Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II On the Occasion of the Signing of the Sharm El Sheikh Agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Israel

President Hosni Mubarak,
President Arafat,
Prime Minister Barak,
Madam Secretary,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to be among you today to witness a rebirth of all our efforts to bring about a comprehensive peace to the Middle East.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Clinton and Secretary Albright for their tireless efforts and enduring faith in peace. President Mubarak played a key role in bringing about this agreement and deserves all our thanks and gratitude. I want to congratulate President Arafat and Prime Minister Barak for their courage and will to bring the conflict to an end once and for all.

About a year ago, His Majesty King Hussein fought illness and took a stand for peace. This agreement reminds us all of his spirit, his vision, his courage and his commitment to peace, and I hope and pray that we do not let him down.

Thank you very much.