President Hosni Mubarak,
President Arafat,
Prime Minister Barak,
Madam Secretary,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to be among you today to witness a rebirth of all our efforts to bring about a comprehensive peace to the Middle East.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank President Clinton and Secretary Albright for their tireless efforts and enduring faith in peace. President Mubarak played a key role in bringing about this agreement and deserves all our thanks and gratitude. I want to congratulate President Arafat and Prime Minister Barak for their courage and will to bring the conflict to an end once and for all.

About a year ago, His Majesty King Hussein fought illness and took a stand for peace. This agreement reminds us all of his spirit, his vision, his courage and his commitment to peace, and I hope and pray that we do not let him down.

Thank you very much.