    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [October 27, 1994]
    [Page 1881]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President
    Hafiz al-Asad of Syria in Damascus
    October 27, 1994

        Q. Gentlemen, do you think you will be able to agree on new steps
    toward peace today? President Asad?
        President Asad. We hope so. If we don't have this desire, we
    wouldn't have any incentive for such a meeting. And so the peace process
    needs efforts, and it always has its own difficulties. People think that
    with a magic word they might be able to achieve peace, but this is not
    possible.
        President Clinton. Thank you. We're working hard.

    Note: The exchange began at approximately 9:15 a.m. at the Presidential
    Palace. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.