[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 10 (Monday, March 11, 1996)]
[Pages 402-403]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Terrorist Attack in Israel and an Exchange With Reporters

March 3, 1996

  

    The President. The suicide bombing in the Middle East last night 
shows once again how determined the enemies of peace are. In just a few 
moments I will be calling Prime Minister Peres to express our 
condolences, our solidarity, and our outrage. We must spare no effort 
here in the United States to support Israel and the other supporters of 
peace in defeating the forces of terrorism. I will also be in touch with 
Chairman Arafat and others in the region to ask for their support.
    It is clear that there are forces at work in the Middle East who 
don't want peace and who exist based on the continuing misery and 
division of the people there. And we have got to do everything we can to 
defeat them and to stand with those in the Middle East, beginning with 
our friends in Israel, who are determined to defeat them.
    This is a troubling moment, but I am determined to see that it does 
not defeat the peace process, and I am determined to do everything I can 
on behalf of the United States to support those who are standing against 
terrorism and standing for peace.
    Thank you very much.
    Q. What can the Palestinian leadership do to prevent these kinds of 
attack?
    The President. Well, I'm going to encourage them to do more, to do 
everything that they can do, and we'll be working with them over the 
next few days. And I'm sure we'll be in touch, and we'll be answering 
more of your questions over the next few days. But we're going to work 
very hard on it.
    I do believe that Chairman Arafat has made efforts, and I think he 
will make more. We have to build the capacity of all the forces in the 
Middle East, including the Palestinian authorities, to promote law and 
order and to stand against terrorism. It's going to be

[[Page 403]]

a long battle, and we knew that when we started, but I believe we can 
prevail.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House, on his return from Camp David, MD. In his remarks, he referred to 
Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel and Palestine Liberation 
Organization leader Yasser Arafat.