    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [November 13, 1993]
    [Pages 1977-1978]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Departure for Memphis, Tennessee
    November 13, 1993

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, PLO Chairman Arafat seems to have condemned the
    murder of an Israeli at the end of October. Do you think this is in
    response to your request and Mr. Rabin's request?
        The President. Well, perhaps, but regardless I think it's a very
    positive sign. I've only received limited reports this morning, but from
    what I've heard it's a very positive sign. It's the sort of thing that
    will enable them to work together and to implement the accord.
        Q. Were there any direct contacts between you and Arafat in order to
    get him to condemn the murder?
        The President. We had no direct contacts, the White House did not,
    but we made it very clear what our position was, and I think that the
    Israelis--they have direct contact of course with the PLO now because of
    the implementation of the accord. And I think perhaps again I would say
    we maybe ought to give most of the credit to that. I hope the meeting
    yesterday highlighted it and our position is clear. But they need to
    keep their word to each other, that's the most important thing.

    NAFTA

        Q. What about NAFTA, how do you feel about NAFTA today?
        The President. Feel a little better. We had a good day yesterday;
    you know we've had three big days. I think we've had 27 people come out,
    and I think we're going to have another good day today. We'll have
    several of those who are declared down in Memphis with us, and we're
    making some pretty good inroads now in places where I didn't know we
    could get some votes. So it's going to be a hard weekend, but I think
    we'll make it.

    [[Page 1978]]

        Q. [Inaudible]
        The President. What I have always said is if they're opposed on the
    grounds of NAFTA next year, I'd be happy to say in any district in
    America or to any district in America that I think NAFTA is in the
    public interest, it's in the national interest, and it should not be the
    basis on which any Member of Congress, without regard to party, is voted
    out. Thanks.

    Note: The exchange began at approximately 8:25 a.m. on the South Lawn at
    the White House. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of this exchange.