"The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is profoundly disappointed at the outcome of the peace summit at Camp David. Since the birth of modern Israel 52 years ago, the Jewish State has continuously sought to achieve peace with its Arab neighbors. Israel entered this latest round of talks with the Palestinians intent on emerging with an agreement on all the permanent status issues as defined by the Oslo Accords.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak demonstrated great courage and boldness in his approach to the complex issues facing the negotiators. Evidently, Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat was not yet ready to make the hard decisions and compromises required to reach an agreement and to seize this historic opportunity to move toward a new era in the Middle East.

We welcome the commitment by both Israel and the Palestinians -- outlined in the trilateral statement -- to continue their efforts to conclude an agreement as soon as possible and to avoid unilateral actions that prejudge the outcome of negotiations.

The JCPA is deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts put forth by President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and their entire negotiating team. We believe that their investment of hard work these last 15 days have made an important contribution to the ongoing search for a lasting and just peace in the region."