    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 25, 1993]
    [Pages 1819-1823]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt
    October 25, 1993

        President Clinton. Good afternoon. It's a great pleasure and honor
    to welcome President Mubarak to Washington once again.
        Egypt has acted as one of our Nation's partners over a long time.
    They were actively involved in the Camp David peace process over a
    decade ago. And today, Egypt remains one of our most important global
    partners. We continue our partnership in working for peace and stability
    in the Middle East. We're also partners in a host of global efforts,
    from Operation Desert Storm to peacekeeping in Somalia today.

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    And I want to express my personal appreciation to President Mubarak for
    his commitment to enhance Egypt's effort in that difficult humanitarian
    effort as well as for his personal involvement in the recent
    developments between Israel and the PLO, which I am convinced would
    never have come about had it not been for your continuing encouragement,
    Mr. President.
        President Mubarak has proven repeatedly that he is a leader of great
    courage and determination. As he enters his third presidential term he
    has a bold vision for his nation: to reform the economy, to build a
    future of full employment and free markets. This process is vital to the
    well-being of the people of Egypt.
        The President and the government have played a crucial role in the
    Middle East peace process. As I said, President Mubarak was pivotal in
    helping Israel and the PLO reach their agreement on September 13th. And
    like the United States and others in the international community, Egypt
    has been working to help turn this agreement into reality, an effort for
    which I am also very grateful. Egypt is hosting the substantive talks
    between Israel and the Palestinians begun earlier this month, a tribute
    to the confidence and trust all sides place in Egypt's leadership for
    peace. That leadership is essential as we work for peace and as we work
    for a comprehensive peace.
        The President and I agreed in our talks this morning that we have to
    keep going in this process until all the pieces are in place, until
    there is a full and broad and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We
    discussed the next steps in the process, including our common commitment
    to making sure that the Israel-PLO agreement is implemented properly. We
    agreed that this accord can serve as a catalyst for achieving a
    comprehensive settlement. I'm going to work with President Mubarak and
    other Arab leaders to help the Arab world follow through in creating a
    new climate of dialog and reconciliation with Israel.
        We also discussed the President's goal for his third term, and we
    discussed ways in which two nations can continue cooperating to address
    regional conflicts in Africa and elsewhere and to respond to other
    global challenges.
        Egypt will always hold a special meaning for all of us. It is the
    birthplace of much of our civilization, many of our modern arts and
    sciences. Today, Egypt has a leadership role both as it confronts the
    challenges of its own development and the challenges of building a
    better future for all the people in the Middle East.
        The historic Egyptian experience demonstrates the importance of
    moderation, of tolerance, of dialog in shaping the future of the
    Egyptian people in the Middle East, a future marked by prosperity, by
    coexistence, and by stability. President Mubarak has been an exemplar of
    that experience. It is a joy to work with him and to welcome him once
    again to Washington.
        Mr. President.
        President Mubarak. I was very pleased to meet with President Clinton
    for the second time in 6 months. And our meeting today has reinforced my
    impression of the President as a man of courage and mutual commitment.
    We discussed several issues of mutual concern, and discussions revealed
    a great similarity of views between us. President Clinton was quite
    receptive and openminded.
        On African matters, we agreed on the need to remain alert until
    apartheid is actually abolished and replaced by a democratic system of
    government. On Somalia, we concluded that the political solution lies in
    the full implementation of the resolution of Addis Ababa Conference on
    National Reconciliation. We are watching the situation there closely,
    and I am in touch with President Zenawi of Ethiopia who received a
    mandate to follow up the situation.
        The United States and Egypt have worked together on peace in the
    Middle East for almost two decades. Our joint effort has been fruitful
    and promising. The peace process was boosted dramatically when Chairman
    Arafat and Prime Minister Rabin signed an historic document on the South
    Lawn of the White House on September 13th. That was by no means a
    ceremonial function. It was a living testimony to deep commitment to
    peace and justice. It was also a personification of the generous
    contribution of the U.S. to the whole process. It would have been
    impossible to realize this great achievement without the active American
    role. We thank the American people and their energetic leadership.
        In the weeks ahead, we shall continue to work hard together in order
    to maintain a momentum and to keep the process on track. The
    Palestinian-Israeli Declaration of Principles should be implemented in
    good faith and without delay.
        On the other hand, negotiations on the other tracks must be resumed
    with full determination

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    to reach agreement soon. Particularly important is achievement of
    meaningful progress on the Syrian track promptly. I believe that the gap
    between the positions of the two parties can be bridged within a short
    period of time. The resumption of the Washington talks would present a
    golden opportunity for attaining this objective.
        President Clinton, our discussions of bilateral relations
    demonstrated our shared commitment, certify our cooperation in all
    fields. The U.S. support for our economic reform program has enabled us
    to carry out this reform very successfully, indeed. Your continued
    support is most needed for the continuation of the program. Each and
    every Egyptian appreciates your support and values your friendship, Mr.
    President. You have been a reliable friend and partner. You can equally
    count on our friendship and cooperation.
        I see such an opportunity to extend an invitation to President
    Clinton to visit Egypt at his earliest convenience. This would afford
    the Egyptian people an opportunity to express their appreciation and
    affinity to the President, to his great Nation.
        Thank you.

    Ukrainian Nuclear Weapons

        Q. Mr. President, leaders in the Ukraine told Secretary Christopher
    today that they won't go along with the destruction of all of their
    country's long-range nuclear weapons or the signing of the Nuclear Non-
    Proliferation Treaty. Do you think that that stand is justified, as they
    say, by the instability in Russia?
        President Clinton. I understand their position, but I think that it
    is not justified because we're making progress with Russia, too, in
    complying with all these agreements. And there is no evidence that any
    of the developments which they might conceive in their worst fears would
    lead to an unwillingness to cooperate in the nuclear regime.
        I think they may see that as a counterweight to nonnuclear pressures
    they might feel in the future. But I think it's very important. We've
    been very clear from the beginning with Ukraine that we want to have a
    strong partnership with them but that we expect this work of reducing
    our nuclear arsenals and complying with all the relevant treaties to go
    forward, and we'll keep trying to do that.

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, back on the Mideast, in your discussions with
    President Mubarak today, he mentioned the resumption of the Syrian track
    talks. What would you like to see as a concrete step forward in the
    peace process?
        President Clinton. I think it's very important that we resume the
    talks between Israel and Syria. But I also think it's important that we
    maintain a climate in which those talks can succeed. I believe that
    Prime Minister Rabin and President Asad, I believe that the people of
    Israel and the people of Syria want to see this process go forward. But
    we've got to implement the Israel-PLO agreement. We need to continue to
    make progress on the other tracks. We need to encourage a greater
    receptivity in the level of contacts between Israel and the other Arab
    states, as has already begun. And so I want to do all of that as well.
    And I think that if we do all of that, I think you will see ultimately,
    in the not too distant future, a successful conclusion.
        Could we give some--I want to give some equal time to the Egyptian
    journalists who are here. Go ahead.
        Q. Mr. President, you have been invited to come to Egypt. Will you
    be visiting other Arab countries in the area? And in the meantime, would
    you try to resume the talks between the Israelis and the Syrians and the
    Lebanese before you go, and would you send Warren Christopher to the
    area very soon?
        President Clinton. Well, I just was invited today to go, so I
    haven't worked out a schedule yet. I think it's fair to say that the
    United States and the Secretary of State will continue to be very
    involved in the region, and I'm very hopeful that we will have a
    comprehensive resumption of all the efforts in the Middle East. I think
    you know that that's our administration's position.

    Terrorism

        Q. There is extraordinary security here today for Mr. Mubarak's
    visit. Is this a response to a specific threat? And in general, can you
    tell us if you discussed any of the terrorist issues that are troubling
    both countries and what your discussions were on that?
        President Clinton. We talked about it a little bit, and I may want
    the President to make a comment, or give him a chance to. I think he's
    made marked progress in his country in dealing

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    with these issues. The security is at the level we thought was
    appropriate because of all the obvious tensions that surround the whole
    Middle East peace process, we think the people of all of our nations are
    yearning for that peace. We consider President Mubarak a valuable asset.
    We just wanted to go out of our way to make sure that he felt secure
    here in our Nation.
        Q. On the terrorist issue in this country, is there a specific
    threat against you, sir, here----
        President Mubarak. Here in the United States, you mean?
        Q. Yes, that has prompted so much security?
        President Mubarak. Really, I didn't hear of any of that in the
    United States. If you speak about in our country, we are much, far
    better than ever before. You may hear an incident every now and then,
    but it happens everywhere in the world now. But we are in a very safe
    country. And you could come and visit our country, walk on the streets,
    and so you could evaluate yourself what is the situation.
        President Clinton. We have an Egyptian question in the back.

    Somalia

        Q. Mr. President, do you have any special role from Egypt relating
    to your position in Somalia? You are asking Egypt to do any special
    role?
        President Clinton. Well, we're going to continue to discuss that
    over lunch after we have this press conference. But let me say this: I'm
    grateful for Egypt's continued involvement in Somalia, and I think that
    we agree, the President and I do, about what our common objectives
    should be there, what our hopes are. And I think we also agree that
    ultimately the Somalis are going to have to decide the future of their
    country for themselves, hopefully with the involvement of supportive
    Arab nations in the area.

    Haiti

        Q. Mr. President, on the subject of Haiti, the U.N. representative,
    Mr. Caputo, has suggested that former President Carter might be a useful
    representative, and other leaders, to try to get the process moving. Do
    you think that's a good idea? Would you encourage Jimmy Carter to go?
    And what is your assessment of whatever progress may have been made over
    the weekend with General Cedras?
        President Clinton. Well, as I said earlier today, it's always
    hazardous to be hopeful about Haiti. But I do believe that some of the
    signs over the weekend were hopeful, that there was some outreach, some
    understanding that there has to be an accommodation here, and that is
    hopeful to me.
        Mr. Caputo has done a good job and has worked very closely with my
    Special Envoy there, Ambassador Pezzullo. The first I heard of this
    suggestion was this morning. I have discussed Haiti on several occasions
    with President Carter. He knows President Aristide; he did go to
    President Aristide's inaugural ceremony. He has been working with this
    administration on some other problems and some other nations. So this is
    not anything that we've ever discussed in a specific sense. I think that
    before I would make a comment on it, I'd have to see what his reaction
    was.
        I understand Mr. Caputo mentioned Michael Manley also. What they
    would do under these circumstances would be up to them. But all of these
    things I think generally are hopeful. It means everybody is trying to
    reach out and bring this matter to some resolution.
        Is there another Egyptian question in the back there?

    U.S. Aid to Egypt

        Q. Mr. President, is the American aid to Egypt going to decrease
    because of the peace agreement in the Middle East?
        President Clinton. I wouldn't put it that way. I have continued to
    support strong American aid to Egypt, and I will continue to do that.
    And I think it's fair to say that our relationship in the future,
    including the aid relationship, will be a matter of close conversation
    between President Mubarak and me and will be whatever is appropriate to
    help Egypt to succeed and to lead in such a constructive manner.

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. I want to follow up on your answer on Syria for a second. Do you
    think the political traffic in Israel right now could bear a
    breakthrough on the Syria-Israel front? That is, do you think Prime
    Minister Rabin could sell to the Israeli public Asad back on the Golan
    and Arafat in the West Bank in the same window of time here?
        President Clinton. I don't know what the answer to that is, but I
    will say this: At least we can all count, and we know that if you look

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    at the composition of the Knesset with the Shas minority party out of
    the coalition, temporarily at least, but not yet voting against the
    peace process, it is important that the Prime Minister know that there
    is not only a lot of popular support for what is being done but that
    that popular support can be translated at least into a Knesset that does
    not attempt to tie his hands in going forward.
        Which is why the position of the United States has been, number one,
    that I believe Prime Minister Rabin wants a comprehensive peace in the
    Middle East; number two, that in order to do it he has to have the
    support of the people of Israel, which means we have to implement the
    present agreement between Israel and the PLO, we have to continue to
    make progress in opening up other Arab nations' attitudes toward Israel,
    we have to continue to make progress on the other tracks. And there has
    to be some time in which he can work out whatever his situation is with
    this parliamentary body. We don't need to have him in a position where
    he can't make peace.
        Now, I can't offer you a definitive analysis of Israeli politics or
    public opinion, but I think what I'm committed to doing is to getting
    this thing on track. Everybody in Israel has got to know in the end
    there can't be a total peace in the Middle East unless there is some
    peace with Syria. But the timing is very important, and progress on the
    things that are now at hand is very important.
        Is there another Egyptian question back here?

    Russia

        Q. Mr. President, concerning the foreign aid, are democracy and
    human rights records the criteria for U.S. foreign aid? If so, was your
    support to Yeltsin as an example or an exception for that policy?
        President Clinton. Well, democracy and human rights are important,
    but I would argue that it's an example of that policy. Yeltsin is today
    the only democratically elected leader in all of Russia. He is doing his
    best to set up a constitution in which a Parliament will be elected
    democratically and it will have legitimacy, along with him. And there
    will be a lot of people who disagree with him in that Parliament, but
    they will have a legitimate base of authority under a new constitution.
    Also, I would say that, given the circumstances that he confronted, he
    responded with real restraint, I think.

    NAFTA

        Q. Mr. President, can I ask a question on NAFTA?
        President Clinton. Sure.
        Q. You have less than a month now before the House is scheduled to
    vote on the North American Free Trade Agreement. How important will this
    vote be in terms of your Presidency? In other words, if you lose this
    vote and NAFTA goes down the drain, will this reflect--how seriously in
    terms of the big picture, in terms of your success or failure as
    President of the United States?
        President Clinton. Well, I think the more important thing is, how
    important is it to the United States? I think it's very important to our
    country, and I'm working very hard on it. I'm going to have a series of
    meetings and calls today, but I've already done some work on it this
    morning. And then I think, beginning along toward the end of the week
    you will see, from then until the vote, an enormous increase in the
    focus of my personal efforts along with the continued full-court press
    of the administration.
        I'm hopeful, though, I have to say. We made some good moves last
    week, and I think there will be some good movement this week. And from
    my point of view it is clearly in the interest of the United States to
    adopt this. It means more jobs. It means more access to more Latin
    markets, which means more jobs still. It means a much better climate of
    cooperation on drugs and immigration and a whole range of other issues
    with Mexico. It is a very, very important agreement.
        The thing that's most important to me is I think that we're already
    at a point where if there were a secret ballot on NAFTA, it would carry
    easily. And I think that in the end, the statesmanship urges and
    impulses of the men and women in the House of Representatives will take
    over, and I think it will prevail.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President's 31st news conference began at 12:30 p.m. in the
    East Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. Gen.
    Raoul Cedras, commander of the Haitian armed forces, and Michael Manley,
    former Prime Minister of Jamaica.