Radio Address On Peace Between Israel, Egypt
& Jordan
(September 21, 1985)
My fellow Americans:
During the next 10 days at the White House, matters
of central importance to our country's role in the world and to the
peace and prosperity of all nations will be dealt with.
This week I will meet President Mubarak of Egypt; next
week with King Hussein of Jordan. In both meetings, one item will dominate
the agenda -- peace between Israel and her neighbors. King Hussein has
made clear his wish for a peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict
which has plagued the Middle East and the world for so long. He foresees
a peace negotiated directly between Israel and a Jordanian-Palestinian
delegation and is committed to begin those negotiations, if possible,
by the end of the year. We're doing all we can to support the efforts
to make this vision a reality. Egypt, President Mubarak's nation, has
already proven that peace between the Israelis and Arabs is possible
and now faces other problems -- a troubled economy at home and danger
on some of its borders. We're doing all we can to help Egypt meet these
challenges because we know that a secure and prosperous Egypt is the
cornerstone of peace and stability in that region.
King Hussein, President Mubarak, and I will also discuss
the war between Iran and Iraq. America and other nations have worked
for years now to bring this war to an end -- so far, to no avail. Yet
if we cannot end the fighting, we and close friends like Egypt and Jordan
can keep it from spreading. In particular, we're determined to preserve
the free shipment of oil through the Persian Gulf.
Next Friday I'll meet the new Soviet Foreign Minister
Eduard Shevardnadze. He and I will discuss human rights, regional conflicts
such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, bilateral issues such as
trade between our two countries, and security matters including our
efforts to achieve genuine, verifiable reductions in nuclear arms. As
Mr. Shevardnadze and I meet, it will be 6 months since Mr. Gorbachev
became the new Soviet leader, and this will give our meeting special
significance.
As you know, the Soviet Union frequently has been bent
upon expansion. Indeed, since the 1970's the Soviet Union has been engaged
in a military buildup which far exceeds any rational definition of its
defensive needs. These policies have inflicted bitter costs upon the
Soviet peoples. Every week Russian soldiers are dying in Afghanistan,
while their standard of living has suffered accordingly. Mr. Gorbachev
can change this; he can set in train a policy of arms reductions and
lasting peace. By shifting resources from armaments to people, he can
enable his nation to enjoy far more economic growth. Given the nature
of the Soviet system and its ideology, we must not raise false hopes,
but during my meeting with Mr. Shevardnadze, I will express the good
will of the United States and search for signs of a Soviet willingness
to engage in genuine give and take.
Mr. Shevardnadze and I will both have in mind the approaching
meeting between myself and Mr. Gorbachev. Again, with regard to this
meeting, we must not raise false hopes. The differences between communism
and democracy are profound. There will inevitably be competition between
us, but it's the central responsibility of the leaders of the United
States and the U.S.S.R. to ensure that this competition is peaceful.
In these meetings, we will make clear to the Soviet leaders that we
are determined to protect Western interests, but willing at the same
time to do our part to improve American-Soviet relations. If there's
comparable seriousness and flexibility on the Soviet part, cooperation
between our two great nations will be enhanced. Already many in our
administration are toiling on preparations. On Friday I will tell Mr.
Shevardnadze how genuinely we wish this meeting to bear fruit.
Turning from foreign affairs to international trade,
in recent weeks there has been sentiment growing in the Congress for
some form of protectionism -- legislation which would make it difficult
or impossible for us to exchange whole categories of goods with our
trading partners. On Monday I'll address our absolute commitment to
trade that is both free and fair. For now, let me simply state that
the answer to our trade problems isn't antitrade legislation; it's more
economic growth worldwide.
My friends, the dangers to world peace and prosperity
are ever present. But I believe that with your support, during the next
10 days, we'll be able to promote peace and advance the cause of free
and fair international trade.
Now, in closing, I want to talk about the tragedy of
the Mexican earthquake, which has brought a great outpouring of sympathy
and offers of assistance from the American people. We greatly admire
the bravery and resolve of the Mexican people to dedicate all their
resources to overcome this calamitous event. A tragedy like this reminds
us that the desire to be a good neighbor is basic to the American character
and to our foreign policy. We have already provided some technical assistance,
as requested by the Mexican Government, and stand ready to help in every
way in the days and months ahead. To aid in that effort, Nancy will
go to Mexico within the next few days to express the support of the
American people for our courageous friends in Mexico and to explore
how we can lend a hand in this ordeal.
Until next week, thanks for listening, and God bless
you.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |