The Agreement
After 13 days of secret negotiations, Carter convinced Begin and Sadat to compromise.
Final Agreement: A Synopsis
Summary of Agreements:
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Full Agreement (Original Text):
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Remarks from the Vice President
"I worked with President Carter to help get the talks started, went to Israel and Egypt for Carter, to urge the commencement of the Leeds talks which preceded Camp David. I also spent several days at the successful Camp David Talks. My optimism varied, up and down during the process. This strategy was very risky, unprecedented, but proved profoundly effective, at least this one time." |
Aftermath: on the Media
"When we first arrived at Camp David, the first thing upon which we agreed was to ask the people of the world to pray that our negotiations would be successful. Those prayers have been answered far beyond any expectations. We are privileged to witness tonight a significant achievement in the cause of peace. An achievement none thought possible a year ago, or even a month ago." |
"There are still great difficulties that remain and many hard issues to be settled. The questions that have brought warfare and bitterness to the Middle East for the last thirty years will not be settled overnight. But we should all recognize the substantial achievement that have been made. One of the agreements that President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin are signing tonight is entitled, "A Framework for Peace In the Middle East." |
It is important to note that it was direct U.S mediation that allowed for this peace process to unfold. The need for peace and political will created by Begin and Sadat were not enough. It was Carter's personal and physical involvement that ensured a successful compromise.