[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E133-E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
______
HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, January 31, 1996
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, in a very succinct and incisive interview
with Middle East Insight president and editor George Nader in the
magazine's 15th anniversary issue in December President Clinton
articulated his vision for the future of the Middle East and for
American interests in the region. The President said, ``We want to see
the establishment of a peaceful and prosperous region in which all
nations and people can live in freedom and security.''
Real progress made in the Middle East peace process under the Clinton
administration has been unprecedented. As the Israeli-Syrian talks
continue to move ahead, and our attention remains focused on further
process toward lasting peace in the Middle East, I commend the entire
interview to my colleagues.
[From Middle East Insight, November-December, 1995]
Interview With President William J. Clinton
(By George A. Nader)
In this 15th Anniversary issue, President Bill Clinton
gives an exclusive interview about U.S. interests in the
Middle East to Middle East Insight editor George A. Nader.
This interview is a follow-up to President Clinton's first
interview with Middle East Insight as President-elect.
President Clinton's term in office has been marked by
historic agreements between Israel and the PLO, a formal
peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, ongoing negotiations
under U.S. auspices between Israel and Syria and Lebnanon,
and continued enforcement of dual containment of Iraq and
Iran. President Clinton had developed a warm and productive
relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin before
his assassination last November, and will now be working
closely with his successor, Shimon Peres, on many vital areas
of interest to the United States in the Middle East.
We are privileged to have President Clinton share his views
below on these subjects as well as his vision for the future
of the region.
Q: Mr. President, as spiral of violence in the Middle
East, capped by the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister
Yitzhak Rabin, has challenged the peace process. What are
your thoughts about the impact of this assassination on the
state of the peace process?
A: The tragic death of Prime Minister Rabin was an attempt
to stop the historic progress which has been made toward a
comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli
conflict. But the reaction in Israel, the Middle East, and
around the world to this crime demonstrates the
marginalization of those who would use violence to achieve
their ends and the overwhelming support which exists for the
peace process. The world lost a great man and I--along with
all Americans--a great friend in Yitzhak Rabin. A champion of
his nation in conflict, he became a hero for reconciliation
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and understanding as well. His life paralleled that of the Middle East
in his time: he fought tirelessly for the security and
prosperity of his people, and then turned that same strength
and wisdom to forging a peace that would ensure that this
security and prosperity would live on after him.
His death reminds us all that the cost of leadership is
sometimes very high. But his life serves as an example for
what can be achieved through courage and determination to do
what is right. The tributes paid to Prime Minister Rabin by
King Hussein, President Mubarak, and other leaders from the
region and around the world have been mirrored in the
unprecedented outpouring of support expressed by the people
of Israel for his living legacy, the pursuit of a just and
enduring peace of all the people of the Middle East. I am
committed to continue doing all I can to ensure that this
goal is realized.
Q: What is your view of the importance of Palestinian
economic development to the success of the peace process?
A: We agree that Palestinian economic development is a key
ingredient in building a lasting peace. It is essential that
the Palestinian people see that the peace process has
produced tangible benefits in their daily lives, that their
future--and that of their children--has changed for the
better because of the decision to pursue dialogue and
reconciliation over confrontation. Since October 1993, the
United States has taken the lead in mobilizing the
international donor effort to support the Palestinian
Authority and to help provide the foundations for a better
and more prosperous life for the Palestinian people.
The United States has met fully its pledge of $100 million
per year in assistance and we are encouraging other donors to
ensure that their aid commitments are fulfilled as rapidly as
possible. In order to help the Palestinian Authority meet its
responsibilities under the Interim Agreement and to move
forward on infrastructure development projects critical to
the building of a vibrant economy, we are a major organizer
of the Conference on Assistance to the Palestinians to be
held in Europe this December.
In addition to our leading role in the international donor
effort, we are also working to improve the environment for
private sector economic growth and investment. We are
discussing with Israel and the Palestinians the possible
establishment of industrial zones, as well as ways in which
Israel's justifiable security concerns can be addressed
consistent with our shared desire to promote development of
the Palestinian economy. Consistent with our desire to
promote Palestinian entrepreneurship, US Trade Representative
Kantor has recently announced an agreement to extend duty-
free treatment to Palestinian goods entering the United
States.
Q: With the recent imposition of Presidential sanctions on
Iran, US-Iranian relations have reached a new low. What are
the prospects for the success of sanctions on Iran and what
is the potential value of a dialogue with Iran?
A: Our problem is not with the people of Iran; it is with
the unacceptable behavior of the Iranian government: direct
and indirect support for and use of terror; subversion of
states friendly to the United States; military intimidation
of its neighbors; and acquisition of weapons and technologies
of mass destruction--including nuclear.
The Executive Order I signed earlier this year, imposing a
complete ban on US financial and commercial dealings with
Iran, is intended to demonstrate our resolve that Tehran pay
a price for continuing its threatening activities. To be
fully successful, we need the support of Iran's other trading
partners in Europe, Asia, and around the world. We are urging
them to follow our example and help ensure that sustained and
meaningful economic pressure is brought to bear until the
behavior of the Iranian government changes.
While we are prepared to have a dialogue with authoritative
representatives of the government of Iran at any time, it
must be made clear that normal relations cannot exist until
such time as Iran ceases its objectionable activities.
Q: UN economic sanctions have been imposed on Iraq for
five years now. While the sanctions seem to have checked the
military capabilities of Saddam Hussein, he still remains in
power and the Iraqi people suffer. How successful can
sanctions be?
A. The United States is committed to the maintenance of
sanctions against Iraq until Baghdad complies fully with all
its UN Security Council obligations. Recent revelations by
Iraqi defectors and the work of UN inspectors provide
compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has consistently
attempted to deceive the United Nations. They also show that
as recently as last summer, Saddam was planning new threats
against his neighbors.
We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian plight of
Iraqi people. But there must be no doubt that Saddam is
responsible for their suffering. He has refused to avail
himself of the opportunity under UNSC resolutions to sell oil
to pay for food and medicine, preferring to divert resources
to his supporters and military and to use his own people as
hostages in the pursuit of international sympathy for lifting
of the sanctions.
Sanctions are the primary means available to the
international community to compel Iraqi compliance with
Security Council resolutions and to ensure that Iraq does not
again become a threat to the region. Given Saddam Hussein's
track record, the Council has a responsibility to hold him to
the highest possible standard. With respect to the future of
Saddam Hussein and his regime, that is a matter for the Iraqi
people alone to decide.
Q. As you are involved in the peace process, and as the
region undergoes important changes, what is your vision for
the future of the Middle East and for America's interests
there?
A. Our vision for the future of the Middle East is a
simple one. We want to see the establishment of a peaceful
and prosperous region in which all nations and peoples can
live in freedom and security.
There is much work still before us, but we are making real
progress toward our goal. The peace process has made
unprecedented advances in the last two years, and despite the
loss of one of its greatest champions, it continues to gather
momentum. The enemies of peace such as Iran, Iraq, and Libya
are increasingly isolated. More and more regional governments
are recognizing that dialogue and reconciliation--and the
trade and development that accompany and reinforce peace--are
the best means of ensuring a better future for their nations.
The United States will continue to stand by those who take
risks for peace and work together with them to ensure that
our mutual vision is realized.
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