Rabin's last Speech

Following are parts of Yitzhak Rabin's last speech at the Pro-Peace Rally in Tel Aviv.

''This government, which I have the privilege to head with my friend (Foreign Minister) Shimon Peres, decided to give peace a chance. A peace which will solve most of the state of Israel's problems.

''I was a military man for 27 years. I waged war as long as there was no chance for peace.

''I believe there is now a chance for peace, a great chance, and we must take advantage of it for those standing here, and for those who are not here -- and they are many. I have always believed that the majority of the people want peace and are ready to take a chance for peace.

''And you, by coming to this rally, prove...that the people truly want peace and oppose violence. Violence erodes the basis of Israeli democracy.

''It should be condemned and wisely expunged and isolated. It is not the way of the state of Israel. There is democracy. There can be disputes but the outcome will be settled by democratic elections.

''Peace is not only in prayers...but it is the desire of the Jewish people. There are enemies of people. They are trying to attack us in order to torpedo peace. I want to tell you: we found a partner for peace among the Palestinians -- the PLO, which used to be an enemy and stopped terrorism.

''Without partners for peace, there is no peace. Also with Syria, there will be an opportunity to achieve peace.

''This rally must broadcast to the Israeli public, to the world Jewish public and to many in the western and outside world that the people of Israel want peace, support peace. Thank you.''

By The Associated Press

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