FELDMAN: How does your new world
order apply to the Mideast?
BUSH: We should use the United
States' newfound credibility in a wide
variety of countries to try to bring peace
to the area.
We found out, through international
diplomacy, that the world can stand to-
gether against the common enemy — in
this instance, Saddam Hussein — the
principle being, aggression should not
stand.
The U.S. should now use this new coop-
erative spirit — that exists around the
world — to try to be a catalyst of peace in
a region where peace has long escaped us.
FELDMAN: What's your vision for the
Middle East in the aftermath of the Per-
sian Gulf War?
BUSH: I'd like to see an area where
people come and go in peace, where there
is no artificial boycott, where people dis-
cuss their problems one on one; where the
Palestinians are accorded recognition and
right of existence, with some designated
place to be; where Israel's real security
demands are guaranteed, not by arms,
but by peace agreements.
Maybe it's too idealistic, but we will
continue to try, • recognizing that it is ex-
traordinarily difficult because of ancient
enmities.
FELDMAN: If you could influence one
factor, or the actions of one leader in this
equation, what would you do, and which
leader would you select?
BUSH: There is no one leader or one
factor alone. But I'd like to see direct
talks between Israel and its antagonists.
I'd like to see removal of boycotts and I'd
like to see peace treaties with other coun-
tries, like the one that exists between
Egypt and Israel.
I'd also like to see a solution to the Pal-
estinian question. But I can't single out
one because all countries need to be
forthcoming. The key countries at this
juncture are Israel, Jordan and Syria.
And in terms of elimination of the boy-
cott, we need cooperation from the Gulf
countries.
I don't think the failure to move can be
attributed to one country or to one leader.
Right now, there is a recalcitrance on the
part of several key leaders.
President Mubarak of Egypt is playing
a strong, catalytic role, encouraging the
very things I'm now telling you about.
We must convince the main participants
that what we have proposed in the way of
a (peace) conference is in their interests,
not against them.
FELDMAN: If a peace conference can- stant harmony, and because some don't
not be convened, will you drop the matter like certain ingredients of the Baker Plan.
FELDMAN: How can you cure the de-
or try to pursue another course?
BUSH: No. As long as I'm the presi- fect in your personal relations with Israel's
dent, I'll work for peace in the Mideast. Shamir? Is it personality between you two,
But we now have a good opportunity and or is it policy?
I won't contemplate failure.
BUSH: Our relations are pretty good.
I only want to contemplate success. I Recent happenings probably enhanced
that personal relationship. But I don't
will not go to a fallback position.
We have a good plan. Secretary Baker deal in personalities. I deal in policy and I
is doing a superb job bringing it to the at- try to fully implement the policy of the
tention of the various parties, and with U.S. government.
something as intractable as peace in the
FELDMAN: How far would you lean
Mideast, we don't expect instant success. on Israel to join a conference — as far as
But we have a good formulation and I'll reducing our aid to them — for example,
lean on everyone in the region to accept aid for absorption of Russian Jewish im-
it. I think the world wants what we are migration? Or the proposal in Congress
trying to do —that is, to bring peace to to reduce correspondent amounts for
West Bank settlements?
the Mideast.
FELDMAN: Is there a special Bush
BUSH: As far as we lean on other coun-
tries to join the conference.
Plan to achieve that?
We're not trying to threaten or to bul-
BUSH: There is a Baker Plan, which is
the Bush Plan (designed fundamentally ly. We still have a relationship with Israel
to produce face to face negotiations that is sound and strong, but clearly, we
among Arabs and Israelis). Secretary have some differences.
One is on the policy of settlements.
Baker is doing a first-rate job. While he is
being criticized for not having instant They do not contribute at all to peace
success, he is taking a course on which we talks. Some people get upset with us
about this, but it is long-standing policy.
agree.
FELDMAN: Why do you suppose he is It is correct and I'm not going to change
that policy.
being so harshly criticized?
BUSH: Because people want to see in-
Having said that, I recently read some
Secretary of State
James Baker with
Israeli Prime
Minister Yitzhak
Shamir. President
Bush said Mr. Baker
is doing a "superb
job," despite the lack
of progress toward
Mideast peace.
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
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