[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 10, 1992]
[Pages 1330-1331]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on the Arrival of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel in 
Kennebunkport
August 10, 1992

    Q. Mr. Bush, will the Prime Minister get his loan guarantees?
    The President. This is what we call a photo opportunity, and we're 
not going to take any questions now, but we'll have plenty of 
opportunity after we have discussions.
    The only thing I want to say is that the welcome mat is out for 
Prime Minister Rabin. He has many friends in the United States, 
including the man he's standing next to, and we are looking forward to 
strengthening a relationship that is strong and will be even stronger. 
So that's all I care to say.
    But welcome, Prime Minister. We're so pleased you're here.
    The Prime Minister.  Mr. President, first I would like to thank you 
for your kind invitation at this chapter of the life of Israel and no 
doubt of my own life as the new Prime Minister. My purpose, as it was 
stated before the elections, after the elections in Israel, that we 
would like on the one hand to give a chance, a real chance to the peace 
negotiations within the framework of the Madrid conference. We would 
like to change the order of our national priorities. We believe that the 
real problems are in the domestic field. In addition, to make a real 
effort to negotiate these seriously without endangering Israel's 
security, vital interests. And no doubt, we would like to make sure that 
there is a better and more intimate relationship between our two 
countries, our two peoples, and our two Governments. Let's hope that 
this visit will give a chance to at least make clear where we stand, 
what we can do together to achieve these goals.
    The President. It's a good objective, and I agree with him. Anyway, 
welcome, once again. We're very pleased you came. Look forward to our 
meeting.
    Well, we're off to have some meetings right now, as a matter of 
fact.
    Q. By candlelight? We understand your power's out, Mr. Bush.

[[Page 1331]]

    The President.  Well, it's so beautiful outdoors, we might just meet 
outside.

                    Note: The President spoke at 10:23 a.m. at his home 
                        on Walker's Point.