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cabinet Communique |
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| 28/10/2001 |
The Cabinet, at its weekly meeting today (Sunday), 28.10.2001:
1. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres briefed the Cabinet on his recent visit
to the US.
Foreign Minister Peres described the unity prevailing among the US
administration, the Congress and the American public in light of the
US's struggle against terror.
"The US knows who the terrorists are and who their allies are," Foreign
Minister Peres said.
Foreign Minister Peres noted the understandings which have been forged
between the US and China and Russia - which, today, are on the same side
in the struggle against terror - and said that, today, there is a new
division in the world, neither east vs. west nor north vs. south, but
those who oppose terrorism vs. those who support it.
At the end of his briefing, Foreign Minister Peres said that the entire
world is facing a new era, vis-a-vis both the struggle against terror
and the economic difficulties that affect us all. Therefore, he added,
we must act responsibly.
2. Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer briefed the Cabinet on recent
security events, including the IDF actions in 'A' areas. The Defense
Minister asserted that the Palestinians have not honored the agreement
that was made with them to prevent shooting from the Beit Jala and
Bethlehem areas, which will delay the departure of IDF forces from these
areas. The Defense Minister made it clear that if quiet is maintained
in these towns, IDF forces will begin their evacuation this evening.
3. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that the US is indeed involved in a
difficult and lengthy campaign that could last for years.
Prime Minister Sharon reported on his conversations with Prime Minister
Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway and Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer of
Germany, and said that he clarified to them that while Israel has no
intention or interest of making life difficult for the Palestinians,
Israel is committed to protecting its citizens and maintaining their
security.
Prime Minister Sharon noted the agreement reached at last Thursday's
"kitchen Cabinet" meeting, but added that the Palestinians have not
honored their part of the agreement, and that it was, therefore, decided
to delay the IDF's withdrawal.
Prime Minister Sharon emphasized that it is our duty to determinedly
insist on the fulfillment of agreements, and said that this is a
fundamental principle in any relationship between us and the
Palestinians, whether current or in the future.
Prime Minister Sharon noted that the agreements reached yesterday with
the Palestinians established three principles:
1. There will be a body responsible for the areas that are evacuated.
2. There will be a complete cease-fire.
3. The PA will conduct arrests.
"The Palestinian Authority did not abide by the agreements and therefore
the IDF withdrawal from Bethlehem and Beit Jala has been delayed," said
the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Sharon repeated and emphasized that Israel has no
intention of remaining in "A" areas - but declared that if an agreement
has been reached, then it must be adhered to.
Prime Minister Sharon reiterated that the government is committed to the
security of the citizens of Israel.
4. Prime Minister Sharon briefed the Cabinet on a conversation he had
with Ukrainian Prime Minister Anatolii Kinakh in which the latter
expressed his regrets and condolences over the plane crash over the
Black Sea that took place on 4.10.2001. Ukrainian President Leonid
Kuchma announced that he appointed a deputy prime minister to handle all
issues relating to the tragic event and its consequences. The two
agreed that the two countries will cooperation at a ministerial level on
all issues of claims for compensation. Justice Minister Meit Sheetrit
has been appointed to coordinate the handling of claims by the families
of victims of the disaster.
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