[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.