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U.S. Department of State 96/04/24 Remarks: Israel Independence Day Office of the Spokesman
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
____________________________________________________________________ As Prepared for Delivery April 24, 1996
REMARKS ON BEHALF OF
SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER
DELIVERED BY
ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE STROBE TALBOTT
AT ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY RECEPTION
Embassy of Israel
Washington, D.C.
I regret that I am unable to join you for this celebration of the 48th anniversary of Israel's independence.
As you know, at the President's direction, I am engaged in an intensive effort to end the fighting in Lebanon. My goal is to achieve an enduring set of understandings that will return calm and peace to civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Once the crisis is resolved, we are determined to move quickly toward a comprehensive settlement -- the only real means to provide the people of Israel with the peace and security they deserve.
Since Israel's last Independence Day, it has faced challenges as great as any in its history. A year ago, none of us could have imagined that Prime Minister Rabin would not be with us today.
Americans have experienced the agony of assassination. We appreciate what a traumatic loss his murder was, and still is. And we have nothing but admiration for the fortitude with which Prime Minister Peres and so many others have sustained the march towards peace with security and a new Middle East.
The peace process is supported by many people of good will, Arab as well as Israeli, throughout the region. And their ranks will steadily grow as the fruits of peace become evident.
But peace is not an easy thing to pursue. The more momentum the process gains and the closer we come to our goal, the more embittered and desperate the enemies of peace have become. That is why the suicide bombers of Hamas have brought carnage to Israel's cities. That is why Israel has been forced to fight the cynical guerrillas of Hezbollah, who have no compunctions about hiding behind civilians to launch their cowardly attacks, with tragic results for the people of Israel and Lebanon alike.
Once again, a celebration of Israel's independence is taking place against a backdrop of threats against the security of Israel. That is why we have no choice but to press forward for peace with security.
I reaffirm to you the unshakable support of the United States for the people of Israel in your pursuit of peace.
I am also here to reaffirm my confidence and faith in the people of Israel.
The courage and strength you have demonstrated through 48 years of struggle, sacrifice and success, and your unique commitment to democratic values, will see you through again. Of that I am certain.
For four decades the United States has stood by Israel's side. We will remain by your side as a partner, and above all as a friend. That was the message President Clinton carried to Israel last month, and the message he asked me to convey today.
The roots of our commitment to your security and prosperity run deep. Like you, we are a diverse nation comprised of people from every part of the world. Like you, our nation cherishes freedom, and like you, we are deeply committed to take risks for peace.
It is my sincere hope that when we mark this occasion next year, the real peace and security that Israel so richly deserves will at last be within its grasp. President Clinton and I will continue to do everything in our power to help make it so.
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For more information send mail to webmaster@hsje.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright � 1999-2008. Historical Society of Jews From Egypt What is Copyright Protection?
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For more information send mail to webmaster@hsje.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright � 1999-2008. Historical Society of Jews From Egypt What is Copyright Protection?
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For more information send mail to webmaster@hsje.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright � 1999-2008. Historical Society of Jews From Egypt What is Copyright Protection?