    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [March 3, 1996]
    [Page 353]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 353]]

    Remarks on the Terrorist Attack in Israel and an Exchange With Reporters
    March 3, 1996

        The President. The suicide bombing in the Middle East last night
    shows once again how determined the enemies of peace are. In just a few
    moments, I will be calling Prime Minister Peres to express our
    condolences, our solidarity, and our outrage. We must spare no effort
    here in the United States to support Israel and the other supporters of
    peace in defeating the forces of terrorism. I will also be in touch with
    Chairman Arafat and others in the region to ask for their support.
        It is clear that there are forces at work in the Middle East who
    don't want peace and who exist based on the continuing misery and
    division of the people there. And we have got to do everything we can to
    defeat them and to stand with those in the Middle East, beginning with
    our friends in Israel, who are determined to defeat them.
        This is a troubling moment, but I am determined to see that it does
    not defeat the peace process, and I am determined to do everything I can
    on behalf of the United States to support those who are standing against
    terrorism and standing for peace.
        Thank you very much.
        Q. What can the Palestinian leadership do to prevent these kinds of
    attack?
        The President. Well, I'm going to encourage them to do more, to do
    everything that they can do, and we'll be working with them over the
    next few days. And I'm sure we'll be in touch, and we'll be answering
    more of your questions over the next few days. But we're going to work
    very hard on it.
        I do believe that Chairman Arafat has made efforts, and I think he
    will make more. We have to build the capacity of all the forces in the
    Middle East, including the Palestinian authorities, to promote law and
    order and to stand against terrorism. It's going to be a long battle,
    and we knew that when we started, but I believe we can prevail.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, on his return from Camp David, MD. In his remarks, he referred to
    Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the
    Palestinian Authority.