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Question: What do you think about the Prime Minister's ideas about separation? Ambassador Ross: Well, this is something they we'll want to learn a lot more about. I think what's most important is what the two sides share with each other. As I understand it the Prime Minister is still looking at how he would define that and is studying it. What is critical I think is as I said: what the two sides say to each other and how they will approach this. Question: What are your hopes for the Oslo meeting next week? Ambassador Ross: I think the most important thing is the President has a chance to meet both leaders separately and then together, and it's an opportunity I think, to focus on how best to get from where we are right now to February 13th when the two sides to the Sharm Agreement agree to try to reach a framework agreement. Question: What are the chances for just another class photo or will they go beyond that? Ambassador Ross: Well, I think the focus of the President with the two of them will be on how do you move from where you are today to try to reach a framework agreement by February 13th? Question: Are you disappointed that Egypt will not be attending or is reluctant? Ambassador Ross: I saw Amr Moussa make a very positive statement on what he hopes will come out of this and on the event itself. Again, remember it is a commemoration of Prime Minister Rabin: His legacy, his commitment, his objectives, and a rededication of everybody to that goal and that cause. Question: Is there any sign of optimism on the Syrian track? Ambassador Ross: Well, I think that we have been working a process with the two sides separately. We will stay with that effort as long as we think it can be productive. What the Secretary has found, I think, in discussions that she had in New York was a very clear sign that both sides were serious. The first thing is to see if we can build on that. We continue to think that it's possible but obviously work has to be done and we are not there yet. Question: Why is it important to honor the late Prime Minister Rabin? Ambassador Ross: First of all, what he represented was finding a way to overcome an historic conflict, and he had the courage to take a difficult step. Both sides as they move towards either a framework agreement or the permanent status agreement by September--which is what they agreed that they would seek to do--both sides obviously will have to make quite a difficult decision. So I think recalling the man who helped to launch this process and honoring who he was, his commitment, his dedication to that cause is something that I think inspire all of us to do what we can to try to achieve that cause. Question: Do you think a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon will have a detrimental effect on chances of renewing the dialogue with Syria? Ambassador Ross: Prime Minister Barak stated his position very clearly on wanting to withdraw Israeli forces from Lebanon. He prefers to do it through an agreement. He has made it clear that this is something that is important to Israel, and here again I think the best way to try to proceed is to see what is possible between the parties. But in the end Israel will make its own decision. He has made it clear that this is a commitment and a goal that he has and I am sure he will act on it. Question: Does Israel have the obligation to implement all of the parts of the Oslo agreement, even though it was the former government of Netanyahu (sic). Do you think they will stand for all the obligations that the Netanyahu government did? Ambassador Ross: Well, what I have seen in this Israeli government is that they moved to reach a Sharm agreement and they have acted to carry out the obligations under that. We have seen further redeployment take place. We have seen the release of prisoners. We have seen the opening of safe passage. We have seen the move on the ports. You have seen a series of commitments that were made and acted upon. [end of document]
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