Oct. 17, 2000

Speech by President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak at
The closing Session of Sharm El-Sheikh Summit

Since the beginning of our summit yesterday, we have had serious and constructive discussions and exhaustive dialogues on all aspects of the explosive situation in the Occupied Palestinian territories. Our discussions aimed at bringing conditions back to normal. This is to be effected through withdrawing Israeli forces, lifting siege, stopping violence and taking measures aiming at restoring confidence between both the Palestinian and Israeli sides. This will provide the chance to resume peace efforts after conditions on the ground have stabilized. Before giving the floor to his Excellency US President Bill Clinton, in his capacity as the main sponsor of the peace process, to report on the outcome of our strenuous efforts over these two days, I would like to assert a number of important points which have to be taken into consideration in the coming stage.

First: Although the results which we have reached in this meeting may not be up to the expectations of our peoples, they meanwhile constitute a building block where we can proceed forward in case there are sincere intentions and a real desire of peace.

Second: The most important thing our peoples will be looking forward to in the upcoming days is how far both parties will be committed to thoroughly implement points already agreed upon and how far they are willing to push forward the peace process. Hence, the coming days will witness the redeployment of the Israeli forces, the lifting of siege imposed on three million Palestinians and the reopening of airports, sea ports and passage ways in order to calm down the Palestinian street and bring back things to normal

Third: Our ultimate goal should and will always be to reach a comprehensive and just peace. We really appreciate the pioneering role played by the USA, as the main sponsor of the peace process and highly value the unceasing role of President Bill Clinton, including his exceptional endeavours during the course of our summit that has been crowned by reaching an agreement

I am all hope that the peace process will proceed along its planned path. We should avoid backtracking to provocative actions, confrontations and clashes, resorting instead to constructive dialogue in settling all pending problems and help reach a peace agreement within the framework of full respect for sanctities and the right of peoples to live in peace and stability.

Now, I give the floor to His Excellency, President Bill Clinton