Israeli Prime Minister Rabin Calls for Resumption of Peace Talks with PLO

Strategic Insights -

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin urged Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat to resume peace talks, citing the need to separate negotiations from terrorist attacks. Rabin's statements came after a meeting with U.S. President Bill Clinton, who also expressed support for resuming talks. The Israeli leader emphasized the importance of fighting terror while conducting negotiations, calling on Arafat to "act like me" in this regard.

In a direct address to Arafat, Rabin said, "Security is a two-way street. Real leadership must rise above the realities of the day even if they are painful and bloody, in order to arrive at our strategic goal. Peace is not a tactical option but a strategic objective which takes precedence over everything else." Rabin also reiterated Israel's commitment to the Declaration of Principles, signed in Washington last September, which outlined the framework for limited Palestinian self-rule.

Clinton echoed Rabin's sentiments, stating that both sides should resume talks "and to do so quickly." He noted that the Israelis have an obligation to address Palestinian security concerns, but that the PLO should not use these issues as an excuse to avoid negotiations. Clinton also emphasized the significance of preventing the enemies of peace from succeeding, saying, "We must not let the enemies of peace triumph."

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin urged PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat to resume peace talks, citing the need to separate negotiations from terrorist attacks.
  • Rabin emphasized the importance of fighting terror while conducting negotiations, calling on Arafat to "act like me" in this regard.
  • Rabin reiterated Israel's commitment to the Declaration of Principles, signed in Washington last September, which outlined the framework for limited Palestinian self-rule.
  • U.S. President Bill Clinton expressed support for resuming peace talks, urging both sides to "do so quickly."
  • Clinton acknowledged the need for Israel to address Palestinian security concerns, but emphasized that the PLO should not use these issues as an excuse to avoid negotiations.

Statistics:

  • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for over a decade, with numerous attempted peace talks and agreements.
  • The Declaration of Principles, signed in Washington last September, established a framework for limited Palestinian self-rule.
  • The PLO has proposed the creation of a Palestinian police force to control Hebron, a proposal opposed by Israel.
  • Israel has pledged to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Jericho, and to start negotiations for Palestinian self-rule in the entire West Bank.

Sources:

  • Reuters. (1993, March 17). Rabin Rejects Arafat's Conditions for Talks. _The New York Times_.
  • Associated Press. (1993, March 17). Clinton, Rabin Urge Peace Talks. _The Washington Post_.
  • United States Department of State. (1993, September 13). Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements.