[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                            THE CAIRO ACCORD

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, yesterday in Cairo another milestone was 
passed in the march toward peace in the Middle East. Israeli Prime 
Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat, after a slight 
hitch in the ceremonies, signed an agreement to implement the landmark 
Declaration of Principles.
  The Cairo agreement brings to a close a tense negotiating period 
between Israel and the PLO. There have been tremendous ups and downs 
since the September 13, 1993, signing of the Declaration of Principles. 
Indiscriminate acts of violence and terror on both sides, including the 
Hebron killings, interrupted discussions and threatened to undermine 
the process altogether. Charges of bad faith and expressions of concern 
resulted from Arafat's lukewarm condemnation of the Afula and Hadeira 
bombings.
  But in the end, the leaders on both sides--Prime Minister Rabin, 
Chairman Arafat, Foreign Minister Peres, Nabil Shaath--shouldered the 
responsibility to keep the negotiations going. Underneath it all was 
the patience and constancy of U.S. officials such as Secretary of State 
Warren Christopher, Ambassador Dennis Ross, and indeed, President 
Clinton himself, who all worked diligently and effectively behind the 
scenes to sustain the momentum.
  I would also like to take a moment to express my appreciation and 
gratitude for the role that Egypt, and particularly President Hosni 
Mubarak, played in the negotiations. Because Egypt has been at peace 
with Israel for 15 years now, it is almost easy to overlook Egypt's 
importance and helpfulness in the process. But President Mubarak and 
his able Foreign Minister Amre Moussa have been there all along, 
working as hosts and intermediaries in the negotiations. Without 
Egypt's crucial support, yesterday's agreement may not have 
materialized.
  Yesterday, Mr. President, as I observed the images of the signing 
ceremony, I was struck by how much has been accomplished in the Middle 
East during the past 2 years. I was also, I confess, daunted by how 
much remains to be done. The Cairo agreement has to be carried out in 
good faith; negotiations on a final status settlement between Israel 
and the PLO must begin within 2 years and be implemented in 5; and 
agreements must be concluded between Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and 
Syria. It is an awesome agenda, but yesterday's events constitute a 
long-awaited completion of that first step taken last September, a true 
achievement for diplomacy. This sets us well on the path toward meeting 
the next objectives.
  Although the Cairo agreement represents a step towards the 
reconciliation of two peoples--historic enemies--to me it is also a 
tribute to individual courage and purpose. Prime Minister Rabin and 
Chairman Arafat can hardly be more different, but their fortunes 
hereafter are inextricably linked. Whether or not we like Yasir Arafat 
or approve of his methods, there can be no doubt that both he and Prime 
Minister Rabin have assumed responsibility for the destiny of their 
people. It is evident that some of these people, Israelis and 
Palestinians alike, are reluctant to follow, but that is what 
leadership is all about. And that is why history will preserve a place 
for them both.

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