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[Arabic]
President Carter, Prime Minister Begin,
dear friends.
Only a few hours ago we laid down a solid foundation for
a lasting peace in the Middle East.
We did so in a determined effort to heal the wounds of
the past and usher in a new era of love and fraternity.
At long last cousins will be able to revive the
traditions of the glorious past when they lived side by
side in peace and harmony.
Our great friend, President Carter,
who was the architect of the entire process,
spoke of the new reality which is dawning.
We all share his hopes and aspirations.
We want to see a steady progress on the road to peace.
This will require a positive movement on all fronts.
Within a few weeks, we will be entering into
negotiations with the goal of establishing a
self-governing authority with full autonomy on the
West Bank and Gaza.
The success of these negotiations will depend
largely on the ability of all parties to rise to the
level of events and demonstrate their good faith.
Above all, it depends upon an active American role.
President Carter has promised me to spare no
effort to ensure the coronation of our efforts.
I have full confidence in him.
He has been a wonderful partner and a courageous statesman.
[Applause]
He has shown an unparalleled understanding
of the plight of the Palestinian people.
He is sensitive to their legitimate call for the
eradication of the injustice that was inflicted upon them
in the unhappy past.
We all realize their need to be reassured that they will
be able soon to take the first step on the road to
self-determination and statehood.
A dialog with their representatives
will be very helpful.
It would also be consistent with American tradition.
It is with this in mind that we proceed towards the
completion of this sacred mission.
None of us can bear the responsibility of defeating
the expectations of millions across the borders.
None of us can interfere with the course of history
or turn the clock back.
We should seize this opportunity.
We should seize this opportunity,
this historic opportunity in this historic gathering,
which is hosted by the American people,
to pledge ourselves to the continuation of the process.
We should vow to employ all the moral strength we
muster, to ensure the ultimate success of our endeavor.
[Applause]
Dear friends, I ask you to rise in a tribute
to President Carter, his spouse,
the American people, and to the millions of people of
good will everywhere, Mr. Begin and Mrs. Begin.
[Applause]