The substantive issue underlying the reconciliation was the settlement of the Palestinian problem, at the core of the conflict, as well as the Egyptian-Israeli problem. Bilateral negotiations in that connection sought to achieve a framework for Palestinian autonomy, since both Egypt and Israel realised that settlement of the conflict could not be merely a bilateral matter. As a model for conflict settlement, the accord provides a viable framework for the resolution of potential problems that could present an obstruction to implementation. One crucial point is that it did not leave any issues unresolved, which could subsequently have led to serious crises, as in the case of the Israeli settlements in Sinai. That problem, at present, is more complicated than it was at the time.
Outstanding issues can only create problems.
Experienced negotiators know that solutions can be found to all problems, if good intentions and practical awareness of the requirements for peace prevail. With creative thinking, and some assistance from the countries sponsoring the peace process, the principles of a lasting or sustainable peace have been laid down in the treaty. Even in the case of problems that were not resolved immediately, such as the border demarcation points, a specific mechanism was decided upon for their settlement. The issue of Taba, as well as other related administrative points which were resolved through arbitration, proved the effectiveness of such a mechanism. The experience gleaned from the conclusion of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty confirms the important role played in the negotiating process by the US, the principal sponsor.