[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 43 (Monday, October 31, 1994)]
[Page 2166]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President Hafiz al-
Asad of Syria in Damascus

October 27, 1994

    Q. Gentlemen, do you think you will be able to agree on new steps 
toward peace today? President Asad?
    President Asad. We hope so. If we don't have this desire we wouldn't 
have any incentive for such a meeting. And so the peace process needs 
efforts, and it always has its own difficulties. People think that with 
a magic word they might be able to achieve peace, but this is not 
possible.
    President Clinton. Thank you. We're working hard.

Note: The exchange began at approximately 9:15 a.m. at the Presidential 
Palace. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this 
exchange.