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Israel-Palestine Peace Process Continues: Perez
Following is the full story of an exclusive interview conducted between Our Staff Reporter Liu Yongming and Perez, Israeli minister of regional cooperation.
In a car running in the rain, the exclusive interview continued between this reporter and a world-famous statesman. Naturally, this is a rare experience.
Israeli minister of regional cooperation Perez, entrusted by Edhud Barak, paid a visit to China from August 16 to 17. Although coming and going in haste, Perez gladly promised to accept this reporter's exclusive interview.
At 8:30 on the morning of August 17, the interview began in the reception room of building No.2 of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Perez said, "The Israeli people cherish profound friendship for China. China is a great political and moral force that has made tremendous contribution to world peace. My present visit to China does not aim to speak ill of Arafat, because Arafat is our partner; nor does it aim to make malicious remarks about the Palestinian people, because they are our neighbors. We are going to transmit an information to Chinese leaders, i.e., Israel-Palestine peace process still continues."
Having answered the first question, Perez invited this reporter into a blue mini-bus, because, according to his itinerary, he was going to visit the Imperial Palace Museum. It was raining endlessly outside the car, while inside it, Perez spoke unceasingly about the peace talks between Israel and Palestine. He said at last month's Camp David Summit, Israel and Palestine had reached common view or understanding on the following issues, but hadn't been formed into written agreement: 1. Israel plans to return 100 percent of the Gaza strip and over 90 percent of the land on the West Bank of the Jordan River to Palestine. 2. Israel will recognize an independent, non-militarized Palestine State. 3. Israel will cease controlling the Palestinian economy, both sides will sign a free trade agreement. 4. Palestine can have free communications with Jordan, Egypt and its other neighboring countries. 5. Some settlements will remain within the scope under Israel's sovereignty, while some other settlements will be returned to the Palestinian side, and 6. A huge compensation fund is planned to be established to compensate the Arab and Jewish refugees, separated families are allowed to reunion.
Perez said now the only difficult problem left is the issue of Jerusalem. There are, in fact, two Jerusalem cities: the old city and the new. With respect to the new city, an agreement has been basically reached between Israel and Palestine; with regard to the old city, both sides have not as yet reached a consensus. Although the area of the old city is less than one square km, its history dates back 3,500 years. Therefore, the question concerning Jerusalem represents "negotiation on history" between Israel and Palestine, not "negotiation on territory". At Camp David, President Clinton put forward three compromise plans for solving the Jerusalem issue, Barak did not reject, and Arafat did not agree, either. At present, centered on these plans, negotiations still continue between Israel and Palestine through unofficial channels, the Israeli side hopes that such negotiations can be turned into ones conducted through official channels.
When the car arrived at the Imperial Palace Museum, the rain was pelting down. Perez had no alternative but to give up the visit to the museum and steered his car to the Hongqiao (red bridge) market. The interview continued. According to Perez, if Arafat insisted on declaring the founding of a State on September 13, that would be a mistake. Because he only made the "declaration", while in reality there was no State established. He said that Palestine now owned about 40 percent of land, if Arafat unilaterally proclaimed the founding of a State, then he would not gain a greater amount of land. Perez said that Israel hoped the establishment of a Palestine State was based on the result of an agreement. According to Perez's guess, the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and Palestine, Syria and Lebanon would take one to five years' time. He said that in Israel, although some people like peace, they, however, do not like to pay a price for peace. The fact is, however, Israel cannot win unpaid peace. Perez said that land is something visible and tangible, while peace, like air, is invisible and intangible. Therefore, many Israelis feel the "land for peace" principle is problematical, but this does not mean they do not want to return the land, but rather they have the misgiving that due peace cannot be won after the cession of land.
Speaking about the influence on him exerted by Israel's general election in 1996 and Israeli parliament's recent presidential election, Perez said in a very calm tone that in Israeli parliament, not every member supports peace. As far as political figures are concerned, they should make such a decision: Either you are serving the future, while the present time is not necessarily welcomed by people; or you are serving the past, while the present time is likely welcomed by the people. "I'm working for the future during my lifetime, although I lost the election, I've won many things for the future, therefore I don't feel sorry about this. "Having said this, Perez's heavy eyebrows were somewhat smooth out, a look of satisfaction and contentment passed through his eyes.
Perez, 77, is in good health, in his opinion, the secrets of keeping fit are first, working hard, second, having steadfast conviction. He said the growth of age is irresistible, but he has no reason not to enrich himself with vigorous new thought. "With the exception of peace, there is no better objective in my life. Whatever the circumstance, I'll strive for the peace I believe in." This is what Perez said and is what he is doing.
Rain had stopped, and the autumn sun was shining over the vast land. On our way back from the Hongqiao Market to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Perez gave the hint to the driver to lower the window glass, so that the fresh air blew in against our faces, making us feel refreshing. Looking at the dust-free verdant trees, fresh flowers and high-rise buildings on both sides of the streets, Perez exclaimed in admiration, "This is my third visit to China, what I see each time is a completely new look. The tremendous change taken place in Beijing has a deep impression on me, I wish the Chinese people make further strides on their way forward!"
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