    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 2, 1999]
    [Page 1951]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and an Exchange With
    Reporters in Oslo
    November 2, 1999

    Middle East Peace Process

        The President. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, first,
    we're very grateful to the Government of Norway for inviting us here for
    this important ceremony. And we now have to give some real energy to the
    framework talks, but I think even though the issues are difficult, the
    will is strong, and we're off to a good start.
        Q. How do you see the strong focus, Mr. President, on the issue of
    the settlement?
        The President. I think that the less we say now to the public and
    the more we work in private, the better off we'll be and the more likely
    we will be able to get an agreement.
        Q. [Inaudible]--a summit in January or February in Washington, or
    maybe in Camp David?
        The President. I wouldn't--I don't think we should rule it out or
    in. We ought to make sure--see how much progress we can make between now
    and then. You know, I would do anything I could to help them.
        Q. What is the main issue you will discuss right now when you start
    negotiations?
        The President. I think we just have to talk about--to get agreement
    on the ground rules, how we're going to proceed.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:45 p.m. in the U.S. Ambassador's
    residence. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.