    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 11 (Monday, March 22, 1993)]
    [Pages 430-431]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With Prime Minister Yitzhak
    Rabin of Israel

     March 15, 1993

    Middle East Peace Talks

        Q. Mr. President, what do you think are the chances of resuming the
    Middle East

    [[Page 431]]

    peace talks if deportees are not returned immediately?

        The President. I think the Secretary of State's done a commendable
    job on his trip, and he's worked with the Prime Minister on that issue.
    And I think we've got a good chance to resume the talks. I certainly
    hope we will.

        Q. Do you think all the parties will come back?

        The President. I certainly hope so.

        Q. Sir, as you prepare for the first peace talks under your
    guidance, what do you think the prospects are for a lasting peace in the
    Middle East?

        The President. I think there are a lot of reasons to be hopeful.
    Obviously, there's difficulty, and there are those who would prefer that
    it not be done, but I think we have a real shot.

    [At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group
    entered.]

        Q. Mr. President, do you think the United States could be helpful in
    bringing peace between Israel and Syria? Are you optimistic that peace
    between these two countries can come during this year?

        The President. Well, I hope that the peace process will resume
    shortly. And I'm hopeful that it can produce a good result. I think
    there's a chance.

        Q. What is your reaction to terrorist action in Israel today and the
    day before? If you've heard about it, what do you think about it?

        The President. Yes, I've heard about it, and I'm disturbed about it.
    I hope it won't deter any of the parties involved from seeking a genuine
    long-term peace. But the larger security interests of all the nations
    involved still argue for trying to have a good-faith effort at the peace
    process.

    Note: The exchange began at 10:35 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.