Remarks on First Anniversary of the Camp David Agreements
(September 17, 1979)
One year ago today, on September 17, 1978, Prime Minister
Begin of Israel, President Sadat of Egypt, and I returned from Camp
David with an agreement establishing the Framework for Peace in the
Middle East. We believed then that we had reached an historic turning
point in the bitter history of that long-suffering region. One short
year later, that belief has become a firm reality.
After 30 years of hostility and war, Israel is truly
at peace with its largest Arab neighbor. The relations between them
are improving daily. The provisions of the treaty of peace are being
carried out precisely and on schedule.
This peace is no longer words on paper. It is now facts
on the ground and faith in the hearts of millions of people. This remarkable
change—from war to peace, from hostility to friendship—was
clearly visible in the recent visit by President Sadat to Haifa, where
he was received with genuine warmth and enthusiasm by the people and
the leaders of Israel. Such events, which would have seemed amazing,
even unthinkable, until the very recent past, are now accepted almost
as routine. That is itself a measure of how far we have traveled along
the road to peace.
So it is worth remembering on this occasion what an
extraordinary change in attitudes has taken place. The successes of
Egypt and Israel so far in overcoming three decades of animosity give
us renewed confidence in facing the difficult tasks which remain.
Our goal has always been the establishment of a comprehensive
peace in which Israel could at last live in security and tranquillity
with all its neighbors. The Camp David accords are a long step on that
path. We do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but we
knew from the outset that the road would be hard and rocky. And looking
back today at the solid achievements of the past year, we are justified
in keeping our eyes firmly on the goal of peace rather than in heeding
the inevitable cries that say peace cannot be achieved.
The peace process outlined at Camp David 1 year ago
is alive and well. The talks on full autonomy for the West Bank and
Gaza are proceeding on schedule, in an atmosphere of good will and serious
cooperation. I am confident those talks will succeed. Their progress
is a tribute to the vision and courage of President Sadat, Prime Minister
Begin, and the people of their two great nations.
Over the coming months it will be our common task to
continue demonstrating that peace does work and, by the evidence of
our deeds, to convince other nations and leaders to join with us in
this quest for lasting peace, security, and the opportunity for productive
lives for all the people of the Middle East.
NOTE: On the same day, the White House announced that
the President had received messages from Prime Minister Begin and President
Sadat. As printed below, the messages follow the texts made available
by the White House Press Office.
On this the first anniversary of the Camp David agreement
signed in Washington on September 17th I vividly recall the wonderful
hospitality which you and your gracious lady accorded to my wife, my
colleagues and myself during those 13 days of the momentous conference.
I remember well the sessions, the strong debates, the mutual convincing,
the difficulties we all had to overcome, the weighing of every sentence
and word and ultimately the joy of achieving the understanding which
became the basis of an historic agreement. Out of it the treaty of peace
between Egypt and Israel, certainly a turning point in the annals of
the Middle East emerged and the positive concept of full autonomy for
the Palestinian Arabs, inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and Gaza District
was brought forth.
You, Mr. President did your utmost by your own hard
work to make these agreements possible, allow me, therefore, on this
memorable anniversary to thank you from the heart for the great assistance
rendered to both Egypt and Israel in achieving a rapprochement between
two countries which for thirty one years, were in a state of war, and
which have now concluded peace, the first step towards a general and
comprehensive settlement in the Middle East.
There are people who do not yet appreciate the value
of this moral international achievement, but many millions of women
and men of goodwill will rejoice together with us in this accomplishment.
Their blessings are our joy and the source of satisfaction.
Accept, Mr. President, my deepest gratitude for all
you have done with such great devotion in the service of peace.
Yours respectfully and sincerely,
MENACHEM BEGIN
This afternoon I have issued a presidential statement
expressing my views on the first anniversary of the signature of the
Camp David agreements. On this occasion I wish to express my deep feelings
and thanks for your personal contribution to this historical event.
I am confident that these agreements, which have been the first steps
toward a comprehensive peace, will help bring a solution to the Palestinian
question in all its aspects. The role of the U.S. as a full partner
in the peace process will remain a key element in our mutual efforts
to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Sincerely,
ANWAR EL-SADAT
Sources: Public Papers of the President |