October 9, 1996
|
President Clinton's Reply to the Remarks
of Ambassador Ben-Elissar Upon the Occasion of the Presentation of His
Letter of Credence October 9, 1996 |
PRESIDENT CLINTON'S REPLY
TO THE REMARKS OF
AMBASSADOR BEN-ELISSAR
UPON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF
HIS LETTER OF CREDENCE
Washington, DC
October 9, 1996
Mr. Ambassador:
It is with great pleasure that I accept your Letter of Credence, which
appoints you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to
the United States of America. Allow me to extend to you a warm, personal
welcome to our nation's capital. I also acknowledge the Letter of Recall
of your predecessor, Ambassador Rabinovich. I know that this
Administration will continue to enjoy a close working relationship with the
Israeli Embassy under your leadership.
On behalf of the American people, I would like very much to extend my
personal best wishes to President Weizman, to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and
to the people of Israel. We in America have always considered Israel to be
a true friend among nations.
The United States and Israel are linked by profound historical and culture
ties and by key shared objectives, foremost of which is our mutual pursuit
of peace in the Middle East. Since the birth of Israel forty-eight years
ago, the United States has remained steadfastly committed to Israel's
security and well-being. In keeping with that commitment, we have joined
as partners in pursuing the path toward a comprehensive peace in the Middle
East. Despite the historic achievements of recent years, we have a long
way to go and difficult issues still to overcome. We must remain tireless
in our pursuit of peace.
As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu in our recent meeting, I am greatly
encouraged by the positive and courageous step he took to advance the peace
process through dialogue with Chairman Arafat and through his commitment to
implementation of the Interim Agreement. It is also my hope that
negotiations will resume with Syria. Mr. Ambassador, let me underscore my
personal support for the peace process and reaffirm my commitment to
facilitate that process. I am confident that, working together, we shall
attain a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East -- one
that safeguards Israeli security, yet allows generations of Israelis and
Arabs to live side-by-side in harmony.
The areas of cooperation and friendship between the United States and
Israel stretch across the full range of endeavor and enterprise. Our two
countries participate in many significant and beneficial bilateral programs
in the fields of science and technology, economic development, agricultural
research and environmental improvement. The United States and Israel also
collaborate to combat issues of global concern such as terrorism,
narcotics, infectious diseases, unsustainable population growth, abuse of
human rights, including the human rights of women, and the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction. This extensive cooperation between our two
countries will form the basis of our continuing excellent relations as we
enter the twenty-first century.
Mr. Ambassador, you have my best wishes as you assume your new
responsibilities. I have no doubt that your long and distinguished career
in government will serve both countries well. The already strong
relationship between our two countries -- our deep and lasting partnership
-- holds even greater promise for the future. On behalf of the United
States, please be assured of our utmost cooperation as we strive for the
peace and security that Israel so richly deserves.
I am sure that you will take every opportunity to get to know America
better and that you will call on your distinguished diplomatic skills and
experience to share with the American people the vast range of Israel's
past and present contributions to our common heritage. May your time here
in Washington be enjoyable. Congratulations, and again, please accept my
warmest welcome.
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