For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 15, 2001
Remarks by the President in Q&A; with the Travel Press Pool
Griegos Elementary School
Albuquerque, New Mexico
11:40 A.M. MDT
Q One question
about the Middle East, sir. Do you believe that they are on
the brink of war there? And have you come to believe that
it's no longer realistic --
THE PRESIDENT: -- the violence
in the Middle East, but I'm confident that the leadership there will
understand that war is avoidable and will work to bring
peace. The parties must -- must -- make up their mind that
peace is preferable to war. The suicide bombings have
increased; there's too many of them. And Mr. Arafat must do
everything in his power to discourage the suicide
bombers. And the Israelis must be restrained in their
response.
There's too much violence in the Middle
East, but I'm confident that we can avoid war, so long as the
leadership makes the concerted effort to do so. My
administration is constantly in touch with the parties. I
spoke to Secretary Powell this morning. We're working with
the appropriate folks. The Egyptians are in
town. Not only are we talking to the Palestinians and the
Israelis, we're talking to other nations in the neighborhood to
encourage them to convince Mr. Arafat to do everything he can to
prevent and stop suicide bombings and needless violence.
Congratulations, Gregory. You
actually got me to say something. (Laughter.)
Q I know this
wasn't the place.
END 11:42 A.M. MDT
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