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TEXT: NETANYAHU, ARAFAT JOINT STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK
(Leaders pledge to cooperate against threat of terrorism)October 19, 1998
Wye Mills, Maryland -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat October 19 pledged to "do everything possible to fight terror" following the terrorist attack that day in the southern Israeli town of Beersheva, State Department Spokesman James P. Rubin said on behalf of the leaders.
Netanyahu and Arafat agreed "not to give in to the efforts of extremists to destroy the hope for peace and security for both our peoples" and to "intensify our efforts to achieve an agreement that will lead to a secure and lasting peace," Rubin said.
Following is the State Department text of the joint statement:
(Begin text)
Office of the Spokesman
(Wye Mills, Maryland)
October 19, 1998
STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
Joint Statement on Behalf of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat
The following is a joint statement which Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat agreed that the United States would issue on their behalf.
Today's terrorist attack in Beersheva demonstrates the critical importance and urgency of fighting terror and pursuing peace. We are determined to do everything possible to fight terror. We pledge to cooperate against the threat of terrorism and recognize that fighting terror is a vital interest for both sides; freedom from terror and violence is an essential condition of a durable peace.
At the same time, we agree not to give in to the efforts of extremists to destroy the hope for peace and security for both our peoples. We both agree today to intensify our efforts to achieve an agreement that will lead to a secure and lasting peace.
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