    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 7, 1999]
    [Pages 179-180]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of King Hussein I of
    Jordan
    February 7, 1999

        Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the news that King Hussein of
    Jordan has passed away. I had prayed this day would not come soon. But
    God has called King Hussein to his reward. The prayers of all Americans
    go out to the royal family and the Jordanian people.
        No words can convey what King Hussein meant to the people he led for
    nearly half a century. Words cannot convey what he meant to me as a
    friend and inspiration. Through good times and bad, through health and
    illness, he showed the power of a strong will applied to a worthy cause.
    It takes a rare kind of courage to be a peacemaker--the courage to learn
    from the past and imagine a better future. When peace finally comes to
    the Middle East, his name will be inscribed upon it. That day, King
    Hussein will smile on us one more time.
        I had the honor of seeing him just a few weeks ago, as he was about
    to return home. There was no hint of the struggle he was waging.
    Instead, he spoke with his usual passion and humanity about Jordan's
    well-being, the future of the Arab world, the Palestinian cause, and
    peace with Israel.

    [[Page 180]]

        To Queen Noor, to Crown Prince
    Abdullah, to the King's family,
    and to the people of Jordan, Hillary and I send our condolences. The
    United States stands with you--today, tomorrow, and in the future. I ask
    all Americans to remember this good man and his family.

    Note: The related proclamation of February 7 on the death of King
    Hussein is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.