[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 16 (Monday, April 22, 1996)]
[Page 687]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at Kazan Cathedral and an Exchange With Reporters in St. 
Petersburg

April 19, 1996

    The President. This morning, I have had three very moving 
experiences: first at the cemetery, the most powerful reminder 
imaginable about the heroism of the Russian soldiers and the devotion of 
Russian citizens to the freedom of this country, and then at the Russian 
Museum, a wonderful picture of the magnificent history of Russian art, 
and of course here at this cathedral with its remarkable story, a 
reminder of the power of belief in the spirit in Russian history and the 
Russian character.
    These experiences remind us of Russia's past and its achievements of 
the present and the remarkable changes that are going on. They also give 
me great confidence in the future of this country and what we can 
accomplish together in the spirit of peace and mutual respect and 
genuine partnership. And so, I feel a great deal of gratitude to the 
people of St. Petersburg today for these experiences that I have shared 
with them, and I thank them for giving me the opportunity that I have 
enjoyed, especially this remarkable moment at the cathedral, learning of 
its past, its present and what we all hope will be its future.
    Thank you.

Middle East Peace Process

    Q. Mr. President, at a place of peace like this church, what 
thoughts might be coming--Mr. President, coming to a place of peace like 
this great cathedral, I wonder if it might bring to mind any thoughts 
for your peace effort in the Middle East.
    The President. Well, I think that the parties have got to agree to a 
cease-fire. It's obvious that they're neighbors, and as we have seen in 
the terrible events of the last few days, once someone starts the spiral 
of violence, it's hard to stop. And because the rockets are fired from 
the areas they're fired from, it's almost impossible for innocent 
civilians not to be hurt and killed.
    We had the situation there in hand, as you know, for more than 2 
years because of the peace agreement that was brokered in '93 by the 
Secretary of State. He is going back there. Mr. Ross is there. We are 
doing our very best.
    Q. Do you have any information that would lead you to believe that 
both sides will agree to the cease-fire and what's the status right now 
of the negotiations?
    The President. Well, I'm getting regular updates. Mr. Ross is--I 
think he is actually there now. And the Secretary of State will go as 
quickly as he finishes his talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister, and 
obviously, we have direct contacts with all the parties involved. I 
think they are looking for a way to stop the fighting, and so I am 
somewhat hopeful.
    I do believe they are looking for a way to stop it. I think that 
it's obvious now that there's almost no way to contain it or prevent the 
loss of innocent life once the rockets start firing and the retaliation 
begins. So I think we have a chance, and we are going to work very hard 
today and tomorrow and see if we can do it.

Note: The President spoke at 12:05 p.m. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of these remarks.