    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 12 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
    [Page 567]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement by the Director of Communications on United Nations Security
    Council Action on the Hebron Massacre

    March 18, 1994

        The United Nations Security Council has today adopted a resolution
    condemning the Hebron mosque massacre and calling for measures to
    safeguard the security of the Palestinians.
        President Clinton expressed the horror of the American people at the
    time of the tragic Hebron murders. The President said, ``The enemies of
    peace must not be allowed to triumph. Prompt resumption of negotiations
    to begin implementation of the Israel-Palestinian Declaration of
    Principles is the only answer to extremist violence on both sides.''
        The President's decision to allow passage of the resolution was made
    in the context of the agreement today by Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon to
    return to negotiations in April and the high-level contacts between
    Israel and the PLO that will take place in coming days.
        The President endorses the call made by the Security Council today
    for Israel and the PLO to redouble their efforts to realize this goal as
    soon as possible. The United States stands ready to do all it can to
    help the parties, but with passage of this resolution it is time for
    them to return to the negotiating table.
        The United States abstained on two paragraphs in the preamble to the
    resolution because of our strong objections to references made there to
    ``occupied Palestinian territory'' and to Jerusalem. The President said
    that his position on these matters has not changed. As Israel and the
    PLO have agreed, these are issues which can be decided only in
    negotiations on the final status of the territories. He does not believe
    references which could prejudice the outcome of these negotiations are
    helpful. The parties alone must make the decisions necessary to realize
    the promise of peace.

    Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.