[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.