security costs of redeployment and help the Palestinian Authority meet the economic costs of development.

I hope we will have support from Republicans and Democrats in that endeavor.

With respect to Mr. Pollard, I have agreed to review this matter seriously, at the prime minister's request. I have made no commitment as to the outcome of the review.

Ultimately, the parties will have to translate the gains of Wye River into renewed efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, for as big a step as today is, and after 17 months it is a very large step indeed, it is just another step along the way. Therefore, perhaps as important as any other statement to be made today, let me say how grateful I am that the prime minister and the chairman have agreed to begin permanent- status talks upon ratification of this agreement. I have agreed to convene the two leaders at an appropriate time to seek to complete these talks. We have all agreed to try to do it under circumstances which permit more sleep at night.

Let me say that no agreement can wipe away decades of distrust. But I think these last several days have helped each side to get a better understanding of the other's hopes and fears, a better feel for all they have in common, including on occasion, thank the Lord, a good sense of humor.

The future can be bright for Israelis and Palestinians if they maintain the will for peace. If we continue to work together, the next generation will grow up without fear. Israel can have the genuine security and recognition it has sought for so long. The Palestinian people can at long last realize their aspirations to live free in safety, in charge of their own destiny.

So on behalf of all the people of the United States, let me say to the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, " Salaam, " " Shalom, " peace be with you in the hard and hopeful days ahead.

We value our friendship, and we thank you for your trust, for giving us the opportunity to walk this road with you.

Now it is my privilege to introduce Prime Minister Netanyahu. Let me say I was once again extraordinarily impressed by the energy, the drive, the determination, the will, the complete grasp of every detailed aspect of every issue that this prime minister brought to these talks. He showed himself willing to take political risks for peace, but not to risk the security of his people, and as a result, this agreement embodies an enormous increase in the security of the people of Israel.

Mr. Prime Minister, the microphone is yours.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Chairman, the vice president, Your Majesty, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Madame Secretary, Sandy Berger, their staft, and especially -- especially Dennis, of the white hair and Olympic endurance, and all the delegations assembled here, and all the distinguished ministers of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and the members of the Senate and Congress, and the many friends who are here today.

Today's a day when Israel and our entire region are more secure. Now this has required sacrifice from both sides and reaching into what Lincoln called the better nature of mankind. This is an important moment to give a secure and peaceful future for our children and the children of our neighbors, the Palestinians. We have seized this moment.

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