    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [June 13, 1996]
    [Pages 909-913]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's News Conference With President Mary Robinson of Ireland
    June 13, 1996

        President Clinton. Please be seated. Good afternoon.
        Let me begin as I did this morning, by thanking President Robinson
    for the extraordinary hospitality that Hillary and I and our entire
    delegation received in Ireland late last year. I don't know whether it's
    possible to actually equal Irish hospitality, but we're determined to
    try. I hope that the President of Ireland feels very much at home and
    very much admired in America because she certainly is.
        Once again, I thank President Robinson for the extraordinary
    contributions of Irish-Americans to our country and for the
    extraordinary contributions of the Irish people not just to their
    neighbors but to strangers in need all around the globe.
        Over the past 40 years, every single day there has been an Irish
    citizen working for peace somewhere in the world. More than 40,000
    military personnel have worked in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Great
    sums of money have been expended by a poor country for humanitarian
    relief. At this very moment, hundreds of Garda and defense forces are
    serving in nine different countries, from Lebanon and Cyprus to the
    Western Sahara and Bosnia. As Ireland has grown and progressed and
    become more prosperous, the generosity and vision of the Irish people
    have found a wider and wider range of avenues for their expression. We
    are very

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    grateful for the thousands of Irish volunteers who are working in places
    of crisis and suffering all over the world but especially in Rwanda,
    where President Robinson has shown special concern and special
    leadership.
        President Robinson and I agreed that so many of the problems we face
    today--terrorism, international organized crime, drugs, environmental
    decay--have no respect for national borders, and to effectively meet
    them we have to work together. We discussed our determination especially
    to work closely with Ireland as it assumes the European Presidency so
    that we can increase our cooperation in the international fight against
    drugs.
        Let me also say I am encouraged at the beginning of the historic
    negotiations in Belfast toward a just and lasting peace in Northern
    Ireland. I know how much the people of Northern Ireland want peace. I
    saw it and felt it for myself last year. I know how hard the people of
    Ireland have worked to support the peace process in Northern Ireland and
    the Government of Ireland has worked to support the peace process in
    Northern Ireland. And I reaffirmed to President Robinson that the United
    States will continue to do everything we possibly can to help the
    negotiations along.
        Madam President, we're glad to have you in America. We're grateful
    for you and your country. And the microphone is yours.
        President Robinson. Thank you.
        Well, I very much welcomed the opportunity to say in more detail to
    President Clinton how much the support of the United States and the
    thoughtful friendship that is expressed in so many practical ways and
    over the past few years has meant to Ireland. I say the past few years
    because I think it's important to recognize that this is building on a
    great bond of friendship between our two countries.
        But this is a very significant time on the Island of Ireland, and we
    have a window of opportunity. And the way in which the United States has
    been supportive and helpful in nurturing peace and reconciliation on the
    Island of Ireland is of crucial significance.
        I look forward to meeting the majority and minority leaders of
    Congress in order to express, on behalf of the people of Ireland, how
    much we appreciate the real friendship and concern. And I was glad to be
    able to refer to the tangible ways in which that has been manifested. If
    one looks back even over a span of 18 months, the importance of the
    Washington Conference in May 1995, following the cessation of violence,
    that there would be a peace dividend, the people would have hope,
    something to look forward to, the very practical way in which the United
    States has helped in that regard, the sense of being very much in touch
    with the complexity but also the way things are moving forward. And that
    was so evident during the extremely memorable and historic visit of
    President Clinton and the First Lady to Ireland at the end of November,
    beginning of December.
        In a relatively short time in Belfast and Derry and Dublin, not only
    did President Clinton and the First Lady express in very important ways
    the focus on peace and reconciliation, you in fact gave an opportunity
    to ordinary people to come out into the street and to demonstrate from
    the heart how much they wanted sustainable peace. That was part of the
    huge crowds that came out because you represented somebody who was
    informed, who was balanced in approach, who was thoughtful, who came
    from a very powerful country that is engaged in helping us. And we very
    much appreciate that.
        And so, I think this state visit is timely in affording an
    opportunity to acknowledge and show appreciation on behalf of the people
    of Ireland. And I do so, of course, in the context of very sensitive and
    difficult negotiations at the moment. And Senator George Mitchell and
    his two colleagues are engaged in the process of helping, helping to try
    to move forward step by step to bring about that peace and
    reconciliation.
        And as you have mentioned, President Clinton, it's also a year in
    which Ireland takes on responsibilities: responsibility for chairmanship
    of the European Union, which begins on the first of July; responsibility
    for continuing the chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Conference,
    which is very important not just for the European Union but for the
    wider Europe. It will talk about issues of efficiency at the European
    level but also the consideration of a further enlargement of the
    European Union, which is of such importance to stability and to the
    future of the democracies of Central and Eastern Europe.
        And it was, therefore, a welcome opportunity with the Tanaiste, Dick
    Spring--who will, in fact, in his role as Irish Foreign Minister, have a
    great responsibility--I think it was very wel-

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    come that there was the opportunity to share ideas and discussion. And
    we did touch on a lot of matters, but I think it was a very fruitful
    discussion.
        And most of all, I will take every opportunity I have to say from
    the heart not only how much I appreciate coming here as President of
    Ireland but also the way in which I can express the heartfelt
    appreciation of the people of Ireland and the importance of your
    engagement with us in seeking and indeed, hopefully, bringing about the
    sustainable peace and reconciliation on the Island of Ireland.
        Thank you.
        President Clinton. Helen [Helen Thomas, United Press International.]

    Russian and Israeli Elections

        Q. Mr. President, the United States has been interested in two
    foreign elections and especially the outcomes, and your preferences are
    pretty well-known: Israel and Russia. Do you think the election in
    Russia--do you think it would be disastrous if the Communists won? And
    what assurances do you have from the Israeli Government, the new
    government regime, that the peace process will continue, that there will
    be no building of settlements on the West Bank, and all of the other
    issues?
        President Clinton. Well, first of all, the new Israeli government is
    just being formed, and I think we have to leave the Prime Minister-
    designate, Mr. Netanyahu, his elbow room to put his government together
    and to go forward.
        I think in the meantime we can rely on his own statements, which
    have been quite encouraging about continuing the peace process and
    respecting the work that has been done to date. And so, I feel very good
    about that. And that, in a way, it seems to me, bears out the position
    the United States has taken, that we support the peace process and those
    who take risks for peace.
        With regard to Russia, let me say, I think--I wouldn't underestimate
    the importance of the fundamental fact that they're about to have an
    election. And it is consistent with their Constitution, and it's going
    to be an extraordinary thing. I believe it was President--former
    President Aristide of Haiti who once said that when a country becomes a
    democracy, the second election is the most important.
        And I think that all the parties and all the interests would have to
    say a word of support to those who are in authority now, who are
    respecting the Constitution or promoting this election. And I think that
    gives a chance for reform in Russia to succeed and endure. That has not
    been the case, literally, for centuries because when the czars attempted
    to reform things in Russia, they had no way of making the system bigger
    than themselves, no way of making the Constitution the rule of law such
    that people could have elections and make decisions on their own about
    who their leaders should be.
        So I want to applaud those who are responsible for that and the
    people of Russia and encourage them all to participate. Now, you know
    what our position is. Our position is that we support democracy; we
    support reform; we support cooperation; we support partnership. I've
    made my feelings about all these issues perfectly clear. And I think
    that I should. And you know that I've had a very good, positive
    relationship with President Yeltsin. But we support the democratic
    process in Russia, and we will support the right of the people of Russia
    to pick their own leaders. And then we will deal with the decision that
    they make.

    United Nations

        Q. President Robinson, did you get a chance to speak to President
    Clinton about the United States being in arrears with the U.N.? And
    President Clinton, do you think that President Robinson would be a good
    candidate for the U.N. General Secretary?
        President Robinson. We did discuss the whole area of reform of the
    United Nations, which is so important, and the role of the United
    Nations in the context of the post-cold-war world. I had an opportunity
    to give a sense of the need to have a better sense of the importance of
    the United Nations. And I think that was really what we focused on, that
    somehow that story is underappreciated.
        People see bits of the involvement of the United Nations in certain
    ways, and there are criticisms. And understandably, in some areas there
    are criticisms. But there is a lack of awareness of the rounded story of
    how important what has been built up for the last 50 years is. And this
    we certainly did discuss. And we did it also in the context, for
    example, of issues in Africa and also in the new South Africa. But I
    think it was more a focus on the philosophical

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    and broader sense of the United Nations and not specifically on the
    issues that you asked.
        President Clinton. I brought up the arrearages. She didn't raise it,
    but I did--[laughter]--because I think it's wrong, and I believe we
    should pay our arrearages. And I have been trying to correct that since
    I became President. But I also pointed out there is a very strong and
    bipartisan opinion in our Congress that we need some reforms in the
    United Nations, and we're working very hard to achieve those reforms.
    And I want to see the United States pay its fair share. I think the
    American people expect us to pay our fair share. But we want a U.N.
    that's even more effective in the way we raise and spend our money. And
    I do agree that the United Nations is often underappreciated in terms of
    all the things that it does that are important.
        Obviously there was no discussion of the other question you asked
    me. But you know, I have very high regard for President Robinson. I
    think she would do a good job in any position that she might be
    considered for. But there's been no discussion of that particular issue.
    But I have a very high regard for her.
        Terry [Terence Hunt, Associated Press]?

    Supreme Court Decision on Redistricting

        Q. Mr. President, the Supreme Court today struck down congressional
    redistricting plans in Texas and North Carolina that would have given
    blacks and Hispanics more political clout. Does this hurt Democrats'
    chances of reclaiming Congress and your chances of holding on to the
    White House?
        President Clinton. Well, I was disappointed by the decision for the
    reasons that you said. But I think the answer to that is no. I think the
    answer to that is no. I think the affected voters will see that they
    need to work even harder to make sure their voices are heard.

    Extraterritorial Impact of Sanctions

        Q. Mr. President, you said yesterday that you're reviewing the
    claims of extraterritoriality of the Helms-Burton law. What do you mean
    by that? And are you considering waivering it?
        President Clinton. What I said yesterday was there are provisions in
    the Helms-Burton law which give the President some flexibility, and I am
    reviewing what the facts are and trying to determine what the best and
    most proper way to implement the law is. But I have made no decision and
    I have nothing else to add.
        Wolf [Wolf Blitzer, CNN]?

    FBI Files of White House Passholders

        Q. Mr. President, a former FBI agent has an article he has written
    in the Wall Street Journal today in which he says he worked at the White
    House until '95--in which he says he warned specifically the FBI and
    White House officials about the potential for abusing these FBI files
    that were sent over here to the White House, but nobody seemed to be
    paying attention, and he thought it was part of a systematic effort to
    look for dirt on potential enemies, which obviously is a very serious
    accusation. A, are you familiar with this article that was written
    today? And B, do you have anything else to say that can clarify what is
    obviously a very explosive accusation if true?
        President Clinton. No, I did not read it and don't know if he named
    any names of any particular people he warned.
        Q. He says--he did name his supervisor at the FBI as well as Craig
    Livingstone here at the White House.
        President Clinton. Well, you would have to ask them then. I don't
    know. I can just tell you that I do not believe there was any systematic
    effort to do that. I believe this happened just the way the person who
    had the file said it happened. I believe that until there is evidence to
    the contrary, that is what you should assume is the truth.
        I mean, it's not--it doesn't make any sense. There is no--there
    would be no reason to do it, and it's inconsistent with the clear
    instructions that I have given and the way we have operated this White
    House.
        So I would just say until I have evidence to the contrary--and I
    mean evidence--I'm glad to be open to evidence, but we need evidence
    before we draw any conclusion like that. There is just--there is no--and
    I never saw any indication of it for 3\1/2\ years that anybody was
    trying to do anything of that kind. And if I had I would not have
    tolerated if for a split second.
        President Robinson. That's the Irish television coming.

    Northern Ireland Peace Process

        Q. What would you say to members of the Unionist community in
    Northern Ireland who

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    are still skeptical and may be suspicious of American involvement in the
    peace process?
        President Clinton. Well, first of all, look at what--what has the
    American involvement been? I would say look at what the American
    involvement has been. What we have tried to do is to do whatever we
    could to facilitate an end to violence and the participation of those
    parties that would be necessary to effect a just and lasting peace. We
    have not tried to prejudge any of the specific issues for anyone. And
    all we have offered to do is to do what we could to help in the peace
    process, to maximize the rewards and minimize the risks of peace, as
    interested outsiders. We are not insiders; we are not trying to
    determine the details of this in any way, shape, or form.
        So I don't think we've had a destructive impact there. And we
    certainly would not want to.
        Q. Mr. President----
        President Clinton. Yes, Jim [Jim Miklaszewski, NBC News]. Go ahead.

    Church Burnings in the South

        Q. Mr. President, despite your bully pulpit appeals, there was
    another church burning in Oklahoma overnight. Is it going to take
    something stronger from the Federal Government? And what kind of
    measures along that line are you considering today?
        President Clinton. Well, we have, as I announced yesterday in South
    Carolina, we have substantially increased the number of Federal
    officials working on the investigation of each of these incidents. And
    we are examining, even as you and I are talking here, some other
    possible options for what else can be done. I may have more to say about
    it later. I don't have anything else to add today, except we're going to
    get to the bottom of every one of these cases. We're going to do
    everything we can.
        And again, I want to issue a strong plea to the American people--
    this is not what this country is all about. This is a deeply religious
    country where we--we were founded in a commitment to respect the right
    of every single person to religious freedom. And what appear to be a
    number of racially motivated instances are just--they're not only
    illegal, they're morally unacceptable and reprehensible, and Americans
    need to stand up against it. And we're looking at other ways that we can
    do better and do more.
        Any other questions on the Irish side?

    Northern Ireland Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, if the negotiations in Belfast go ahead, but
    without Sinn Fein because there's no IRA cease-fire, do you think they
    have any possibility of succeeding under those conditions?
        President Clinton. Well, let's see what happens. They just got
    started. I don't want to get into a lot of speculation. All I can tell
    you is that I'm encouraged that they've begun and not discouraged that
    there was some procedural wrangling in the beginning. And this is a
    complex matter. There will be a lot of turns in the road before it's
    over, but I'm hopeful. And on balance, I feel quite hopeful today.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President's 125th news conference began at 1 p.m. in Room 450
    of the Old Executive Office Building.