On the recordApril 12, 1994
the recent massacre at Hebron has injected a hard dose of reality into the Middle East peace process. Despite the euphoria that surrounded the signing of the Declaration of Principles between Israel and the PLO last September, it is evident that old divisions remain and there will be continued episodes of violence. Meanwhile, beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the deteriorating economic situation in many Middle Eastern countries has led to growing despair and disturbing manifestations of political extremism. All of us hope that the Israeli and Palestinian leadership will return to the peace table; indeed, with the help of the United States, they appear to be moving in that direction. But even if they succeed in implementing the Declaration of Principles, there are still many issues to be dealt with in order to bring true peace and stability to the region. One of those issues, of course, is economic development.
Source
govinfo.gov
