Informal Exchange With Reporters on Diplomatic Talks With the
Q.
Mr. President, assuming that the PLO lives up to its word on the resolutions
and on renouncing terrorism, is it possible, really, to begin negotiations if
Israel remains steadfastly opposed to dealing with the PLO?
The President. No,
of course, because the ultimate solution does not depend on outsiders or us.
Peace must be brought about by the involved nations meeting with each other and
settling their differences.
Q.
If the PLO doesn't live up to its word, what do we do?
The President. Well, we certainly
break off communications.
Q.
Have the talks started?
The President. Pardon?
Q.
Have the talks already started?
The President. No, but we've named our
channel, and they have expressed their intention to immediately contact him.
Q.
Do we have a timetable for this?
The President. No.
Q.
Mr. President, why will the
The President. Well, because there is
no such thing as of now. There isn't a Palestinian state. If you recognize
someone it would be -- as that, it would be us declaring who is in charge
there.
Q.
Could we ask the Prime Minister how he feels about this decision?
Prime
Minister De Mita. I share this view expressed by the
President. The importance of this decision is the fact of having found someone
who represents the Palestinians. This helps to work towards the solution of a
delicate problem because to make peace you have to know who to make peace with
and who is your counterpart. And now talks will help us understand whether
conditions are there for negotiation. The decision of the American Government
is very important because it has solved this problem of finding the
counterpart.
Note: The exchange began
at