THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

Statement by the Press Secretary

President Clinton has approved a series of recommendations by his senior national security and Middle East advisors for responding to the recent wave of terror bombings in Israel. Implementation will begin immediately.

The steps ordered by the President are designed to help prevent future terrorist attacks, to bring those responsible to justice, and to rally international support for peace in the Middle East. They include, but are not limited to:

• The immediate transfer to Israel of explosive detection equipment. A shipment will be transferred this morning aboard a special U.S. Air Force flight. Additional equipment is being assembled from U.S. stocks and will be shipped on an emergency basis in the days ahead.
• The dispatch of technical personnel to work with Israeli specialists in strengthening anti-terrorism technical assistance measures.
• Development of a comprehensive package of training, technical assistance and equipment to help improve coordination among Israel, the Palestinians and regional governments.
• Diplomatic approaches to foreign governments which have supported the peace process to encourage their active support for Israeli and Palestinian Authority efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the recent bombing attacks and to prevent further violence.

In his conversations with Prime Minister Peres over the past week, and in letters he has sent to key regional leaders, President Clinton has made clear that this is a moment for the Peacemakers to stand united and firm against those determined to kill the peace process. The steps he has authorized will demonstrate in concrete terms America's resolve that peace prevail in the Middle East.

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