    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 10, 1997]
    [Pages 268-269]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and
    an Exchange With Reporters
    March 10, 1997

        President Clinton. Let me say that I'm very glad to welcome
    President Mubarak back to Washington. The United States and Egypt have
    been partners in the quest for peace in the Middle East for two decades
    now. Nothing positive has happened except when we work together, and I
    think it's important that we continue to do so. And I'm looking forward
    to this meeting to discuss that as well as what we can do to improve the
    relations between our two countries.
        Welcome, Mr. President. I'm glad to see you.
        President Mubarak. Thank you very much.

    U.S. Veto of U.N. Resolution on Jerusalem Settlements

        Q. President Mubarak, you're the leader of the first nation to begin
    a peace process with Israel. Do you buy President Clinton's rationale
    that he is preserving the peace process by, in effect, sanctioning the
    building of settlements in East Jerusalem?
        President Mubarak. It is said in the memo that the President did
    change his mind concerning the settlements, but the statements coming
    out from the State Department and from the White House concerning the
    settlements--the President is a full partner in the peace process.
    Without the United States, it would be very difficult to continue the
    peace process. So it's very important to have his influence, his
    leadership, his activity----
        Q. But he gave a green light with his veto.
        President Clinton. We're going to have a press conference later.
        President Mubarak. Yes.
        President Clinton. And we're going to answer all the questions. But
    I don't think it's fair to say I've sanctioned that. We'll have a press
    conference later. I'll answer more questions.
        Q. Are you prepared to explain the veto, Mr. President--Clinton?
        President Clinton. Sure. Yes, we'll have a press conference, and
    I'll answer all those questions. I'll be happy to answer that. And if no
    one gets to ask it, I will voluntarily answer it later.

    [At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group
    entered.]

        President Clinton. Let me begin by saying that it's a great honor
    for the United States to have President Mubarak back at the White House.
    His leadership for a comprehensive peace in the Middle East has been
    absolutely essential to any progress which has been made for 20 years
    now. We have worked closely together, and I'm looking forward to having
    this meeting.
        Let me also say that we're going to have a press conference
    afterward, and we'll do our best to answer whatever questions you have.
        Do you have anything you would like to say, Mr. President?
        President Mubarak. Usually, I come to the United States to meet Mr.
    Clinton, for the United States is a full partner for the peace process,
    making tremendous efforts so the process will continue, so as to reach a
    comprehensive settlement and peace could prevail in the whole area and
    cooperation will continue among the countries in the Middle East. I
    thank the President for his efforts, and we are going to discuss other
    issues now.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:11 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.

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