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Tuesday, April 25, 1995
It was a unique example of the outcome of a fruitful and civilized dialogue proving the ability of peoples to settle their differences with peaceful means, if there is goodwill and all are committed to legitimacy and to the sincere implementation of the rule of law. In the light of this experience of fruitful dialogue which has reached the right settlement to the Taba problem, and ended a dispute that could have squandered the Egyptian and Israeli peace efforts, we call on all parties to carry out serious and responsible negotiations that will bring about a definite agreement on the necessity of keeping the Middle East free of all weapons of mass distruction. I believe that we can reach such an agreement if we look at the future with discerning eyes and proceed steadily with a strong will towards a new era far from the accumulations of the past. It is impossible to live in an age of peace while we are burdened with the bitterness of war, hatred and malice, worn out with mutual suspicion and fear of the future. Brothers and Sisters: the edifice of peace has withstood formidable storms because it has been established on a firm basis, securing the rights of all parties, and paving the way for free cooperation in the interest of all without coercion. I believe that the Egyptian-Israeli peace still constitutes the correct model for peace relations that should prevail in the Middle East. Peoples cannot accept peace that infringes on their national sovereignty, historical rights or national security. Peace lacking in these conditions will not be durable, nor will it pave the way for new relations linking the peoples of the region. From this standpoint, Egypt has always been keen on pushing the peace process towards the right directions that preserve the hopes of the peoples of the region for a just peace. It has protected the peace settlement process from serious dangers, and the peace goal from enemies that aim at undermining it. The Palestinian-Israeli peace still continues to be an indispensable objective because the majority of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples want peace. However, this peace needs more concerted and sincere efforts from both sides in order to confront joint challenges, realize similar aspirations and pave the way for a secure future for all the peoples of the region. On the other hand, we look forward to considerable progress on the Syrian track despite obstacles that still delays an agreement between the two sides. It has become clear to all that there is no alternative for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights because the correct rule that should be respected and be obligatory is: "All the land in exchange for all-out peace." This is a rule that should be applied to all parties, including the Lebanese front which we should not overlook or disregard. |
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