UN General Assembly
1982

prominent role in those developments. I should like also to mention the contribution made by Jordan to this greater search for negotiated solutions. 144. Recent statements by the leadership of the PLO -which, in Italy's view, continues to be a key factor in future peace negotiations-statements endorsed by Arafat himself at a meeting I had with him some days ago in Rome, show signs of an increased awareness on the Palestinian side. We hope that this development in the Palestinian position, which we have duly noted, will be further consolidated so that in the occupied territories it will be possible to make progress towards the establishment of a Palestinian homeland through the exercise of a free choice by the Palestinians of their own destiny made in full awareness of the realities of the area and the importance of gradualism. This means abandoning any attempt to dispute Israel's existence or to threaten its security. We are convinced that the time has come for Israel also to show determination to enter a new phase of negotiations and peaceful