Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Middle East Peace
Talks
(December 17, 1992)
The President met today with Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian-Palestinian,
and Israeli delegations involved in the bilateral negotiations of the
Middle East peace process. He did so to emphasize the continuing value
of the process begun in Madrid, one that aims at a just, lasting, and
comprehensive peace based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions
242 and 338.
The President commended the parties for their sustained
commitment to this process and for the progress they have achieved.
It is significant that all of the parties have engaged seriously on
the key issues of land, peace, and security. Substantial achievements
are within reach if the parties make additional efforts to address the
legitimate concerns of their negotiating partners.
The actions and statements of the parties away from
the table are no less important than the negotiations themselves. Both
Arabs and Israelis need to elaborate their visions of peace. This will
build public support for the negotiating process. They also need to
form a concerted voice calling for an end to all forms of violence and
avoid reactions such as deportations that risk complicating the search
for peace.
Peace between Israel and its neighbors has never been
more achievable. A way has been created whereby the people of the Middle
East can escape the wars that have too often defined the region's history.
Making peace a reality through these negotiations is the only way to
frustrate those who would sabotage the peace process by violence.
The U.S. role as catalyst, honest broker, and driving
force was instrumental in achieving the historic breakthrough at Madrid.
The United States remains an essential participant in the search for
peace, willing to assist actively in making the negotiations succeed.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |