Embassy of the United States of America
Tel Aviv
October 29, 1998

Mr. Dani Naveh
Cabinet Secretary
Office of the Prime Minister
Jerusalem

Dear Dani:

I wanted to confirm our policy on the issue of the 3rd phase of further redeployment. In this regard, the statement issued publicly by the State Department on October 27, 1998, is accurate and represents our policy.

Regarding the third further redeployment, the statement said: during the discussions leading to this agreement, the U.S. made clear to both parties that it will not adopt any position or express any view about the size or the content of the third phase of Israel's further redeployment, which is an Israeli responsibility to implement rather than negotiate.

" Under the terms of the memorandum, an Israeli - Palestinian committee is being established. Nonetheless we urge the parties not to be distracted from the urgent task of negotiating permanent status arrangements, which are at the heart of the matter and which will determine the future of the area. "

" Our own efforts have been and will continue to be dedicated to that vital task. "

This public statement by the State Department represents our policy. We will not change it and it will remain our policy in the future.

Sincerely,

Edward S. Walker, Jr.
Ambassador

Embassy of the United States of America
Tel Aviv
October 29, 1998

Mr Dani Naveh
Cabinet Secretary
Office of the Prime Minister
Jerusalem

Dear Dani:

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