    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [December 11, 1995]
    [Pages 1877-1882]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With Prime Minister Shimon Peres of
    Israel
    December 11, 1995

        The President. Please be seated.
        Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Peres back
    to the White House. For as along as there has been a prospect of peace
    in the Middle East, Shimon Peres has stood at the forefront, striving to
    bring a new day of security and harmony to the people of Israel and to
    all the people of the region.
        From his early years as one of the architects of Israel's defense,
    he has devoted himself to ensuring the security of his Nation. And from
    his first term as Prime Minister in the mid-1980's, through the
    negotiations that led to the signing here of the Declaration of
    Principles with the Palestinians, to the peace of the Araba with Jordan,
    to the interim accord ceremony just 2\1/2\ months ago, Shimon Peres has
    been a visionary for peace. He has seen the way. He has been a leader on
    the path to peace. And time and again he has been proven right.
        One of the very last things Yitzhak Rabin said was that Shimon Peres
    was his full partner in forging peace. With those words and the memory
    of my friend in mind, let me renew now the pledge I first made to Prime
    Minister Rabin at the beginning of my Presidency.
        Mr. Prime Minister, as Israel continues to take risks for a lasting
    and comprehensive peace, the United States will stand with you to
    minimize those risks and to ensure your success. And I pledge to you
    personally, Shimon, that I will be your partner in peace.
        Until an assassin's bullet cut short his life, Prime Minister Rabin
    rose time and again to the challenges of peace. The United States knows
    that, just as he has in the past, Prime Minister Peres will do so as
    well. It is a measure of how much has changed in the Middle East that on
    his journey here the Prime Minister met with King Hussein, President
    Mubarak, and Chairman Arafat, and that on his trip home he will visit
    with King Hassan of Morocco.
        I have been especially encouraged to hear the Prime Minister talk
    about the progress in redeploying Israeli forces. He reviewed for me his
    meeting with Chairman Arafat, who reaffirmed his commitment to building
    upon and implementing the Declaration of Principles and the interim
    agreement.
        The key to a lasting settlement in the Middle East is achieving
    peace between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon. Today Prime
    Minister Peres and I agreed to redouble our efforts to achieve these
    goals. We agree that to close the circle of peace it will take more
    intensive and more practical negotiations. Each side will need to make a
    greater effort to take account of the others' concerns. The United
    States stands ready to help to bring the parties together and to work
    with them in the negotiations. Peace is our mission. And the Prime
    Minister and I are determined that nothing--nothing--will deter us from
    this task in the weeks and the months ahead.
        Today I have also spoken with President Asad of Syria about our
    talks here in Washington. President Asad told me he was committed to do
    his best to move the peace process forward and to reach an early
    agreement between Syria and Israel. He also agreed to my proposal that
    Secretary Christopher travel to the region next week to consult with him
    on the next steps we will take together.
        We, of course, recognize that the differences will not disappear
    immediately. Great hurdles must be overcome. But an Israel-Syria
    settlement is worth our every effort. It would end the Arab-Israeli
    conflict. It would establish a comprehensive peace. It could transform
    the face of the entire Middle East and the lives of all its inhabitants.
        That was Yitzhak Rabin's dream. Here at the White House, that
    soldier of peace said, ``Enough of blood and tears.'' The United States
    is heartened that Shimon Peres will carry on.

    [[Page 1878]]

    And together, we will work to fulfill Yitzhak Rabin's legacy.
        Mr. Prime Minister, as you go forward, the United States will go
    with you and proudly.
        Prime Minister Peres. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Mr.
    Secretary of State, ladies and gentlemen. Let me say from my heart that
    we are so moved by the American participation in our great sadness when
    Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated. Mr. President, you have led a
    most unusual delegation that moved our heart. The President himself, two
    former Presidents, the Secretary of State, two former Secretaries, the
    leaders of the Senate, of the House of Representatives, an important
    corps of journalists, of leaders. There was greatness in the sadness, as
    Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated because he was right, not because
    he was wrong.
        And may I say, ladies and gentlemen, that President Clinton did
    something most unusual. He has added an expression to the Israeli
    dictionary: Shalom, chaver. It is a very unusual combination. And for
    ones who don't understand Hebrew, let me say, the Russians are saying
    ``a comrade,'' which I don't know exactly what it is; the Americans are
    saying ``a friend,'' which I understand what it is; but the Israelis are
    saying ``chaver,'' which means ``togetherness.'' And since the President
    has used this word, we feel more together. We feel that we have an
    enriched dictionary among ourselves and between the United States of
    America and us. Believe me, I speak on behalf of all the Israelis: For
    this enrichment of expression and feelings, thank you very much.
        Q. Mr. President----
        Prime Minister Peres: No, I--[laughter]. Don't discriminate the
    Israeli part. [Laughter]
        So I should really start by saying, Shalom, chaver. These, your
    farewell words to Prime Minister Rabin, echoed throughout our land. The
    people of Israel will never forget your moving demonstration of
    solidarity in a moment of grief, of shock, of disbelief and
    determination. For us, you're a leader; you're a friend.
        I stand beside you, Mr. President, in the footsteps of my partner, a
    great captain of peace, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Together with
    you--and I know how much he trusted you--we scaled the trail from the
    depths of hostility to the highlands of promising peace. Indeed,
    together we shall stay the course and, with firm resolve, reach a
    destiny of lasting and a secure peace. A peace for the whole of the
    Middle East--Arabs and Jews, Jews and Arabs--this was Yitzhak Rabin's
    quest. It is my commitment.
        Your leadership and devotion to the cause of peace are manifestly
    clear to Israel and to its neighbors as well. This is a constant
    direction, not a point of passing. May I say that as Bosnia reeled in
    agony, you offered a compass and a lamp to a confused situation, ending
    blood, offering hope, like in the Middle East. It is time to put an end
    to the Arab-Israeli conflict. With you, Mr. President, in the forefront,
    by our side, it may become possible, as it did in the past, bringing
    thereby peace, security, and prosperity to all people. Prophecy may meet
    reality again and again.
        Since your Presidency and through our partnership, the Middle East
    has already undergone an unbelievable change. Here at the White House on
    September 13, 1993, we came to grips with the heart of the problem. The
    Israeli-Palestinian Declaration of Principles created a roadmap by means
    of which the Palestinians, alongside Israel, are becoming masters of
    their destinies. Palestinian elections are a new promise that reflects
    the interaction between peace and democracy. Nothing is a better
    guarantee for peace than democracy.
        Israel and Jordan are displaying its fruits day-in and day-out. A
    barren rift valley is pregnant with new prospects. Peace with Egypt
    remains a cornerstone of the peace process for, by it, regional war is
    no longer the justification of policies that leaves lands deserted
    rather than flourishing.
        Today we seek an opening of a new, maybe a final chapter: the end of
    war in the Middle East in its totality. Peace between Syria and between
    Lebanon and Israel will leave no reason whatsoever for the continuation
    of belligerency. Syria, together with us, stands in a unique position to
    contribute to a peaceful Middle East. The conflict between us has been
    bitter, complicated. The land that gave birth to prophecy can now give
    birth to yet a new vision.
        President Asad and myself can, with the assistance of your
    leadership, Mr. President, and the assistance of your administration and
    Congress, build a new equation of genuine peace and security to end
    terror, to begin a market economy. I speak of boundaries of permanent
    peace. I speak of lands of new and great opportunity. Peace between us
    must indeed put an end to the conflict that has mired our region for so
    long. The President, the Secretary of

    [[Page 1879]]

    State, and their peace team will continue to create with us the
    architecture for peace in the region. We welcome you.
        Today I discussed the possible new opportunity with President
    Clinton. I find a warmth and an openness in our discussion, and I am
    very grateful. Mr. President, we are proud to be partners with you in
    working to make this prospect become a reality. It is my hope that
    President Asad will join us soon on this historic journey.
        To my fellow Israelis, I can say we have in you, Mr. President, a
    true friend and a true partner. There is no time now for political
    vacation. We don't intend to rest. We intend to continue the momentum,
    full speed ahead, in the name of all Israelis. And I think all Israelis,
    they'll tell you, Mr. President, toda, chaver, thank you, chaver.

    Israel-U.S. Space-Based Experiments

        The President. Thank you.
        Let me make one brief comment, and then I will take questions, as
    will the Prime Minister.
        As part of our effort to support Israel's advances in science and
    technology, I have today agreed with Prime Minister Peres to proceed
    with space-based experiments in sustainable water use and environmental
    protection. These experiments will take place in unmanned space
    vehicles, in the shuttle program, and in the international space
    station. And as a part of this effort, we will also train Israeli
    astronauts to participate in these programs. We look forward to working
    out the arrangements for this cooperation, and we are absolutely certain
    that it will benefit Israel's high-tech development as well as our own.

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan
    are critical to the Middle East peace process. Yet none of these are
    true democracies, and all of them are now showing serious signs of
    internal dissent, even violent dissent. At what point does the firm U.S.
    backing of such nondemocratic governments become counterproductive?
        The President. Well, first of all, those countries have to work out
    their internal affairs for themselves. But as long as they are
    responsible actors on the international stage and as long as they are
    contributing to the peace process in the Middle East, we will consider
    them our partners for peace in the Middle East. That's the first and
    most important thing: How do they conduct themselves, and are they
    supportive of the peace process?
        Q. Mr. President, you have just managed to successfully bring three
    sides together in Dayton, Ohio. Is it the time to use Camp David II
    model in the Middle East and bring President Asad and Prime Minister
    Peres together to this country? And if not, did you hear any new ideas
    from Prime Minister Shimon Peres? Thank you.
        The President. Well, yes, Prime Minister Peres had some very good
    ideas which we shared together and which I think will form the basis of
    further action. At some point, I think the leaders of countries that are
    interested in peace have to meet; leaders have to meet and work together
    and work their problems out. But I think that will come in time.
        Keep in mind, we worked quite a long time on peace in the Middle
    East--I mean, in Bosnia--before the parties came together at Dayton. So
    that will come, I think.

    Balkan Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, on the Bosnia issue, since the accord, Bosnian
    Croats have reportedly burned a village, two French pilots are still
    captive, a number of cease-fire violations have occurred. It remains so
    unstable there. Why should the American people have any confidence that
    our troops will be safe there?
        The President. First of all, I don't think it remains so unstable
    there. I think, basically, you--in some ways you made the case. It has
    not been a perfect observation of the agreement, but basically the
    agreement they made has been observed. There has not been a resumption
    of hostilities. There are some rough edges there, which is why NATO and
    others who are cooperating with us were asked to come in and help to
    separate the forces--supervise the separation of the forces--the
    transfer of land, the redeployment of forces out of land which they no
    longer are responsible for, and then to maintain a secure environment
    while the agreement is implemented.
        And I see no reason to believe, based on the evidence so far, that
    all the parties who signed the agreement are not fully committed to
    implementing it. In fact, over the weekend we received some more
    encouraging comments from some of the Serb leaders about being com-

    [[Page 1880]]

    mitted to the end of the war and the implementation of the agreement.
        Q. Mr. Prime Minister, do you feel----
        Prime Minister Peres. You know, gentlemen, Bosnia is Muslim, and
    Israel is Jewish. Yet, this is not the right distinction when it comes
    to politics in my eyes. The distinction is between aggressors and
    defenders. And I salute the United States of America to try to put an
    end to aggression and really help the people that were attacked to
    survive and not to suffer any longer.
        Thank you.

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, do you feel now that the chances for peace between
    Israel and Syria are better than they were one month or 2 months ago?
        The President. Yes.
        Q. And is this the impression that you informed today to Mr. Peres?
        The President. That is the impression I have today, yes.
        Q. Mr. Prime Minister, did you review to President Clinton your
    readiness to withdraw from Golan Heights as part of the peace agreement
    with Syria?
        Prime Minister Peres. You cannot pin on a single issue. We are
    talking about the Syrian-Israeli peace process in its totality, and I
    have revealed the totality.
        Q. Yes, but as one of the----
        Prime Minister Peres. I understand what you--the answer you are
    seeking, and that's the answer I am having. [Laughter]
        Q. Mr. President, do you know the price that Israel is ready to pay
    for peace with Syria? Are you going to transfer this information to
    President Asad? And are you maybe considering a visit in the Middle
    East, in Damascus and Jerusalem?
        The President. Well, first of all, the Secretary of State will
    communicate to President Asad the essential elements of my meeting with
    the Prime Minister, as agreed upon between the Prime Minister and
    myself.
        But I would just reiterate something that he said. I think the most
    important thing is not what any particular issue is, but I think that
    the atmosphere is better than it was before--as the previous questioner
    asked--and very frankly, as sad as it is to say, I think the Syrian
    leader and the Syrian people now see the exceptional price that former
    Prime Minister Rabin and Prime Minister Peres have been willing to pay
    in their search for peace.
        I think that is the fundamental new reality here. I don't think any
    of the details matter nearly as much as that fundamental new reality,
    because in the end, in any peace agreement, the parties have to have two
    things. One is a certain level of trust that the people actually, on
    either side, intend to go forward with the agreements they have made
    because it's in their interest and because they can be believed. And the
    second is a certain system of observing the implementation of that
    trust. That's more important than all the details. So that is, I think,
    the central new reality.

    Balkan Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, you've talked about Bosnia a little bit. You still
    have not gotten the congressional approval you expect. You are about to
    head off to Paris to sign a commitment. Are you going to send U.S.
    troops if you don't get that approval from Congress in regards to the
    timetable you want for sending the troops over there?
        The President. First of all, I believe that we will secure that
    approval. I believe that Congress will support the troops. I had a good
    talk yesterday with Senator Dole and with Speaker Gingrich, and I know
    that we have these congressional delegations that have been to Bosnia
    that are coming back; I think two more are coming back. And I believe
    when it is all debated and all said and done in the next few days that
    the Congress will find a way to express their support for our troops.
    That's what I believe will happen.
        Q. Will you send them anyway, sir?

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, if you could tell us, do you see in the context of
    a peace agreement with Syria the need for a formal defense alliance with
    Israel, an upgrading of security--of the secure relationship. To follow
    up on that, also, if something would go wrong on Bosnia, do you see how
    that could affect this whole idea of U.S. troops on the Golan Heights?
    Thank you very much.
        The President. Well, first let me say that the United States has not
    been asked in any negotiations by either party to put troops on the
    Golan as of this time. We have not been asked.

    [[Page 1881]]

        Secondly, if one thing should be clear to the entire world in the
    history of the last several years, it is that the security of Israel is
    terribly important to the United States. We have made an explicit policy
    commitment which has been carried through under Presidents of both
    parties to maintain the qualitative and technological edge that Israel
    needs to guarantee its security in an atmosphere that has been far more
    hostile than it is even today.
        And so I think you can, as we go forward here, you can be assured
    that the security of Israel in going to be one of the main pillars of
    America's defense commitments and one of the main things we will be
    concerned about as we move through the peace process.

    Balkan Peace Process and Jonathan Pollard Espionage Case

        Q. Mr. President, one question directed specifically towards you.
    Can you update us on the possible release of the two French pilots in,
    presumably in Serbian control, and whether or not that issue could
    derail the peace agreement signing on Thursday in Paris? And question to
    both of you on, unrelated, did you have a chance to discuss the Jonathan
    Pollard spy case now that he has been granted Israeli citizenship, and
    did the Prime Minister ask you to release Pollard?
        The President. You got a lot in there in a little time. [Laughter]
        Very briefly, I wish I could tell you more about the French pilots.
    I can tell you this, that we are in very close touch with the French.
    They are working very, very hard on this. I have no factual update for
    you. They are working it very hard, and they expect the peace signing to
    go forward on time.
        With regard to Mr. Pollard, the Prime Minister mentioned it to me
    and gave me a letter setting forth his position on it. As you know, Mr.
    Pollard came up once before, I think in early 1994. If he requests
    executive clemency, I will, of course, review that request, as I would
    anyone who requested it. But he has to make a request, and it has to
    come through the ordinary channels before I can do that.

    Middle East Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, the Palestinian Authority is holding elections
    next month. I would like to ask you, how do you assess the performance
    of the Palestinian Authority and the performance of Yasser Arafat
    leading to the Palestinian elections? And when are you planning to visit
    the Palestinian Authority as well as the rest of the Middle East? I
    asked you this before; I would like to know if you are going to make
    another trip?
        And for Mr. Prime Minister, I just want to--[laughter].
        The President. You went to the Wolf Blitzer [Cable News Network]
    school of journalism, I think. [Laughter] No, go ahead, please.
        Q. Mr. Prime Minister, I just want to wish you the great success in
    your performing your duties in this very crucial time in Israel and the
    Middle East. While I'm wishing you this, I would like very much to ask
    you, Mr. Prime Minister, to release the Palestinian----
        Prime Minister Peres. Be careful with your timing.
        Q. ----to release the Palestinian prisoners as soon as possible so
    they will go back to their families and we will really have peace in the
    region, especially in the Authority. Thank you.
        The President. Let me say, first of all, about the elections, I
    expect them to go forward; I expect them to be successful; I expect them
    to be held in a way that is generally applauded for their integrity. And
    I expect to go back to the Middle East at an appropriate time, but I
    don't have a trip scheduled. I think I'd like it to be in the context of
    another advance for the cause of peace. And that's where we are.
        Prime Minister Peres. Before Christmas, 450 villages in the West
    Bank and all the major cities, as well as Gaza and Jericho, will be
    under the rule of the Palestinians for the first time in history. Israel
    has implemented one of our greatest moral promises: not to rule another
    people. Believe me, it makes us content and complete by doing so.
        Part of the agreement was to release another 1,000 prisoners before
    the elections. I hope we shall release a little bit more than that, but
    for the people that have bloodstains on their hands. Until now, we kept
    every promise, every word. We were ahead of time. And I thought the
    assassination of Prime Minister Rabin puts an extra responsibility upon
    me to really do everything true to the commitment.
        The President. Thank you very much. Thank you.

    Note: The President's 110th news conference began at 1:14 p.m. in Room
    450 of the Old Execu-

    [[Page 1882]]

    tive Office Building. In his remarks, he referred to King Hussein of
    Jordan, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Chairman Yasser Arafat of the
    Palestine Liberation Organization, and President Hafiz al-Asad of
    Syria..