Finally, the leaders also understand the need to make arrangements between their security forces so that cooperation is more reliable and the situation on the ground is stabilized. They are prepared to do what is needed to achieve that as well. All of us should put the meetings we have had over the last two days into the proper perspective. The peace process did not start today and it will not be finished tomorrow. For three years now the Israelis and the Palestinians have been moving forward along the path to a lasting peace.
Every step is hard.
It requires both sides to make difficult decisions and to keep their eyes fixed on the prize of lasting peace. But the progress they have made has proved to the world that progress is possible and peace is possible. Both sides know there is no turning back. Just as there can be no peace without security, there can be no true security without peace. I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat understand the choice they face every day.