    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 11, 1998]
    [Page 738]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Middle East Peace Process
    May 11, 1998

        I have just met with Secretary Albright, National Security Adviser Berger, and Ambassador Ross.
    Unfortunately, there will not be a meeting today with Prime Minister
    Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat to launch the permanent status talks. I regret that.
        I have asked Secretary Albright to
    meet later this week with Prime Minister Netanyahu while he is in Washington. The objective of those
    discussions will be to seek to overcome the remaining differences so
    that we can proceed immediately with accelerated permanent status talks.
        Secretary Albright will then
    report to me whether, as a result of her discussions with the Prime
    Minister, the basis exists to launch
    those talks in Washington.