Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Israel
(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 a long battle, and we knew that when we started, but I believe
we can prevail.
Thank you.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |