Statement on the Middle East Peace Process
(September 3, 1999)
I am extremely pleased that the leaders of Israel and
the PLO have reached an agreement that will allow them to resume implementation
of the Wye River accords and restart permanent status talks on an accelerated
basis. I congratulate the two leaders for their vision in seizing this
opportunity. It shows that when both sides are willing to work together,
their fundamental requirements can be met, confidence can be built,
and the process can move forward.
I thank the Egyptian Government, especially my good friend President
Hosni Mubarak, for helping to facilitate the agreement. I am grateful
to Secretary of State Albright and her team. Their personal involvement
made the difference in helping the two sides to bridge remaining gaps
and reach consensus.
This truly is a new beginning. A lasting, just, and comprehensive peace
in the Middle East is now a step closer. The Israelis and Palestinians
are doing their part to bring it about. We must do ours. Today I call
on the Congress to fund fully the commitments we made when the Wye accords
were first signed.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |