    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 25, 1993]
    [Pages 1818-1819]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President Hosni
    Mubarak of Egypt
    October 25, 1993

    Haiti

        Q. Mr. President, all these reports are coming out of Haiti that
    there could be a breakthrough in the process that would bring Aristide
    back in. Is that optimism justified?
        President Clinton. Well, there's been some movement over the
    weekend. I've learned in dealing with Haiti not to be optimistic ever.
    But there has been some movement, and it's hopeful, and we'll keep
    working on it.

    [[Page 1819]]

        Let me also say, President Mubarak and I will have statements to
    make and will answer questions later, but I'm glad to welcome him back
    to Washington to congratulate him on his election. And this is the first
    opportunity I've had face to face to thank him for the critical role
    that he has played in the Middle East peace process. We're looking
    forward to having a good discussion about that, and we'll have more to
    say about it later.
        Q. Mr. President, over the weekend, Bob Dole said that returning
    Aristide to Haiti is not worth a single American life. What's your
    response?
        President Clinton. Well, my response is that our policy is to
    attempt to restore democracy in Haiti, that we are doing it in the way
    that we think is best and that is supported by Aristide and Prime
    Minister Malval. We have our ships there, and you know what we're doing.
    And they've never asked us to run the country for them. They've asked us
    to help the democratic process to be restored. We hope it can be done.
    The United States has an interest in that, avoiding large-scale
    outpourings of refugees, making sure the country is not a conduit for
    drug deliveries to this country, and promoting democracy in our
    hemisphere. And we're pursuing that policy.

    Palestinian Prisoners

        Q. President Mubarak, can we ask about your feelings about Israel's
    releasing these Palestinian prisoners today?
        President Mubarak. I think it's a very good act. And we have
    discussed this before with Prime Minister Rabin. And the man really--
    [inaudible]--in doing as far as he could to restore peace and reach a
    comprehensive settlement to the problem. It's a very good step forward.
        Q. Mr. President, your feelings?
        President Clinton. I agree. I'm very pleased. He should come every
    day. I can say I agree--[laughter]--shorten my answer.

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

    Invitation to Egypt

        Q. Can I ask a question, Mr. President? When are you going to come
    and visit Egypt? [Inaudible]--invitation from me.
        President Clinton. I think President Mubarak will have to invite me.

    Discussions with President Mubarak

        Q. President Clinton, which is the topic you wish to discuss with
    President Mubarak?
        President Clinton. We have many things to discuss. I want to discuss
    how we can continue to work together on a comprehensive peace in the
    Middle East. And I want to ask President Mubarak's advice on a whole
    range of foreign policy issues. I want to be able to thank him
    personally for the absolutely indispensable role that he has played in
    the peace process in the Middle East so far. I don't think we would be
    where we are today if it weren't for President Mubarak. And we'll have
    our conversation, and then I'll answer your questions afterward. And
    I'll try to make sure you get equal time with the American press.
        Q. Is Somalia on the topic of your talks with President Mubarak?
        President Clinton. Oh yes, I expect to discuss Somalia, yes.

    Note: The exchange began at 11:09 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.