But there can be no tolerance for abuse of the repudiation power. The Palestinians have the power to proclaim a state, though the practical significance of such a declaration is open to doubt. Thus, the Wye River Memorandum affirms Oslo's intention not to circumvent the process of negotiation, as a unilateral declaration of statehood would seem to do. The Middle East is not famous for rational behavior, as continuing terrorism attests. It is not implausible, therefore, that Oslo may fail.
Success depends on mutual respect and the commitment of both sides.
Resolution 242 will continue to provide the framework for a peaceful settlement. The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles and subsequent interim agreements do not and cannot negate, substitute for, or supersede relevant instruments of international law. Until a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement is reached, final status issues remain subject to international law. The right of the Palestinian people to establish their own state emanates from their national right to self-determination, consistent with international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and relevant UN resolutions. Because the Palestinian people are a long-established and indigenous people, this right is not dependent on and does not emanate from the existing Oslo agreements.