Approaches/Peace process review: March 1993

APPROACHES TOWARDS

THE SETTLEMENT

OF THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT

AND THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE

Issue 22 –  March 1993

United Nations

New York, April 1993

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

NOTE

Since April 1991, at the request of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the Division for Palestinian Rights of the United Nations Secretariat has prepared on a monthly basis, for the use of the Committee members and observers, a compilation of statements, declarations, documents or other material regarding the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the question of Palestine and the convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East.  The present issue covers the month of March 1993.

Reproduced herein are only those statements, declarations, documents or other material, in full or summarized, which relate to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the question of Palestine.

Excerpts from a statement by the United States Assistant Secretary

of State for Near East Affairs before the Subcommittee on Europe

and the Middle East of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,

Washington, D.C., 9 March 1993

On 9 March 1993, at Washington, D.C., in a statement before the Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Edward P. Djerejian, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, outlined the policy of the United States Administration in the Middle East.  He said the following, inter alia:

"Mr. Chairman, thank you for inviting me to meet again with you and the distinguished members of the subcommittee.

"As you know, Secretary Christopher returned 11 days ago from his first journey outside the United States as Secretary of State, a trip that took us to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Cyprus, Lebanon [and] Israel; to Geneva, where he met with Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev; and, finally, to Brussels for meetings with the North Atlantic Council.

"President Clinton asked Secretary Christopher to travel to the Middle East with several important objectives in mind:

"First, to demonstrate his belief that the Middle East peace process presented an opportunity for real progress in the period ahead and, conversely, to signal our awareness that this is a region which, if left unattended, can do much harm to vital US interests; [and]

"Second, to promote other important objectives of our policy, namely:

· Concern about human rights and broader political participation in the region;

· Promotion of American business and commercial opportunities abroad and the need to end the secondary and tertiary aspects of the Arab economic boycott;

· Reassurance to allies that we would expect Iraq's full compliance with all UN Security Council resolutions; [and]

· Recognition of the importance we attach to Lebanon's continuing to make progress toward full independence and economic recovery.

"The Secretary returned from the trip satisfied that we made some progress on these issues, which enables us to move forward in meeting these objectives in the period ahead.

"With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I would like to briefly review for the subcommittee the status of our relations and interests in the Middle East following the Secretary's trip, after which I will be happy to take your questions.  I will endeavour to bring you up to date on the peace process, on our bilateral relations with some of the countries in the region, on our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula, and on broader concerns such as our economic and commercial interests and the prospects for democracy and human rights.

"Peace Process

"On the peace process:  Since the eighth round of bilaterals adjourned in mid-December [1992], there has been a hiatus in the negotiations. President Clinton sent Secretary Christopher to the Middle East last month not only to re-energize and reactivate the peace talks but also to assess the determination and commitment of the parties to the goal of a negotiated peace.

"The President and Secretary especially wanted to emphasize the commitment of the United States to a full partnership role in this complex and difficult process if, and this is important, the parties come to the table prepared to engage in serious and meaningful negotiations in order to narrow the substantive differences between them.

"Much work needs to be done.  Not only are the substantive positions between the parties still far apart, but the political environment has been made more difficult by the resurgence of violence directed against Israel by terrorists and by the deportation of Hamas activists.

"Deportees

"The Secretary recognized and acted on the specific challenge of the deportees issue in the earliest days of the new Administration.  He engaged in intensive discussions with [Israeli] Prime Minister Rabin to move the issue off dead centre.

"In this regard, the understandings reached with Israel and announced by Prime Minister Rabin on February 1 and the Security Council's endorsement of the process for carrying out [its] resolution 799 were positive steps forward to resolve this issue.  Further, while the Secretary was in Jerusalem, he worked closely with Prime Minister Rabin and the Palestinians, represented by Faisal Husseini and his colleagues, to determine what more could be done to move the parties to resume negotiations at the earliest possible date. As a result of these close consultations and discussions, more progress was achieved which allowed the Secretary and Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev to announce in Geneva the intention of the co-sponsors to extend invitations to the parties very soon for a ninth round of negotiations in Washington in April.

"Discussions with Arab leaders

"The Secretary's discussions with Arab leaders were positive and substantive.  Each of them emphasized privately their commitment to the negotiating process and their strong intent to return to the table of negotiations as soon as possible.  Equally important, each said the same thing publicly and, thus, placed their countries squarely behind an early resumption of the bilateral negotiations.

"In delivering letters to each of the leaders from President Clinton, the Secretary focused on the key elements of the President's policy:

· The United States remains committed to the process of peacemaking launched at Madrid, including the terms of reference for the negotiations and the letters of assurances provided by the US Government to each party.

· Our policy remains directed at the achievement of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace settlement, achieved through direct negotiations based on United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.

· The United States is prepared to play an active role to help narrow and overcome substantive differences if, as I stated earlier, the parties, on their part, are prepared to come to the table and engage in meaningful negotiations.  In playing this role, which the Secretary characterized as 'full partner', he stressed that in no way would we substitute ourselves for the parties themselves; but, rather, we would assist the parties who are engaged in direct, face-to-face negotiations as an active intermediary – an honest broker and facilitator – in helping to move the talks forward and to narrow substantive differences.

"The parties appreciated the continuity in US policy which this approach indicated; they were buoyed by the willingness of the United States to play a more active role; they indicated their understanding that such a role would not substitute for the direct talks between themselves.

"Discussions with Israelis and Palestinians

"The Secretary's talks in Israel on a range of bilateral, regional, and peace process issues benefited from his previous engagement with Prime Minister Rabin in arranging the process for dealing with the deportations issue.  Through that effort, a positive relationship was begun, characterized by mutual trust and personal rapport that, as a result of this visit, has intensified and provides an excellent basis for Prime Minister Rabin's meeting with President Clinton this month.

"The Secretary's discussions with Palestinian leaders were also frank and substantive.  The Palestinians expressed their continued concerns about the human rights situation in the occupied territories, and there as an extensive discussion of issues involving the negotiations on interim self-government arrangements and final status talks.

"After these detailed exchanges with both Israelis and Palestinians, we left the region persuaded that there was broad agreement in principle on the steps that were needed to restart the peace negotiations.

"In sum, the Secretary's trip allowed us to refocus the parties on resuming the negotiations and to sensitize the parties that it is time to delve into substance and that the United States will be there to assist them to reach agreements.

"Bilateral relations

"A primary aim of the Secretary in undertaking his trip was to get to know the region's leaders, to listen and to learn of their concerns, and to establish good personal relationships that would facilitate the conduct of our formal bilateral relations.  In this respect, we were very encouraged by the results.

"Egypt.  In Cairo, the Secretary renewed the friendship and cooperative relationship the United States has enjoyed with Egypt for many years.  Recognizing the 'pivotal role' Egypt plays in the region, the Secretary saluted Egypt's invaluable leadership under President Mubarak in the search for peace and expressed his appreciation for the 'wise counsel' proffered by Egypt's leaders on issues of mutual concern.

"Jordan.  In Jordan, the Secretary noted substantial progress toward democratization and King Hussein's commitment to protection of human rights. Jordan is taking concrete steps toward economic reform and a strengthened free market economy.  Of course, Jordan has been a key participant in the peace process, and we look forward to its continued positive role.  King Hussein also assured the Secretary that Jordan would continue to adhere to UN sanctions against Iraq.

"To support Jordan's positive role in the peace process and its adherence to UN sanctions, we will recommend soon to the Secretary that he release the remaining $50 million in FY 1992 security assistance funds.  We will, of course, discuss our plans with you and other Members of Congress before disbursement.

"Syria.  In Damascus, the Secretary consulted extensively with President Assad on the peace process and a wide range of bilateral issues.  The Syrian President assured the Secretary that he remains firmly committed to the peace process and to re-engaging as soon as possible in the next round of bilateral negotiations.

"The Secretary also established with the Syrians the basis for continuing our dialogue to address high-priority bilateral concerns, including terrorism, narcotics, and human rights, with a view toward obtaining positive results.  In this latter respect, the Secretary raised the issue of Syrian Jewry, and President Assad reconfirmed his decision to allow Syrian Jews full freedom to travel.  Secretary Christopher also made clear the importance we continue to attach to the redeployment of Syrian forces in Lebanon.

"Lebanon.  The Secretary identified as one of his objectives the recognition of the progress achieved by the Lebanese Government in reconciling and reconstructing that war-torn nation.  His dramatic visit to Beirut – the first by an American Secretary of State since 1983 – underscored our continuing support for Lebanon's efforts to restore its economy and to regain full control of its territory and its political independence and was welcomed by the Lebanese leadership – President Hraoui, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Foreign Minister Boueiz – as a powerful symbol of the US commitment to Lebanon.

"We continue to support full implementation of both the letter and the spirit of the Taif accord and the withdrawal of all non-Lebanese forces from Lebanon, and the Secretary made this clear during his trip.

"In Lebanon, a key to the extension of government authority throughout the country is the maintenance of strong Lebanese armed forces.  The Lebanese army has traditionally sought training for many of its soldiers in the West, including in the United States.  It remains our hope that we can resume accepting a number of Lebanese officers and enlisted personnel for training in this country under the IMET [International Military Education and Training] programme, and we would appreciate Congress' support in this endeavour.

"Israel.  Upon his arrival in Israel, Secretary Christopher reconfirmed the special relationship, based on shared democratic values and common interests, that exists between Israel and the United States.  Citing President Clinton's determination to make the ties binding our two countries 'even stronger and more resilient', the Secretary also reaffirmed the United States' unalterable commitment to Israel's security and its qualitative military edge, a commitment based on our recognition of Israel's continuing security challenges.

"The Secretary observed that real security for Israel can only be brought about by real peace – not just the absence of war but peace reflected in lasting treaties, normalized relations, and genuine reconciliation with her neighbours and with the Palestinians.  To that end, and recognizing that obstacles still existed, he reiterated the US commitment to the role of full partner in a reinvigorated peace process.

"Economic and commercial interests

"The United States has important economic and commercial interests in the Middle East, and especially in the Gulf region, which we continue to pursue actively.  Throughout his trip, the Secretary raised with several of his interlocutors the Administration's support for US companies that are bidding on significant local contracts.  Regarding American business interests in Saudi Arabia, I am pleased to report that, as Secretary [of Defence] Les Aspin has written to you, we are achieving progress in resolving a number of the commercial disputes with that country.

"Several have been concluded recently, and Saudi Ambassador Bandar is working to conclude agreements with the remaining claimants.  We will continue our strong efforts in this regard.

"During his visit, the Secretary strongly urged the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to work to eliminate the Arab League boycott of Israel. Since the [Persian] Gulf war, these countries have quietly reduced enforcement of the boycott against American companies.  The Secretary emphasized clearly that more needs to be done, however.  We continue to press Arab States hard to end these anachronistic measures, and we have urged immediate action to eliminate the secondary and tertiary aspects of the boycott, especially as they affect American companies.  We are also working with our trading partners, and the European Community and Japan have both made their own demarches."1/

Text of a United States-Russian Federation joint statement

on the Middle East peace negotiations,

Washington, D.C., 10 March 1993

On 10 March 1993, at Washington, D.C., the following text of a United States-Russian Federation statement on the Middle East peace negotiations was released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary/Spokesman:

"The United States and Russia, as co-sponsors of the Middle East peace process, have extended invitations to Israel, Jordan, Syria, Palestinians, and  Lebanon to resume bilateral negotiations in Washington on  Tuesday, April 20 [1993].  This ninth round of negotiations will continue until Thursday, May 6.

"In conveying this invitation to the parties, the co-sponsors have re-emphasized their commitment and determination to achieve substantive progress toward the common objective of a comprehensive peace settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions 242 [1967] and 338 [1973].  The co-sponsors have conveyed to the parties their intention to work with the parties actively to promote substantive progress in the negotiations.

"The co-sponsors have also notified host countries for the next round of multilateral working groups that the working groups have been rescheduled. The co-sponsors have proposed that the Water Working Group convene in Geneva, April 27-29; that the Economic Development Working Group convene in Rome, May 4-5; that the Refugee Working Group convene in Oslo, May 11-13; that the Arms Control and Regional Security Working Group convene in Washington, May 17-20; and that the Environment Working Group convene in Tokyo, May 24-25.

"With the resumption of both bilateral and multilateral negotiations, the co-sponsors join the parties in expressing their conviction that 1993 should be a year of substantive progress toward peace and reconciliation."2/

Text of an opening statement by the United States Secretary of State

at a news conference, Washington, D.C., 10 March 1993

On 10 March 1993, at a news conference at Washington, D.C., the following opening statement was made by the United States Secretary of State Mr. Warren Christopher:

"President Clinton has asked me to make an announcement today on our efforts in the Middle East.  Events in the Middle East have historically captured the attention of the world.  Unfortunately, too often this has been because of war.  This is a region that since 1948 had known five Arab-Israeli wars.  And every time there has been a war, the world has held its breath because the risk of a super-Power confrontation was ever present.

"That risk is now a thing of the past.  The end of the cold war has created an unusual opportunity for progress toward peace in the region, and now all of us must act to seize and enhance that opportunity.

"In the Middle East, such opportunities are unlikely to last very long, and the cost of lost opportunity would be very high.  It's precisely because of the recognition of these costs that every Administration, for over the last four decades – Democratic and Republican alike – has played an active role in the search for peace in the Middle East.

"This enduring and bipartisan commitment to promote peace reflects an unassailable reality.  The search for peace in the Middle East is in America's vital national interest.  It reflects the fact that conflict in this region, especially given the abundance of very destructive weapons in the region, contains the seeds of dangerous escalation.  It reflects the fact that a great majority of the world's oil supplies could be put at risk; and it reflects the fact that the United States has a special commitment to Israel's security, a country that is a solid and trusted ally with whom we share a deep and abiding commitment to democratic values.

"I believe we now have an opportunity to promote peace that will serve the interests of Israel, the Arab States, the Palestinians, and the entire community.  A passive American role is not enough.  What is called for is an active, positive effort that will take advantage of what many believe to be a historic moment in that region.

"We must now seize this opportunity to play the role of full partner, just as we did in the achievement of the Israeli-Egyptian peace 14 years ago. We have been repaid in full over the years by strong friendship and ties with both Israel and Egypt.  The visits to Washington by [Israeli] Prime Minister Rabin this week and by [Egyptian] President Mubarak in April are testimony to the enduring nature of the relationships that were forged out of this negotiation.

"It is time for the people in this region to set aside violence and work together for reconciliation and peace.  The important steps taken at the Madrid conference have opened up a wide vista of possibilities.  Over the years, Arabs and Israelis have sat together – that is, over the course of the last year they have sat together – in bilateral negotiations, seeking to achieve a comprehensive settlement based upon UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.  They have also joined in multilateral negotiations on such diverse and pressing issues as arms control and regional security, economic development, water, refugees, and the environment.  They have sought to build a Middle East in which neighbours work together to resolve common problems.

"President Clinton is committed to helping the parties confront and overcome the difficult challenges that lie ahead.  In asking me to take my first trip to the Middle East to consult with leaders of that region, the President offered our full assistance as an active, full partner in the search for peace.  In doing so, he underscored the enduring reality of an American involvement in Middle East peace efforts.  It is good for us as Americans, and it is good for our friends and interests in the region.

"The resumption of bilateral and multilateral negotiations, which we are announcing today, is important but not an end in itself.  Our objective and the objective of all parties must be to make real, tangible progress soon. Nearly everyone I spoke to on my trip in the Middle East agreed that there may be now a one-time opportunity to promote peace.  History tells us that such opportunities may be fleeting, especially in the Middle East, and we believe it is now time to re-launch the negotiations.

"Toward this end, the United States and Russia, as co-sponsors of the Middle East peace negotiations, are today inviting the parties to resume bilateral negotiations here in Washington for the two-week period commencing on Tuesday, April 20 [1993].  We're also announcing the reconvening of the multilateral working groups [on] a specified series of dates beginning with the water group on April 27 in Geneva.

"To prepare the ground for these important bilateral negotiations and multilateral negotiations, we'll also be inviting the parties to send representatives to Washington in late March or early April to have substantive discussions with our enhanced US team.

"And so we must now all roll up our sleeves to make 1993 a year marked by real progress toward peace and reconciliation.  The United States is prepared to do its part, and now the other parties must be prepared to do theirs."3/

*    *    *

Notes

1. United States Department of State Dispatch, March 15, 1993, Vol. 4, No. 11, pp. 149-151.

2. Ibid., p. 142.

3. Ibid., p. 141.