We hope that talks with Syria will resume as soon as possible, and a fair and equitable agreement can be achieved. Israel is determined to pursue peace and take the calculated risks attached to it. But Israel will not compromise, not now and not ever, on those security and national interests that we deem vital. While building our peace with the Palestinians we cannot ignore security concerns inherent in the fact that this is not our last peace. We still have a dispute pending with Syria, and we are still exposed to the most serious regional threats emanating from revolutionary powers in the area.
Peace requires the active involvement of the international community.
The critical role played by the United States, and especially the relentless dedication and unequivocal commitment of President Bill Clinton, has been massive and constructive. We have also seen the European Union rising to the task, and we commend the role of the French Presidency and that of other key European governments. Peace needs your advice and it will need your support to cement it once it is achieved. I believe that it is also important that Russia, Asia and the Arab world express their opinion that now is the time to make historical decisions. Time is an elusive and perishable commodity.