For Immediate Release		May 1, 1998

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: The Vice President and I had a chance to further discuss our efforts to advance the peace, and we subsequently had a meeting with the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Infrastructure and the Minister of Trade and Industry, in which we tried, I believe, to explain our conceptions of how to achieve peace and stability, peace and security in our area. I want to say that we are committed to advancing this process. We are committed to achieving peace. It is a different peace than the one we have in Western Europe or in North America. It is a peace in a predominantly undemocratized area, and an area that has still, as yet, has not seen the great forces of economic progress. We would like certainly to see the economic development of this area, of this region, and something that would stabilize the region, and would give hope to the peoples, subsequently, or rather simultaneously, move also on the progress for peace.

For us, we all know that at any time we have to know, to be secure, that we can defend the peace--a peace that cannot be defended will not hold--and a determination of what Israel needs for its security. These are complex determinations that rightly the United States and Israel agree should be left in Israel's hands. The United States has been a great supporter of Israel, a wonderful friend, a supporter of our military and defense needs. But we also know that at the end of the day, when the determination comes, what we need to have in order to secure the lives of Israelis and the security of the Jewish state, this is left to Israel, not only to make the determination, but to implement it, if the need arises.

This is -- if I could try to summarize our discussion -- it is the balance between peace and security, the connection between security and hope that governed our conversation. It was, I think, a far- reaching and extensive and a very comprehensive discussion. Not a typical discussion that you would seek in diplomatic circles. I think it was great appreciation for the fact that the United States, as a super power, has a broad vision and a distant horizon, as well as looking at the day to day matters. It was also, I think, an appreciation from the American side of the fact that Israel is one of the tiniest countries on earth, and that for us, the distant and the immediate intertwine.

We are seeking as we prepare and continue our talks before London, and possibly in London, to find a resolution to these problems. I am not in a position to report that as yet, because the Vice President and I were not negotiating. He was explaining his views, trying to understand ours, and I think did so with great aplomb and great wisdom. But the negotiations are before us, and we shall continue to pursue them with a hope of bringing peace, security and hope for Israel and its neighbors. We are grateful to the United States for helping us in this effort.

Thank you.

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister and to all of your colleagues on behalf of my colleagues and myself. Thank you for a very stimulating and interesting, and as the Prime Minister said, far-reaching and even philosophical discussion, one of the most interesting I have enjoyed in quite some time. I want to underscore the fact that this was not a negotiation, and I am not a negotiator. I am here to help celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of one of the most vibrant democracies in the history of the earth. My wife Tipper and I have enjoyed beyond measure the opportunity to help honor this series of achievements by Israel and the Israeli people. It is not often that one gets to travel overseas on such a pleasurable and important mission on behalf of one's country. We have felt truly privileged to play a small part in the Jubilee celebration of the 50th anniversary of Israel's independence.

It was, of course natural that on the occasion of this trip we had the opportunity as friends to sit down and share impressions, and exchange views and, where useful provide clarifications and attempt to forestall or minimize or eliminate any misunderstandings. The negotiators have been meeting separately and they will continue to do so and I think everyone anticipates a very meaningful set of discussions that will take place in London shortly. But for my part, again, I came here not only to celebrate Israel's achievements, but also to restate our ironclad commitment to Israel's security and well-being in its next half-century and beyond. That was a pledge that I was happy to reiterate and am happy to reiterate today. These commitments are measured not by words, but by deeds. And in this regard I am also proud to note the tenth anniversary of the U.S.-Israeli agreement that provides the framework for the political, military and economic partnership.

We discussed all of the matters that are of concern on both sides. I made clear to the Prime Minister that there is no distinction between our continued commitment to Israel's security and well- being on the one hand, and our commitment to helping Israel achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Arabs on the other. These two commitments are complementary, and the United States is intent on doing all that is within our power and imagination to help fulfill both. We have always said that as Israel takes risks for peace, the role of the United States is to help minimize those risks. We believe that a moment exists for moving the process forward. This has been part of my message today at this season of jubilee in this time of hope and celebration.

So, I would like to once again express the gratefulness that I feel, that my wife Tipper and my colleagues in our group feel to you, Mr. Prime Minister, and to your party and to the Israeli people, for the wonderful opportunity we have had to share in the joy of the miracle of your freedom and independence, and the spectacular accomplishments of this great nation. I look forward to our next visit, and I look forward to the blessing of a coming season of peace, of shalom. Thank you.

QUESTION (in Hebrew*): Mr. Prime Minister, in your meeting with Vice President Al Gore did you hear any American willingness to make their position more flexible on the subject of the second redeployment, the redeployment of 13 percent, willingness to come down from the 13 percent? And does the meeting with Vice President Al Gore advance in any way that the London meetings will be successful? (end Hebrew)

And a question to Vice President Gore....the Prime Minister...London...phase of the withdrawal...

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: Well, I have not seen it as part of my role here to negotiate on numbers or other matters of that sort. Instead, we have talked about the relationship and the course we can take toward the future. I will leave those matters to the negotiators.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: I can only second what the Vice President said. The meeting in London is important, and the meeting with the Vice President here is important, both in the symbolic partnership with the United States, and the United States with Israel on its celebration of independence. And also as a way of having these exchanges between allies and friends that I think are important for the future of this region and the future of peace. I think that relationship is very strong, and among the best of friends there sometimes can be questions that need to be ironed out. I hope that they will be ironed out by and during our meeting in London, but I assure you that the relationship between the United States and Israel will not end in one day, or will not flourish in another. It doesn't work that way. We have every intention and every desire to achieve a breakthrough, but I believe that the Vice President's visit here is an expression of the larger partnership, the enduring partnership, between Israel and the United States that is a foundation of many of our diplomatic efforts.

(in Hebrew*): The Vice President said, rightly, that he hasn't come to be a negotiator, and he is not a negotiator. He spoke in terms of general perceptions, even philosophical perceptions. And I think that is also important because it creates the basis for an ongoing dialogue between us and the United States, it certainly helps the connection between the two countries, which are very strong connections, and they are not related just to the daily stock exchange. To the question as to whether tomorrow we will reach an agreement, the day after tomorrow. We hope we will reach an agreement in London, but there is no guarantee that that will happen. But I have absolute confidence that the relations between the United States and Israel, between the governments and the peoples, those relations won't begin in London and will not end in London. Those are relations which have a stronger and wider basis. And all those who were in other Londons during the fifty years of Israel's existence knows how true this is. We are hoping for results, but we know that before and after the London visit, there is already a valued partnership between two peoples that will always continue.

QUESTION: Yesterday President Clinton said that he believes we are much, much closer toward some progress in the peace process. Do you share this optimism, and if so, could you elaborate on the origins of the President's comments?

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Well I am a realistic optimist by nature, which means I'm optimistic and I'm realistic. My optimism tells me that I hope we'll have an agreement in London; my realism tells me that in order for that to be achieved there would have to be a considerable stretching still, even though the President is right, there is a distance that is certainly shorter, smaller than it was many months ago. But nevertheless it still remains, and to be a realistic optimist I want to say that I hope is stretching on all sides, so that this optimism is vindicated.

QUESTION: Mr. Vice President, do you support the demand that the United States will publish publicly the American peace plan for the area? Or do you think the negotiations should continue until there is agreement between Israelis and Palestinians?

(in Hebrew*): Mr. Prime Minister, the Vice President was here yesterday, and Minister Raphael Eitan said it was a shame about the capitulation to the ultra-orthodox demand which brought about the cancellation of the Batsheva (dance group) performance. Do you think you should have been more personally involved so that that capitulation would not happen?

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: Well, we have not published a specific proposal or plan. We have done our best to facilitate progress in the negotiations among the parties themselves, and we have high hopes that the process will yield fruit: peace with security. And we also believe that London offers an occasion for great progress. We hope and pray that that progress will occur.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU (in Hebrew*): I must tell you that I was surprised, like most of the audience, perhaps everyone in the audience, from the announcement because during the day I was informed that an agreement was reached on the issue. I understood that an agreement was possible and desirable and my opinion is unchanged. I was sorry to hear about the issue, which came to me without prior warning.

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: You didn't ask me that question, but my answer is "no comment".

QUESTION: Mr. Prime Minister, now that you have had extensive talks with the American side going into these peace talks in London, is it possible for you to foresee going into this a set of circumstances that would allow you to perhaps increase your position on the nine percent withdrawal?

And Mr. Vice President, during last night's event Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke at one point about a united Jerusalem, in which everyone in the audience, including you, joined in. I wonder if you might explain just what the position of the United States is in terms of a united Jerusalem.

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: If I may take the second part of the question first, our position has always been in favor of a united Jerusalem.

QUESTION: As defined, in terms of united Jerusalem, though, as defined, I would assume some people would assume that meant under Israeli control. Does that define the U.S. position?

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: Well, let me repeat the U.S. position. It has always been and is now in favor of a united Jerusalem. There are many questions that could be referred to the final status negotiations. The question of whether or not Jerusalem will be united is a settled question in our view.

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Well, you asked me in classic journalistic negotiation style to commit myself to a number that we haven't yet published and then stretch beyond it. All I can say is what I said before: That if Israel is asked to stretch itself on matters that are vital to its security concerns, then we must see an equal effort on the other side, and I would say that the key to success in London is that there is an approach that says that not only Israel has to give, both sides -- that is the Palestinians and Israel -- have to find ways to address each other's needs, and come out with something that is different from what both sides envisioned in their entry to the negotiations. This is what makes for successful negotiation. But if the Palestinians come in with a fixed position and say we will not budge, only Israel should budge, and that budging on our side compromises our security, I would say that is not a recipe for success. So the answer to your question is, we would like to see the response on the Palestinian side to that same question, then you will get a clear answer from me, immediately.

QUESTION: I realize you are not here to negotiate. We got that point.

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: And Mr. McQuillin isn't either.

QUESTION: But, is it fair to say that the London round is the last round? It is the end of the line. Or will this thing keep going with Dennis Ross coming here for the next six years? Question one, is it the end of the line? And point two, do you see progress sufficiently on the Russia/Iran issue, which you have been very involved in, to be sufficient not to warrant Senate sanctions at the end of May? Trent Lott says he is going to put forward a bill on sanctions. Does the Clinton administration support the sanctions bill that Mr. Lott will put forward at the end of May? Thank you.

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: Well, on the first part of your question. I think everybody who has been involved in this peace process understands clearly that the meetings in London represent an important opportunity for potentially significant progress. I don't wish to entertain any hypothetical based on the assumption that progress will not be made there. I am hopeful that progress will be made there. The efforts to secure peace with security are never ending and do not have an end.

Now, on the question about Russia's cooperation with Iran in technology and the pending measure to require sanctions in the United States against Iran, we talked about this matter in our discussions. I had also, yesterday and continuing in the group today, another in a long series of discussions that I have had with Minister Natan Sharansky on this point, who along with the Prime Minister's other advisors has been deeply immersed in this topic. And I think it is important that we have meaningful discussions with the Russians between now and May 20 when the Senate vote is next on the calendar.

I would note the obvious -- that since the last time the subject was raised, a new government has now been formed in Russia. Sergei Kireyenko is someone well known to me and to my colleagues on the U.S. side of the former Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission. Two hours after his government was confirmed, he was on the telephone. We were in a lengthy conversation in which we established a new version of this commission and we decided to pick up the regular rotation of meetings this summer in Moscow, as would have been the case in any event. Just this morning, Prime Minister Kireyenko rounded out the appointments of Deputy Prime Ministers. There are now clearly three solid, competent reformers rounding out his team. Anatoly Chubais received a significant appointment as head of their electrical utility. The reason I mention these things is to give you our impression, that this new Russian government may be one that we can make some progress with on important questions, including questions about technology exports. We should make note of the fact that the G7 plus 1 will be meeting in Birmingham at the beginning of the third week of May, before the vote in the Senate. We anticipate there will be discussions at various levels prior to that time. We are in the closest possible communication with the Israeli government about this matter.

Anytime the survival of a friend is potentially at stake, everything else is secondary, and we are determined to handle this matter in the most effective way possible, and that means communicating constantly and frequently and in as much detail as possible, sharing everything with one another about this topic. And it is a very complicated matter, but we are deeply immersed in it. There is reason for hope and we intend to pursue it very vigorously, especially in these next three weeks.

QUESTION: Mr. Prime Minister, yesterday the Vice President said that Mr. Arafat is doing a better job against the terrorists. I wonder if you share that view? And Mr. Vice President, many Israelis have taken the occasion of the 50th anniversary to reflect on their history and some are saying that although justice demanded the creation of the State of Israel, perhaps some injustices were done to Palestinians who were forced from their homes. What is your view of that debate and what can the peace process do about it?

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Well, I think that for a very long time, we have waited to see a systematic effort of battling the terrorist organizations, and we failed to see it. This was promised in the Oslo Accords, it was promised in the Hebron Agreement. And the terrorists, the Hamas, Islamic Jihad terrorists, kept getting stronger and stronger. In the last four weeks or so, since the Mohi-adin a-Sharif death, there have been some steps, and I stress the word "some", and those steps were taken not in response to Palestinian terrorism against Israel, but the possibility of one Palestinian assassinating another Palestinian, with internal implications for the Palestinian Authority. Nevertheless, they've done a few things. For one thing, this bombing showed that there was another bomb factory in Ramallah. Remember, we have discovered three others -- actually I think four others, and these are right under the noses of the Palestinian police. So the question to us is this: First of all, are they doing more? The answer is : Some, yes. But the second question is: Can they do more? And the answer is: Absolutely. This demonstrates that when they feel they have an interest, they can do. So for us the question is not whether they can fight terrorism -- they can -- the question is whether they will fight terrorism -- whether they will fulfill their commitments. And that is our expectation. We want to see a continuous effort, broader than the one we've seen in the last four weeks -- but it's a start, not unimportant. We want to see a continuous battle against terrorism, not just an ephemeral or episodic set of actions taken because of internal Palestinian concerns. They have signed a document. They have signed a treaty with us. We departed from Hebron for that, that they, promising that they will do this, day in, day out, 365 days a year. And we have now established beyond doubt -- for anyone who doubted -- that if they want to, they can fight terrorism, there is no question about that.

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: I don't think there's any disagreement whatsoever between the United States and Israel on the facts just stated by the Prime Minister, that there has been an improvement over the past month, I would say. But we believe this shows the benefits of these efforts on the part of Chairman Arafat. We hope they will continue and improve.

On the second question that you asked, we believe that the task facing the parties in the on-going negotiation is to shape a future of peace and prosperity, and justice for all of the peoples of the region. I believe -- as was implicit in my remarks last evening -- that the suffering experienced by the Jewish people, is unique in all the history of the whole world. In stating that fact however, one need not deny the existence of great suffering on the part of other peoples. And one of the keys to building the kind of future that the people of this region deserve is not to argue about the past, or to deny the feelings that people carry with them from their history, but rather to focus on the future. And to answer the call of the prophets, to work for justice and peace. This is the work in which Israel is engaged. It is the work of the negotiating process in which they are engaged. The United States is honored to be a facilitator in that process. We hope that we will succeed.

Thank you very much.

* Translated by USIS Staff.