Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, December 21, 1998 Volume 34—Number 51 Pages 2471–2507

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Addresses to the Nation Joint Statements Iraq, announcing military strikes—2494 Joint United States-European Union Statement on Chapter IV New Transatlantic Addresses and Remarks Agenda Dialogues—2505 United States-European Union Declaration on See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders the Middle East Peace Process—2504 Gaza United States-European Union Joint Luncheon hosted by Chairman Arafat in Statement on Cooperation in the Western Gaza City—2486 Balkans—2502 Palestinian National Council and other United States-European Union Statement on Palestinian organizations in Gaza City— Cooperation in the Global Economy—2503 2487 Meetings With Foreign Leaders Iraq, military strikes—2497 European Union leaders—2502, 2503, 2504, Israel 2505 Arrival ceremony in Tel Aviv—2472 Israel Dinner hosted by Prime Minister President Weizman—2472, 2478 Netanyahu in Jerusalem—2483 Prime Minister Netanyahu—2472, 2473, Menorah lighting in Jerusalem—2478 2479, 2483 People of Israel in Jerusalem—2479 Palestinian Authority, Chairman Arafat—2485, Radio address—2471 2486, 2487 Special Olympics dinner—2500, 2501 Proclamations Trilateral discussions at Erez Crossing—2492 Wright Brothers Day—2499 Executive Orders Statements by the President Crime rates—2479 Half-Day Closing of Executive Departments Deaths and Agencies of the Federal Government A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr.—2494 on Thursday, December 24, 1998—2500 Lawton Chiles—2472 Morris Udall—2479 Interviews With the News Media Puerto Rico, status referendum—2492 Exchanges with reporters Supplementary Materials Erez Crossing, Israel—2492 Acts approved by the President—2507 Gaza City, Gaza—2485 Checklist of White House press releases— Oval Office—2497 2506 News Conference With Prime Minister Digest of other White House Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Israel, December announcements—2505 13 (No. 167)—2473 Nominations submitted to the Senate—2506

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments.

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The President’s Radio Address Africa, Russia, and all over the world. I December 12, 1998 signed legislation to speed farm program pay- ments to farmers, who need the money now Good morning. This month, as Americans to start planting for next spring. And I called begin to prepare for winter, our Nation’s on the Congress to take action to help farm- farmers begin to prepare for the spring plant- ers survive this year’s one-two punch from ing ahead. But this year has been very hard Mother Nature and the marketplace. on farmers—for some, the hardest in nearly I am pleased to say that this October, as two decades—and many are strained to the part of our balanced budget, I signed legisla- breaking point. Today I want to talk about tion that included a $6 billion plan for farm- what we’re doing to help America’s farmers ers in need. This November we started put- weather these hard times and to build a ting the plan into action, with nearly $3 bil- stronger safety net to protect them for years lion in income assistance to farmers who have to come. seen their profits wither as crop prices fell. We’re living in a remarkable time of pros- Today I am pleased to announce the next perity and even greater promise for our fu- major step to ease the crisis on our farms, ture. Our economy is the strongest in a gen- nearly $21⁄2 billion in emergency aid for eration, with more than 17 million new jobs, farmers who have lost crops and livestock. family incomes rising, the lowest unemploy- But with too many farm families still in ment in nearly 30 years, the lowest inflation danger of losing their land, and with crop in more than 30 years, the smallest percent- prices still far too low, we know we must do age of people on welfare in 29 years, and more to strengthen the safety net for our Na- the highest homeownership in history. tion’s farmers. Government has an important America’s farmers have helped to build role to play in meeting this challenge, but this new prosperity, but far too many of our it’s not something Government can do alone. farming communities are not reaping its ben- Ultimately, America’s farmers will keep efits. Flood and drought and crop disease have wiped out entire harvests in some parts America’s farms growing strong. of the country. Plummeting prices here at We know that no one can fully predict the home and collapsing markets in Asia have changing weather or changing prices, but threatened the livelihood of some farming every farmer knows that crop insurance is communities. one of the best ways to protect against the Wherever we live and whatever work we worst risks of farming. In good times, crop do, every American has a stake in the insurance gives farming families the security strength of rural America. America’s farmers they need to thrive and grow. And in hard are the backbone of our economy and the times, crop insurance can mean the dif- lifeblood of our land. Our farming families ference between a spring planting and a stand for the values that have kept our Nation spring sale of the family farm. But far too strong for over 220 years: hard work, faith many farmers don’t have crop insurance at and family, perseverance, and patience. We all or only buy the bare minimum, not can’t afford to let them fail. enough to withstand a really devastating year. Last summer we took action to ease the We need to do more to enable family farm- immediate crisis on our farms. We began ers to fully protect themselves in hard times. buying millions of tons of wheat and other That’s why I am pleased to announce the food to ease the burden of dropping prices funds we’re releasing include $400 million here at home and to feed hungry people in in new incentives for farmers to buy crop

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insurance. We’ll give farmers a one-time pre- Remarks at the Arrival Ceremony in mium discount of up to 35 percent when they Tel Aviv, Israel expand their crop insurance, and that will give our farming families greater security and December 13, 1998 more peace of mind. President and Mrs. Weizman, Prime Min- Together, these steps will help thousands ister and Mrs. Netanyahu, first of all, on be- of farmers around our country to recover half of my family and our entire delegation, from this difficult time and plant a seed of I would like to thank you for coming out here hope for the future, not only for stronger at this very late hour to welcome us. Hillary farms but for a stronger America in the 21st and Chelsea and I and all the Americans have century. been looking forward to this trip. I am de- Thanks for listening. lighted to be back in Israel. As President Weizman said, this is the NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:30 p.m. on fourth time I have come here as President December 11 in the Roosevelt Room at the White to reaffirm America’s unbreakable ties to House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December Israel, to reaffirm our unshakable commit- 12. The transcript was made available by the Of- ment to Israel’s security, and this time to ful- fice of the Press Secretary on December 11 but fill the pledge I made at the Wye talks to was embargoed for release until the broadcast. speak with the people of Israel and the Pal- estinians about the benefits of peace and to stand by you as you take risks for a just, last- Statement on the Death of Lawton ing, and secure peace. The United States will Chiles walk this road with Israel every step of the way. December 12, 1998 Peacemaking has opened historic opportu- Hillary and I were deeply saddened to nities to Israel, but each step forward has been tempered with pain and understand- learn of the death of Governor Lawton able feelings of ambivalence when questions Chiles. Lawton Chiles was a close friend of arise as to whether agreements are being im- mine for many years. He served the people plemented fully. of Florida as an elected official for over 40 We share the conviction that without secu- years, always putting the interests of ordinary rity, the peace process always will be clouded people first with his unique political style. for the vast majority of Israelis who seek only As a leader, he has been an indefatigable to live normal lives as a free people in their champion of Florida’s children and families own country, and we are determined that and a steadfast protector of the environment. Israel’s just requirements for security be met. He displayed courage time and time again, At the same time, we believe that, for two most recently challenging the Nation’s top peoples who are fated to share this land, cigarette makers and emerging victorious. peace is not simply an option among many Lawton was a statesman, a role model, and but the only choice that can avert still more one of the most successful and respected years of bloodshed, apprehension, and sor- public officials in the later half of the 20th row. century. He set a benchmark for how public That is why I am here. In the past few servants will be judged and, I believe, cre- weeks, the people of Israel, through their ated a legacy that will endure for generations. Government and Knesset, have endorsed the Lawton never forgot the thousands of ordi- Wye River agreement, recognizing the prom- nary citizens he met, as he walked the high- ise it holds for putting the peace process on ways and backroads of his State, whom he track and creating a positive environment for served so well. And they will never forget dealing with the complex and difficult final him. status talks.

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I want to, again, but for the first time in ance. When I say that we did our part, you Israel, pay tribute to the Prime Minister and know that within 2 weeks we withdrew from the representatives of his government for territory, released prisoners, and opened the those long, arduous, difficult talks at Wye, Gaza Airport, precisely as we undertook to often accompanied with sleepless nights. I do. believe it was the right thing to do. I believed The Palestinians, in turn, were to live up it then. I believe it now. But both sides now to a series of obligations in the sphere of se- must face the challenge of implementing curity and ending incitement and violence Wye. and the repeal of the Palestinian Charter and I will discuss that with the Prime Minister in commitments to negotiate a final settle- and his colleagues tomorrow and later in my ment in order to achieve permanent peace meeting with Chairman Arafat. Then on between us. I regret to say that none of these Tuesday our family will have the chance to conditions have been met. go to Bethlehem and Masada to explore Palestinians proceeded to unilaterally de- more of this magnificent country and its sa- cred heritage. clare what the final settlement would be. Again, I thank you for welcoming us. I Coming out of Wye, they said again and again thank you for the struggles you have waged that regardless of what happens in the nego- for freedom and for security. I thank you for tiations, on May 4th of 1999, they will unilat- the efforts you now make for peace. It is good erally declare a state, divide Jerusalem, and to be back. make its eastern half the Palestinian capital. Thank you very much. This is a gross violation of the Oslo and Wye accords, which commit the parties to nego- NOTE: The President spoke at 12 midnight at the tiate a mutually agreed final settlement. Ben-Gurion International Airport. In his remarks, Mr. Arafat and the Palestinian Authority he referred to President Ezer Weizman of Israel must officially and unequivocally renounce and his wife, Reuma; Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and his wife, Sarah; and this attempt. I think no one can seriously ex- Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Author- pect Israel to hand over another inch of terri- ity. tory unless and until such an unambiguous correction is made. I said that there are other violations. The The President’s News Conference Palestinians, I’m afraid, began a campaign of With Prime Minister Binyamin incitement. At Wye, as those who are here Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Israel well know, we agreed to release Palestinian December 13, 1998 prisoners but not terrorists with blood on their hands or members of Hamas who are Prime Minister Netanyahu. Mr. Presi- waging war against us. No sooner did we re- dent, I want to welcome you and your entire lease the agreed number of prisoners in the delegation—the Secretary of State, the Na- first installment that the Palestinian Author- tional Security Adviser, and your exceptional ity refused to acknowledge what they agreed team—for coming here on this mission of peace and for your understanding of our con- to at Wye. Falsely charging Israel with violat- cerns. ing the prisoner release clause, Palestinian We spent many hours in Wye River, and leaders openly incited for violence and riots, there and in our conversations this morning, which culminated in a savage near-lynching I’ve come to appreciate and admire your ex- of an Israeli soldier. And the Palestinian Au- traordinary ability to empathize and the seri- thority organized other violent demonstra- ousness with which you examine every issue. tions. Therefore, the Palestinian Authority Your visit here is part of the implementation must stop incitement and violence at once, of the Wye River accords. and they must do so fully and permanently. Now, this was not an easy agreement for There has also been some downgrading on us, but we did our part. And we are prepared parts of the security cooperation between us, to do our part based on Palestinian compli- and the Palestinian Authority must restore

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this cooperation again, fully and perma- say to the people of Israel, I was told before nently. They must live up to their other obli- I came here that no previous Presidents had gations in the Wye agreement in the fields ever visited Israel more than once, and this of weapons collections, illegal weapons col- is my fourth trip here. I may be subject to lections, reducing the size of their armed tax assessment if I come again in the next forces, and the like. 2 years, but I am always pleased to be here. Now, I stress that none of these are new I want to thank you, also, and the members conditions. All are integral parts of the Wye of your team, for the exhausting effort which and Oslo agreements to which we are com- was made at Wye over those 9 days, the time mitted. We hope that tomorrow the Palestin- we spent together, the sleepless nights, and ian Authority will once and for all live up the extraordinary effort to put together a very to at least one of their obligations. And if difficult, but I think sound, agreement. the PNC members will vote in sufficient Let me begin by talking about some of the numbers to annul the infamous Palestinian things that we have discussed today. We’ve Charter, that will be a welcome develop- had two brief private meetings: one, a break- ment. And it’s important, 5 years after the fast meeting with our wives this morning, and promise to do so at Oslo, to see this happen, then a brief private meeting, and then our would be a welcome and positive develop- extended meeting with our two teams. I want ment. to begin where I always do. America has an I think this is—it’s just as important to see unshakable commitment to the security of strict adherence to the other obligations in the State and the people of Israel. We also order to reinject confidence into the peace have an unshakable commitment to be a process and to get this process moving again, partner in the pursuit of a lasting, com- where Israel will also do its part. prehensive peace. Mr. President, I’m sure that we can I have told the Prime Minister that I will achieve peace between Palestinians and soon submit to the Congress a supplemental Israelis if we stand firm on Palestinian com- request for $1.2 billion to meet Israel’s secu- pliance. I very much hope that you will be rity needs related to implementing the Wye able to persuade the Palestinians what I know River agreement. Only if those needs are met you deeply believe and I believe, that vio- can the peace process move forward. lence and peace are simply incompatible. Be- At the same time, I am convinced, as I cause, ultimately, what is required is not think we all are, everyone who has dealt with merely a checklist of correcting Palestinian this problem over any period of time, that violations but, I think, a real change of con- a lasting peace properly achieved is the best duct by the Palestinian leadership. And they way to safeguard Israel’s security over the must demonstrate that they have abandoned long run. the path of violence and adopted the path Last month, at the conclusion of the Wye of peace. For us to move forward, they must talks, Prime Minister and Chairman Arafat scrupulously adhere to their commitments and I agreed that it would be useful for me under the Wye agreement, on which we have to come to the region to help to maintain all worked so hard. the momentum and to appear tomorrow be- And may I say, on a personal and national fore the PNC and the other Palestinian note and international note, that if there’s groups that will be assembled. I also want anyone who can help bring the peace process to commend the Prime Minister for the steps to a satisfactory conclusion, it is you, Presi- he has taken to implement the Wye agree- dent Clinton. Your devotion to this cause, ment which he just outlined. your perseverance, your tireless energy, your He has secured his government support commitment have been an inspiration to us for significant troop withdrawal from the all. May it help us restore peace and hope West Bank and begun the implementation to our land and to our peoples. of that withdrawal, reached an agreement President Clinton. Thank you very much, that allowed for the opening of the Gaza air- Prime Minister. I thank you for your state- port, and he began the difficult process of ment and for your warm welcome. I would prisoner releases.

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The Palestinian Authority has taken some threat of missile delivery systems. We are important steps with its commitments, a working with Israel to help to defend itself deepening security cooperation with Israel, against such threats, in particular, through acting against terrorism, issuing decrees for the Arrow antiballistic missile program. the confiscation of illegal weapons, and deal- We’ve also just established a joint strategic ing with incitement, taking concrete steps to planning committee as a forum to discuss reaffirm the decision to amend the PLO how we can continue to work together on Charter, which will occur tomorrow. security matters. Have the Palestinians fulfilled all their We’re going to take a couple of questions, commitments? They certainly could be doing I know, but again I would like to say in clos- better to preempt violent demonstrations in ing, Mr. Prime Minister, I appreciate the the street. This is a terribly important matter. courage you showed at Wye, your farsighted- I also agree that matters that have been re- ness in seeking peace and in taking personal ferred consistent with the Oslo agreement and political risks for it, which should now for final status talks should be left there and be readily apparent to anyone who has fol- should be subject to negotiations. But in lowed the events of the last 6 weeks. Your other areas, there has been a forward determination, your tenacity to build an progress on the meeting of the commitments. Israel that is both secure and at peace is Now, I know that each step forward can something that I admire and support. And be excruciatingly difficult and that now real I think, if we keep working at it, we can keep efforts have to be made on both sides to re- making progress. gain the momentum. We just had a good dis- Thank you very much. cussion about the specific things that the Israelis believe are necessary for the Palestin- House Judiciary Committee Vote on ians to do to regain the momentum. And we Impeachment/Palestinian Vote to Amend talked a little bit about how we might get the Charter genuine communication going again so that the necessary steps can be taken to resume Q. Mr. President, what is your reaction to the structured implementation of the Wye the decision of the Judiciary Committee of River agreement, which is, I think, part of the House yesterday? Do you intend to re- what makes it work. At least it made it work sign, as did President Nixon? And with your in the minds of the people who negotiated permission, one question to Prime Minister it, and it can work in the lives of the people Netanyahu in Hebrew. who will be affected by it if both sides meet [At this point, a question was asked in He- all their commitments, and only if they do. brew, and the translation follows.] Each side has serious political constraints; I think we all understand that. Provocative Interpreter. Mr. Prime Minister, you pronouncements, unilateral actions can be have, to some extent, appointed Mr. Clinton counterproductive, given the constraints that to act as a referee between the Israelis and each side has. But in the end, there has been the Palestinians. He will appear tomorrow in a fundamental decision made to deal with Gaza where the decision of the committee this through honest discussion and negotia- will be to revoke its objection to the existence tion. That is the only way it can be done. of Israel. What will you do if this decision It cannot be done by resorting to other is taken, and how will you react to issues fac- means when times get difficult. And again ing you with the Cabinet regarding a no-con- I say the promise of Wye cannot be fulfilled fidence vote? by violence or by statements or actions which President Clinton. My reaction to the are inconsistent with the whole peace proc- committee vote is that I wasn’t surprised. I ess. Both sides should adhere to that. think it’s been obvious to anyone who is fol- Let me also just say one other word about lowing it for weeks that the vote was fore- regional security. I think Israelis are properly ordained. And now it is up to the Members concerned with the threat of weapons of of the House of Representatives to vote their mass destruction development, with the conscience on the Constitution and the law,

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which I believe are clear. And I have no in- for me to be personally calling people; unless tention of resigning. It’s never crossed my they send word to me that there is some mind. question they want to ask or something they [At this point, Prime Minister Netanyahu an- want to say, I don’t think it’s appropriate. swered in Hebrew.] Middle East Peace Process Prime Minister Netanyahu. If you can Q. Mr. President, you said that now it’s translate all of that, you’re a genius. [Laugh- up to the Members of the House to ter] decide—— [The Prime Minister’s remarks were trans- Prime Minister Netanyahu. May I ask lated as follows.] a favor. You are free to ask any one of your questions, but I think the President has come Interpreter. In essence, we expect to see here on a very clear message, on a very clear the Palestinian side revoke the Palestinian voyage of peace, and I believe that it would Charter. We also expect the Palestinians to be appropriate also to ask one or two ques- meet their commitment to stop incitement. tions on the peace process. I would like to If, in fact, tomorrow the Palestinian Charter know the answers, too. is revoked, we will view it as a success of Q. This would be exactly my second ques- our policy. What we merely expect is the Pal- tion. The first one is about what will happen estinians honor their commitments. And Thursday if the Members of the House will that’s our expectation. decide about impeachment, if in this case, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I would say whether you will consider resignation. And that’s a pretty good abbreviation of what I second question, about the peace process, said. [Laughter] You have a great future as after all what you see now, after you hear an editor. [Laughter] the Prime Minister, don’t you think you were The President. We all need one. [Laugh- wrong in the Wye memorandum, that you ter] figured you’d get an agreement which both sides cannot comply? House Impeachment Vote President Clinton. Well, the answer to Q. Mr. President, how confident are you both questions is, no. And let me amplify on that you can avoid impeachment in the full your second question. No, I don’t think it House next week, and are you planning any was wrong. Look, if this were easy, it would particular kind of outreach additional to law- have been done a long time ago. And we makers or the public? knew that in the Wye agreement it would President Clinton. Well, I think it’s up be difficult for both sides to comply. Actually, to—it’s a question of whether each Member the first 2 weeks were quite hopeful. In the will simply vote his or her conscience based first phase, I think there was quite good com- on the Constitution and the law. And I don’t pliance on both sides. And I think the Prime know what’s going to happen. That’s up to Minister feels that way as well. them. It’s out of my hands. If any Member A number of things happened with which wishes to talk to me or someone on my staff, you are very familiar which made the atmos- we would make ourselves available to them. phere more tense in the ensuing weeks. And But otherwise, I think it’s important that they one of the things that I hope to do while be free to make this decision and that they I’m here, in addition to going and meeting not be put under any undue pressure from with the Palestinian groups, including the any quarter. PNC, is to do what I did this morning, to Many of them have said they feel such listen very carefully to the Prime Minister pressure, but I can’t comment on that be- and to his government about what specific cause I haven’t talked directly to many mem- concerns they have in terms of the agreement bers of the House caucus, the Republican and compliance with it and then try to re- caucus, and I have talked to those—a few— solve those and listen to the Palestinians, as who said they wanted to talk to me. Other- I will, so that we can get this process going wise I have not. I don’t think it’s appropriate again.

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I find that when the parties are talking to was no credible argument on the other side. each other and establish an atmosphere of So I have no intention of doing that. understanding of the difficulty of each oth- Now, was the testimony in the deposition er’s positions and deal with each other in difficult and ambiguous and unhelpful? Yes, good faith, we make petty good progress. But it was. That’s exactly what I said in the grand there is a long history here. And 9 days at jury testimony, myself, and I agree with what Wye, or 2 weeks of implementing, you know, Mr. Ruff said about it. Mr. Ruff answered it can’t overcome all that history, plus which, questions, you know, for hours and hours and there are political constraints and impera- hours and tried to deal with some of the con- tives in each position which make it more cerns the committee had on that. And I likely that tensions will arise. thought he did an admirable job in acknowl- But the fact that this has been hard to im- edging the difficulty of the testimony. plement doesn’t mean it was a mistake. It But I could not admit to doing something means it was real. Look, if we had made an that I am quite sure I did not do. And I think agreement that was easy to implement, it if you look at the law, if you look at the legal would have dealt with no difficult cir- decisions, and if you look at what the Repub- cumstances, and so we’d be just where we lican as well as the Democratic prosecutors are now, except worse off. said, I think that’s entitled to great weight. We have seen in the first phase of imple- And I have read or seen nothing that really mentation that good things can happen on overcomes the testimony that they gave on the security side from the point of view of that question. the Israelis and on the development of the Jonathan Pollard territory from the point of view of the Pal- estinians—and the airport—if there is genu- Q. What about Jonathan Pollard, Mr. ine trust and actual compliance. And so what President? What about Jonathan Pollard? we have to do is to get more actual compli- Can you—[inaudible]. ance and in the process rebuild some of that President Clinton. Yes, I can. I have insti- trust. tuted the review that I pledged to the Prime Minister. We’ve never done this on a case before, but I told him I would do it, and Perjury and Censure we did it. And my Counsel, Mr. Ruff, has Q. Mr. President, some Republicans want invited the Justice Department and all the you to go further than a statement of contri- law enforcement agencies under it, and all tion. They say that they want an admission the other security, intelligence, and law en- of perjury. And you willing to do that? And forcement agencies in the Government and what do you think about Chairman Hyde and interested parties to say what they think the Republican leadership opposing a vote about the Pollard case, to do so by sometime in the full House on censure? in January. And I will review all that, plus President Clinton. Well, on the second whatever arguments are presented to me on question, I think you ought to ask them the other side for the reduction of the sen- whether they’re opposed to it because they tence. And I will make a decision in a prompt think that it might pass since, apparently, way. somewhere around three-quarters of the But we have instituted this review which American people think that’s the right thing as I said is unprecedented. We are giving to do. everyone time to present their comments, On the first question, the answer is: No, and I will get comments on both sides of I can’t do that, because I did not commit the issue, evaluate it, and make a decision. perjury. If you go back to the hearing, we Q. I would like to ask—— had four prosecutors—two Republicans, two President Clinton. What did you say? Democrats—one the head of President Rea- They’re demanding equal time, three and gan’s criminal justice division, who went three? through the law in great detail and explained Q. I just want to ask the Prime that, that this is not a perjury case. And there Minister——

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President Clinton. Oh, he wants to ask Beloved audience, dear audience, dear you a question. That’s good. children—give me your hand, dear, you sang Q. Prime Minister, can you explain, per- beautifully. I am happy to see you in our haps to the American people, why you think home, and I hope that this festival of Hanuk- Mr. Pollard is worthy of release at this point? kah will be a holiday which, perhaps, will re- Prime Minister Netanyahu. Jonathan kindle a light in the right direction to Pollard did something bad and inexcusable; strengthen the foundations of the State of he spied in the United States; he collected Israel in its economy, its security, immigra- information on behalf of the Israeli Govern- tion, science, education, and its road to ment. I was the first Prime Minister—and peace. this is the first government—to openly admit The President of the United States has it. We think that he should have served his come to us. He has come not just as a guest time, and he did. He served for close to 13 but to help, and we must appreciate this and years. And all that I appealed to President see if it is possible to ‘‘push the cart forward’’ Clinton for is merely a humanitarian appeal. that, in the rest of the world, is known as It is not based on exonerating Mr. Pollard. being ‘‘stuck in the mud’’ but to us, rather There is no exoneration for it. It is merely is ‘‘stuck in the sand.’’ I don’t know if it’s that he has been virtually in solitary confine- easier to get out of sand than from mud. In ment for 13 years. It’s a very, very heavy sen- any case, we must free it, and I hope, I am tence. sure, that our Government will make all the And since he was sent by us on a mistaken necessary efforts. mission—not to work against the United The subject is not easy nor simple; it’s States but, nevertheless, to break the laws complicated and complex. And from this of the United States—we hope that, on a night of Hanukkah, which is also the eve of purely humanitarian appeal, a way will be the 21st century in less than 13 months, we found to release him. will also begin to see a different type of life That is all I can tell you. It is not political. from our lives to date, despite our having It is not to exonerate him. It is merely to made great achievements in the last 50 years. end a very, very sorry case that has afflicted President Clinton. Thank you very much, him and the people of Israel. Mr. President and Mrs. Weizman. Let me say a special word of welcome in greetings NOTE: The President’s 167th news conference on behalf of Hillary and myself to all the chil- began at 1:50 p.m. in the Office of the Prime Min- dren who are here, and my thanks to these ister. In his remarks, he referred to Chairman Yas- wonderful voices we have just heard sing. ser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and the Pal- And I congratulate this young man for hold- estine National Council (PNC). ing the candle all that time and not burning himself. Congratulations! [Laughter] Remarks With President Ezer It is our great honor, all of the American Weizman of Israel on Lighting the delegation here, the members of our admin- istration and the Members of Congress, to Menorah in Jerusalem celebrate the first day of Hanukkah with the December 13, 1998 President and some of Israel’s finest young people. This is a joyous time of year for Jew- President Weizman. Mr. President, Mrs. ish people everywhere, here in Israel, in Clinton, I don’t think that you will under- America, around the world, a moment to stand Hebrew by now, but with your affec- cherish your extraordinary past, to strive for tion to our country, with your support, I think a future worthy of your history. Laughter this will come, too. [ ] If I may On this occasion, you celebrate not simply switch over to my Biblical Hebrew: a long week of happiness but thousands of [At this point, President Weizman began years of triumph over adversity. You thank speaking in Hebrew. The following trans- God not only for miracles but for hard- lation was released by the Office of the Press earned achievement. May this Menorah Secretary.] bring light through wisdom and illumination.

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May it bring warmth through faith and fel- Statement on the Death lowship. May it kindle a divine spark of peace of Morris Udall touching all the peoples and places of the Holy Land. May it bring hope that after 50 December 13, 1998 years of building, security finally will come Hillary and I were saddened to learn of to all the people of Israel. And may it bring the death of Representative Morris Udall. more than hope; may it ignite in each of you Mo Udall was a leader whose uncommon the will and strength to bring these hopes wisdom, wit, and dedication won the love of to reality. his colleagues and the respect of all Ameri- All of you in this way can serve as candles cans. It was my pleasure to award him the full of light. Let our descendants look back Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award at Israel at the turn of this new century and a President can bestow. say the words that every Jewish child knows Mo Udall represented the people of Ari- from the letters on the dreidel: A great mir- zona for more than three decades and guided acle happened here. the Nation forward on issues ranging from Happy Hanukkah. the reform of our election laws to improving the Postal Service. As a Presidential can- didate and a leader of our party, his was an NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 5:20 articulate voice reminding us of what our Na- p.m. in the Foyer of Beit Hannassi. In his remarks, he referred to President Weizman’s wife, Reuma; tion can achieve when we leave no one be- and Moshe Metbabo, who lit the first candle in hind. Above all, he was a devoted steward the menorah. of the land that God gave us and was respon- sible for the preservation of some of our most important wilderness areas. It is fitting that the easternmost point of the United States, Statement on Crime Rates in the Virgin Islands, and the westernmost December 13, 1998 point, in Guam, are both named ‘‘Udall Point.’’ The Sun will never set on the legacy The preliminary crime data released by the of Mo Udall. FBI today confirm that crime rates in Amer- Our thoughts and prayers go out to his ica are continuing to decline for the seventh wife Norma, their six children and many straight year. During the first 6 months of grandchildren, and the people of Arizona. 1998, serious crime fell by another 5 per- cent—with large reductions in murder and other violent crimes leading the way. If these Remarks to the People of Israel trends hold for the remainder of the year, in Jerusalem the number of murders will have been cut by nearly one-third since Vice President December 13, 1998 Gore and I took office. This is remarkable Thank you very much. Let me begin by progress, and it shows that our strategy of thanking the Prime Minister for his leader- more police, tougher gun laws, and better ship for peace and his leadership of Israel; crime prevention is making a difference. But Mrs. Netanyahu, members of the Israeli our work is far from done. In the coming Government; to the distinguished American year, as we finish the job of putting 100,000 delegation here. I want to say a special word more police on the streets, we must continue of appreciation to the young man who spoke to do everything we can to make all of our first, Ben Mayost. Didn’t he do a good job? communities safer. [Applause] This is my third trip to Jerusalem as Presi- NOTE: This statement was made available by the dent, my third time in this magnificent hall, Office of the Press Secretary on December 12 and the young woman who was with me here but was embargoed for release until 6 p.m. on last time on the stage, Liad Modrik, is also December 13. here. Thank you; I’m really glad to see you.

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I’d like to also thank this magnificent choir, the gravest doubts. It has survived terrorist the Ankor Choir. Didn’t they do a good job? bombs and assassins’ bullets. They left, but they were great. I understand Just a short while ago, this afternoon, Hil- we have students here from Jerusalem, Tel lary and I visited the gravesite of Prime Min- Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Akko, and other cit- ister Rabin with Mrs. Rabin, her daughter, ies. Welcome to you all. and granddaughter. He was killed by one We come here today to speak about the who hoped to kill the peace he worked so future of Israel and the Middle East—your hard to advance. But the Wye memorandum future. Six weeks ago Prime Minister is proof that peace is still alive, and it will Netanyahu came to the United States to seek live as long as the parties believe in it and a new understanding with the Palestinian Au- work for it. thority on the best way to achieve peace with Of course, there have been setbacks, more security. Today I come to Israel to fulfill a misunderstandings, more disagreements, pledge I made to the Prime Minister and to more provocations, more acts of violence. Chairman Arafat at Wye River, to speak to You feel Palestinians should prove in word Israelis and Palestinians about the benefits and deed that their intentions have actually of peace, and to reaffirm America’s deter- changed, as you redeploy from land on which mination to stand with you as you take risks tears and blood have been shed, and you are for peace. right to feel that. The United States will always stand with Palestinians feel you should acknowledge they too have suffered and they, too, have Israel, always remember that only a strong legitimate expectations that should be met Israel can make peace. That is why we were, and, like Israel, internal political pressures after all, your partners in security before we that must be overcome. And they are right, were partners for peace. Our commitment too. to your security is ironclad. It will not ever Because of all that has happened and the change. mountain of memories that has not yet been The United States stood with Israel at the washed away, the road ahead will be hard. birth of your nation, at your darkest hour in Already, every step forward has been tem- 1973, through the long battle against terror, pered with pain. Each time the forces of rec- against Saddam Hussein’s Scuds in 1991. onciliation on each side have reached out, And today, American marines and Patriot the forces of destruction have lashed out. missiles are here in Israel exercising with the The leaders at Wye knew that. The people IDF. We have also stood with you as you of Israel know that. reached out to your neighbors, always rec- Israel is full of good people today who do ognizing that only Israelis can make final de- not hate but who have experienced too much cisions about your own future. sorrow and too much loss to embrace with And as the Prime Minister said in his re- joy each new agreement the peace process marks about education for peace, we agree brings. As always, we must approach the task that peace must begin with a genuine trans- ahead without illusions but not without hope, formation in attitudes. Despite all the dif- for hope is not an illusion. ficulties, I believe that transformation has Every advance in human history, every vic- begun. Palestinians are recognizing that re- tory for the human spirit, every victory in jection of Israel will not bring them freedom, your own individual lives begins with hope, just as Israelis recognize that control over the capacity to imagine a better future, and Palestinians will not bring you security. the conviction that it can be achieved. The As a result, in just the last few years you people of Israel, after all, have beaten the have achieved peace with Jordan, and the most impossible odds, overcome the most Arab world has accepted the idea of peace terrible evils on the way to the Promised with Israel. The boycotts of the past are giv- Land. The idea of the Promised Land kept ing way to a future in which goods move hope alive. In the remaining work to be done, across frontiers while soldiers are able to stay the idea of peace and security in the Prom- at home. The pursuit of peace has withstood ised Land must keep hope alive.

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For all you young people today, under all I want to talk just a little bit about this the complexities and frustrations of this mo- agreement at Wye. It does not, by itself, re- ment, there lies a simple question: What is solve the fundamental problems that divide your vision for your future? There can be Israelis and Palestinians. It is a means to an only two ways to answer that question. You end, not the end itself. But it does restore could say that the only possible future for life to a process that was stalled for 18 Israel is one of permanent siege, in which months, and it will bring benefits that meet the ramparts hold and people stay alive, but the requirements of both sides if both sides the nation remains preoccupied with its very meet their obligations. Wye is an opportunity survival, subject to gnawing anxiety, limited for both that must not be lost. Let me try in future achievement by the absence of real to explain why. partnerships with your neighbors. Prime Minister Netanyahu went to Wye, Perhaps you can live with that kind of fu- rightly determined to ensure that the security ture, but you should not accept it unless you of Israeli citizens is protected as the peace are willing to say—and I will try to say prop- process moves forward. He fought hard, not erly—ein breira, there is no alternative. But to kill the peace but to make it real for all if you are not willing to say that, not willing those Israelis who only want to live normal to give up on hope with no real gain in secu- lives in their own country. And he succeeded rity, you must say, yesh, breira, there is an in obtaining a set of systematic Palestinian alternative. security commitments and a structure for If you are to build a future together, hard carrying them out. realities cannot be ignored. Reconciliation The Palestinian Authority agreed to a com- after all this trouble is not natural. The dif- prehensive and continuous battle against ter- ferences among you are not trivial. There is ror. It pledged to combat terrorist organiza- a history of heartbreak and loss. But the vio- tions, to crack down on unlicensed weapons, lent past and the difficult present do not have to take action against incitement to terror. to be repeated forever. U.S.-Palestinian committees will be set up In the historical relationship between to review specific actions the Palestinians are Israelis and Palestinians, one thing and only taking in each of these areas and to rec- one thing is predestined: You are bound to ommend further steps. We also will submit be neighbors. The question is not whether to our Congress a $1.2 billion package to help you will live side by side, but how you will Israel meet its future security needs, includ- live side by side. ing those growing out of the redeployments Will both sides recognize there can be no agreed to at Wye. security for either until both have security; The agreement can benefit Israel in an- that there will be no peace for either until other way. It offers the prospect of continu- both have peace? Will both sides seize this ing a process that is changing how most Pal- opportunity to build a future in which pre- estinians define their interests and their rela- occupation with security, struggle, and sur- tionship with you. More and more, Palestin- vival can finally give way to a common com- ians have begun to see that they have done mitment to keep all our young minds strong more to realize their aspirations in 5 years and unleash all your human potential? of making peace than in 45 years of making Surely, the answer must be, yes. Israelis war. They are beginning to see that Israel’s and Palestinians can reach that conclusion mortal enemies are, in fact, their enemies, sooner, reducing the pain and violence they too, and that is in their interests to help to endure, or they can wait until later—more defeat the forces of terror. and more victims suffer more loss—and ulti- This transformation, however, is clearly mately, the conclusion must be the same. unfinished. It will not happen overnight. Your leaders came to an agreement at Wye There will be bumps in the road, and there because a majority of people on both sides have been some already. The Palestinian have already said, ‘‘Now is the time to leaders must work harder to keep the agree- change.’’ ment and avoid the impression that unilateral

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actions can replace agreed-upon negotia- is no sense in a tug-of-war over common tions. But it is vital that you, too, recognize ground. the validity of this agreement and work to It will succeed when we all recognize, as sustain it and all other aspects of the peace Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman process. Arafat did at Wye, that ultimately this can Tomorrow I go to Gaza to address the and must be a partnership between Israelis members of the Palestinian National Council and Palestinians. It will succeed if both sides and other Palestinian organizations. I will continue the work that Wye makes possible, witness the reaffirmation of their commit- if they face the hard decisions ahead so that ment to forswear fully, finally, and forever, the future continues to be shaped at the ne- all the provisions in their Charter that called gotiating table, rather than by unilateral acts for the destruction of Israel. or declarations. I will also make it clear that with rights We cannot, of course, expect everyone to come responsibilities, reminding people see that. There are still people in this region, there that violence never was and never can indeed in every region, who believe that their be a legitimate tool, that it would be wrong unique cultures can thrive only behind walls and utterly self-defeating to resume a strug- that keep out those who are different, even gle that has taken Palestinians from one trag- if the price is mutual mistrust and hatred. edy to another. I will ask the Palestinian lead- There are some who still talk openly about ers to join me in reaffirming what the vast the ‘‘threat’’ of peace because peacemaking majority of Muslims the world over believe, requires making contact with the other side, that tolerance is an article of faith and terror- recognizing the legitimacy of different faiths ism a travesty of faith. And I will emphasize and different points of view, and openness that this conviction should echo from every to a world of competing ideas and values. Palestinian schoolhouse and mosque and tel- But I don’t think that’s the majority view evision tower. in the Middle East any longer. What once I will point out, of course, all the ways in was a conflict among mainstreams is evolving which this Wye agreement benefits Palestin- into a mainstream seeking peace. We must ians: It provides for the transfer of more ter- not let the conflict invade the mainstream ritory, the redeployment of more Israeli of Israel or of the Palestinians or of any other troops, safe passage between Gaza and the group in this region again. West Bank, the opening of the airport in I believe you can not only imagine, you Gaza, other initiatives to lift their economic young people, but actually shape the kind of condition, and new commitments of inter- partnership that will give you the future you national assistance to improve the lives of the want. I think you can do it while protecting Palestinian people. Israel’s fundamental interests. To anyone In doing these things, this agreement ben- who thinks that is impossible, I would ask efits Israelis as well, for it is in Israel’s inter- you this: How many people thought Israel est to give the Palestinian economy space to was possible when your grandparents were breathe and the Palestinian people a chance just people searching for a land? Who would to defeat the hopelessness that extremists ex- have imagined the marvel Israel has become? ploit to unleash their terror. And it is surely For decades, you lived in a neighborhood in Israel’s interest to deal with Palestinians which rejected you. Yet, you not only sur- in a way that permits them to feel a sense vived and thrived but held fast to the tradi- of dignity instead of despair. tions of tolerance and openness upon which The peace process will succeed if it comes this nation was founded. You were forced to with a recognition that the fulfillment of one become warriors, yet you never lost the thirst side’s aspirations must come with—not at the to make peace. You turned weakness into expense of—the fulfillment of the other strength, and along the way, you built a part- side’s dreams. It will succeed when we un- nership with the United States that is endur- derstand that it is not just about mutual obli- ing and unassailable. gations but mutual interest, mutual recogni- Now Israel enters its second half-century. tion, mutual respect; when all agree there You have nourished an ancient culture. You

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have built from the desert a modern nation. into a century of peace and security, with You stand on the edge of a new century pre- America always at your side. pared to make the very most of it. You have Thank you, and God bless you. given your children a chance to grow up and learn who they are, not just from stories of NOTE: The President spoke at 6:38 p.m. in the wandering and martyrdom but from the Ussishkin Hall at the Jerusalem Convention Cen- ter. In this remarks, he referred to Prime Minister happy memories of people living good lives Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and his wife, Sarah; in a natural way. You have proven again and Ben Mayost, chair, National Student Council; again that you are powerful enough to defeat Liad Modrik, student council representative, Tel those who would destroy you but strong and Aviv Center for the Performing Arts, during the wise enough to make peace with those who President’s March 1996 visit to Israel; Chairman are ready to accept you. You have given us Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority; Presi- every reason to believe that you can build dent Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and Leah Rabin, a future on hope that is different from the widow of assassinated Israeli Prime Minister past. Yitzhak Rabin, her daughter, Dalia Rabin Filosof, and her granddaughter, Noa Ben Artzi. This morning the Prime Minister and Mrs. Netanyahu and Hillary and I had breakfast together, and he said something to me I’d Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by like to repeat to you to make this point to Prime Minister Netanyahu in all of you young people. He said: You know, Jerusalem there are three great ancient civilizations in December 13, 1998 the world—the Chinese civilization, the In- dian civilization, and the Jewish civilization— Thank you very much. Mr. Prime Minister, all going back 4,000 years or more. The Chi- Mrs. Netanyahu, leaders and citizens of nese are 1.2 billion people; the Indians are Israel, my fellow Americans. Let me begin nearly a billion people. To be sure, they have by thanking the Prime Minister, his family, suffered invasion, loss in war; in the Indian and his administration for the warm welcome case, colonization. But they have always had accorded to me and Hillary and Chelsea and their land, and they have grown. our entire group. This is, as I have said many There are 12 million Jews in the world, times today, my fourth visit to Israel since driven from their homeland, subject to Holo- I became President. Perhaps that fact alone caust, subject to centuries of prejudice. And says something about the unique relationship yet, here you are. Here you are. If you can between our two nations. do this after 4,000 years, you can make this Last spring I walked out onto the South peace. Believe me, you can do this. Lawn at the White House to lead my fellow Years ago, before the foundation of Israel, Americans in our celebration of your 50th Golda Meir said of her people, and I quote, birthday as a nation. And as I did that, I ‘‘We only want that which is given naturally thought about how that great old house, to all people of the world, to be masters of where every President since our second our own fate, only our fate, not the destiny President has lived for almost 200 years now, of others; to live as a right and not on suffer- and how for the last 50 years it has been ance; to have the chance to bring the surviv- and now will forever be linked to Israel’s des- ing Jewish children, of whom not so many tiny. are left in the world now, to this country, It was in the White House that Harry Tru- so that they may grow up like our youngsters man recognized the State of Israel only 11 who were born here, free of fear with heads minutes after you had declared your inde- high.’’ pendence. And, I might add, he did so over This hope that all of us can live a life of the objection of some of his most senior ad- dignity when respecting the dignity of others visers. It was in the White House a year later is part of the heritage of values Israel shares that President Truman wept when Israel’s with the United States. On this, the first day Chief Rabbi told him, ‘‘God put you in your of Hanukkah, may this hope be the candle mother’s womb so you would be the instru- that lights Israel’s path into the new century, ment to bring the rebirth of Israel after 2,000

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years.’’ Mr. Prime Minister, every President be considered in light of events of a rich but since Harry Truman has been strongly com- often turbulent past, including 2,000 years mitted to the State of Israel and to Israel’s of exile and persecution. security. No one should doubt that the We honor your history, your struggles, United States will always stand with you. your sacrifices. We pray for a permanent Every President has also believed it is vital peace that will, once and for all, secure the to Israel’s security that together we seek rightful place of the people of Israel, living peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. in peace, mutual respect, mutual recognition, Israel’s own leaders again and again have said and permanent security in this historic land, this, from Ben-Gurion to Golda Meir, Begin with the Palestinians and all your neighbors. to Rabin, and Peres. Now you, Mr. Prime You mentioned, Mr. Prime Minister, the Minister, have taken your own brave steps fact that my devotion to Israel had something on the path to peace. This is the correct to do with the instruction I received from course because only through negotiated and my minister long ago. I will tell you, the real implemented peace can Israelis live their story is even more dramatic. I hesitate to tell dream of being both free and secure. it because then you will use it against me No one knows better the cost the enemies when it is helpful. [Laughter] of peace can extract than you, Mr. Prime My pastor died in 1989. Before that, start- Minister. You have fought terrorism with ing in 1937, he came here to the Holy Land your own hands. You have written powerfully more than 40 times. Once in the mid-1980’s, about it. You lost your beloved brother to we were sitting together, long before I had it. The citizens you now lead face the possi- thought that a realistic prospect, and he bility of terrorism every day. America knows something of this struggle, looked at me and he said, ‘‘You might be too. Hundreds of our citizens have perished President one day. You will make mistakes, in terrorist attacks over this generation, most and God will forgive you. But God will never recently at our Embassies in east Africa. We forgive you if you forget the State of Israel.’’ know we must stand strong against terrorism. That’s what he said. We are determined to do so just as we are When Hillary first came here with me 17 determined to find just and peaceful solu- years ago this month, I was not in elected tions to conflicts and to overcome longstand- office. I came on a religious pilgrimage just ing hatred and resentments. We know the after we celebrated Christmas. I saw Masada closer we get, the more desperate the en- and Bethlehem for the first time, not through emies of peace become. But we cannot let political eyes but through the eyes of a Chris- terrorists dictate our future. We will not let tian. I can’t wait to go back to Masada, and their bombs or their bullets destroy our path I can’t wait to go back to Bethlehem. to peace. You mentioned that the troubles and trav- Mr. Prime Minister, at Wye River you ob- ails and triumphs of Jesus, a Jew, gave the tained commitments that will greatly world the Christian religion, of which I am strengthen Israel’s security if they are hon- a part. In the Christian New Testament, we ored. All of us who shared those 9 days and get a lot of instruction about what it takes 9 long nights know you are a skilled and tena- to make peace and become reconciled to one cious negotiator. Despite your long sojourn another. We are instructed that we have to in America, there can be no doubt that you forgive others their sins against us if we ex- remain a sabra to the core, tough, the kind pect to be forgiven our own. We are in- of leader with the potential to guide his peo- structed that they who judge without mercy ple to a peaceful and secure future. will be judged without mercy, but mercy tri- Many have pointed out that you are the umphs over judgment. And we are told in first leader of Israel born after 1948, actually no uncertain terms that the peacemakers are born in the State of Israel. But I know you blessed, and they will inherit the Earth. never forget that the history of the Jewish Please join me in a toast to Prime Minister people, as you have told us again tonight, is and Mrs. Netanyahu, the people of Israel, far, far longer, that the issues of today must and the promise of peace. L’Chaim.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 9:16 p.m. at the today. One of the important achievements of Jerusalem Hilton. In his remarks, he referred to the Wye River agreement was the commit- Prime Minister Netanyahu’s wife, Sarah. ment to get this airport open and going, and I’m very, very pleased. It’s quite beautiful. Exchange With Reporters Prior to And I was pleased to be there, and I’m very glad to be here in Chairman Arafat’s head- Discussions With Chairman Yasser quarters, with his team. And we’ll talk about Arafat of the Palestinian Authority all the other issues. in Gaza City, Gaza Q. And the withdrawal? December 14, 1998 President Clinton. I’ll have more to say about that later. Impeachment Q. Mr. President, you say you haven’t Implementation of the Wye Agreement committed perjury. Can you say, sir, that you Q. Mr. President—[inaudible]—to be lied, as some people believe would help? time—[inaudible]—on the implementation President Clinton. Sam [Sam Donaldson, of the Wye agreement, as Israel has said to ABC News], I’ve said what I have to say be asking? about that. Now, I’m here furthering Ameri- President Clinton. Well, I would hope ca’s interests, trying to make peace in the that we would continue to implement the Middle East, to keep this peace process on Wye agreement on both sides. I would hope track. I think it’s important. I will say what both sides would continue to implement I’ve said before: I don’t believe it’s in the every part of it. And I think it’s important interest of the United States or the American that both sides implement every part of it people to go through this impeachment proc- in good faith. ess with a trial in the Senate. That’s why I Keep in mind, Wye is not the end of this have offered to make every effort to make process. It’s simply a means to an end. We any reasonable compromise with the Con- also have to get the final status talks going gress. I still believe that, and I’m still willing and then get into them in earnest. But these to do that. That’s all I know to do. Mean- confidence-building measures, which will en- while, I’m going to keep working on my job. able the Palestinians not only to have an air- Q. Do you think it’s appropriate for the port but to have more freedom of movement, Republican leadership to call for your res- more land, and more economic opportunity, ignation while you are over here, overseas? and enable the Israelis to have a greater as- Q. President Clinton, how do you feel surance of security cooperation, I think being in Gaza? they’re very important to the success of final President Clinton. The boundaries of status talks. So I’m committed to this agree- what’s appropriate have been changed rather ment, and I hope that it will be implemented dramatically in the last several months, I in a timely and aggressive manner by both think; you know, they’ll have to be the judge sides. of their own conduct. I’m just going to do Chairman Arafat. We consider the visit my job as President. of President Clinton as a historic event for the Palestinian people and for the people in President’s Visit to Gaza the Middle East. And we are grateful for his Q. President Clinton, how do you feel visit, and he honored us with this visit today. being in Gaza for the first time? And is there We should never forget that under Presi- going to be a withdrawal on Friday? dent Clinton’s sponsorship, we signed a num- President Clinton. Well, I want to talk ber of peace agreements at the White House. to Chairman Arafat about all these issues re- And through President Clinton, peace will lated to the Wye agreement. But I’m de- prevail in the Middle East. And this is some- lighted to be in Gaza for the first time. I’m thing that will not be forgotten by the Pal- delighted to be the first President to come estinian people or the Israeli people or the on Palestinian territory. And I was very people in the Middle East. And once again, pleased to be at the dedication of the airport it is a great honor, and we are really proud

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to have President Clinton among us here and Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by among the Palestinian people. Chairman Arafat in Gaza City I was hoping that logistically we would December 14, 1998 have been able to have a motorcade, because people are lined up waiting to greet Presi- Chairman Arafat, Mrs. Arafat, distin- dent Clinton on both sides of the road. And guished leaders of the Palestinian commu- I believe perhaps you took a glimpse of the nity, colleagues, and friends: On behalf of my people, flying in the chopper over Gaza, family and our entire delegation, we thank standing on both sides hoping that the motor- you for your warm and truly memorable wel- cade would come by—from the airport, from come. the airport. [Laughter] Mr. Chairman, as I promised you at Wye River, I have come to Gaza to speak about President Clinton. I would like to say just the benefits of peace based on mutual re- one other thing. There are two historic ele- spect. I know that the circumstances you’ve ments to this day. One is the opportunity that faced since 1993 and the signing of the peace I have been given simply to come here and have remained difficult, but there are reasons to have this meeting and to be a part of the for hope. For the first time in the history airport dedication. The other is the truly his- of the Palestinian movement, the Palestinian toric meeting that the Chairman has con- people and their elected representatives now vened of the PNC, the PCC, and the other have a chance to determine their own destiny Palestinian groups, and the opportunity that on their own land. the Palestinian people, through their elected I am proud to be the first American Presi- representatives, will have to make it clear and dent to stand with the Palestinian people unequivocal that they are choosing the path here as you shape your future. I want to em- of peace and partnership with Israel, and that phasize that that future is possible because we hope—I think all of us hope—that this of the commitment you have made to live will lead to a changing of hearts and minds in peace and mutual respect with your neigh- throughout this region among all parties, so bors, side by side. that it will be easier for everyone to imple- All this would have been hard to imagine ment the difficult commitments they have in the darkest years of struggle, when most made at Wye and will have to make to get people expected the Middle East would al- the final status talks completed. ways be a separate set of armed camps. This is a truly significant thing, and I, for Sometimes it takes more courage and more strength to make peace than it does to con- one, very much appreciate it. It was a part tinue war. I thank Chairman Arafat for hav- of the Wye River agreements; it showed a ing the strength, the courage, and the wis- lot of courage on Chairman Arafat’s part; and dom to make peace and then to persevere I was delighted to be invited here. And so on the path of peace. I just want to say how much I personally ap- I thank the Chairman and, indeed, all Pal- preciate this and how much I think it will estinians who embrace the idea that Palestin- mean over the long run to the prospects for ians and Israelis can share the land of their a successful peace agreement. fathers together. I thank you for believing that the land which gave the world Islam and NOTE: The exchange began at 12 noon in Chair- Judaism and Christianity can be the home man Arafat’s office. In his remarks, the President of all people who love one God and respect referred to the Palestine National Council (PNC) every life our one God has created. and the Palestinian Central Council (PCC). A tape America wants you to succeed, and we will was not available for verification of the content help you to create the society you deserve, of this exchange. a society based on respect for human rights,

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human dignity, the rule of law, a society that NOTE: The President spoke at 2:15 p.m. at the teaches tolerance, values education, and now, Zahrat Al Madian. In his remarks, he referred to at last, has the chance to unleash the creative Chairman Arafat’s wife, Shua. The transcript power of its people against the destructive made available by the Office of Press Secretary pull of hopelessness and poverty. also included the remarks of Chairman Arafat. I think of you at this hopeful moment as a family reuniting after too many years of dislocation and despair; a community of be- Remarks to the Palestine National lievers helping to build a Middle East in Council and Other Palestinian which people of all faiths can live in security Organizations in Gaza City and peace; a people known through the December 14, 1998 world, like the olive tree, for your attachment to this land and now to peace; a society that Thank you. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Za’anoun, demands of yourselves what you rightly de- Chairman Arafat, Mrs. Arafat, members of mand of others. the Palestinian National Council, the Pal- The way ahead may be hard and uncertain, estinian Central Council, the Palestinian Ex- but the way you have left behind is full of ecutive Committee, Palestinian Council self-defeating violence and soul-withering Heads of ministries, leaders of business and hate. So we have no choice but the way religion; to all members of the Palestinian ahead. community, and to my fellow Americans who Tomorrow my family and I, along with come here from many walks of life—Arab- Chairman and Mrs. Arafat, will have a chance American, Jewish-American—this is a re- to visit Bethlehem, to light the Christmas markable day. Today the eyes of the world tree at the beginning of this season which are on you. is so important for those of us who are Chris- I am profoundly honored to be the first tians. The next time people celebrate Christ- American President to address the Palestin- mas in Bethlehem we will be on the edge ian people in a city governed by Palestinians. of a new millennium, marking 2000 years I have listened carefully to all that has since the birth of the Christ child, who be- been said. I have watched carefully the reac- came known to Christians as the Prince of tions of all of you to what has been said. I Peace, who happened to be a Jew, who hap- know that the Palestinian people stand at a pens to be recognized by Islam. crossroads: behind you a history of disposses- Now, if all that can be true, surely we can sion and dispersal, before you the oppor- figure out how to solve these problems and tunity to shape a new Palestinian future on go into the future. your own land. I close with these words of the poet, Hafez I know the way is often difficult and frus- Ibrahim: trating, but you have come to this point People of a hopeful future, we are in through a commitment to peace and negotia- need of leadership which builds and tions. You reaffirmed that commitment people who construct. today. I believe it is the only way to fulfill the aspirations of your people, and I am pro- People of a hopeful future, we are in foundly grateful to have had the opportunity need of wisdom that counsels and a to work with Chairman Arafat for the cause hand that liberates. of peace, to come here as a friend of peace People of a hopeful future, we need you; and a friend of your future, and to witness fill the void, get to work. you raising your hands, standing up tall, People of a hopeful future, do not let standing up not only against what you believe tomorrow pass like yesterday, in dusty is wrong but for what you believe is right existence. in the future. I was sitting here thinking that this mo- People of a hopeful future, your country ment would have been inconceivable a dec- implores you to think. God willing, we ade ago: no Palestinian Authority; no elec- will think and feel and act as one. tions in Gaza and the West Bank; no relations Thank you. And thank you again. between the United States and Palestinians;

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no Israeli troop redeployments from the are scarce, prospects are uncertain, and per- West Bank and Gaza; no Palestinians in sonal grief is great. I know that tremendous charge in Gaza, Ramallah, Bethlehem, He- pain remains as a result of losses suffered bron, Tulkarem, Jenin, Nablus, Jericho, and from violence, the separation of families, the so many other places; there was no Gaza restrictions on the movement of people and International Airport. goods. I understand your concerns about set- Today I had the privilege of cutting the tlement activity, land confiscation, and home ribbon on the international airport. Hillary demolitions. I understand your concerns and and I, along with Chairman and Mrs. Arafat, theirs about unilateral statements that could celebrated a place that will become a magnet prejudge the outcome of final status negotia- for planes from throughout the Middle East tions. I understand, in short, that there’s still and beyond, bringing you a future in which a good deal of misunderstanding 5 years after Palestinians can travel directly to the far cor- the beginning of this remarkable process. ners of the world; a future in which it is easier It takes time to change things and still and cheaper to bring materials, technology, more time for change to benefit everyone. and expertise in and out of Gaza; a future It takes determination and courage to make in which tourists and traders can flock here, peace and sometimes even more to persevere to this beautiful place on the Mediterranean; for peace. But slowly but surely, the peace a future, in short, in which the Palestinian agreements are turning into concrete people are connected to the world. progress: the transfer of territories, the Gaza I am told that just a few months ago, at industrial estate, and the airport. These a time of profound pessimism in the peace changes will make a difference in many Pal- process, your largest exporter of fruit and estinian lives. flowers was prepared to plow under a field I thank you—I thank you, Mr. Chairman, of roses, convinced the airport would never for your leadership for peace and your perse- open. But Israelis and Palestinians came to verance, for enduring all the criticism from agreement at Wye River, the airport has all sides, for being willing to change course, opened, and now I am told that company and for being strong enough to stay with what plans to export roses and carnations to Eu- is right. You have done a remarkable thing rope and throughout the Gulf, a true flower- for your people. ing of Palestinian promise. America is determined to do what we can I come here today to talk about that prom- to bring tangible benefits of peace. I am ise, to ask you to rededicate yourselves to proud that the roads we traveled on to get it, to ask you to think for a moment about here were paved, in part, with our assistance, how we can get beyond the present state of as were hundreds of miles of roads that knit things where every step forward is like, as together towns and villages throughout the we say in America, pulling teeth. Where West Bank and Gaza. there is still, in spite of the agreement at Two weeks ago, in Washington, we joined Wye—achieved because we don’t need much with other nations to pledge hundreds of mil- sleep, and we worked so hard, and Mr. lions of dollars toward your development, in- Netanyahu worked with us, and we made this cluding health care and clean water, edu- agreement. But I want to talk to you about cation for your children, rule of law projects how we can get beyond this moment, where that nurture democracy. Today I am pleased there is still so much mistrust and misunder- to announce we will also fund the training standing and quite a few missteps. of Palestinian health care providers and air- You did a good thing today in raising your port administrators, increase our support to hands. You know why? It has nothing to do Palestinian refugees. And next year I will ask with the government in Israel. You will touch the Congress for another several hundred the people of Israel. million dollars to support the development I want the people of Israel to know that of the Palestinian people. for many Palestinians, 5 years after Oslo, the But make no mistake about it, all this was benefits of this process remain remote, that made possible because of what you did, be- for too many Palestinians lives are hard, jobs cause 5 years ago you made a choice for

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peace, and because through all the tough aspire to live free today, tomorrow, and for- times since, when in your own mind you had ever. a hundred reasons to walk away, you didn’t, And I ask you to remember these experi- because you still harbor the wisdom that led ences I had with these two groups of chil- to the Oslo accords that led to the signing dren. If I had met them in reverse order, in Washington in September of ’93—you still I would not have known which ones were can raise your hand and stand and lift your Israeli and which Palestinian. If they had all voice for peace. been lined up in a row and I had seen their Mr. Chairman, you said some profound tears, I could not tell whose father was dead words today in embracing the idea that and whose father was in prison or what the Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace as story of their lives were, making up the grief neighbors. Again I say you have led the way, that they bore. We must acknowledge that and we would not be here without you. neither side has a monopoly on pain or vir- I say to all of you, I can come here and tue. work; I can bring you to America, and we At the end of America’s Civil War, in my can work, but in the end, this is up to you— home State, a man was elected Governor you and the Israelis. For you have to live who had fought with President Lincoln’s with the consequences of what you do. I can forces, even though most of the people in help because I believe it is my job to do so; my home State fought with the secessionist I believe it is my duty to do so; because forces. And he made his inaugural speech America has Palestinian-Americans, Jewish- after 4 years of unbelievable bloodshed in Americans, other Arab-Americans who des- America, in which he had been on the win- perately want us to be helpful. But in the ning side but in the minority in our home. end, you have to decide what the understand- And everyone wondered what kind of leader ing will be, and you have to decide whether he would be. His first sentence was, ‘‘We we can get beyond the present moment have all done wrong.’’ I say that because I where there is still, for all the progress we think the beginning of mutual respect, after have made, so much mistrust. And the peo- so much pain, is to recognize not only the ple who are listening to us today in Israel, positive characteristics of people on both they have to make the same decisions. sides but the fact that there has been a lot— Peace must mean many things: legitimate a lot—of hurt and harm. rights for Palestinians—[applause]—legiti- The fulfillment of one side’s aspirations mate rights for Palestinians, real security for must not come at the expense of the other. Israel. But it must begin with something even We must believe that everyone can win in more basic: mutual recognition, seeing peo- the new Middle East. It does not hurt Israelis ple who are different, with whom there have to hear Palestinians peacefully and pridefully been profound differences, as people. asserting their identity, as we saw today. That I’ve had two profoundly emotional experi- is not a bad thing. And it does not hurt Pal- ences in the last less than 24 hours. I was estinians to acknowledge the profound desire with Chairman Arafat, and four little children of Israelis to live without fear. It is in this came to see me whose fathers are in Israeli spirit that I ask you to consider where we prisons. Last night, I met some little children go from here. whose fathers had been killed in conflict with I thank you for your rejection fully, finally, Palestinians, at the dinner that Prime Min- and forever of the passages in the Palestinian ister Netanyahu had for me. Those children Charter calling for the destruction of Israel. brought tears to my eyes. We have to find For they were the ideological underpinnings a way for both sets of children to get their of a struggle renounced at Oslo. By revoking lives back and to go forward. them once and for all, you have sent, I say Palestinians must recognize the right of again, a powerful message not to the Govern- Israel and its people to live safe and secure ment but to the people of Israel. You will lives today, tomorrow, and forever. Israel touch people on the street there. You will must recognize the right of Palestinians to reach their hearts there.

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I know how profoundly important this is work against terrorism, if you stand strong, to Israelis. I have been there four times as will be rewarded, for that must become a President. I have spent a lot of time with fact of the past. It must never be a part of people other than the political leaders, Israeli your future. schoolchildren who heard about you only as Let me say this as clearly as I can: No mat- someone who thought they should be driven ter how sharp a grievance or how deep a hurt, into the sea. They did not know what their there is no justification for killing innocents. parents or grandparents did that you thought Mr. Chairman, you said at the White was so bad. They were just children, too. Is House that no Israeli mother should have to it surprising that all this has led to the hard- worry if her son or daughter is late coming ening of hearts on both sides, that they refuse home. Your words touched many people. You to acknowledge your existence as a people said much the same thing today. We must and that led to a terrible reaction by you? invest those words with the weight of reality By turning this page on the past, you are in the minds of every person in Israel and taking the lead in writing a new story for the future. And you have issued a challenge to every Palestinian. the Government and the leaders of Israel to I feel this all the more strongly because walk down that path with you. I thank you the act of a few can falsify the image of the for doing that. The children of all the Middle many. How many times have we seen it? East thank you. How many times has it happened to us? We But declaring a change of heart still won’t both know it is profoundly wrong to equate be enough. Let’s be realistic here. First of Palestinians, in particular, and Islam, in gen- all, there are real differences. And secondly, eral, with terrorism or to see a fundamental a lot of water has flowed under the bridge, conflict between Islam and the West. For the as we used to say at home. An American poet vast majority of the more than one billion has written, ‘‘Too long a sacrifice can make Muslims in the world, tolerance is an article a stone of the heart.’’ Palestinians and Israelis of faith and terrorism a travesty of faith. and their pasts both share a history of oppres- I know that in my own country, where sion and dispossession; both have felt their Islam is one of the fastest growing religions, hearts turn to stone for living too long in fear we share the same devotion to family and and seeing loved ones die too young. You hard work and community. When it comes are two great people of strong talent and to relations between the United States and soaring ambition, sharing such a small piece Palestinians, we have come far to overcome of sacred land. our misperceptions of each other. Americans The time has come to sanctify your holy have come to appreciate the strength of your ground with genuine forgiveness and rec- identity and the depth of your aspirations. onciliation. Every influential Palestinian, And we have learned to listen to your griev- from teacher to journalist, from politician to ances as well. community leader, must make this a mission I hope you have begun to see America as to banish from the minds of children glori- fying suicide bombers, to end the practice your friend. I have tried to speak plainly to of speaking peace in one place and preaching you about the need to reach out to the people hatred in another, to teach schoolchildren of Israel, to understand the pain of their chil- the value of peace and the waste of war, to dren, to understand the history of their fear break the cycle of violence. Our great Amer- and mistrust, their yearning, gnawing desire ican prophet, Martin Luther King, once said, for security, because that is the only way ‘‘The old law of an eye for an eye leaves ev- friends can speak and the only way we can erybody blind.’’ move forward. I believe you have gained more in 5 years I took the same liberty yesterday in Israel. of peace than in 45 years of war. I believe I talked there about the need to see one’s that what we are doing today, working to- own mistakes, not just those of others; to rec- gether for security, will lead to further gains ognize the steps others have taken for peace, and changes in the heart. I believe that our not just one’s own; to break out of the politics

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of absolutes; to treat one’s neighbors with re- and the Muslims in Bosnia—all have turned spect and dignity. I talked about the pro- from conflict to cooperation. Yes, there is still found courage of both peoples and their some distrust; yes, there’s still some dif- leaders which must continue in order for a ficulty; but they are walking down the right secure, just, and lasting peace to occur; the road together. And when they see each oth- courage of Israelis to continue turning over er’s children, increasingly they only see chil- territory for peace and security; the courage dren, together. When they see the children of Palestinians to take action against all those crying, they realize the pain is real, whatever who resort to and support violence and ter- the child’s story. In each case there was a rorism; the courage of Israelis to guarantee vision of greater peace and prosperity and safe passage between the West Bank and security. Gaza and allow for greater trade and devel- In Biblical times, Jews and Arabs lived side opment; the courage of Palestinians to con- by side. They contributed to the flowering fiscate illegal weapons of war and terror; the of Alexandria. During the Golden Age of courage of Israelis to curtail closures and cur- Spain, Jews, Muslims, and Christians came fews that remain a daily hardship; the cour- together in an era of remarkable tolerance age of Palestinians to resolve all differences and learning, a third of the population laid at the negotiating table; the courage of both down its tools on Friday, a third on Saturday, peoples to abandon the rhetoric of hate that a third on Sunday. They were scholars and still poisons public discourse and limits the scientists, poets, musicians, merchants, and vision of your children; and the courage to statesmen setting an example of peaceful co- move ahead to final status negotiations to- existence that we can make a model for the gether, without either side taking unilateral future. There is no guarantee of success or steps or making unilateral statements that failure today, but the challenge of this gen- could prejudice the outcome, whether gov- eration of Palestinians is to wage an historic erning refugee settlements, borders, Jerusa- and heroic struggle for peace. lem, or any other issues encompassed by the Oslo accord. Again I say this is an historic day. I thank Now, it will take good faith, mutual re- you for coming. I thank you for raising your spect, and compromise to forge a final agree- hands. I thank you for standing up. I thank ment. I think there will be more breakdowns, you for your voices. I thank you for clapping frankly, but I think there will be more break- every time I said what you were really doing throughs, as well. There will be more chal- was reaching deep into the heart of the peo- lenges to peace from its enemies. And so I ple of Israel. Chairman Arafat said he and ask you today never to lose sight of how far Mrs. Arafat are taking Hillary and Chelsea you have come. With Chairman Arafat’s lead- and me—we’re going to Bethlehem tomor- ership already you have accomplished what row. For a Christian family to light the many said was impossible. The seemingly in- Christmas tree in Bethlehem is a great honor. tractable problems of the past can clearly find It is an interesting thing to contemplate practical solutions in the future. But it re- that in this small place, the home of Islam, quires a consistent commitment and a genu- Judaism, and Christianity, the embodiment ine willingness to change heart. of my faith was born a Jew and is still recog- As we approach this new century, think nized by Muslims as a prophet. He said a of this, think of all the conflicts in the 20th lot of very interesting things. But in the end, century that many people thought were per- He was known as the Prince of Peace. And manent that have been healed or are healing: we celebrate at Christmastime the birth of two great World Wars between the French the Prince of Peace. One reason He is known and the Germans—they’re best friends; the as the Prince of Peace is He knew something Americans and the Russians, the whole cold about what it takes to make peace. And one war—now we have a constructive partner- of the wisest things He ever said was, ‘‘We ship; the Irish Catholics and Protestants; the will be judged by the same standard by which Chinese and the Japanese; the black and we judge, but mercy triumphs over judg- white South Africans; the Serbs, the Croats, ment.’’

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In this Christmas season, in this Hanukkah I will, therefore, work with Members of season, on the edge of Ramadan, this is a Congress and the people of Puerto Rico and time for mercy and vision and looking at all their leaders to enable Puerto Ricans to clar- of our children together. You have reaffirmed ify their choice among the options. I remain the fact that you now intend to share this committed to implementing a majority piece of land without war, with your neigh- choice for Puerto Rico’s future status. bors, forever. They have heard you. They have heard you. Now, you and they must now determine Remarks Following Trilateral what kind of peace you will have. Will it be Discussions and an Exchange With grudging and mean-spirited and confining, or Reporters at Erez Crossing, Israel will it be generous and open? Will you begin December 15, 1998 to judge each other in the way you would like to be judged? Will you begin to see each Good morning, everybody. I just had a other’s children in the way you see your own? very good meeting, a very frank meeting, Will they feel your pain, and will you under- with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chair- stand theirs? man Arafat. First, everyone agrees that yes- Surely to goodness, after 5 years of this terday’s convening of all the Palestinian peace process and decades of suffering and groups and the vote by the Palestinian Na- after you have come here today and done tional Council and the others to fully and for- what you have done, we can say, ‘‘Enough ever reject the conflict with Israel and com- of this gnashing of teeth. Let us join hands mit to a path to peace and cooperation was and proudly go forward together.’’ a truly historic day. Thank you very much. And what we focused on in our meeting is how to follow up on that, where do we NOTE: The President spoke at 5:30 p.m. in the go from here, how can we vigorously imple- Main Hall at the Shawwa Center. In his remarks, ment the process that we agreed to at Wye. he referred to Speaker Salim Za’anoun of the Pal- And I’d like to just—I have a few notes here estine National Council; and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority, and his wife from the meeting—I’d like to go over them Shua. with you. The first thing that we agreed to do was to energize the permanent status talks. Keep Statement on the Puerto Rico Status in mind, the purpose of the Wye agreement Referendum was to resolve the matters that had to be re- December 14, 1998 solved so we could get into permanent status talks and try to get back as close as possible I have advocated enabling the people of to the timetable set out in 1993. Puerto Rico to determine their future status Secondly, we agreed to vigorously pursue among all the options—continuing the cur- the security issue through the appropriate rent governing arrangement, known as Com- committee. There is, I think, no space be- monwealth; nationhood, either independent tween the two sides in their understanding from or in an association with the U.S.; and that maintaining security cooperation and statehood. This year the House passed a bi- minimizing security problems is the pre- partisan bill for this purpose, with my sup- condition to making all the rest of this work. port, but the Senate majority leadership It’s what made Wye possible. blocked it. In the end, the leadership simply Thirdly, the prisoner issue, as you know, recognized Puerto Ricans’ right to choose is a difficult one, but an informal channel and promised to review the results. has been agreed to for dealing with that, and Yesterday Puerto Ricans voted on these it was agreed to—referred all the questions issues under local law. A majority of the vote to that channel and to pursue that accord- was not for any of the options. Among the ingly. rest, the overwhelming majority supported Fourthly, there is a so-called steering com- statehood. mittee which is basically a clearinghouse for

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a lot of the other specific issues agreed to We believe in keeping to these schedules at Wye, questions of law enforcement, of as much as possible, and we worked very weapons handling, of all the specifics there. hard to put all this back on track here. I do They are going to meet today, and I antici- think that we are back on track. We’re going pate that there will be agreement at the end to see this through, and I feel good about of the day, at the end of this meeting, that where we are now. a lot of the requirements of Wye for this next Q. This clearinghouse you’re speaking phase have, in fact, been met. about—— Then there are some other issues that I would like to mention, all of which we agreed Trilateral Meeting to establish to deal with through established Q. Are they talking again? committee procedures: Education—I talked The President. Oh, yes, yes. We sat there about this in my speech in Gaza yesterday, for however long, an hour and 25 minutes the importance of teaching children that a today, with all the parties in the room, includ- commitment has been made by these two ing the major members of each side’s team, people to be partners and to share this land as well as the leaders, and everybody had together. It’s a very important issue to the their say. And there was some—we got be- Israelis and one I think that the Palestinians yond people stating their own positions to recognize. Second, the economic committee, actual conversation, and I’m quite hopeful. which is very important. And thirdly, one big I think the proof is always in what happens issue that has been agreed to but the details tomorrow, not what happens today, but I haven’t been worked out is the whole ques- think at least we’ve got a process set up and tion of safe passage. And there is a committee we can go forward. on safe passage, and I expect it to meet if Middle East Peace Process and Domestic not today, then very shortly to continue to Political Problems push forward on that. So the message of this trip is that yesterday Q. Mr. President, have you been able to was a historic day. It was a very important insulate the peace process from the domestic day for both peoples. Again, I want to com- political problems affecting you and the pliment and applaud Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister? all the others who were at that meeting who The President. Oh, absolutely. made the decision, clear, public, and unam- Q. How so? biguous, that we now have to decide practical The President. You show up for work means to go forward, and I think we are well every day. It’s not a complicated thing. on the way to doing that. So I have achieved Clearinghouses what I came here to achieve, and I expect the Secretary of State to be back here in sev- Q. These clearinghouses, are these to clear eral weeks, and we’ll just keep at it. those obstacles that stand in the way of Netanyahu going through with the next phase of the withdrawal? Is this to satisfy him Israeli Troop Redeployment that these various issues like unilateral dec- Q. Mr. President, will the redeployment larations are being resolved so he can go that is scheduled for Friday go ahead? ahead? I don’t understand the clearinghouse. The President. Well, I think the proper The President. No, no. What I am saying way to answer that is that the Israeli Govern- is—no, there is a steering committee that we ment in my meeting reaffirmed its commit- had set up at Wye that is supposed to deal ment to the Wye process. And so we have with things like—— to resolve a number of issues in order for Q. Well, yes, prisoners, for instance. the redeployment to go forward. I think it The President. No, no, that’s different. would be unfortunate if we got too far behind It’s supposed to deal with things like—the schedule, and I hope we can keep pretty steering committee deals with things like the much to the schedule that’s there. But obvi- weapons confiscation and destruction issue, ously, that remains to be worked out here. the size of the police forces, all those specific

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issues that were set up at Wye not being dealt Statement on the Death of A. Leon with in the security committee, not being Higginbotham, Jr. dealt with in the informal channel on pris- December 15, 1998 oners, not being dealt with in some other way. Hillary and I were deeply saddened to And so what I would say, as I think you learn of the death of Judge A. Leon will get a report before the end of the day Higginbotham, Jr. Throughout his life as a here that these folks have gotten together, scholar, lawyer, and judge, Leon the reports have been made, and I think a Higginbotham was one of our Nation’s most determination will be made that a number passionate and steadfast advocates for civil of the requirements of the Wye agreement rights. have been met so that we can go forward. When Leon Higginbotham was named to But this is a complicated matter, obviously, the Federal bench at the age of 36 by Presi- and I hope we can stay as close to the sched- dent Kennedy, he was the youngest Federal ule as possible. judge to be appointed in three decades. He served with distinction and eventually be- Prime Minister Netanyahu’s came judge of the Third Circuit Court of Ap- Preconditions peals. He also found the time to write and speak with idealism and rigor on the great Q. He set preconditions for going in. His dilemmas of race and justice. And because latest one was unilateral declarations of state- of this remarkable service and his indelible hood. He said that yesterday. Before that, spirit, I had the honor in 1995 to award Judge it was the covenant. You got the covenant Higginbotham the Presidential Medal of taken care of. What I am trying to determine Freedom, the highest honor given to citizens is whether his preconditions have been swept in the United States. away. His retirement was spent remarkably— The President. Well, the meeting we did helping to draft the Constitution for a demo- yesterday was part of the Wye agreement. cratic South Africa and teaching a fresh gen- The other question is one that I think both eration of students at Harvard. Judge sides should observe, which is, it is okay to Higginbotham’s life, as much as his scholar- advocate how you want this to come out. ship, set an example of commitment, enlarge- That’s okay. Neither side should try to stop ment, and service to young minds at home the other from saying what their vision of and abroad. the future is. That would be a terrible mis- Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, take. But it is not okay to imply that we’re Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, and their four not going to resolve all the matters that were children. listed in the Oslo agreement for negotiations by negotiations. That is what we’ve got to do, and that’s where I think the line ought Address to the Nation Announcing to be drawn and the balance ought to be Military Strikes on Iraq struck. If we stick with that, you know, we’ll December 16, 1998 have fits and starts; it will be hard parts, but we’ll get through this. We’ll get through this Good evening. Earlier today I ordered just fine, and it will come out where it ought America’s Armed Forces to strike military to. and security targets in Iraq. They are joined Thank you. by British forces. Their mission is to attack Iraq’s nuclear, chemical, and biological pro- grams and its military capacity to threaten NOTE: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. in the Matak Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred its neighbors. Their purpose is to protect the to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel; national interest of the United States and, and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Au- indeed, the interest of people throughout the thority. A tape was not available for verification Middle East and around the world. Saddam of the content of these remarks. Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his

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neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, responsibility for the consequences of defy- poison gas, or biological weapons. ing the U.N. I want to explain why I have decided, with When Saddam still failed to comply, we the unanimous recommendation of my na- prepared to act militarily. It was only then, tional security team, to use force in Iraq, why at the last possible moment, that Iraq backed we have acted now, and what we aim to ac- down. It pledged to the U.N. that it had complish. made, and I quote, ‘‘a clear and uncondi- Six weeks ago Saddam Hussein announced tional decision to resume cooperation with that he would no longer cooperate with the the weapons inspectors.’’ I decided then to United Nations weapons inspectors, called call off the attack, with our airplanes already UNSCOM. They are highly professional ex- in the air, because Saddam had given in to perts from dozens of countries. Their job is our demands. I concluded then that the right to oversee the elimination of Iraq’s capability thing to do was to use restraint and give Sad- to retain, create, and use weapons of mass dam one last chance to prove his willingness destruction and to verify that Iraq does not to cooperate. attempt to rebuild that capability. The in- I made it very clear at that time what ‘‘un- conditional cooperation’’ meant, based on ex- spectors undertook this mission, first, 71⁄2 years ago, at the end of the Gulf war, when isting U.N. resolutions and Iraq’s own com- Iraq agreed to declare and destroy its arsenal mitments. And along with Prime Minister as a condition of the cease-fire. Blair of Great Britain, I made it equally clear that if Saddam failed to cooperate fully, we The international community had good would be prepared to act without delay, di- reason to set this requirement. Other coun- plomacy, or warning. tries possess weapons of mass destruction Now, over the past 3 weeks, the U.N. and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there’s weapons inspectors have carried out their one big difference: He has used them, not plan for testing Iraq’s cooperation. The test- once but repeatedly, unleashing chemical ing period ended this weekend, and last weapons against Iranian troops during a dec- night, UNSCOM’s Chairman, Richard But- ade-long war, not only against soldiers but ler, reported the results to U.N. Secretary- against civilians; firing Scud missiles at the General Annan. The conclusions are stark, citizens of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and sobering, and profoundly disturbing. Iran, not only against a foreign enemy but In four out of the five categories set forth, even against his own people, gassing Kurdish Iraq has failed to cooperate. Indeed, it actu- civilians in northern Iraq. ally has placed new restrictions on the in- The international community had little spectors. Here are some of the particulars: doubt then, and I have no doubt today, that Iraq repeatedly blocked UNSCOM from left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will use inspecting suspect sites. For example, it shut these terrible weapons again. off access to the headquarters of its ruling The United States has patiently worked to party and said it will deny access to the par- preserve UNSCOM, as Iraq has sought to ty’s other offices, even though U.N. resolu- avoid its obligation to cooperate with the in- tions make no exception for them and spectors. On occasion, we’ve had to threaten UNSCOM has inspected them in the past. military force, and Saddam has backed down. Iraq repeatedly restricted UNSCOM’s Faced with Saddam’s latest act of defiance ability to obtain necessary evidence. For ex- in late October, we built intensive diplomatic ample, Iraq obstructed UNSCOM’s effort to pressure on Iraq, backed by overwhelming photograph bombs related to its chemical military force in the region. The U.N. Secu- weapons program. It tried to stop an rity Council voted 15 to zero to condemn UNSCOM biological weapons team from Saddam’s actions and to demand that he im- videotaping a site and photocopying docu- mediately come into compliance. Eight Arab ments and prevented Iraqi personnel from nations—Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, answering UNSCOM’s questions. Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Prior to the inspection of another site, Iraq Oman—warned that Iraq alone would bear actually emptied out the building, removing

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not just documents, but even the furniture fatally undercut the fear of force that stops and the equipment. Iraq has failed to turn Saddam from acting to gain domination in over virtually all the documents requested by the region. the inspectors; indeed, we know that Iraq or- That is why, on the unanimous rec- dered the destruction of weapons-related ommendation of my national security team, documents in anticipation of an UNSCOM including the Vice President, Secretary of inspection. Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs So Iraq has abused its final chance. As the of Staff, the Secretary of State, and the Na- UNSCOM report concludes, and again I tional Security Adviser, I have ordered a quote, ‘‘Iraq’s conduct ensured that no strong, sustained series of airstrikes against progress was able to be made in the fields Iraq. They are designed to degrade Saddam’s of disarmament. In light of this experience capacity to develop and deliver weapons of and in the absence of full cooperation by mass destruction, and to degrade his ability Iraq, it must, regrettably, be recorded again to threaten his neighbors. At the same time, that the Commission is not able to conduct we are delivering a powerful message to Sad- the work mandated to it by the Security dam: If you act recklessly, you will pay a Council with respect to Iraq’s prohibited heavy price. weapons program.’’ We acted today because, in the judgment In short, the inspectors are saying that, of my military advisers, a swift response even if they could stay in Iraq, their work would provide the most surprise and the least would be a sham. Saddam’s deception has opportunity for Saddam to prepare. If we had defeated their effectiveness. Instead of the delayed for even a matter of days from Chair- inspectors disarming Saddam, Saddam has man Butler’s report, we would have given disarmed the inspectors. Saddam more time to disperse his forces and This situation presents a clear and present protect his weapons. danger to the stability of the Persian Gulf Also, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the safety of people everywhere. The begins this weekend. For us to initiate mili- international community gave Saddam one tary action during Ramadan would be pro- last chance to resume cooperation with the foundly offensive to the Muslim world and, weapons inspectors. Saddam has failed to therefore, would damage our relations with seize the chance. Arab countries and the progress we have And so we had to act, and act now. Let made in the Middle East. That is something me explain why. we wanted very much to avoid without giving First, without a strong inspections system, Iraq a month’s headstart to prepare for po- Iraq would be free to retain and begin to tential action against it. rebuild its chemical, biological, and nuclear Finally, our allies, including Prime Min- weapons programs in months, not years. ister Tony Blair of Great Britain, concurred Second, if Saddam can cripple the weap- that now is the time to strike. ons inspections system and get away with it, I hope Saddam will come into cooperation he would conclude that the international with the inspection system now and comply community, led by the United States, has with the relevant U.N. Security Council reso- simply lost its will. He will surmise that he lutions. But we have to be prepared that he has free rein to rebuild his arsenal of destruc- will not, and we must deal with the very real tion. And some day, make no mistake, he will danger he poses. So we will pursue a long- use it again, as he has in the past. term strategy to contain Iraq and its weapons Third, in halting our airstrikes in Novem- of mass destruction and work toward the day ber, I gave Saddam a chance, not a license. when Iraq has a Government worthy of its If we turn our backs on his defiance, the people. credibility of U.S. power as a check against First, we must be prepared to use force Saddam will be destroyed. We will not only again if Saddam takes threatening actions, have allowed Saddam to shatter the inspec- such as trying to reconstitute his weapons of tions system that controls his weapons of mass destruction or their delivery systems, mass destruction program; we also will have threatening his neighbors, challenging allied

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aircraft over Iraq, or moving against his own weapons of mass destruction. He will deploy Kurdish citizens. The credible threat to use them, and he will use them. Because we are force and, when necessary, the actual use of acting today, it is less likely that we will face force, is the surest way to contain Saddam’s these dangers in the future. weapons of mass destruction program, curtail Let me close by addressing one other his aggression, and prevent another Gulf war. issue. Saddam Hussein and the other en- Second, so long as Iraq remains out of emies of peace may have thought that the compliance, we will work with the inter- serious debate currently before the House national community to maintain and enforce of Representatives would distract Americans economic sanctions. Sanctions have cost Sad- or weaken our resolve to face him down. But dam more than $120 billion, resources that once more, the United States has proven would have been used to rebuild his military. that, although we are never eager to use The sanctions system allows Iraq to sell oil force, when we must act in America’s vital for food, for medicine, for other humani- interests, we will do so. tarian supplies for the Iraqi people. We have In the century we’re leaving, America has no quarrel with them. But without the sanc- often made the difference between chaos tions, we would see the oil-for-food program and community, fear and hope. Now, in a become oil-for-tanks, resulting in a greater new century, we’ll have a remarkable oppor- threat to Iraq’s neighbors and less food for tunity to shape a future more peaceful than its people. the past but only if we stand strong against The hard fact is that so long as Saddam the enemies of peace. Tonight, the United remains in power, he threatens the well- States is doing just that. being of his people, the peace of his region, May God bless and protect the brave men the security of the world. The best way to and women who are carrying out this vital end that threat once and for all is with a new mission, and their families. And may God Iraqi Government, a Government ready to bless America. live in peace with its neighbors, a Govern- ment that respects the rights of its people. NOTE: The President spoke at 6 p.m. from the Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, Bringing change in Baghdad will take time he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and effort. We will strengthen our engage- and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi ment with the full range of Iraqi opposition Annan. forces and work with them effectively and prudently. The decision to use force is never cost- Remarks Prior to a Meeting With free. Whenever American forces are placed Foreign Policy Team and an in harm’s way, we risk the loss of life. And Exchange With Reporters while our strikes are focused on Iraq’s mili- December 17, 1998 tary capabilities, there will be unintended Iraqi casualties. Indeed, in the past, Saddam Military Strikes on Iraq has intentionally placed Iraqi civilians in The President. My national security team harm’s way in a cynical bid to sway inter- is about to update me and the Vice President national opinion. We must be prepared for on the status of our operation in Iraq. I’d these realities. At the same time, Saddam like to begin by speaking for every American should have absolutely no doubt: If he lashes in expressing my gratitude to our men and out at his neighbors, we will respond force- women in uniform and also to our British fully. allies, who are participating in this operation Heavy as they are, the costs of action must with us. be weighed against the price of inaction. If I am convinced the decision I made to Saddam defies the world and we fail to re- order this military action, though difficult, spond, we will face a far greater threat in was absolutely the right thing to do. It is in the future. Saddam will strike again at his our interest and in the interest of people all neighbors. He will make war on his own peo- around the world. Saddam Hussein has used ple. And mark my words, he will develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic

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missiles before; I have no doubt he would lieve that any President would do such a use them again if permitted to develop them. thing. And I don’t believe any reasonably as- When I halted military action against Sad- tute person in Washington would believe that dam last November, after he had terminated Secretary Cohen and General Shelton and the UNSCOM operations, I made it very the whole rest of the National Security team clear that we were giving him a last chance would participate in such an action. This was to cooperate. Once again he promised in very the right thing for the country. explicit terms that he would fully cooperate. We have given Saddam Hussein chance On Tuesday the inspectors concluded that after chance to cooperate with UNSCOM. they were no longer able to do their jobs We said in November that this was the last and that, in fact, he had raised even new bar- chance. We got the report from Mr. Butler riers to their doing their jobs. saying that he was not cooperating and, in Then yesterday morning I gave the order fact, raised new barriers to cooperation. And because I believe that we cannot allow Sad- we acted just as we promised we would. We dam Hussein to dismantle UNSCOM and re- acted swiftly because we were ready, thanks sume the production of weapons of mass de- struction with impunity. I also believe that to the very fine work of the Defense Depart- to have done so would have, in effect, given ment in leaving our assets properly deployed. him a green light for whatever he might want We had the strong support of the British. to do in his neighborhood. I think it would And I might add, I’m very gratified by the be a terrible, terrible mistake. strong support we’ve gotten from people We acted yesterday because Secretary among both Democratic and Republican Cohen and General Shelton strongly urged ranks in the Congress who are interested in that we act at the point where we could have national security, people like Senator Helms, maximum impact with minimum risk to our Senator McCain, Senator Warner, Senator own people because of the surprise factor. Hagel, Senator Lugar, all have expressed We also wanted to avoid initiating any mili- support for this mission. So I feel good about tary action during the Muslim holy month where we are on that. of Ramadan, which is slated to begin in just Q. Mr. President, will you confirm reports a couple of days. on ground troops in Kuwait? Our mission is clear: to degrade his capac- Q. [Inaudible]—on the first day of the op- ity to develop and to use weapons of mass eration and would it undercut your authority destruction or to threaten his neighbors. I if the House opened the impeachment de- believe we will achieve that mission, and I’m looking forward to getting this briefing. bate during this operation? The President. What was the first ques- Impeachment and Military Strikes on tion, Terry [Terence Hunt, Associated Iraq Press]? Q. Mr. President, how are you going to Q. Bomb damage assessment. stem the Republican drive to drive you out of office? The President. I’m about to get it. The President. Well, the Constitution has Q. You didn’t get any from Mr. Berger? a procedure for that, and we will follow it. The President. Obviously, I’ve kept up Q. Mr. President, as you know, Senator with it as best I could, but I have not gotten Trent Lott and Dick Armey, the House ma- a full report. jority leader, and other Republicans are questioning the timing, suggesting that this Q. But you think it is a success? was simply a diversionary tactic to avoid an The President. I’m about to get a—it’s impeachment vote on the House floor. What an ongoing mission. I want to wait—— do you say to those critics? Q. Because Joe Lockhart told us it was The President. That it’s not true, that what I did was the right thing for the country. a success. I don’t think any serious person would be- Q. And he undercut your authority, sir?

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The President. No. First of all, I’m going NOTE: The President spoke at 10:45 a.m. in the to complete this mission—we’re going to Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, complete this mission. And the Republican he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; leaders will have to decide how to do their and Richard Butler, executive chairman, United job. That’s not for me to comment on. Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM). A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks. Kuwait Q. Can you confirm reports of Saddam Proclamation 7160—Wright Hussein possibly advancing and invading Ku- wait and the possible use of ground troops, Brothers Day, 1998 sir? December 17, 1998 The President. No, I have no comment on that. I think that surely he knows what By the President of the United States a disastrous mistake that would be. of America A Proclamation Civilian Casualties in Iraq On a December morning 95 years ago, Q. Mr. President, the Iraqis are saying over the windswept sands of Kitty Hawk, there’s been heavy civilian casualties in this. North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright Do you have any information so far that that’s turned humanity’s age-old dream of powered true? flight into reality. The two brothers, bicycle The President. I do not. I can tell you mechanics by trade and visionaries by nature, what I said last night: We did everything we had worked painstakingly for years to con- could to carefully target military and national struct the first power-driven craft that was security targets and to minimize civilian cas- heavier than air and capable of controlled, ualties. There is always a prospect that the sustained flight. After persevering through missiles will miss, that they will be inter- many trials and discouraging setbacks, they rupted because of the missiles being fired made their fourth trip to Kitty Hawk in 1903 at them, trying to deflect them from their and, on December 17, with Orville at the intended targets. I am quite sure there will controls and Wilbur running alongside, their be, as I said last evening, unintended casual- airplane took flight and took us into a new ties, and I regret that very much. era. The achievement of the Wright brothers That’s one of the reasons that I have bent was not only a great personal success and over backwards, not just in November but a vindication of years of creative effort and also on previous occasions to avoid using methodical experimentation—it was also a force in this case. I did not want to do it; feat of historic significance for the future of I think all of you know it. But in November, humankind. we literally had planes in the air, and I said Almost a century later, the same passion that it would be the last chance. I think it and power of imagination that spurred the is very important that we not allow Saddam Wright brothers are fueling the dreams of Hussein to destroy the UNSCOM system a new generation of Americans. From John without any penalty whatever, to eventually Glenn’s second historic space flight to the get all these sanctions lifted and to go right construction of the International Space Sta- on just as if he never made any commitments tion, we continue to open new frontiers and that were unfulfilled on this score. I think expand our horizons. Just as the Wright it would have been a disaster for us to do brothers’ inventions and achievements cre- this. ated a new industry and revolutionized trans- And so, regrettably, I made this decision. portation, commerce, and communication, There is, I believe, no way to avoid some today’s missions into space hold great prom- unintended civilian casualties, and I regret ise for the development of new technologies it very much. But I believe far, far more peo- and industries to benefit all humanity and ple would have died eventually from this strengthen our hopes for lasting peace and man’s regime had we not taken this action. prosperity for nations across the globe.

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This November, I was pleased to sign into United States of America, it is hereby or- law the Centennial of Flight Commemora- dered as follows: tion Act, which establishes a commission to Section 1. All executive departments and coordinate the celebration in 2003 of the agencies of the Federal Government shall be 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ closed and their employees excused from first flight. The commission’s activities will duty for the last half of the scheduled work- raise public awareness of the enormous con- day on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1998, tributions of the Wright brothers to human except as provided in section 2 below. progress; remind the world of the triumph Sec. 2. The heads of executive depart- of American ingenuity, inventiveness, and ments and agencies may determine that cer- diligence in developing new technologies; tain offices and installations of their organiza- and inspire all Americans to recognize that tions, or parts thereof, must remain open and the daring, creativity, and spirit of adventure that certain employees must remain on duty reflected in the achievement of the Wright for the full scheduled workday on December brothers will be crucial to the success of our 24, 1998, for reasons of national security or Nation in the 21st century. defense or for other essential public reasons. The Congress, by a joint resolution ap- Sec. 3. Thursday, December 24, 1998, proved December 17, 1963 (77 Stat. 402; 36 shall be considered as falling within the scope U.S.C. 169), has designated December 17 of of Executive Order 11582 and of 5 U.S.C. each year as ‘‘Wright Brothers Day’’ and has 5546 and 6103(b) and other similar statutes authorized and requested the President to insofar as they relate to the pay and leave issue annually a proclamation inviting the of employees of the United States. people of the United States to observe that Sec. 4. This order shall apply to executive day with appropriate ceremonies and activi- departments and agencies of the Federal ties. Government only and is not intended to di- Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, rect or otherwise implicate departments or President of the United States of America, agencies of State or local governments. do hereby proclaim December 17, 1998, as William J. Clinton Wright Brothers Day. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set The White House, my hand this seventeenth day of December, December 17, 1998. in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, of the United States of America the two hun- 8:45 a.m., December 21, 1998] dred and twenty-third. NOTE: This Executive order will be published in William J. Clinton the Federal Register on December 22.

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 21, 1998] Remarks Honoring Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Special Olympics NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Dinner Federal Register on December 22. December 17, 1998 Thank you. Please be seated. Thank you. Executive Order 13109—Half-Day Pretty rowdy crowd tonight. [Laughter] I am Closing of Executive Departments delighted to join Hillary in welcoming all of and Agencies of the Federal you here. We’re delighted to have you at this Government on Thursday, remarkable celebration of the 30th anniver- December 24, 1998 sary of the Special Olympics. December 17, 1998 Let me say just for a moment, I am also thinking tonight about the brave American By the authority vested in me as President men and women in uniform who are carrying by the Constitution and the laws of the out our mission in Iraq with our British allies.

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I know that our thoughts and our prayers, Remarks at the Conclusion of the indeed, those of all the American people, are Special Olympics Dinner with them tonight. And I wanted to say that what they are doing is important. It will make December 17, 1998 the world a safer, more peaceful place for Thank you. This has been a wonderful our children in the 21st century. night. Hillary and I want to thank all the art- I’d also like to say a word now about the ists who have graced this stage. They have Special Olympics. More than 30 years ago brought something special to this part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver had an idea as sim- White House lawn and this beautiful tent ple as it was revolutionary, to give young peo- that we’ve never had before. They certainly ple with disabilities the chance to know the have helped to put us all in the holiday spirit, thrill of athletic competition, the joy of par- including our good friend, Whoopi, who I ticipation, the pride of accomplishment. Out thought was terrific tonight, even in the of that powerful idea, dreamed up at a kitch- breaks. en table and launched at a backyard in Rock- I feel very proud to be a part of this special ville, Maryland, Special Olympics grew and evening, to pay tribute to Special Olympics. grew and grew. Tonight we celebrate 30 years of breaking Just think of it—if you can remember back down barriers and building up hope, 30 years to the time before the Special Olympics, of widening the circle of opportunity, 30 many people actually believed that people years of helping Americans with disabilities with disabilities were incapable of perform- to reach their highest potential. Tonight we ing the most basic, every day activities, let celebrate the victory of the human spirit. We alone competing in sports. But this year, 30 see the power of that spirit every single time years later, there are more than one million an athlete like Loretta runs a race, every time Special Olympic athletes throwing the jave- a young person realizes the wonder that he lin, swimming the 500-meter butterfly, walk- can swim faster than almost anybody else in the pool, every time a parent’s heart fills with ing the balance beam—something most of pride as her child steps with confidence onto the rest of us cannot do—[laughter]—and in- the winner’s block, and every time a volun- spiring hope all over the world. teer learns the joy of helping people with dis- So tonight I ask all of you to stand and abilities to make the most of their abilities. join me in toasting Eunice Kennedy Shriver; As Special Olympics enters its fourth dec- her wonderful family, who have supported ade, this legacy is being passed from genera- her every step of the way; to all the people tion to generation, in a circle of hope, as the who work so hard year-in and year-out to children of Special Olympics volunteers take make Special Olympics possible, and to the their place in the dugouts and on the side- athletes who are an inspiration to us all; to lines and as former competitors become Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Special coaches and mentors to new young athletes. Olympics. Ladies and gentlemen, Eunice The Special Olympics torch, which began as Shriver. a small flicker of light in 1968 in Chicago, now burns brightly all around the world as NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 8 a symbol of acceptance and pride. p.m. in a pavilion on the South Lawn at the White Tonight, we thank all of you, every single House. In his remarks, he referred to Eunice Ken- one of you who have made this possible: the nedy Shriver, founder, Special Olympics. The Shriver and Kennedy families, without whose transcript made available by the Office of the vision there would be no Special Olympics; Press Secretary also included the remarks of First the thousands of supporters and volunteers Lady Hillary Clinton. whose dedication sustains that vision; the

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millions of athletes whose courage inspires national community’s response on recon- and challenges all of us. And we salute the struction issues, and pledges its full support. next generation of Special Olympics heroes The EU intends to organize an expert-level who will keep that flame alive in the 21st meeting in January 1999, following the con- century. clusion of the ongoing damage assessment Now, I’d like to ask all the artists here with mission. Once a political agreement is in us tonight to come back on stage and sing place, further concrete steps on assisting re- just one more song for you. Eunice, and all construction and on democratization and the rest of us, and for Special Olympics. civic development will be taken, including Thank you very much. convening a donors’ conference. We look to the international community to contribute NOTE: The President spoke at approximately substantially towards the speedy implemen- 11:10 p.m. in a pavilion on the South Lawn at tation of these endeavors. At present, hu- the White House. In his remarks, he referred to manitarian aid should continue, responding comedian Whoopi Goldberg; Special Olympics to the most urgent needs, in close coopera- athlete Loretta Clairborne; and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder, Special Olympics. The transcript tion between the U.S. and EU and under made available by the Office of the Press Sec- the coordination of UNHCR, which is the retary also included the remarks of First Lady Hil- lead agency for humanitarian aid as well as lary Clinton. for the return of Internally Displaced Per- sons (IDPs) and refugees. We expect the Albanian, as well as the United States-European Union Joint Bosnian, authorities to take primary respon- Statement on Cooperation in the sibility for stabilizing their respective coun- Western Balkans tries and leading them towards full democ- December 18, 1998 racy and economic development. In Albania, we worked together to form Political, civil, and economic instability in the Friends of Albania, which the EU co- some areas of the Western Balkans threatens chairs with the OSCE; we are both making peace and prosperity in all southeastern Eu- a substantial political and material commit- rope and poses serious challenges across Eu- ment to stabilization, democratization and rope and beyond. During the past six months, economic reform. We have taken note of the we have achieved notable successes and are new Government’s pledges at the Tirana agreed on further cooperative steps in the Conference October 30 to move towards Western Balkans. those goals. We welcome the adoption of the Our envoys in Kosovo, Ambassadors Chris new Constitution, which is a fundamental Hill and Wolfgang Petritsch, are working as first step in that direction. We strongly urge a team to conclude successfully negotiations all political parties to cooperate in the demo- on an interim political settlement for Kosovo. cratic process in the interest of all Albanian In Kosovo, the U.S. and EU are collaborating people. to ensure implementation of the October 16 We have furthered our cooperation in sup- OSCE-FRY Agreement, notably in the port of Dayton implementation in Bosnia and OSCE’s Kosovo Verification Mission (KVM). Herzegovina, and in Croatia. The Bosnian We are extremely concerned that recent acts national elections in September further ad- of violence in Kosovo could spiral out of con- vanced democracy and pluralism in that trol, and call on all parties to preserve the country. The U.S. and EU continue to pro- cease fire and cooperate fully with KVM. vide resources to assist Dayton implementa- We remain committed to enhancing quick- tion efforts. We call on the authorities in both ly confidence-building and to supporting civil Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to con- society in Kosovo. The EU welcomes the sistently support Dayton implementation ef- U.S. initiative to begin quick impact efforts forts and contribute to the process of sta- in Kosovo immediately. The U.S. welcomes bilization and national reconciliation, includ- the European Union’s intention to play the ing by supporting the return of refugees and leadership role in organizing the inter- displaced persons to their previous homes as

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a matter of priority. Job creation, through We are committed to promoting open self-sustaining economic development, will markets through further broad-based liberal- help stabilize the political and social situation ization, including through strengthening the and will enhance the return to a multi-ethnic multilateral trading system, and through the Bosnia and Herzegovina. Economic revital- Transatlantic Economic Partnership (TEP) ization is essential for sustainable returns, es- on which we agreed in London in May. We pecially in minority areas. have drawn up, and started to implement, We call on all in the region to support ef- a Joint Action Plan to pursue this Partner- forts to establish security and economic sta- ship. It will contribute to further market bility. Without this support, resolving re- opening and strengthening of links between gional conflicts and advancing democratic, the U.S. and EU economies in ways that sup- civic, and economic reform is only more dif- port and point the way for further multilat- ficult. We will use our political and economic eral liberalization, while benefiting our peo- resources to support those who support these ples. The TEP initiative will enable us to efforts and, more generally, to advance an launch bilateral negotiations for the further agenda of democracy, progress toward self- reduction of trade barriers. We have now set sustaining free market economics, and nor- in train a regular and comprehensive dia- mal relations with their neighbors. We con- logue between us on multilateral trade issues demn steps taken by the government in Bel- and future World Trade Organization (WTO) grade to suppress independent media and negotiations. We attach high importance to political opposition, and express strong sup- the full respect of multilateral rules. We are port for emerging democracy and political determined to resolve trade disputes be- pluralism in Montenegro. A Federal Repub- tween us. lic of Yugoslovia that respects the democratic The Mutual Recognition Agreement, and human rights of its citizens and that up- which entered into force December 1, is an holds its international obligations is essential example of how the U.S. and EU are striving for regional peace and security and its own to remove transatlantic barriers. The agree- integration into Europe. ment covers six sectors and will save our pri- vate sectors as much as $1 billion annually. NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- tion of the content of this joint declaration. In reducing trade barriers, we re-affirm our commitment to preserving high levels of health, safety, consumer and environmental United States-European Union protection. We strongly support the current Statement on Cooperation in the bilateral discussions aimed at achieving high Global Economy standards of data privacy protection and December 18, 1998 avoiding transatlantic interruptions in ex- changes of personal data. While continuing The U.S. and the EU are engines for glob- current efforts to avoid such interruptions, al economic growth. We share a common vi- we would like to conclude the discussions sion of a market-based global economy and successfully as soon as possible. particular responsibilities for promoting sta- We intend to enhance our economic dia- bility, continued growth and prosperity. We logue and cooperation, both bilaterally and must lead the way in keeping markets open. in the context of international institutions A rules-based international trade system and and fora, to ensure that we act in a coherent a strengthened international financial system and constructive manner. are necessary to ensure transparency and We agree on the need to strengthen the predictability and to maintain public con- international financial system and national fi- fidence in the benefits of open economies. nancial sectors in order to capture the full We are concerned about the serious social benefits of international capital flows and and economic impact of the financial crisis global markets, minimize disruption and bet- on many countries, and we will work together ter protect the poorest and most vulnerable. with them in the face of their major eco- It is important that all in the global economy nomic difficulties. play their part to promote sustainable growth

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and financial stability, by pursuing economic oped countries. We will each continue to policies aimed at strengthening their national support regional integration efforts. economy and enhancing their economic per- Senior officials will report to the next U.S.- formance. We reiterate the importance of EU Summit on the practical implementation implementing the October 30 recommenda- of this cooperation on the global economy. tions of G7 Leaders and G7 Finance Min- isters and Central Bank Governors and look NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- forward to additional proposals that they will tion of the content of this joint statement. develop, in consultation with other key coun- tries, prior to the Cologne Summit. We welcome the impending introduction United States-European Union of the Euro on January 1, 1999, which will Declaration on the Middle East be an event of historic significance. We look Peace Process forward to a successful European Economic December 18, 1998 and Monetary Union that contributes to growth and to stability in the international The signature on October 23 of the Wye monetary system. River Memorandum broke a dangerous We reaffirm our commitment to develop- deadlock in the Middle East and opened the ment cooperation, which has among its main perspective for new progress in the Peace objectives the fight against poverty, the cre- Process. We welcome implementation of the ation of conditions favorable to economic first phase of the Memorandum by both growth and sustainable development, and the sides. We call on the parties to implement participation of the most vulnerable in this fully the remaining obligations, and thereby process. The prompt and generous U.S. and contribute to rebuilding the confidence es- EU responses to the devastation caused by sential to the completion of the Peace Proc- Hurricane Mitch in Central America are an ess begun at Madrid and Oslo. example of our commitment. We will seek We will work together, including through to ensure good coordination of international our respective envoys, in the political and donor assistance to respond effectively to cri- economic area, to build on this achievement ses. and to help the parties move the Peace Proc- We call upon developing countries and ess forward to a successful conclusion. We economies in transition to continue the liber- will use our partnership to support the imple- alization of trade and to develop clear, stable, mentation of outstanding elements of the In- and open regimes for investment. We urge terim Agreement. We will work for the early the crisis-affected countries to promote sus- resumption of the Multilateral Track of the tainable recovery by pursuing full and proper Process. We will also seek ways to help the economic restructuring. We support IMF parties in the Lebanese and Syrian tracks to conditionality as a means to promote sound restart negotiations with the aim of reaching macroeconomic policies. We welcome the a comprehensive settlement. fact that several governments have acted Alongside other participants at the No- swiftly to minimize the negative impact of vember 30 Washington Conference to Sup- the crisis. We stress the importance of good port Middle East Peace and Development, governance and the respect for human rights, we made significant additional pledges of including core labor standards, efficient and economic assistance to the West Bank and transparent institutions, and more effective Gaza for the next five years. Against this investment in education, training, and re- background, the U.S. and the EU will con- search. We will seek to ensure and support tinue their leading roles in the Palestinian fuller participation of the developing coun- donor effort in order to ensure that inter- tries in the WTO and in future multilateral national assistance translates into tangible trade negotiations, with a view to better inte- improvements in the living conditions of the grating them into the world economic sys- Palestinians, starting at the coming meeting tem. In particular, we will seek to improve of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in Feb- the trading opportunities for the least devel- ruary in Germany.

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NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- tion of the content of this joint declaration. tion of the content of this joint statement.

Joint United States-European Union Statement on Chapter IV New Transatlantic Agenda Dialogues Digest of Other White House Announcements December 18, 1998

The United States and European Union The following list includes the President’s public affirm their commitment to the process of schedule and other items of general interest an- strengthening and broadening public support nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and on both sides of the Atlantic for the U.S.- not included elsewhere in this issue. EU partnership by fostering ‘‘people-to-peo- ple’’ transatlantic links between non-govern- December 12 mental actors. We applaud the steps taken In the morning, the President and Hillary during the Austrian EU Presidency to further Clinton traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel, arriving the process of building bridges across the At- in the evening. lantic, in particular, the establishment of the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue and the December 13 on-going and constructive input we receive In the morning, the President and Hillary from the Transatlantic Business Dialogue. Clinton had breakfast with Prime Minister We have given encouragement to the Trans- Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and his wife, atlantic Labor Dialogue to develop further Sarah, in the Presidential Suite at the Jerusa- its program of work. Building on work that lem Hilton Hotel. Later, the President greet- began this year, we look forward to the for- ed U.S. Cabinet members and Members of mal launching of a Transatlantic Environ- Congress in the Aqua Restaurant at the hotel. mental Dialogue early next year. We wel- Later, the President met with Prime Min- come contacts that are taking place between ister Netanyahu in the Cabinet Room at Mr. development NGOs with a view to the possi- Netanyahu’s office complex. bility of establishing a Transatlantic Develop- In the afternoon, the President and Hillary ment Dialogue. Clinton visited the grave of assassinated We look forward to these dialogues provid- Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at Mount ing recommendations to us on an ongoing Herzl in Jerusalem. basis on issues of mutual concern, as they Later, the President met with President have done for today’s Summit. We welcome Ezer Weizman of Israel in the Jerusalem input from these dialogues as well as other Room at Beit Hanassi. sectors of society to help shape our agenda. December 14 We will work with all of the transatlantic In the morning, the President and Hillary dialogues to ensure that lines of communica- Clinton traveled to Gaza City, Gaza. Upon tion to government are balanced and open. their arrival, they toured the main terminal We will work with the dialogues to help en- of Gaza International Airport with Chairman sure their sustainability. This process will re- Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and quire resources and support from outside of his wife, Shua. government, and we will encourage the de- In the afternoon, the President met with velopment of links with the private sector, Chairman Arafat in the Cabinet Room at Mr. including foundations. We reaffirm our com- Arafat’s office complex. mitment to support initiatives to deepen the In the early evening, the President re- commercial, social, cultural, scientific and turned to Jerusalem, Israel. educational ties between our respective soci- eties. We recognize that there is much that December 15 our transatlantic communities can learn from In the morning, the President traveled to one another. Bethlehem. Later, the President and Hillary

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Clinton toured the Church of the Nativity Florida, and Puerto Rico that were damaged with Chairman Arafat and his wife, Shua. by Hurricane Georges and other tropical In the afternoon, the President and Hillary storms. Clinton participated in a Christmas tree lighting at the Church of the Nativity. Later, December 18 they traveled to Masada, where they toured In the morning, the President met with the historic site. Representative Christopher Shays. In the late afternoon, the President and In the afternoon, the President met with Hillary Clinton traveled to Tel Aviv. In the Chancellor Viktor Klima of Austria in his ca- evening, they returned to Washington, DC. pacity as President of the European Council and President Jacques Santer of the Euro- December 16 pean Commission in the Cabinet Room. In the morning, the President met with In the evening, the President met with the national security team concerning the sit- members of the Presidential Advisory Coun- uation in Iraq. cil on HIV/AIDS in the Cabinet Room. In the afternoon, the President met with The President announced the recess ap- Representative Amo Houghton concerning pointment of William Clyburn, Jr., as a mem- the upcoming vote on the articles of im- ber of the Surface Transportation Board. Mr. peachment. Clyburn was nominated on September 2, The President announced his intention to 1997. The President intends to resubmit his appoint Anita Ray Arnold, Robert B. Barnett, nomination when the 106th Congress con- Anita (Buffy) Cafritz, and Kenneth M. venes. Duberstein to the Board of Trustees of the The President announced the recess ap- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing pointment of Albert S. Jacquez as Adminis- Arts. trator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Devel- December 17 opment Corporation at the Department of In the morning in the Oval Office, the Transportation. Mr. Jacquez was nominated President was briefed on the military oper- to the Senate on September 29, 1998. The ations in Iraq by Chairman of the Joint President intends to resubmit his nomination Chiefs of Staff Gen. Henry H. Shelton, De- when the 106th Congress convenes. fense Secretary William S. Cohen, and the national security team. Later in the day, the President had separate telephone conversa- tions concerning the ongoing operations in Nominations Iraq with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel, President Hosni Muba- Submitted to the Senate rak of Egypt, King Hussein I of Jordan, and President Jacques Chirac of France, as well NOTE: The Congress having adjourned sine die as Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, on October 21, no nominations were submitted House Majority Leader Bob Livingston, Sen- to the Senate during the period covered by this ate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Senate Mi- issue. nority Leader Thomas A. Daschle, and House Minority Leader Richard A. Gep- hardt. The White House announced that the President released $102.2 million of emer- Checklist gency supplemental funding included for the of White House Press Releases Army Corps of Engineers in the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental The following list contains releases of the Office Appropriations Act, 1999, to carry out critical of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as dredging activities and other repairs needed items nor covered by entries in the Digest of to maintain safe channels at navigation Other White House Announcements. projects in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi,

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Released December 12 Transcript of remarks by Press Secretary Joe Transcript of remarks by Special Counsel Lockhart announcing the President’s address Gregory Craig on the House Judiciary Com- to the Nation on military strikes on Iraq mittee vote on impeachment Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- Released December 13 curity Adviser Samuel Berger on military strikes on Iraq Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Joe Lockhart Released December 17 Transcript of a press briefing by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and National Se- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- curity Adviser Samuel Berger on the Presi- retary Joe Lockhart dent’s visit to the Middle East Announcement of nomination for U.S. Attor- ney for the Central District of California Released December 14 Transcript of remarks by Vice President Al Released December 18 Gore on additional police officers and new technologies Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Joe Lockhart Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Joe Lockhart Transcript of a press briefing by Under Sec- Transcript of a press briefing by Secretary retary of State for Economic, Business, and of State Madeleine Albright on the Presi- Agricultural Affairs Stuart Eizenstat and dent’s visit to the Middle East NSC Senior Director for European Affairs Don Bandler on the European Union-U.S. Released December 15 summit Transcript of remarks by Vice President Al Senior Level Group Report to the U.S.–EU Gore at the All-American Cities Awards pres- Summit entation Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- curity Adviser Samuel Berger on the Presi- dent’s visit to the Middle East Acts Approved Released December 16 by the President Transcript of remarks by Vice President Al Gore at the Business and Entrepreneurial Roundtable NOTE: No acts approved by the President were received by the Office of the Federal Register Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- during the period covered by this issue. retary Joe Lockhart

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