Trilateral Statement Regarding the Camp David Summit

The talks began on 12 July, and dealt with all the core issues including Jerusalem, the right of return, borders, withdrawal, security, settlements and water. This was done mainly through sub-committees. While progress was made on a variety of issues, the two stumbling blocks were Jerusalem and the right of return. It was apparent that by 19 July the talks had failed, and President Clinton was set to travel to Japan. He invited PM Barak and Chairman Arafat to remain in Camp David and continue the talks with the help of Secretary Albright until his return. He was back on 23 July and the three leaders went into intensive talks.

The next day, the Israeli and PA negotiators sent the president their final positions on Jerusalem, which would involve "sovereign custodianship" over Haram al-Sharif, in return for Palestinian recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem and the Greater Jerusalem area. But the talks failed, and Israel felt it could no longer commit itself to the positions it had presented at Camp David. Following is the communiqué issued at the end of the talks. Both sides committed themselves to continue the talks. Text:

Between 11 and 24 July, under the auspices of President Clinton, Prime Minister Barak and Chairman Arafat met at Camp David in an effort to reach an agreement on permanent status. While they were not able to bridge the gaps and reach an agreement, their negotiations were unprecedented in both scope and detail.

Building on the progress achieved at Camp David, the two leaders agreed on the following principles to guide their negotiations:

1) The two sides agreed that the aim of their negotiations is to put an end to decades of conflict and achieve a just and lasting peace.

2) The two sides commit themselves to continue their efforts to conclude an agreement on all permanent status issues as soon as possible.

3) Both sides agree that negotiations based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 are the only way to achieve such an agreement and they undertake to create an environment for negotiations free from pressure, intimidation and threats of violence.

4) The two sides understand the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that prejudge the outcome of negotiations and that their differences will be resolved only by good faith negotiations.

5) Both sides agree that the United States remains a vital partner in the search for peace and will continue to consult closely with President Clinton and Secretary Albright in the period ahead.

Source: Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs