THE successful conclusion of negotiations regarding the city of Hebron marks, once again, Israel's total commitment to the continuation of the peace process - a process which has been under way since the Madrid Conference of 1991.

All who truly support peace are called upon to exhibit patience and good faith, to lend their full support and encouragement while we and the Palestinians attempt to solve the outstanding issues at hand in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect.

The interim agreement, which was signed in September 1995, contained a separate section entitled "Guidelines for Hebron". These guidelines were formulated in a general manner only, and it was clear to both sides that there was a need for specific details to be worked out before the present redeployment could take place.

Israel was to redeploy its forces in Hebron by March 28th, 1996. However, this was postponed by the previous government. The background to this postponement bears repeating. In February and March last year Israel was subjected to a wave of terrorist attacks in which 63 Israelis were killed and scores wounded. The government of Israel was of the opinion that the Palestinian Authority had not done its utmost to thwart the terrorist networks of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.

These concerns had major implications for the redeployment in Hebron, due to the complex nature of the city. Another major cause for the delay in the negotiations was the tragic events of last September, which underscored the need to fashion carefully an agreement which would enhance security in Hebron for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The delay in signing an agreement about Hebron was not therefore due to any unwillingness of the Israeli government to proceed with the peace process. Moreover, the completion of the agreement was not due to international pressure on Israel. In fact the agreement could have been signed more than two months ago were it not for delays on the Palestinian side.

For the peace process to succeed, all stages in the implementation of the interim agreement, including the arrangement in Hebron, must be based on reciprocity. Israel will make a supreme effort to ensure that the protocol is both implemented and safeguarded and we expect the Palestinians to do likewise.

After the redeployment in Hebron only about 50,000 Palestinians - 2 per cent of a total Palestinian population of 2.3 million in the West Bank and Gaza - will remain under Israeli jurisdiction.

A special emphasis has been placed on appropriate joint security measures in order to safeguard public order and security. The main points of the arrangements are devoted to minimising conflict between the two sides and engendering co operation and mutual trust among the security forces of Israel and the Palestinians. Both sides emphasise their commitment to safeguarding normal daily life in Hebron and preventing provocations or friction.

Both sides reaffirm their commitment to the unity of Hebron. An apportionment of the security responsibilities in Hebron does not entail the city's division. Municipal services will be provided in an orderly fashion, at a level equal in quality and expense for all the inhabitants of the city.

It should be emphasised that the Hebron protocol does not stand alone and must be viewed within the context of the Middle, East peace "process. Accompanying the protocol is a "Note for the record", wherein both sides reaffirm their commitment to the Oslo peace process and, on the basis of reciprocity, undertake measures for the implementation of the interim agreement.

Israel specifically committed itself to a further redeployment this March, and also that the prisoner release issue would be dealt with according to the interim agreement. Issues such as safe passage, Gaza Airport, Gaza Port, passages, economic, financial, civilian and security issues and people to people projects will be resumed immediately and conducted in parallel. The negotiations on the permanent status agreement will be resumed within two months.

The Palestinian side reaffirmed its commitment to complete the process of revising the Palestinian National Charter, fighting terror, preventing violence, strengthening security co operation, preventing incitement and hostile propaganda and confiscation of illegally held firearms.

With the conclusion of the negotiations regarding Hebron, the dialogue between us and Palestinians should continue unabated. Israel views peace as an interest vital to all, and therefore all must work diligently to achieve the desired results.

The process will be long and arduous and have its share of "ups and downs". Nevertheless, these negotiations have shown that vital interests joined with good faith on the part of all concerned will lead to progress.

THE negotiations with the Palestinians, important as they are, cannot be divorced from their regional and social milieu. "People to people" contacts, which are aimed at creating mutual respect and building bridges between Israel and the Palestinians, are of special importance.

Progress in the multilateral track is essential, too, for the continued strengthening of the peace process. The multilateral negotiations, especially in the areas of economics, the environment and water resources, hold within them the promise of resolving overarching issues which impact upon all of the inhabitant's of the Middle East.

Israel welcomes the support and encouragement of the international community in the peace process, particularly in extending economic support to the Palestinians. At the same time, however, it is necessary for difficulties between us to be solved directly without outside interference.