Claiborne Pell: “this coming Saturday, March 26, 1994, marks the fifteenth anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty between Egypt…”

“this coming Saturday, March 26, 1994, marks the fifteenth anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Today I am submitting a resolution, along with Senators Helms, Moynihan, Brown, Mitchell, and Dole, to commemorate this historic occasion. The only peace treaty that has ever been implemented between Israel and an Arab country, the Egypt-Israel treaty has stood the test of time and is widely recognized as a milestone in the history of the Middle East. It has become the foundation upon which subsequent peace initiatives have been built, including the landmark Declaration of Principles between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. The Egypt-Israel peace treaty, which developed out of the Camp David agreements, also represents one of the highlights of American diplomacy in the Middle East. It is a shining example of how American involvement can promote stability in a strategic, but volatile region, and it stands as one of the greatest legacies of President Carter's administration. Finally, Mr. President, the Egypt-Israel peace treaty is a tribute to individual courage and vision. History, it is said, can bestow no greater title upon a man than 'peacemaker.' If that is true, then President Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin should rank among the most distinguished leaders of our time. My high regard and my admiration for them is as strong today as it was 15 years ago.”