Statement on the Meeting Between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority

I welcome the meeting today between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and PLO Chairman Arafat. The meeting between the two leaders is a very important step in developing an Israeli-Palestinian partnership so essential to implementation of their agreements. Indeed, it reflects their continuing commitment to resolving their differences through negotiations and to securing a lasting peace.

I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu next Monday to review progress and discuss developments in the region.