THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

                       REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
                      IN PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH
                    PRIME MINISTER RABIN OF ISRAEL
             
                           The Oval Office

10:35 A.M. EST

Q Mr. President, what do you think are the chances of resuming the Middle East peace talks if deportees are not returned immediately?

THE PRESIDENT: I think the Secretary of State's done a commendable job on his trip and he's worked with the Prime Minister on that issue. And I think we've got a good chance to resume the talks. I certainly hope we will.

Q Do you think all the parties will come back?

THE PRESIDENT: I certainly hope so.

Q Sir, as you prepare for the first peace talks under your guidance, what do you think the prospects are for a lasting peace in the Middle East?

THE PRESIDENT: I think there are a lot of reasons to be hopeful. Obviously, there's difficulty and there are those who would prefer that it not be done, but I think we have a real shot.

Q Mr. President, do you think the United States could be helpful in bringing peace between Israel and Syria? Are you optimistic that peace can come -- between these two countries can come during this year?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I hope that the peace process will resume shortly. And I'm hopeful that it can produce a good result. I think there's a chance.

Q What is your reaction to terrorist action in Israel today and the day before? If you've heard about it, what do you think about it?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I've heard about it, and I'm disturbed about it. I hope it won't deter any of the parties involved from seeking a genuine long-term peace. But the larger security interests of all the nations involved still argue for trying to have a good-faith effort at the peace process.

THE PRESS: Thank you.

END10:40 A.M. EST