Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 / Nov. 2 2229 current Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel; Statement on House Action on the Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Author- Proposed ‘‘African Growth and ity; Leah Rabin, widow of Yitzhak Rabin; Presi- dent Hosni Mubarak of Egypt; and King Abdullah Opportunity Act’’ II of Jordan. November 2, 1999

Remarks Prior to Discussions With Today’s vote is an important milestone in Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel our effort to build a new economic relation- ship with sub-Saharan Africa and deepen ties and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the with our Caribbean and Central American Palestinian Authority and an neighbors. This legislation will help increase Exchange With Reporters in Oslo trade, enhance opportunity, and boost eco- November 2, 1999 nomic growth in America and nations in Afri- ca, the Caribbean, and Central America. I Middle East Peace Process urge the Senate to pass this bill as soon as The President. I think I can speak for all possible. of us when I say, first, we’re very grateful to the Government of Norway for inviting us here for this important ceremony. And we now have to give some real energy to the Statement on the Cyclone in India framework talks, but I think even though the November 2, 1999 issues are difficult, the will is strong, and we’re off to a good start. On behalf of all Americans, Hillary and I Q. How do you see the strong focus, Mr. offer our deepest condolences to the families President, on the issue of the settlement? who lost loved ones to the devastating The President. I think that the less we cyclone that struck eastern India Friday and say now to the public and the more we work Saturday. It is gradually becoming clear just in private, the better off we’ll be and the how much destruction was wrought along the more likely we will be able to get an agree- seacoast and inland in those terrifying hours. ment. There are reports that thousands of lives Q. ——a summit in January or February were lost and hundreds of thousands of in Washington, or maybe in Camp David? The President. I wouldn’t—I don’t think homes were destroyed. It is truly a national we should rule it out or in. We ought to make calamity. sure—see how much progress we can make Our hearts go out to the Indian people, between now and then. You know, I would and we are prepared to do what we can to do anything I could to help them. help. The Government of India has an im- Q. What is the main issue you will discuss mense task ahead in providing assistance to right now when you start negotiations? the people who were affected by this tragedy. The President. I think we just have to talk The United States Government is providing about—to get agreement on the ground more than $2 million worth of food and rules, how we’re going to proceed. $100,000 worth of tents and plastic sheeting to help alleviate the hunger and immediate NOTE: The exchange began at 5:45 p.m. in the suffering. I also encourage the American U.S. Ambassador’s residence. A tape was not avail- people to help through charities involved in able for verification of the content of this ex- change. international relief.