I want to take this opportunity to join President Clinton in condemning today's terrorist attacks in the heart of Jerusalem. I have spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu and my heartfelt prayers and sympathies go out to the families of those killed and injured, including American citizens, as a result of these barbaric acts. We stand with the people of Israel in the fight against terror and in their efforts to combat those who seek to destroy the hope of peace. Clearly, peace without security is not achievable. Over the past several months, particularly in the wake of the July 30 attacks, we have worked with the Israelis and Palestinians to reenergize security cooperation. There has been some progress, but much more needs to be done. Fighting terror is a 24-hour a day job. Security cooperation must be accompanied by unilateral Palestinian action to preempt terror, destroy infrastructure, as well as to create a political climate where there is no tolerance for terror. We urge Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority to take these actions and to help create a climate where we can resume negotiations in order to achieve a real peace. We cannot give in to terror, and it is with this in mind that I plan to travel to the Middle East as scheduled.

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