Skip to main content

Former Premier of Norway Reflects On Oslo Accords 20 Years Later

The latest round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks could benefit from the compromise, pragmatism and determination that led to Oslo in 1993. 
President Clinton brings Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (L) and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat together for an historic handshake after the signing of the Israeli-PLO peace accord at the White House Sept. 13 - RTXEYZ7

Twenty years ago this week, the first Oslo Accord was signed in Washington. Shaking hands on the White House lawn before US President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), agreed to embark on a peace process to end decades of conflict.

I remember that day well. Along with a great many people across the world, both within and outside the Middle East, I was hopeful about the historic agreement. As prime minister of Norway at the time, I also felt a sense of joy that the talks between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators who had worked tirelessly in secret over the previous nine months, in and around Oslo, had produced unexpected results.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.