinian Authority. Kalkilia will be handed over three days later.

Mr. President,

Fanatical terrorist groups still seek to harm our progress. They kill innocent men, women and children. Radicals threaten their compatriots who are working toward the betterment of their people and for the betterment of generations yet unborn. We will not allow these extremists to succeed. To paraphrase Israel's founding father and first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion: We must fight terror as if there was no peace and work toward peace as if there was no terror.

We are greatly encouraged by the success of the Palestinian Authority in combatting terrorism in the Gaza Strip. We are confident that the Authority will continue this fight throughout the West Bank as well.

The first fruits of the peace process can already be seen. The Gaza Strip, for years one of the poorest areas in the territories, is beginning an unprecedented growth. Construction and building is the order of the day, due to foreign investment and contributions from international donors. For the first time in many years, Gazans are going out at night; not to protest, but to sit in cafes and dream of a better tomorrow.

Through economic development, we can eliminate the poverty and want that breed hatred and extremism. We call on the United Nations Member States and the international institutions to enhance economic and social development in Gaza and the West Bank.

Mr. President,

The new reality that is being created on the ground today in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank deserves international acknowledgement at the United Nations as well. It should be noted that some progress has been made. Nevertheless, there are still a number of General Assembly resolutions that do not reflect the new reality in the Middle East. The time has come for this body to refrain from adopting such resolutions. There are some anachronistic enclaves within the UN structure that should be eliminated as well.

Israel remains committed to continue the peace process. We see no other way to serve the people of Israel, the region as a whole, the Palestinians, and our future generations.

Thank you, Mr. President.