Joint Statement with Israeli PM Shimon Peres
(April 30, 1996)
President Clinton and Prime Minister Peres have concluded
two days of intensive discussions on a broad range of issues relating
to the U.S.-Israeli relationship. Those discussions reflect the deep,
long-standing and unique bonds of friendship which have characterized
the U.S.-Israeli relationship and the legacy of shared values, common
interests, and mutual respect for democracy that have made this close
and special relationship endure.
The President and Prime Minister reviewed the extent
of the U.S.-Israeli relationship in all its dimensions. They agreed
that this cooperation in security, economic, and diplomatic areas is
grounded in institutions that are functioning extremely effectively
to the benefit of both countries. At the same time, they agreed that,
in view of continuing threats to regional peace and stability, and in
particular the dangers posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and advanced military technologies, U.S.-Israeli strategic cooperation
will grow in importance.
To this end, the President and the Prime Minister agreed
that a steering committee headed by the U.S. Secretary of State and
the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs would be established to explore
means of enhancing and, where appropriate, formalizing, that cooperation.
Two working groups will report to the steering committee. The first,
dealing with security and defense matters, will consider all options
including the possibility of more formal security accords, for how best
to meet common threats in the years to come. It will also identify ways
to maximize the effectiveness of U.S. aid to Israel. The second will
deal with other policy matters relating to U.S.-Israeli strategic cooperation.
The two leaders affirmed that the strategic partnership
between the two countries will continue to be based on two key principles:
first, the United States unshakable commitment to Israel's security
and its determination to minimize the risks and costs Israel confronts
as it pursues peace; and second, the U.S.-Israeli mutual commitment
to a comprehensive peace and their determination to move toward that
goal.
With respect to Israel's security, the President specifically
reaffirmed the United States commitment to maintain Israel's qualitative
edge and to preserve and to strengthen Israel's capability to deter
and defend itself, by itself, against any adversary or likely combination
of adversaries.
The President and Prime Minister took great pride in
signing the U.S.-Israel Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Accord. This agreement
sets out practical measures enabling their two countries to make the
best possible use of expertise, resources, and capabilities in the war
against terror. A Joint Counter-Terrorism Group has been established
to monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement. Israel and
the United States also agreed to seek to coordinate their efforts with
the international effort against terror launched at Sharm al-Sheikh
on March 13, 1996.
The President and the Prime Minister also took note
of the joint statement on theater missile defense cooperation signed
by the Prime Minister and Secretary of Defense Perry April 28. The United
States and Israel recognize the defense of Israel will be made more
effective by undertaking necessary steps to ensure that Israel's theater
missile defenses are supported by related United States capabilities.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive results to
date of the ongoing bilateral dialogue on issues relating to the transfer
of equipment and technology to third countries.
With respect to their determination to achieve a comprehensive
peace, the two leaders agreed on the importance of implementation of
agreements reached and the need to expand the orbit of Arab-Israeli
peacemaking with a view toward achieving normal, peaceful relations
between Israel and all its Arab neighbors. They welcomed the decision
by the Palestinian National Council to cancel all the provisions of
the Palestinian National Covenant which deny Israel's right to exist
or are otherwise inconsistent with the September 1993 exchange of letters
between Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat. This action is an
important demonstration by the Palestinians of their commitment to honor
the terms of the 1993 Oslo Accords.
The President and Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction
with the improved understanding reached last week on Southern Lebanon
as a result of Secretary of State Christopher's negotiating efforts
and after discussions with the governments of Israel and Lebanon and
in consultation with Syria. They noted the importance of prompt activation
of the monitoring committee and consultative group established by the
understanding.
Finally, the President and the Prime Minister agreed
on the need to end the Arab boycott and to eliminate discrimination
against Israel in all international organizations, including the United
Nations.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |