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TRANSCRIPT: RUBIN PRESS READOUT ON MIDEAST PEACE TALKS
Spokesman says "significant gaps" still remain
Wye Mills, Maryland -- State Department Spokesman James P. Rubin reported late in the evening of October 20 that it was an open question as to whether a three-way discussion would take place that night.
"Each day is a little different. Not only do we take one day at a time, but one day at a time is different," he said, noting that "significant gaps" still remain between the parties.
Following is the transcript of Rubin's remarks:
(Begin transcript)
Office of the Spokesman
(Wye Mills, MD)
October 20, 1998
Readout by Telephone to the Press by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
Chesapeake College
(10:00 P.M.)
MR. RUBIN: Just one more update as the night goes on. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected here at 10:15, with the President. Secretary Albright just made a quick trip over to see Chairman Arafat during this lull and came back to report to the President. Now the Prime Minister is expected here in the next fifteen minutes, and that's the next event.
QUESTION: Is King Hussein gone?
MR. RUBIN: Hold one second and I'll try to get that for you.
QUESTION: In the meantime, what is the likelihood of the three-way meetings.
MR. RUBIN: Unclear, still unclear. That depends on this meeting.
QUESTION: Jamie, did Secretary Albright go and see Chairman Arafat so that she could nail down --
MR. RUBIN: Sorry, one second. King Hussein left two hours ago.
QUESTION: Did Secretary Albright go and see Chairman Arafat so that she could nail down some sort of detail -- which you probably won't say -- that the President can discuss with Netanyahu?
MR. RUBIN: Yes.
QUESTION: Okay.
QUESTION: Jamie, is Hussein coming back tomorrow? What's the game plan for Hussein?
MR. RUBIN: No current plan right now.
QUESTION: Is the President coming back tomorrow?
MR. RUBIN: Still don't know.
QUESTION: Is he leaving tonight?
MR. RUBIN: He will have to leave tonight, yes. At what time is an open question, it will depend on this next meeting and if there are further meetings.
QUESTION: And Jamie, the 10:15 meeting is Netanyahu and Clinton?
MR. RUBIN: The President and the Secretary.
QUESTION: Okay.
QUESTION: Do you suppose you could let us know if there is a three-way meeting.
MR. RUBIN: Yes, when Joe calls his pool, I'll call you guys. That's what I'll do for the rest of the night.
QUESTION: And just on the three-way --
MR. RUBIN: I'm not saying there is going to be a three-way; it's just that there was one yesterday and there could be one today. Each day is a little different. Not only do we take one day at a time, but one day at a time is different.
QUESTION: I assume that if there is no three-way that means there might be a little more work to be done on both sides --
MR. RUBIN: I wouldn't read too much into it. There have been three-ways that have occurred or not occurred, they may or not mean that one's closer. It's really a question of whether that dynamic is the best way to advance the process. Last night it was; whether it will be tonight is an open question.
QUESTION: No new updates obviously. Jamie, in the last one you were saying that the chance of any agreement tomorrow that you wouldn't necessarily be that optimistic?
MR. RUBIN: In my estimation. Remember that it's already 10 o'clock, and there are still significant gaps that remain.
QUESTION: You would not expect any major movement tonight?
MR. RUBIN: I wouldn't say that, I mean, who knows?
QUESTION: Okay.
MR. RUBIN: Okay?
QUESTION: You're dismissed. Thank you again for that update.