Press Conference
on the Situation in the Middle East
(April 10, 1983)
Q. Mr. President, what hopes now for peace in the
Middle East since King Hussein says he will not take part on behalf
of the PLO?
The President. Let me just say a few words about that. Some radical
elements of the PLO have introduced some changes in the proposals that
have been made and the policy that we've been trying to follow with
regard to Middle East peace. Those changes are unacceptable to King
Hussein; they are unacceptable to King Fahd; they are unacceptable to
me. And I have been in touch with King Fahd and King Hussein and am
going to be in touch with other Arab leaders about this.
We feel that the changes that were suggested would impede the efforts
that we've been making toward negotiated peace in the Middle East --
peace for Israel, peace for all of the countries there. And as I say,
we are in agreement. I won't take any of your questions now, because
I still have other Arab leaders that I'm going to be in touch with regarding
this.
Q. But you seem to be saying that you're still hopeful that somehow
the radical elements can be overcome by the Palestinians.
The President. I'm -- just having gotten out of the helicopter, my
ears haven't opened up yet.
Q. Are you still hopeful that somehow King Hussein will join the talks
-- [inaudible].
The President. Oh, we're all very hopeful, because as I say, we're
all in agreement about these other proposals that have been made. And
I have their assurance that they want to proceed with what we've been
doing. We've made great progress so far, and King Hussein has made great
progress.
Q. When did you talk to him, sir?
The President. Today.
Q. Aren't you disappointed by the statement that came out today, though?
The President. Well, yes, of course. It is, as I say, it's an impediment
in our search for peace. And that is our goal -- peace for the Middle
East, peace for Israel, peace for the Arab nations in that troubled
area.
Q. Who were the radical elements -- --
The President. Well, I can't -- as I said, that's why I can't take
any questions, because I can't deal in specifics while I still have
other heads of state that I want to communicate with.
Q. What about the assassination of the moderate PLO leader today?
The President. Well, I think that's always a tragedy -- something of
that kind. And it's indicative of the kind of violence we're trying
to eradicate.
Q. Thank you, Mr. President.
Q. Wouldn't it be time for the United States to consider negotiating
with the PLO itself?
The President. I can't answer any questions.
Q. Are you calling those other leaders today, Mr. President?
The President. Probably some of them, yes.
Q. Thank you, sir.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |