Current Shareware 1994 January/SHAR194.ISO/textfile/plotreat.zip/TREATY.TXT

Text File | 1993-09-13 | 50KB | 894 lines

 THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE ACCORD AT A GLANCE
    JERUSALEM, Sept 13   - Following are key points of the
Declaration of Principles on Palestinian self-rule signed in
Washington on Monday by Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organisation:
    PALESTINIAN AUTONOMY
    A five-year period of limited autonomy for Palestinians in the
Gaza Strip and West Bank town of Jericho begins officially on December
13. Before the start of the third year, the two sides will begin
negotiating a permanent accord.
    ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL
    The Israelis are to begin withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and
Jericho area on December 13, when a further agreement is to be signed
including detailed arrangements for Palestinian control of the two
areas. Authority is transferred immediately from the Israeli army-run
Civil Administration to ``authorised Palestinians'' in five spheres:
education and culture, health, social welfare direct taxation, and
tourism.
    ELECTIONS
    Palestinians will hold elections by April 13, 1994, for a
Palestinian council to run the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
    SECURITY
    The Palestinians will immediately start building a police force,
the core of which will be PLO fighters from outside the West Bank and
Gaza Strip.
    DISPUTES RESOLUTION
    Disputes between Israel and the Palestinians will be decided by a
joint committee, or referred to an arbitration committee if both sides
agree.
    SETTLEMENTS
    Israel will continue to provide protection to the already armed
Israeli settlers living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
    REFUGEES
    The agreement provides for discussion of the method of return for
the up to 200,000 Palestinians who fled the West Bank and Gaza during
the 1967 war. It does not guarantee their return, and puts off
discussion of refugees who left in 1948 until the final negotiations.
    JERUSALEM
    The future of Jerusalem, claimed by both Israel and the
Palestinians as their eternal capital, was postponed until the final
status negotiations.
    ECONOMIC AID
    The accord calls for the establishment of a joint
Israel-Palestinian Economic Cooperation Committee to implement
economic development programmes for the impoverished Gaza Strip and
West Bank.







 UNOFFICIAL TEXT OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ACCORD
    JERUSALEM, Sept 13   - The following is an unofficial text
of the agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organisation on interim self-rule for Palestinians in the
Israeli-occupied territories.
    Final agreed draft of August 19, 1993 DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES ON
INTERIM SELF-GOVERNMENT ARRANGEMENTS
    The Government of the State of Israel and the Palestinian team (in
the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to the Middle East Peace
Conference) (the ``PLO''), representing the Palestinian people, agree
that it is time to put an end to the decades of confrontation and
conflict, recognise their mutual legitimate and political rights, and
strive to live in peaceful coexistence and mutual dignity and security
and achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace settlement and
historic reconciliation through the agreed political process.
Accordingly, the two sides agree to the following:
    Article I AIM OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
    The aim of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations with the current
Middle East peace process is, among other things, to establish a
Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority, the elected Council,
(the ``Council'') for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip, for a transitional period not exceeding five years,
leading to a permanent settlement based on Security Council
Resolutions 242 and 338.
    It is understood that the interim arrangements are an integral
part of the whole peace process and that the negotiations on the
permanent status will lead to the implementation of Security Council
Resolutions 242 and 338.
    Article II FRAMEWORK FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD
    The agreed framework for the interim period is set forth in this
declaration of Principles.
    Article III ELECTIONS
    1)  In order that the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip may govern themselves according to democratic principles,
direct, free, and general political elections will be held for the
Council under agreed supervision, while the Palestinian police will
ensure public order. 2)  An agreement will be concluded on the exact
mode and conditions of the elections in accordance with the protocol
attached as Annex I, with the goal of holding the elections not later
than nine months after the entry into force of this Declaration of
Principles. 3)  These elections will constitute a significant interim
preparatory step towards the realisation of the legitimate rights of
the Palestinian people and their just requirements.
Article IV JURISDICTION
    Jurisdiction of the Council will cover West Bank and Gaza Strip
territory, except for issues that will be negotiated in the permanent
status negotiations. The two sides view the West Bank and Gaza Strip
as a single territorial unit, whose integrity will be preserved during
the interim period.
    Article V TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND PERMANENT STATUS NEGOTIATIONS
    1)  The five-year transitional period will begin upon the
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area. 2)  Permanent status
negotiations will commence as soon as possible, but not later than the
beginning of the third year of the interim period, between the
Government of Israel and the Palestinian people's representatives. 3)
It is understood that these negotiations shall cover remaining issues,
including: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security arrangements,
borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbours, and other
issues of common interest. 4)  The two parties agree that the outcome
of the permanent status negotiations should not be prejudiced or
preempted by agreements reached for the interim period.
    Article VI PREPARATORY TRANSFER OF POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    1)  Upon the entry into force of this Declaration of Principles
and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area, a
transfer of authority from the Israeli military government and its
Civil Administration to the authorised Palestinians for this task, as
detailed herein, will commence. This transfer of authority will be of
preparatory nature until the inauguration of the Council. 2)
Immediately after the entry into force of this Declaration of
Principles and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area,
with the view to promoting economic development in the West Bank and
Gaza Strip, authority will be transferred to the Palestinians on the
following spheres: education and culture, health, social welfare,
direct taxation, and tourism. The Palestinian side will commence in
building the Palestinian police force, as agreed upon. Pending the
inauguration of the Council, the two parties may negotiate the
transfer of additional powers and responsibilities, as agreed upon.
    Article VII INTERIM AGREEMENT
    1)  The Israeli and Palestinian delegations will negotiate an
agreement on the interim period (the ``Interim Agreement''). 2) The
Interim Agreement shall specify, among other things, the structure of
the council, the number of its members, and the transfer of powers and
responsibilities from the Israeli military government and its Civil
Administration to the council. The Interim Agreement shall also
specify the Council's executive authority, legislative authority in
accordance with Article IX below, and the independent Palestinian
judicial organs. 3)  The Interim Agreement shall include arrangements,
to be implemented upon the inauguration of the Council, for the
assumption by the Council of all the powers and responsibilities
transferred previously in accordance with Article VI above. 4) In
order to enable the Council to promote economic growth, upon its
inauguration, the Council will establish, among other things, a
Palestinian Electricity Authority, a Gaza Sea Port Authority, a
Palestinian Development Bank, a Palestinian Export Promotion Board, a
Palestinian Environmental Authority, a Palestinian Land Authority and
a Palestinian Water Administration Authority, and any other
Authorities agreed upon, in accordance with the Interim Agreement that
will specify their powers and responsibilities. 5)  After the
inauguration of the Council, the Civil Administration will be
dissolved, and the Israeli military government will be withdrawn.
    Article VIII PUBLIC ORDER AND SECURITY
    In order to guarantee public order and internal security for the
Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the Council will
establish a strong police force, while Israel will continue to carry
the responsibility for defending against external threats, as well as
the responsibility for overall security of Israelis for the purpose of
safeguarding their internal security and public order.
    Article IX LAWS AND MILITARY ORDERS
    1. The Council will be empowered to legislate, in accordance with
the Interim Agreement, within all authorities transferred to it. 2.
Both parties will review jointly laws and military orders presently in
force in remaining spheres.
    Article X JOINT ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN LIAISON COMMITTEE
    In order to provide for a smooth implementation of this
Declaration of Principles and any subsequent agreements pertaining to
the interim period, upon the entry into force of this Declaration of
Principles, a Joint Israeli- Palestinian Liaison Committee will be
established in order to deal with issues requiring coordination, other
issues of common interest, and disputes.
    Article XI ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION IN ECONOMIC FIELDS
    Recognising the mutual benefit of cooperation promoting the
development of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Israel, upon entry
into force of this Declaration of Principles, an Israeli-Palestinian
Economic Cooperation Committee will be established in order to develop
and implement in a cooperative manner the programmes identified in the
protocols attached as Annex III and Annex IV.
    Article XII LIAISON AND COOPERATION WITH JORDAN AND EGYPT
    The two parties will invite the governments of Jordan and Egypt to
participate in establishing further liaison and cooperation
arrangements between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian
representatives, on one hand, and the Governments of Jordan and Egypt,
on the other hand, to promote cooperation between them. These
arrangements will include the constitution of a Continuing Committee
that will decide by agreement on the modalities of admission of
persons displaced from the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967, together
with necessary measures to prevent disruption and disorder. Other
matters of common concern will be dealt with by this Committee.
    Article XIII REDEPLOYMENT OF ISRAELI FORCES 1)  After the entry
into force of this Declaration of Principles, and not later than the
eve of elections for the Council, a redeployment of Israeli military
forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip will take place, in addition to
withdrawal of Israeli forces carried out in accordance with Article
XIV. 2) In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided by
the principle that its military forces should be redeployed outside
populated areas. 3)
Further redeployments to specified locations will be gradually
implemented commensurate with the assumption of responsibility for
public order and internal security by the Palestinian police force
pursuant to Article VIII above.
    Article XIV ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM THE GAZA STRIP AND JERICHO
AREA
    Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, as
detailed in the protocol attached as Annex II.
    Article XV RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
    1)  Disputes arising out of the application of interpretation of
this Declaration of Principles, or any subsequent agreements
pertaining to the interim period, shall be resolved by negotiations
through the Joint Liaison Committee to be established pursuant to
Article X above. 2) Disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations
may be resolved by a mechanism of conciliation to be agreed upon by
the parties. 3)  The parties may agree to submit to arbitration
disputes relating to the interim period, which cannot be settled
through conciliation. To this end, upon the agreement of both parties,
the parties will establish an Arbitration Committee.
    Article XVI ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COOPERATION CONCERNING REGIONAL
PROGRAMMES
    Both parties view the multilateral working groups as an
appropriate instrument for promoting a ``Marshall Plan,'' the regional
programmes and other programmes, including special programmes for the
West Bank and Gaza Strip, as indicated in the protocol attached as
Annex IV.
    Article XVII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 1. This Declaration of
Principles will enter into force one month after its signing. All
protocols annexed to this Declaration of Principles and Agreed Minutes
pertaining thereto shall be regarded as an integral part hereof.
    Done at Washington, D.C., this .... day of ......, 1993 For the
Government of Israel For the Palestinians Witnessed by: The United
States of America The Russian Federation
    ANNEX I PROTOCOL ON THE MODE AND CONDITIONS OF ELECTIONS
    1. Palestinians of Jerusalem who live there will have the right to
participate in the election process, according to an agreement between
the two sides. 2. In addition, the election agreement should cover,
among other things, the following issues: a. the system of elections
b. the mode of the agreed supervision and international observation
and their personal composition; c. rules and regulations regarding
election campaign, including agreed arrangements for the organising of
mass media and the possibility of licencing a broadcasting and TV
station. 3. The future status of displaced Palestinians who were
registered on 4th June 1967 will not be prejudiced because they are
unable to participate in the election process due to practical
reasons.
    ANNEX II PROTOCOL ON WITHDRAWAL OF ISRAELI FORCES FROM THE GAZA
STRIP AND JERICHO AREA
    1. The two sides will conclude and sign within two months from the
date of entry into force of this Declaration of Principles, an
agreement on the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza
Strip and Jericho area. This agreement will include comprehensive
arrangements to apply in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho area
subsequent to the Israeli withdrawal. 2. Israel will implement an
accelerated and scheduled withdrawal of Israeli military forces from
the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, beginning immediately with the
signing of the agreement on the Gaza Strip and Jericho area and to be
completed within a period not exceeding four months after the signing
of this agreement. 3. The above agreement will include, among other
things: a. Arrangements for a smooth and peaceful transfer of
authority from the Israeli military government and its Civil
Administration to the Palestinian representatives. b. Structure,
powers and responsibilities of the Palestinian authority in these
areas, except: external security, settlements, Israelis, foreign
relations and other mutually agreed matters. c. Arrangements for the
assumption of internal security and public order by the Palestinian
police force consisting of police officers recruited locally and from
abroad (holding Jordanian passports and Palestinian documents issued
by Egypt). Those who will participate in the Palestinian police force
coming from abroad should be trained as police and police officers. d.
A temporary international or foreign presence, as agreed upon. e.
Establishment of a joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and
Cooperation Committee for mutual security purposes. f. An economic
development and stabilization programme, including the establishment
of an Emergency Fund, to encourage foreign investment, and financial
and economic support. Both sides will coordinate and cooperate jointly
and unilaterally with regional and international parties to support
these aims. g. Arrangements for a safe passage for persons and
transportation between the Gaza Strip and Jericho area. 4. The above
agreement will include arrangements for coordination between both
parties regarding passages: a. Gaza-Egypt; and b. Jericho-Jordan 5.
The offices responsible for carrying out the powers and
responsibilities of the Palestinian authority under this Annex II and
Article VI of the Declaration of Principles will be located in the
Gaza Strip and in the Jericho area pending the inauguration of the
Council. 6. Other than these agreed arrangements, the status of the
Gaza Strip and Jericho area will continue to be an integral part of
the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and will not be changed in the interim
period.










    Following is the text of Clinton's second speech after the signing
of the agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organisation. (About 175 words)
    We have been granted the great privilege of witnessing this
victory for peace. Just as the Jewish people this week celebrate the
dawn of a new year, let us all go from this place to celebrate the
dawn of a new era -- not only for the Middle East but for the entire
world.
    The sound we heard today, once again as in ancient Jericho, was of
trumpets toppling walls, the walls of anger and suspicion between
Israeli and Palestinian, between Arab and Jew. This time, praise God,
the trumpets herald not the destruction of that city but its new
beginning.
    Now let each of us here today return to our portion of that
effort, uplifted by the spirit of the moment, refreshed in our hopes
and guided by the wisdom of the Almighty, who has brought us to this
joyous day. Go in peace. Go as peacemakers. (Applause)
    (End Text)




 TEXT OF CHRISTOPHER REMARKS AT SIGNING CEREMONY
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - Following is the text of Secretary
of State Warren Christopher's remarks Monday at the White House
ceremony where Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed
a peace accord. The transcript was provided by Federal News Service
(about 600 words).
    Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Chairman Arafat, members of the
Congress, distinguished visitors, guests, friends and colleagues, I'm
honoured to have witnessed the signing of this agreement on behalf of
the United States. Millions of people have dreamed of this moment,
this moment for this very region.
    The Israelis and the Palestinians have taken a dramatic step
toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that can lift the lives
of the people of the Middle East. They overcame seemingly
insurmountable obstacles in framing the declaration of principles and
the terms for a mutual recognition. They have broken through the
barriers of hatred and fear. Throughout the process they have
demonstrated extraordinary courage and statesmanship. This gives
genuine hope that they will complete the journey that has been begun
today.
    This achievement was the product of sustained effort,
international in scope and thoroughly bipartisan here in the United
States. The foundation for the breakthrough, as the president said,
was laid at the Madrid conference of October 1991, which overcame the
impediments to direct Arab-Israeli talks and launched a real peace
process. The Madrid success in turn could not have been realised
without its own foundation, the 1978 Camp David accords and the 1974
and '75 disengagement agreements involving Israel, Egypt and Syria.
    In the distinguished group here assembled today seated down here
in the front rows I see those responsible not only for today's
breakthrough, but also men and women who have toiled for decades in
the search for peace in the Middle East. I salute and congratulate
each one of you. (Applause)
    I also salute and congratulate those who have helped at particular
times. In particular, I express appreciation to Foreign Minister Holst
and his Norwegian colleagues, who worked under very difficult
circumstances -- (applause) -- and made it possible to facilitate the
negotiation of the declaration of principles. We also owe a debt of
gratitude to Foreign Minister Moussa and his Egyptian colleagues, and
many, many others who gave unstinting help to the peace process.
(Applause)
    We are all proud of this remarkable achievement, but we also
understand that much remains to be done if this newly-planted
tree is to bear fruit. The United States is committed to a
comprehensive peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbours. We
hope and believe that this agreement will spur progress in the talks
between Israel and Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The United States is
prepared to do its part in the negotiations that lie ahead. We will
spare no effort in helping the parties turn the agreements at the
table into realities on the ground. We will remain a full partner in
the search for peace. But certainly we are not the sole partner. We
need the entire international community to join us in this work and to
oppose any effort to subvert the peace. This Israeli-Palestinian
agreement cannot be permitted to fail. (Applause)
    Many, many problems remain to be solved. Today's historic
agreement demonstrates that the Middle East does not need to be a
cauldron of hostility; it can instead be a cradle of hope. Thank you.
(Applause)
    (End Text)





 TEXT OF KOZYREV REMARKS AT SIGNING CEREMONY
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - Following is the text of Russian
Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev's remarks Monday at the White House
ceremony where Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed
a peace accord. The transcript was provided by Federal News Service
(400 words)
    Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Chairman, on behalf of
President Yeltsin, I would like to congratulate you and other
colleagues and friends here who made possible, through their committed
effort and goodwill, this major step on the long road to comprehensive
peace in the Middle East. I think it's really time to rejoice, but no
time for euphoria. Unfortunately, this is only first step, major but
first step, on the long, long road. And I would like to assure you
that Russia, as one of the co-sponsors -- not only witnesses, but
co-sponsors -- of the peace process, will spare no effort, together
with the United States, with the United Nations and other interested
parties, to go on on this road and not let this major event to fail.
    It is -- (applause) -- it is only ironic that in time when Middle
Eastern peace process seems to be on track, and I'm sure it will move
towards a lasting peace, there are other forces which threaten
security in the region. Three days ago, I was in Kabul, Afghanistan,
and on Tajik-Afghan border, and even there we can see those forces of
subversion, terrorism and extremism -- religious and not only
religious; political extremism -- doing their destructive job. I know
that in other parts of this region there are also signs of this new
danger.
    And I hope that we will not limit our joint effort only to the
peace between Israel and its neighbours, not only for the cause of
Palestinians to gain their legitimate rights, but also to see for
stability in the whole region. And in this, Russia will be also a true
and determined cosponsor. (Applause)
    Once again, thank you for the effort done by all the distinguished
presidents, foreign ministers, actual and former. And I hope that
further generations of politicians will be not so much doing with the
peace but rather with the peace dividend in the Middle East. It's high
time for that. Thank you. (Applause)
    (End Text)





 TEXT OF MAZEN REMARKS AT SIGNING CEREMONY
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - Following is the text of remarks by
the PLO's Abu Mazen Monday at the White House ceremony where Israel
and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed a peace accord. The
transcript was provided by Federal News Service (600 words)
    (Through interpreter.) Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, in
these historic moments, with feelings of joy that are mixed with a
maximum sense of responsibility regarding events that are affecting
our entire region, I greet you and I greet this distinguished
gathering. I hope that this meeting in Washington will prove to be the
onset of a positive and constructive change that will serve the
interests of the Palestinian and the Israeli peoples.
    We have come to this point because we believe that peaceful
coexistence and cooperation are the only means for reaching
understanding and for realising the hopes of the Palestinians and the
Israelis. The agreement we will sign reflects the decision we made in
the Palestine Liberation Organisation to turn a new page in our
relationship with Israel. (Applause)
    We know quite well that this is merely the beginning of a journey
that is surrounded by numerous dangers and difficulties.
    And yet our mutual determination to overcome everything that
stands in the way of the cause for peace, our common belief that peace
is the only means to security and stability, and our mutual aspiration
for a secure peace characterized by cooperation, all this will enable
us to overcome all obstacles with the support of the international
community. And here I would like to mention in particular the United
States government, which will shoulder the responsibility of
continuing to play an effective and distinct role in the next stage so
that this great achievement may be completed.
    In this regard, it is important to me to affirm that we are
looking forward with a great deal of hope and optimism to a date that
is two years from today when negotiations over the final status of our
country are set to begin. We will then settle the remaining
fundamental issues, especially those of Jerusalem, the refugees and
the settlements. At that time, we will be laying the last brick in the
edifice of peace whose foundation has been established today.
(Applause)
    Economic development is the principal challenge facing the
Palestinian people after years of struggle during which our national
infrastructure and institutions were overburdened and drained.
    We are looking to the world for its support and encouragement in
our struggle for growth and development which begins today.
    I thank the government of the United States of America and the
government of the Russian Federation for the part they played and for
their efforts and their sponsorship of the peace process. I also
appreciate the role played by the government of Norway in bringing
about this agreement. And I look forward to seeing positive results
soon on the remaining Arab-Israeli tracks so we can proceed together
with our Arab brothers on this comprehensive quest for peace.
    Thank you. (Applause)
    (Treaty is signed; end text)



 TEXT OF RABIN REMARKS AT SIGNING CEREMONY
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - Following is the text of Israeli
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's remarks Monday at the White House
ceremony where Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed
a peace accord. The transcript was provided by Federal News Service
(about 750 words).
    President Clinton, the president of the United States, your
excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. This signing of the
Israeli-Palestinian declaration of principles here today, it's not so
easy, neither for myself as a soldier in Israel's war, nor for the
people of Israel, nor for the Jewish people in the Diaspora who are
watching us now with great hope mixed with apprehension. It is
certainly not easy for the families of the victims of the wars,
violence, terror, whose pain will never heal; for the many thousands
who defended our lives in their own and have even sacrificed their
lives for our own. For them, this ceremony has come too late.
    Today, on the eve of an opportunity, opportunity for peace, and
perhaps end of violence and wars, we remember each and every one of
them with everlasting love. We have come from Jerusalem, the ancient
and eternal capital of the Jewish people. We have come from an
anguished and grieving land. We have come from a people, a home, a
family that has not known a single year, not a single month, in which
mothers have not wept for their sons. We have come to try and put an
end to the hostilities so that our children, our children's children,
will no longer experience the painful cost of war, violence and
terror. We have come -- (applause) -- we have come to secure their
lives and to ease the sorrow and the painful memories of the past, to
hope and pray for peace.
    Let me say to you, the Palestinians, we are destined to live
together on the same soil in the same land. We, the soldiers who have
returned from battles stained with blood; we who have seen our
relatives and friends killed before our eyes; we who have attended
their funerals and cannot look into the eyes of their parents; we who
have come from a land where parents bury their children; we who have
fought against you, the Palestinians, we say to you today in a loud
and a clear voice enough of blood and tears. Enough! (Applause)
    We have no desire for revenge, we have -- we harbour no hatred
towards you. We, like you, are people -- people who want to build a
home, to plant a tree, to love, live side by side with you in dignity,
in affinity, as human beings, as free men. We are today giving peace a
chance and saying to you -- (applause) -- and saying again to you,
``Enough.'' Let us pray that a day will come when we all will say
farewell to the arms. We wish to open a new chapter in the sad book of
our lives together, a chapter of mutual recognition, of good
neighbourliness, of mutual respect, of understanding. We hope to
embark on a new era in the history of the Middle East.
    Today here in Washington at the White House, we will begin a new
wakening in the relations between peoples, between parents tired of
war, between children who will not know war. President of the United
States, ladies and gentlemen, our inner strength, our higher moral
values have been derived for thousands of years from the Book of the
Books, in one of which, Koheleth (Ecclesiastes), we read, ``To every
thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A
time to be born and time to die, a time to kill and a time to heal, a
time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to love and a time to hate, a
time of war and a time of peace.''
    Ladies and gentlemen, the time for peace has come. (Applause)
    In two days, the Jewish people will celebrate the beginning of a
new year. I believe, I hope, I pray that a new year will bring a
message of redemption for all peoples:  a good year for you, for all
of you; a good year for Israelis and Palestinians; a good year for all
the peoples of the Middle East; a good year for our American friends
who so want peace and are helping to achieve it. For presidents and
members of previous administrations, especially for you, President
Clinton, and your staff, for all citizens of the world, may peace come
to all your homes.
    In the Jewish tradition, it is customary to conclude our prayers
with the word ``amen'' -- as you said ``amen'' different
pronunciation. With your permission, men of peace, I shall conclude
with words taken from the prayer recited by Jews daily, and whoever of
you volunteer, I would ask the entire audience to join me in saying
``amen.'' (Speaks in Hebrew.) Amen. (Applause)
    (End Text)





 TEXT OF ARAFAT REMARKS AT SIGNING CEREMONY
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - Following is the text of PLO
Chairman Yasser Arafat's remarks Monday at the White House ceremony
where Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed a peace
accord. The transcript was provided by Federal News Service (about 700
words).
    (Through interpreter.) In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the
Passionate. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to
express our tremendous appreciation to President Clinton and to his
administration for sponsoring this historic event which the entire
world has been waiting for.
    Mr. President, I am taking this opportunity to assure you and to
assure the great American people that we share your values for
freedom, justice and human rights -- values for which my people have
been striving. (Applause)
    My people are hoping that this agreement which we are signing
today marks the beginning of the end of a chapter of pain and
suffering which has lasted throughout this century.
    My people are hoping that this agreement which we are signing
today will usher in an age of peace, coexistence and equal rights. We
are relying on your role, Mr. President, and on the role of all the
countries which believe that without peace in the Middle East, peace
in the world will not be complete.
    Enforcing the agreement and moving toward the final settlement,
after two years, to implement all aspects of U.N. Resolutions 242 and
338 in all of their aspects, and resolve all the issues of Jerusalem,
the settlements, the refugees and the boundaries will be a Palestinian
and an Israeli responsibility. It is also the responsibility of the
international community in its entirety to help the parties overcome
the tremendous difficulties which are still standing in the way of
reaching a final and comprehensive settlement.
    Now as we stand on the threshold of this new historic era, let me
address the people of Israel and their leaders, with whom we are
meeting today for the first time, and let me assure them that the
difficult decision we reached together was one that required great and
exceptional courage. (Applause)
    We will need courage and determination to continue the course
of building coexistence and peace between us. This is possible and it
will happen with mutual determination and with the effort that will be
made with all parties on all the tracks to establish the foundations
of a just and comprehensive peace.
    Our people do not consider that exercising the right to
self-determination could violate the rights of their neighbours or
infringe on their security. Rather, putting an end to their feelings
of being wronged and of having suffered a historic injustice is the
strongest guarantee to achieve coexistence and openness between our
two peoples and future generations. (Applause.)  Our two peoples are
awaiting today this historic hope, and they want to give peace a real
chance. (Applause)
    Such a shift will give us an opportunity to embark upon the
process of economic, social and cultural growth and development, and
we hope that international participation in that process will be
extensive as it can be. This shift will also provide an opportunity
for all forms of cooperation on a broad scale and in all fields.
    I thank you, Mr. President. We hope that our meeting will be a new
beginning for fruitful and effective relations between the American
people and the Palestinian people. (Applause)
    I wish to thank the Russian Federation and President Boris
Yeltsin. Our thanks also go to Secretary Christopher and Foreign
Minister Kozyrev, to the government of Norway and to the foreign
minister of Norway for the positive part they played in bringing about
this major achievement. I extend greetings to all the Arab leaders,
our brothers, and to all the world leaders who contributed to this
achievement.
    Ladies and gentlemen, the battle for peace is the most difficult
battle of our lives. It deserves our utmost efforts because the land
of peace, the land of peace yearns for a just and comprehensive peace.
Thank you. (Applause.)
    Mr. President, thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause)
    (End Text)




 TEXT OF PERES REMARKS AT SIGNING CEREMONY
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - Following is the text of Israeli
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres's remarks Monday at the White House
ceremony where Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed
a peace accord. The transcript was provided by Federal News Service
(700 words).
    Mr. President, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Mr.
President, I would like to thank you and the great American people for
peace and support. Indeed, I would like to thank all those who have
made this day possible. What we are doing today is than signing
an agreement; it is a revolution. Yesterday a dream; today a
commitment.
    The Israeli and the Palestinian people, who fought each other for
almost a century, have agreed to move decisively on the path of
dialogue, understanding and cooperation. We live in an ancient land,
and as our land is small, so must our reconciliation be great. As our
wars have been long, so must our healing be swift. Deep gaps call for
lofty bridges.
    I want to tell the Palestinian delegation that we are sincere,
that we mean business. We do not seek to shape your life or determine
your destiny. Let all of us turn from bullets to ballots, from guns to
shovels. We shall pray with you. We shall offer you our help in making
Gaza prosper and Jericho blossom again. (Applause.)
    As we have promised, we shall negotiate with you a permanent
settlement, and with all our neighbours a comprehensive peace, peace
for all. (Applause)
    We shall support the agreement with an economic structure. We
shall convert the bitter triangle of Jordanians, Palestinians and the
Israelis into a triangle of political triumph and economic prosperity.
(Applause.)  We shall lower our barriers and widen our roads so goods
and guests will be able to move freely all about the places holy and
other places.
    This should be another Genesis. We have to build a new
commonwealth on our old soil: a Middle East of the people, and a
Middle East for the children. For their sake we must put an end to the
waste of arms races and invest our resources in education. (Applause)
    Ladies and gentlemen, two parallel tragedies have unfolded. Let us
become a civic community. Let us bid once and for all farewell to
wars, to threats, to human misery. Let us bid farewell to enmity, and
may there be no victims on either side. (Applause)  Let us build
a Middle East of hope where today's food is produced and tomorrow's
prosperity is guaranteed, a region with a common market, a Near East
with a long-range agenda.
    We owe it to our fallen soldiers, to the memories of the victims
of the Holocaust. Our hearts today grieve for the lost lives of young
and innocent people yesterday in our own country. Let their memory be
a foundation we are establishing today, a memory of peace on fresh and
old terms. (Applause)
    Suffering is first of all human. We also feel for the innocent
loss of Palestinian life. We begin a new day. The day may be long and
the challenges enormous. Our calendar must meet an intensive schedule.
Mr. President, historically you are presiding over a most promising
day in the very long history of our region, of our people.
    I thank all of you, ladies and gentleman, and let's pray together.
Let's add hope to determination, since all of us since Abraham believe
in freedom, in peace, in the blessing of our great land and great
spirit.
    (Speaks in Hebrew.)
    From the eternal city of Jerusalem, from this green, promising
lawn of the White House, let's say together in the language of our
Bible:  ``Peace, peace to him that is far off and to him that is
near,'' sayeth the Lord, ``and I will hear.''
    Thank you. (Applause.)
    (End Text)



 U.S. SENATE PANEL APPROVES RUSSIA AID
    By William Scally
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - A Senate panel approved a foreign
aid bill on Monday containing $2.5 billion for the former Soviet Union
requested by President Bill Clinton and an increase in aid for West
Bank and Gaza Palestinians.
    The $12.5 billion bill, approved hours after Israel and the
Palestine Liberation Organisation signed an historic accord at the
White House, provides $25 million for the West Bank and Gaza, $3
billion for Israel and $2.1 billion for Egypt.
    The aid for Israel and Egypt was unchanged from previous years.
Clinton had resisted pressures and asked that there be no reduction.
    Senator Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat who chairs the
Appropriations subcommittee, likened the Israel-PLO accord to the
tearing down of the Berlin Wall.
    He said he was seeking to give Clinton some flexibility to make
modest additions to the Palestinian aid, which is double last year's
level.
    But he said he had told the president that any aid beyond that
could be provided only within the framework of an overall peace plan
for the region, as well as firm commitments of money from other
countries.
    ``The American people are not prepared to spend more on foreign
aid,'' Leahy said.
    Subcommittee action on the bill had been held up by difficulties
in finding the money for the Russian aid following Clinton's request
for an additional $1.8 billion last April.
    Of the $2.5 billion for the former Soviet states, $300 million is
earmarked for the Ukraine and $300 million will go to the U.S.
Export-Import Bank to cover operations costs in Russia, where it gives
guarantees for American businesses to operate.
    Before clearing the bill for action by the full Appropriations
Committee on Tuesday, the panel voted to increase refugee aid for the
United Israel Appeal to $80 million from $55 million, overriding
Leahy's opposition.
    Leahy said the $25 million extra would come from $350 million
allocated for worldwide refugee aid a time when the refugee population
had swelled to up to 17 million and the number of refugees being
resettled by the UIA was diminishing.
    He said the switch would mean that refugee aid worldwide would be
$20 per person while aid for the Israeli refugee programme would be
$1,140 per person.
    In another action, the subcommittee approved an amendment by
Republican Senator Connie Mack of Florida which would require the
appropriation of $27 million paid-in capital to the World Bank, to be
made in two instalments and linked to certification by the Treasury
that no World Bank loans had been made to Iran.
    Mack said the bank was considering $475 million in loans to Iran.





 CLINTON SAYS U.S. MUST PLAY HEAVY ROLE IN MIDEAST
    WASHINGTON, Sept 13   - President Bill Clinton called the
peace agreement between Israel and the PLO on Monday a ``very big
deal'' and said the United States must go all out to make it work.
    ``I am convinced that the United States must bear a very heavy
role of responsibility to make this work and implement the
agreement,'' Clinton told a group of prominent Jewish and
Arab-Americans who earlier in the day saw the accord signed.








 CLINTON REPORTS RABIN-ARAFAT CONVERSATION-ISRAEL TELEVISION
    JERUSALEM, Sept 13   - Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin
and PLO chief Yasser Arafat spoke to each other at the White House
about the hard work needed to make their peace accord succeed, U.S.
President Bill Clinton said on Monday.
    ``Before we came out, Mr Rabin and Mr Arafat were alone in the
Blue Room upstairs with me and we walked down together, when everyone
else had left, and they had not spoken at the time of the reception,''
Clinton told Israel Television in an interview.
    ``But they looked at each other, really clearly in the eye, for
the first time, and the prime minister said: ``You know we are going
to have to work very hard to make this work'.
    ``And Arafat said: 'I know, and I am prepared to do my part,'''
Clinton added.
    The U.S. leader said both men immediately exchanged about three
sentences -- ``right to business, no pleasantries...I thought they
were both quite serious.''
    Clinton noted the world saw the two former bitter enemies shake
hands on stage, something ``a lot of people thought would never
happen.''
    Their two handshakes and an attempt by each leader to speak in
their respective addresses ``to the people represented by the other''
were important gestures, the president said.




    United Nations troops, in Mozambique to supervise a one-year-old
peace agreement between the government and Renamo (Mozambican National
Resistance) rebels, used helicopters to ferry the injured to hospital,
a U.N. spokesman said.
   U.N. medical staff are working with Mozambican doctors to treat the
injured at the central hospital in Nampula city, the province's main
city.
   An enquiry is being set up to establish the cause of the accident.






 VATICAN HAILS MIDEAST PEACE ACCORD
    VATICAN CITY, Sept 13   - The Vatican on Monday called the
peace accord signed by Israel and the PLO in Washington a necessary
and courageous act.
    And an official at Italy's National Conference of Catholic Bishops
said it would have an important impact on the Church's relationships
with Israel and Islam.
    ``The signing of the accord is a courageous and necessary act,''
Vatican chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement.
    ``The Holy See is aware of the present and future difficulties,
but it is convinced the signing of the accord signifies the opening of
a path to peace.''
    Monsignor Clemente Riva, an official at Italy's National
Conference of Catholic Bishops, said: ``The accord will undoubtedly
have a strong impact on interreligious dialogue, and in particular on
the relationships the Church has with Israel and Islam.''
    Pope John Paul hailed the Middle East peace accord during his
Sunday Angelus message and said his thoughts were focused on
Jerusalem.
    A visit to the Holy Land remains one of the few unfulfilled wishes
of the 73-year-old Polish Pope, but no such trip is feasible in the
absence of diplomatic ties between Israel and the Holy See.
    But Vatican diplomats say the Middle East peace moves will
accelerate recognition talks. They believe preliminary contacts could
be established by the end of the year.




 RELIGIOUS GROUPS PRAISE, SCORN MIDEAST PACT
    NEW YORK, Sept 13   - American Jewish and Arab groups
heaped everything from heartfelt praise to vitrolic scorn upon
Monday's historic accord between Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organisation.
    Mainstream Jewish groups hailed the pact as an agressive step
toward peace in the Mideast. Some Arab groups expressed cautious
optimism. And hardliners on both sides said the pact was a leap in the
wrong direction.
    ``The peace train has finally begun to roll in the Middle East,''
said Kent Schiner, president of the Jewish organisation B'nai B'rith.
``The naysayers on both sides must get off the tracks.''
    Dawud Assad, president of the Council of Mosques U.S.A., said
``This opportunity for peace which seems within our grasp should not
be allowed to slip away.''
    The American Jewish Congress said the agreement ``...will now
allow mutual recognition, in lieu of what amounted to past promises of
mutual destruction.''
    Other Jewish groups were not so sure.
    An organisation called Americans for a Safe Israel said the
agreement was ``a dangerous blunder'' that would lead to the
establishment of a Palestine homeland that was no than  ``a haven
for terrorists.''
    Rabbi Avi Weiss, of the hard-line Coalition for Jewish Concerns,
said he planned to file suit against the PLO on behalf of Americans
killed or injured in anti-Israeli violence.
    Going further still, a group named the Supreme Rabbinic Court of
America announced that it had excommunicated the Israeli politicians
who participated in the negotiations.
    Most Arab-American groups offered no than tepid support for
the pact.
    Noel Saleh, an attorney and a former national board member of the
Palestine Aid Society, said he's not optimistic.
    ``To me, the only virtue of the settlement from the Arab point of
view is that it recognises the PLO as representing the the Palestinian
people,'' Saleh said. ``This is a major political step but I'm not
certain it justifies everything that was given away.''
    Mohammad Mehdi, president of the American Arab and Muslim Council,
called the pact ``lopsided'' because Israel will now recognise the PLO
but will not recognise an independent Palestinian state. He said he
declined an invitation to attend the signing.
    Mehdi said he had spoken with imprisoned Egyptian cleric Sheik
Omar Abdel Rahman, who told him the pact was ``a violation of the
letter and spirit of Islam.''
    The sheik, who is accused of plotting a campaign of violence
against New York targets with his fundamentalist Islamic followers,
predicted an increase in violence as a result of the agreement.
    ``(The pact) will increase conflict amongst Palestinians against
Palestinians, Jews against Jews and Israelis against Palestinians,''
he said, according to Mehdi.