Later today I will talk with Chairman Arafat about the steps that Palestinians can take to halt the violence and resume security coordination. I and so many, many people around the world have been profoundly troubled by the violence over the past six months. To see so many lives torn by conflict only underscores the imperative of bringing a swift end to the cycle of provocation and reaction. The people of Israel have a right to live within internationally recognized borders in security and peace with all their neighbors. It is my profound hope that we can bring the violence and suffering to an end so that Israelis, Palestinians, and others throughout the region might one day live side by side in peace and prosperity.
Peace needs to provide security.
Regarding your first question, it is absolutely clear that in order to ease the closure, there are certain steps that Chairman Arafat will need to take.