 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Gadi Baltiansky spokesmam of the
P.M.
Interview with Israel Radio
July 19, 2000
"I certainly do not think that remaining in Camp David indicates any progress, let alone a breakthrough, nor re-establishment of mutual trust.
Indeed, the talks revealed serious difficulties. From the Prime Minister's perspective, Arafat certainly did not rise to the occasion and displayed neither the flexibility necessary for achieving an agreement, nor the ability to make the kind of decisions that the summit required.
The Prime Minister's staying is designed to try to exhaust every opportunity. Arafat clearly understands that the Prime Minister is not going to give up on any vital interest of Israel.
There are now no direct contacts between Barak and Arafat, and
I am not sure that there will be any during the absence of President Clinton.
If the Prime Minister realizes that such contacts are useful, than he will
certainly not be reluctant to do so, but right now this is not the case.
I don't think that the next few days will be devoted to feverish and intensive
negotiations over the "core issues."
There could conceivably be informal meetings or talks over "generic issues."
But our continued stay is basically in response to President Clinton's request
in view of the talks with him in recent hours"
