    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [January 13, 1996]
    [Pages 59-60]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Arpad Goncz of Hungary and
    an Exchange With Reporters at Taszar Air Base
    January 13, 1996

        President Clinton. I would like to say on behalf of the American
    people how very much we appreciate the wonderful reception that our
    soldiers have received here in Hungary. I thank you, Mr. President and
    Mr. Prime Minister, to all the leaders of your country, especially to
    the Defense Minister and the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff. We are
    very, very grateful for the cooperation that we've had.
        I think it's a remarkable thing that Hungary and the United States
    are involved as partners for peace now, and they have received us here
    in this mission of peace in our staging area for Bosnia. Just think,
    it's been barely more than 6 years ago when Hungary was a member of the
    Warsaw Pact. What would have been unthinkable then now seems perfectly
    normal because we've been working together so closely for the last
    couple of years.
        And I know I speak for all the American people and especially for
    the military, Mr. President, when I say thank you. We are very grate-

    [[Page 60]]

    ful. And I have just met with our commanders and our troops; they're
    doing very well here, thanks to you. And we're enjoying it, and we
    appreciate it.
        President Goncz. I can even say that it is symbolic. Four or five
    years ago, I think it would have been unthinkable to meet here with the
    President of the United States of America either in Washington or in
    Budapest, the least unthinkable to be able to meet in a small Hungarian
    village. In addition to the fact that on such an important occasion,
    your presence here as well as your personal presence, Mr. President,
    shows the commitment of the United States to ensure the people in the
    region.
        It is a moral obligation to ask because this--we defend the same
    values, and we have common interests. It is a great pleasure for me that
    we have this meeting and that we are part of this great operation. This
    is a Partnership For Peace in the genuine sense of the word. And--it's a
    lot more than what we have done--and this is also an opportunity for us
    to get accustomed to each other the way--[inaudible].
        Thank you, Mr. President.

    NATO Expansion

        Q. Mr. President, do you think this kind of cooperation with Hungary
    will accelerate Hungary's admittance into NATO as a full-scale member?
        President Clinton. Well, as you know, we believe that NATO should be
    expanded and inevitably will be. And this is the sort of cooperation
    that I think shows you what can happen in a very positive way with this
    sort of partnership. I'm very pleased with it, and I think all of our
    American--and especially our military commanders have been very
    impressed by what's happened so far.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:40 a.m. in the Headquarters of the Air
    Base. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.