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The Middle East Peace Process Question: Can I ask you about the situation--now a second day of the shelling of Northern Israel? Israel hasn't retaliated yet, but I don't think you'd be surprised, if it's kept up, if they do. Has the State Department endeavored to find out who's behind the shelling or what their motives might be? Unless you think Hezbollah guerrillas are freelancers. Mr. Boucher: Barry, we are, first of all, I think deeply troubled by the recent escalation of violence and we deeply regret the loss of life, injuries and the damage to civilian infrastructure on both sides. We deplore the attacks on both sides involving civilians and civilian facilities. We're in contact with all the parties. We have made clear that we think it's important for everyone to exercise maximum restraint. This is a particularly sensitive situation that could escalate out of control and that could undermine efforts to advance the peace process. The Secretary, in fact, has been in touch with all the parties. She's sent messages. Ambassador Ross and Ambassador Indyk met with Prime Minister Barak yesterday in Tel Aviv. In Lebanon, Ambassador Satterfield has spoken with Prime Minister Hoss. The Secretary has spoken on the phone with Foreign Minister Shara of Syria. Last night, at the dinner, she talked to Ambassador Ivry of Israel about it. So this is a situation that does concern us, and we really do regret the loss of life on both sides and urge everyone to exercise maximum restraint. Question: You also spoke of attacks on both sides. We're all very aware of the Hezbollah attacks. Which of the--the Israelis attacked Hezbollah? Which attacks are you talking about--"on both sides"? Mr. Boucher: Larry-- Barry--sorry-- Question: I mean, this is the usual even-handed approach the State Department takes in such circumstances, but could you at least spell out the attacks that the other side has initiated that you don't like--the State Department doesn't like? Mr. Boucher: What we don't like is the loss of life, the injuries and the damage to civilian infrastructure. Question: But you're blaming both sides equally for attacks--and I don't mean you, I mean the people that write those pieces of paper--and I'm asking what Israeli attacks correspond to the Hezbollah attacks. Mr. Boucher: I think that's self-evident from the news, Barry. Question: It is? All right, and you don't--and by the way, you've made no--the State Department has made no effort to determine who's behind it or what their motive is? Mr. Boucher: The important thing is to get restraint, to try to stop the escalation of violence, because that can disrupt the ongoing peace efforts. Question: All right, let me try policy reaffirmation, if it's still policy. Would you still like to see Israel to unilaterally withdraw? Mr. Boucher: As we've made quite clear, Israel has made clear on its part that it intends to withdraw from Lebanon by July, in full accord with the UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426. It is cooperating with the United Nations in this effort. We think that no party should try to undermine this effort, and we would call on the parties to avoid a further escalation of violence and support the United Nations--the Secretary General, in his efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426. And, obviously, we supported those resolutions and, as we've said before, we would support an Israeli withdrawal in accord with those resolutions. Question: One quick fast one. Among the things you were concerned might result is undermining the peace process. Has it so far had any impact on the peace process that's noticeable to Mr. Ross and Mr. Miller? Mr. Boucher: Well, let me bring you up to date on the efforts of Mr. Ross and Mr. Miller and, more important, the efforts of the parties themselves. The negotiators, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, held serious discussions on permanent status issues in Eilat. Both sides put a variety of issues on the table and they had serious exchanges on those ideas. They're now going to consult with their respective leaders. Special Middle East Coordinator Ross will have discussions with Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister Barak. The negotiators will resume their talks on Sunday with US participation. They remain determined to try to narrow their differences in order to reach a framework agreement on all permanent status issues. Question: Richard, the Palestinians are saying that the talks are, once again, in crisis. Do you share that opinion? Mr. Boucher: I don't think I want to characterize the talks at this point. We've said they've had serious discussions so far and they will resume on Sunday. Question: At Eilat? Mr. Boucher: They've agreed to resume their talks, but not in the Eilat area. And I don't have anything for you on where that might be. Question: Richard, in her conversation with Mr. Shara, did the Secretary explore Syria's attitude towards the unilateral withdrawal, and did she learn anything new about how the Syrians plan to react to unilateral withdrawal if it comes about? Mr. Boucher: At this point, I'm not prepared to go into any detail about her conversations. I've told you generally what our policy is, and we've been in touch with all the parties along those lines. Question: The Israeli Embassy here is saying that their cabinet has voted to call for a pause in retaliation for bombings over the border between Lebanon and Israel. Is this something that the Secretary and Ross and Indyk were pushing in their meetings with Israeli officials? Mr. Boucher: I hadn't seen the news and so I didn't have a chance to check. But, again, that's I think the kind of detail is exactly what we discussed that I wouldn't get into. Question: I had something on a different subject. Question: Same subject. Is there any talk about Ambassador Ross perhaps going either to Damascus or to Beirut for talks himself? Mr. Boucher: Well, at this point, all I have is that he's going to be meeting with Prime Minister Barak and Chairman Arafat, so that'll keep him busy. Full transcript of Daily Press Briefing on 5/05/00 [end of document] Peace Process | Near Eastern Affairs | Department of State | Secretary of State |
