    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 15, 1999]
    [Pages 2301-2302]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara of Syria
    December 15, 1999

    Middle East Peace Process

        The President. Good morning. It is an honor to welcome Prime
    Minister Barak, Foreign Minister Shara, and the members of the Israeli
    and Syrian delegations here to the White House.
        When the history of this century is written, some of its most
    illustrious chapters will be the stories of men and women who put old
    rivalries and conflicts behind them and looked ahead to peace and
    reconciliation for their children. What we are witnessing today is not
    yet peace, and getting there will require bold thinking and hard
    choices. But today is a big step along that path.
        Prime Minister Barak and Foreign Minister Shara are about to begin
    the highest level meeting ever between their two countries. They are
    prepared to get down to business. For the first time in history, there
    is a chance of a comprehensive peace between Israel and Syria and,
    indeed, all its neighbors.
        That Prime Minister Barak and Foreign Minister Shara chose to come
    here to Washington reminds us of one other fact, of course, which is the
    United States' own responsibility in this endeavor. Secretary
    Albright and I and our entire team
    will do everything we possibly can to help the parties succeed, for a
    comprehensive peace in the Middle East is vital not only to the region;
    it is also vital to the world and to the security of the American
    people, for we have learned from experience that tensions in the region
    can escalate, and the escalations can lead into diplomatic, financial,
    and ultimately, military involvement far more costly than even the
    costliest peace.
        We should be clear, of course, the success of the enterprise we
    embark upon today is not guaranteed. The road to peace is no easier, and
    in many ways it is harder, than the road to war. There will be
    challenges along the way, but we have never had such an extraordinary
    opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement.
        Prime Minister Barak, an exceptional hero in war, is now a
    determined soldier for peace. He knows a negotiated peace, one that
    serves the interests of all sides, is the only way to bring genuine
    security to the people of Israel, to see that they are bound by a circle
    of peace.
        President Asad, too, has known the cost
    of war. From my discussion with him in recent months, I am convinced he
    knows what a true peace could do to lift the lives of his people and
    give them a better future. And Foreign Minister Shara is an able
    representative of the President and the people of Syria.
        Let me also say a brief word about the continuing progress of the
    Palestinian track. Chairman Arafat also has
    embarked on a courageous quest for peace, and the Israelis and the
    Palestinians continue to work on that.

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        We see now leaders with an unquestioned determination to defend and
    advance the interest of their own people but also determined to marshal
    the courage and creativity, the vision and resolve, to secure a bright
    future based on peace rather than a dark future under the storm clouds
    of continuing, endless conflict.
        At the close of this millennium and in this season of religious
    celebration for Jews, for Muslims, for Christians, Israelis,
    Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese, all have it within their power to end
    decades of bitter conflict. Together, they can choose to write a new
    chapter in the history of our time. Again, let me say that today's
    meeting is a big step in the right direction, and I am profoundly
    grateful for the leaders of both nations for being here.
        We have just talked and agreed that it would be appropriate for each
    leader to say a few brief words on behalf of the delegation. We will
    take no questions, in keeping with our commitment to do serious business
    and not cause more problems than we can solve out here with you and all
    your helpful questions.
        But I will begin with Prime Minister Barak.

    [At this point, Prime Minister Barak and Minister Shara made remarks.]

        The President. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. We're
    going to work.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:12 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to President Hafiz al-Asad of Syria;
    and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority. The transcript
    released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks
    of Prime Minister Barak and Minister Shara.