    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 36 (Monday, September 9, 1996)]
    [Page 1649]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Meeting of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel
    and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority

    September 4, 1996

        I welcome the meeting today between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
    and PLO Chairman Arafat. The meeting between the two leaders is a very
    important step in developing an Israeli-Palestinian partnership so
    essential to implementation of their agreements. Indeed, it reflects
    their continuing commitment to resolving their differences through
    negotiations and to securing a lasting peace.
        I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu next Monday
    to review progress and discuss developments in the region.