    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 23, 1999]
    [Pages 1579-1580]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and an Exchange With
    Reporters
    September 23, 1999

    Middle East Peace Process

        The President. Let me say, I am delighted to see Chairman Arafat
    again. We have a lot to discuss, obviously, about our bilateral
    relations, and especially about the permanent status talks. He and Prime
    Minister Barak have agreed on a very ambitious
    timetable to have a framework agreement by February, final agreement by
    next September. The United States is prepared to do all we can to assist
    them in coming to an agreement.
        I would like to take this opportunity to say that we should first
    meet our own obligations under the Wye agreement, and I hope the
    Congress will give me the funding, both for Israel and for the
    Palestinian Authority, so that we can meet our obligations there. And
    we're working hard. We're into the final budget legs now, and I'm quite
    hopeful.

    [[Page 1580]]

    Permanent Status Talks

        Q. Mr. President, what did Chairman Arafat ask you vis-a-vis the
    permanent status talks? Did he ask you for a more active role, more
    involvement, sir?
        The President. We're just starting--we're getting off to a late
    start, so we're just starting our conversation. But you know, I've been
    active in this all along for 6\1/2\ years now. I intend to continue to
    be active, to do whatever I can to help the parties come to an
    agreement. If they're willing--and they must be willing, or they would
    not have agreed to such an ambitious timetable--then I'll do what I can.

    Israel-Syria Negotiations

        Q. [Inaudible]--about the Palestinian-Israeli track? Prime Minister
    Barak said just yesterday, any time, any place, for the Syrians to
    resume negotiations. There has yet to be any positive response there.
    What's your sense of what the hangup is there, and what can you do to
    try to move that along?
        The President. Well, we're working on it, and I actually am quite
    hopeful.

    President's Involvement in the Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, is there a chance that you'll visit the area, to
    give it a push on both tracks?
        The President. I would do anything that would be helpful to
    facilitate the agreement. Right now, I'm not sure that would be the most
    helpful thing. I would do anything I could to facilitate the agreement.

    Palestinian State

        Q. The question of the state of Palestine, Mr. President, are you
    willing to spend more capital and secure your legacy as the President of
    the United States who achieved the Palestinian state and the peaceful
    settlement of the Middle East?
        The President. Well, I'm certainly willing to do anything I can to
    achieve a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. The question of the
    state, as you know--that was a very well-worded question.
    Congratulations. [Laughter] But the question of the state is one to be
    resolved in the permanent status talks that have just begun, so I think
    they will resolve it. I think, obviously, that the two sides will make
    an agreement on that, or there won't be an agreement.
        Press Secretary Joe Lockhart. Thank you,
    pool.
        Q. Mr. President, what can you tell us----
        Q. Mr. President, in your U.N. speech----

    Israel's Role in the Peace Process

        Q. [Inaudible]--what can you tell us about the performance of the
    Israeli side so far in the last one month?
        The President. I'm encouraged. I think you should all be encouraged
    by the work that they've done together.
        Press Secretary Lockhart. Thank you,
    everyone.
        The President. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:10 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Ehud Barak of
    Israel. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.