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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 31, 1996

          CALLS TO ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER-ELECT NETANYAHU AND
                  OUTGOING PRIME MINISTER SHIMON PERES

President Clinton called Prime Minister-Elect Benyamin Netanyahu and outgoing Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel today. The President offered his congratulations and best wishes to the new Prime Minister on his election. The President affirmed the continued support of the United States for the people of Israel in their quest for peace with security.

The President invited the Prime Minister-Elect to meet soon with him in Washington. Prime Minister-Elect Netanyahu said he intends to accept the invitation after he forms his government.

The President and Prime Minister-Elect Netanyahu also discussed the Middle East peace process. The President expressed his commitment to continue working together with the Government of Israel and all those in the region who support peace to realize the goal of a comprehensive peace between Arabs and Israelis.

The President spoke with outgoing Prime Minister Peres to express his deep personal regard and appreciation for the Prime Minister's leadership on the peace process and in strengthening the close relationship between the United States and Israel.

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