[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 28 (Monday, July 18, 1994)]
[Page 1477]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
White House

July 15, 1994

    Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to announce today 
that King Hussein of Jordan and Prime Minister Rabin of Israel have 
agreed to my invitation to meet at the White House on July 25th.
    I am also pleased that Speaker Foley after discussions with Majority 
Leader Mitchell has invited both leaders to address a joint session of 
Congress. And Hillary and I are delighted that both of them have agreed 
to join us at a dinner at the White House on that day.
    This historic meeting is another step forward toward achievement of 
a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. The meeting will 
build on the dramatic progress made in the trilateral U.S.-Israel-Jordan 
meetings here in Washington last month and King Hussein's recent 
declaration in Parliament that he was prepared to meet with Prime 
Minister Rabin. It reflects the courageous leadership and the bold 
vision with which both King Hussein and Prime Minister Rabin have 
displayed as they work together to create a new future for their people 
and for all the region.
    On behalf of all Americans, I salute their commitment to peace. I 
have pledged my personal dedication to the goal of a comprehensive 
settlement in the Middle East. Accordingly, Secretary Christopher will 
be traveling to the region next week. I want to compliment him on his 
tireless efforts to achieve peace in the region and the contribution he 
has made to the announcement today.
    He will continue our efforts to achieve progress in the Israel-Syria 
negotiations. That also is a very, very important thing for us. I am 
committed to working to achieve a breakthrough on those talks as soon as 
possible so that we can make the dream of a lasting peace of the brave a 
reality.
    Secretary Christopher will follow up on the discussions that the 
President and King Hussein have had on this initiative, and he will 
proceed and participate in the U.S.-Jordan-Israel discussions. He'll 
also meet with Chairman Arafat to review progress in implementing the 
Declaration of Principles on Palestinian self-rule.
    The Middle East is entering a new era. I'll do everything I can to 
make certain that all the peoples of the region realize the blessings of 
peace that have been denied too long to them. This meeting on July 25th 
will be another important step on that long road. Now I have to go to 
Pennsylvania. I'm running a little bit late, and I want to turn the 
microphone over to Secretary Christopher.

Note: The President spoke at 10:57 a.m. in the Briefing Room at the 
White House.