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14. Summary of a meeting between Foreign Minister Peres and Sweden's
Minister for International Cooperation Shuri, 24 January 1995.
In two separate meetings, one with Foreign Minister Peres, and the other
with Deputy Foreign Minister Beilin, the Israeli stress on the need for
Europe to increase its economic aid to the region in general and to
Palestinians in particular was made clear. The two Israeli leaders
reminded their guest of past Swedish criticism of Israel for not moving
ahead with the Palestinians. Now the time has come for Sweden and other
nations to shoulder greater responsibility to assist the peace process.
Text of the Foreign Ministry statement on the talks follows:
"In the past, you spoke to us bluntly, and called on us to talk with the
Palestinians. Now, we turn to you and say clearly: we have made an
agreement with the Palestinians, and its success depends, in large
measure, on you," Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said, on Tuesday,
24.01.95, to Swedish Minister for International Cooperation Pierre Shuri.
In an extensive working discussion, Foreign Minister Peres gave his guest
a detailed briefing on the peace process, and on the difficulties that
have arisen following terrorist acts by extremist Islamic organizations.
"What is the use of a strong Palestinian police force if it does not act
effectively to prevent terrorist attacks?" he asked.
Mr. Peres explained the importance of economic aid for the
Palestinians and Jordan, as a means for basing the peace process and
strengthening public support for it. He pointed out that out of $750
million the donor countries have promised this year, only $250 million has
actually been received. He added that Israel is not seeking anything for
itself, but because such assistance aids the peace process, it is also in
Israel's interest. He expressed his appreciation of what Europe has
already done in this area, but feels that it has both the ability and the
obligation to do much more.
Mr. Peres thanked his guest for Sweden's willingness to take the lead
in a project to establish an industrial park on the Israel-Gaza border,
and said that its importance is not only economic, but social and even
indirectly political, because it will reduce the dependency of workers
from Gaza on jobs in Israel. Minister Shuri answered that a preliminary
feasibility study, which has already been prepared for the project, was
positive.
Mr. Shuri began his remarks by expressing his outrage over the attack
at Beit Lid. He said that this was barbarous act, and that poverty and
economic distress could not be excuses for such acts of insanity. He
expressed his deep appreciation for Israel's courage and determination to
continue the peace process in spite of such tragic events.
Mr. Shuri said that Sweden has a long tradition of aiding distressed
areas, and even before his Government's rise to power, the Middle East had
been marked as a region requiring special attention. He promised that his
country would be very active in this area, within the framework of the
European Union as well. He also said that an economic delegation,
including representatives from eight of Sweden's leading industries, is
expected to arrive in Gaza in March.
Afterwards, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Yossi Beilin also met with
Minister Shuri, and emphasized the importance of Europe's contribution -
Sweden's in particular - to promoting the political process in the Middle
East.
Deputy Foreign Minister Beilin explained that separation between us and
the Palestinians will require an intensive effort to establish industrial
parks that will provide employment to Palestinian workers who will not be
employed in Israel. He spoke of the establishment of a series of
industrial parks, which, it is planned, will provide employment to
approximately 50,000 Palestinians. He pointed out that it would be
possible to establish the parks within one year. In summation, he said
that terrorism and the economic situation in the territories are difficult
problems, and that the industrial parks do not constitute a full solution.
Greater employment in Gaza will reduce the motivation to carry out acts of
terrorism. Dr. Beilin added that Sweden could contribute towards increased
Israeli involvement in the international arena, particularly in the United
Nations; in international humanitarian activities, especially in Africa;
in dispatching doctors and peace-keeping forces; and in greater
participation in diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts around the world.
During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between
Israel and Sweden, the first of its kind, which calls for joint efforts to
be made to assist developing countries in the fields of agriculture, and
the management and conservation of natural resources, with special
emphasis to be placed on Africa, was signed.
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