Netanyahu calls for 'reciprocal' peace agreements
January 19, 1997
Web posted at: 3:10 p.m. EST (2010 GMT)
(CNN) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday
indicated that the Hebron deal represents a new era in Middle
East peace accords -- one based on "reciprocity," not Israeli
handouts.
Appearing on CNN's "Late Edition," Netanyahu said the days of
Israel's "one-way giving" were over and that for peace to be
accomplished all parties need to fulfill their ends of
agreements.
"We have fashioned an agreement that says that the key to
continuing the negotiations for peace is reciprocity," he
said. "For the first time since the Oslo accords, we
actually have the idea that these mutual undertakings have to
be done mutually."
Vivo interviews with Arafat and Netanyahu
(1:49 Vivo - Arafat after his return to Hebron)
(7:19 Vivo - Interview with Netanyahu on CNN's "Late Edition" after Arafat's return to Hebron)
Asked what he thought of Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat's speech in Hebron Sunday,
Netanyahu lashed out, saying the Palestinian leader went too
far when he vowed to push for a Palestinian state and to
establish a capital in Jerusalem.
"He knows that we will never allow Jerusalem to be ever
redivided again," Netanyahu said. "We'll never allow a Berlin
Wall to be struck in the center of the city."
However, Netanyahu applauded Arafat's conciliatory words to
Jewish settlers who remain in Hebron and suggested settlers
and Palestinians hold meetings that would help establish a
peaceful co-existence.
Under the Hebron agreement, 80 percent of the city was handed
over to Palestinian control early Friday. Israel retains
control of 20 percent of the city where some 400 settlers
live amid more than 100,000 Palestinians.
Peace talks with Syria
Netanyahu also said he hoped to resume peace talks with
Syria, but he indicated Israel would not change its stance on
the disputed Golan Heights. "We view the Golan as a territory
of critical importance to our security. Syria thinks
otherwise."
Talks have been blocked over the fate of the Golan Heights,
which Israel seized from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war.
Syria has insisted Netanyahu embrace an understanding reached
with the dovish Labor Party government that the Golan Heights
be returned.
Netanyahu also urged the United States to continue its role
in facilitating Middle East peace negotiations.
"There is a larger reality here. Our part of the world is
still not tranquil, is still unstable, is still one that
requires a major effort to produce peace," he said.
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Related stories:
- Arafat arrives in Hebron for 'victory' celebration - January 19, 1997
- Jubilant Palestinians raise flag over Hebron - January 17, 1997
- Sparks fly as parliament debates Hebron pact - January 16, 1997
- Israeli parliament debates Hebron deal - January 16, 1997
- Israeli troops poised to leave most of Hebron - January 15, 1997
- Israeli Cabinet passes Hebron deal after tense debate - January 15, 1997
- Hebron deal complete, hard sell begins - January 15, 1997
- Israelis, Palestinians sign accord on Hebron - January 14, 1997
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