    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [January 20, 1999]
    [Page 77]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Continuation of the National
    Emergency Regarding Terrorists Who Threaten To Disrupt the Middle East
    Peace Process
    January 20, 1999

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d))
    provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless,
    prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President
    publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice
    stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the
    anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the
    enclosed notice, stating that the emergency declared with respect to
    grave acts of violence committed by foreign terrorists that disrupt the
    Middle East peace process is to continue in effect beyond January 23,
    1999, to the Federal Register for publication. The most recent notice
    continuing this emergency was published in the Federal Register on
    January 22, 1998.
        The crisis with respect to the grave acts of violence committed by
    foreign terrorists that threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace
    process that led to the declaration on January 23, 1995, of a national
    emergency has not been resolved. Terrorist groups continue to engage in
    activities with the purpose or effect of threatening the Middle East
    peace process, and which are hostile to United States interests in the
    region.
        Such actions threaten vital interests of the national security,
    foreign policy, and economy of the United States. On August 20, 1998, I
    identified four additional persons, including Usama bin Ladin, that threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace
    process. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to
    maintain in force the broad authorities necessary to deny any financial
    support from the United States for foreign terrorists that threaten to
    disrupt the Middle East peace process.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate.
    The notice is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.