[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
[April 18, 1996]
[Pages 599-600]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Arrival in St. Petersburg, Russia
April 18, 1996

Tragedy in Lebanon

    Mayor Sobchak, Governor Belyakov, Commander Seleznev, 
representatives of the Russian Federation, ladies and gentlemen, thank 
you for this welcome to St. Petersburg. I am very pleased to begin my 
visit to Russia here, a city so alive with promise and possibility. I 
have looked forward to this day for a long time, and I very much look 
forward to my opportunity to see the city tomorrow.
    Let me begin, however, by saying I arrive at a somber moment. On 
behalf of the American people, I want to express my deepest condolences 
to the Government of Lebanon and to the families of those who were 
killed and wounded this morning in south Lebanon. I also offer my 
condolences to the Government of Fiji over the casualties among its U.N. 
peacekeeping personnel.
    Today's events make painfully clear the importance of bringing an 
end to the current violence in Lebanon. To achieve that goal I call upon 
all parties to agree to an immediate cease-fire. An end to the fighting 
is essential to allow our diplomatic efforts to go forward.
    Before leaving Tokyo, I directed Secretary of State Christopher to 
travel to the Middle East to work out a set of understandings that would 
lead to an enduring end to this crisis. Special Middle East Coordinator 
Dennis Ross will travel to the region in advance of Secretary 
Christopher to begin this process.
    Resolving the current situation will not only stop human suffering, 
it will help us all to make further progress toward our goal of a com-


[[Page 600]]

prehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. But let me say again, 
we should begin with an immediate cease-fire.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 10:30 p.m. at Pulkova Airport. In his 
remarks, he referred to Mayor Anatoliy Aleksandrovich Sobchak of St. 
Petersburg; Gov. Aleksandr Belyakov of Leningrad Oblast; and Comdr. 
Sergei Seleznev, Leningrad Military District.