    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 3, 1999]
    [Page 1486]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Middle East Peace Process
    September 3, 1999

        I am extremely pleased that the leaders of Israel and the PLO have
    reached an agreement that will allow them to resume implementation of
    the Wye River accords and restart permanent status talks on an
    accelerated basis. I congratulate the two
    leaders for their vision in seizing this
    opportunity. It shows that when both sides are willing to work together,
    their fundamental requirements can be met, confidence can be built, and
    the process can move forward.
        I thank the Egyptian Government, especially my good friend President
    Hosni Mubarak, for helping to facilitate the
    agreement. I am grateful to Secretary of State Albright and her team. Their personal involvement made
    the difference in helping the two sides to bridge remaining gaps and
    reach consensus.
        This truly is a new beginning. A lasting, just, and comprehensive
    peace in the Middle East is now a step closer. The Israelis and
    Palestinians are doing their part to bring it about. We must do ours.
    Today I call on the Congress to fund fully the commitments we made when
    the Wye accords were first signed.