[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 42 (Monday, October 24, 1994)]
[Pages 2055-2056]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters on the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty 
at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland

October 17, 1994

    The President. I'm delighted by the announcement from Amman today 
that King Hussein and Prime Minister Rabin have reached agreement on the 
text of an Israel-Jordan peace treaty. These two visionary leaders today 
resolved that their nations should henceforth live in peace and as good 
neighbors.
    This was an extraordinary achievement; it must be welcomed by the 
friends of peace all around the world. At a time when hatred and 
extremism and threatening behaviors still stalk the Middle East, this 
agreement reminds us that moderation and reason are prevailing, that 
nations can put conflict behind them, that courageous statesmen can lead 
their people to peace.
    On behalf of the United States and all the American people, I 
congratulate Prime Minister Rabin and King Hussein and, even more, the 
people of Israel and the people of Jordan. Together they are embarking 
on a journey, a journey of peace that will bring a bright future for 
generations to come. The United States has stood by them and worked with 
them, and we will stand by them every step of the way.
    Thank you very much.
    Q. Are you going to the Middle East, sir, if a peace treaty is 
signed there?

[[Page 2056]]

    The President. I have nothing to say about that yet.
    Q. Does it sound good for--Syria, the talks in Syria?
    The President. I think it is very good. We're continuing to work 
there, and we're encouraged. We just have to keep working. We have to 
keep working until it's all done.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 8:50 a.m., prior to his departure for 
Albuquerque, NM.