NEWS RELEASES
MINISTER AXWORTHY WELCOMES SHARM EL-SHEIKH AGREEMENT
September 8, 1999 ( 3:15 p.m. EDT) No. 199
MINISTER AXWORTHY WELCOMES SHARM EL-SHEIKH AGREEMENT
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the agreement signed September 4 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on the implementation of the Wye River
Accord and the resumption of permanent status negotiations.
"I commend the parties for their determination in reaching this important agreement, which is a crucial step in
re-establishing the momentum of the peace process," said Mr. Axworthy. "We are confident that this
agreement has placed Israel and the Palestinians squarely on the path to a just and lasting peace."
Under the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement, Israel will transfer another West Bank territory to Palestinian control in
three phases between September 13 and January 20. By February 13, a framework agreement on permanent
status negotiations is due to be put in place. It is hoped that a final peace agreement between Israel and the
Palestinians will be signed by September 13, 2000. "The establishment of fixed time lines for implementing the
agreement is also a significant step which will add a focus to the negotiations," added Minister Axworthy.
Mr. Axworthy also commended the Government of Egypt for its assistance in the negotiations, and recognized
the support of the United States and Jordan. "The leaders of these countries have once again proven their
commitment to advancing the cause of peace," said Mr. Axworthy.
The Minister noted the active support that Canada is providing to the peace process through its role as the
Chair of the Refugee Working Group and its involvement in other multilateral elements of the peace process.
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