[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.