    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [August 15, 2001]
    [Page 974]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters in Albuquerque, New Mexico
    August 15, 2001

    Situation in the Middle East

        Q. One question about the Middle East, sir. Do you believe that they
    are on the brink of war there? And have you come to believe that it's no
    longer realistic----
        The President. [Inaudible]--the violence in the Middle East, but I'm
    confident that the leadership there will understand that war is
    avoidable and will work to bring peace. The parties must--must--make up
    their mind that peace is preferable to war. The suicide bombings have
    increased; there's too many of them. And Mr. Arafat must do everything in his power to discourage the
    suicide bombers. And the Israelis must be restrained in their response.
        There's too much violence in the Middle East, but I'm confident that
    we can avoid war so long as the leadership makes the concerted effort to
    do so. My administration is constantly in touch with the parties. I
    spoke to Secretary Powell this morning.
    We're working with the appropriate folks. The Egyptians are in town. Not
    only are we talking to the Palestinians and the Israelis, we're talking
    to other nations in the neighborhood to encourage them to convince Mr.
    Arafat to do everything he can to prevent and
    stop suicide bombings and needless violence.
        Congratulations, Gregory [David Gregory, NBC News]. You actually got
    me to say something. [Laughter]

    Note: The exchange began at 11:40 a.m. in room 117 at Griegos Elementary
    School. In his remarks, the President referred to Chairman Yasser Arafat
    of the Palestinian Authority. A tape was not available for verification
    of the content of this exchange.