Military

DATE=10-25-2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268424

TITLE=Clinton-Mideast (L)

BYLINE=David Gollust

DATELINE=White House

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Clinton has renewed his call on Israel and the Palestinians to honor truce commitments made at last week's Sharm El-Sheikh summit. He said Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in particular, is capable of actions that can "dramatically" reduce the level of violence. VOA's David Gollust reports from the White House.

TEXT: The President, who has invited both Mr. Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to Washington for separate meetings, says events of the next several days will determine whether the peace process can be put back on track or if the region is headed for a long-term worsening of tensions.

In a talk with reporters here, Mr. Clinton said both sides must adhere to commitments made to him at last week's summit in Egypt, while dismissing the notion Chairman Arafat is no longer able to control events in Palestinian areas:

///Clinton actuality///

There are probably some people within the Palestinian territories, and probably some people within Israel that are not within total control of Chairman Arafat or even the Israeli government. But I do think Chairman Arafat can dramatically reduce the level of violence.

///end act///

Asked about press reports the Palestinian leader has forged an alliance with militants he had previously jailed, Mr. Clinton said people interested in violence should be off the streets and those who want peace should be, as he put it, "out there doing what they are capable of."

The President also expressed sympathy for the situation of Prime Minister (Ehud) Barak, who finds himself having to deal with Palestinian unrest and political attacks from right-wing opponents that could drive him from office. But he said Mr. Barak understood the difficulties he would face in seeking a final-status peace accord:

///Clinton actuality two///

Prime Minister Barak knew what he was doing. He took a big chance. He did it because, after years in the Israeli military, he reached the same conclusion that Yitzhak Rabin reached: that in the end the best guarantee of Israel's security is a sustainable peace with all of her neighbors.

///end act///

Mr. Clinton issued invitations to the leaders to visit Washington in telephone conversations with them Tuesday, provided there is progress toward implementing the security terms of the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement. These include a pull-back of Israeli forces from Palestinian areas and Palestinian action to end rioting and incitement.

Both leaders have said they are considering the offer with aides to Mr. Arafat saying he may visit Washington early next month. (Signed)

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