Bill Clinton: “Organizations in Gaza City December 14, 1998 Thank you. Mr. Speaker--Mr. Za'anoun, Chairman Arafat, Mrs. Arafat; members…”

“Organizations in Gaza City December 14, 1998 Thank you. Mr. Speaker--Mr. Za'anoun, Chairman Arafat, Mrs. Arafat; members of the Palestinian National Council, the Palestinian Central Council, the Palestinian Executive Committee, Palestinian Council heads of ministries; leaders of business and religion; to all members of the Palestinian community; and to my fellow Americans who come here from many walks of life, Arab-American, Jewish-American: This is a remarkable day. Today the eyes of the world are on you. I am profoundly honored to be the first American President to address the Palestinian people in a city governed by Palestinians. I have listened carefully to all that has been said. I have watched carefully the reactions of all of you to what has been said. I know that the Palestinian people stand at a crossroads: behind you a history of dispossession and dispersal, before you the opportunity to shape a new Palestinian future on your own land. I know the way is often difficult and frustrating, but you have come to this point through a commitment to peace and negotiations. You reaffirmed that commitment today. I believe it is the only way to fulfill the aspirations of your people.…”