    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 18, 1993]
    [Pages 880-881]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With King Hussein of Jordan
    June 18, 1993

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Your Highness, what do you think are the prospects for peace
    soon? Does it look any better to you now?
        King Hussein. I believe that some possible ground has been covered.
    We are still a long way from getting there, but there is no other
    alternative. I believe that we must do everything we can not to let the
    moment pass without----
        Q. What's the main stumbling block?
        King Hussein. It would complicate, possibly, to attempt to try to
    explain what the main stum-

    [[Page 881]]

    bling block is. I believe that it's one of, hopefully, the Palestinians
    being able to feel that they are able to speak for themselves and
    contribute their share in shaping the peace that is comprehensive, that
    is so very, very important to all of us.
        Q. Do you think Israel will be amenable now to recognizing a
    Palestinian state?
        King Hussein. I don't know what Israel would accept or otherwise,
    but I believe that there is one important element, and that is that
    people on either side of the divide feel that this is the moment and are
    determined to continue to move ahead until a comprehensive just peace
    is--that future generations can enjoy.
        Q. That's a pretty subdued tie you have on, Mr. President.
        The President. Well, it's not Mickey Mouse. [Laughter]

    [At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group
    entered.]

        Q. Mr. President, how do you feel about today's visit and relations
    with Jordan?
        The President. I'm very pleased that the King is here. I have looked
    forward to this visit for a long time. And I am very, very impressed by
    the progress which has been made in Jordan moving toward economic
    reforms, moving toward democracy. And also I am very grateful for the
    support of the peace process that the King has demonstrated so
    consistently. I have the feeling that maybe all the parties have now
    concluded not that they have no difference but that there is no
    alternative to peace. And if we do see this thing through and find some
    resolution, that will be in no small measure because King Hussein for so
    many years has persistently pushed us toward peace. And the United
    States will do what it can to help achieve that.

    Note: The exchange began at 11:56 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.