On pursuing peace: This has nothing to do with [U.S. pressure]. It has to do with the fact that we are realists. We recognize the facts on the ground created by the previous government, and we honor previous agreements. . .But we expect the other side to honor them as well, and that is what has been lacking.
On his commitment to peace: I made my adjustment to reality when I accepted the Oslo accords before the [1996] elections. I am not only making difficult decisions, I’m also saying to my constituency that this is the route we have to go. We’re not going to get everything we had dreamed about. We can strike a reasonable deal that will protect our basic national interests, foremost of which is our security and the unity of Jerusalem.
On trust in Arafat: It could be reconstructed if we see real action, which means instructing their security forces to [crack down on] terrorism. . .To collect illegal weapons. To stop incitement against Israel. . .If we could see demonstrable fulfillment of this obligation, I suppose the trust could be restored.
