Clinton still optimistic on peace
US President Bill Clinton said yesterday that he is still optimistic about the prospects of the Middle East peace process. "We're in a little tough patch right now, because a lot of things are going on in the Middle East, the trouble in Lebanon right now. And we're down to the last strokes, if you will. We're down to the hard decisions," he said.
He continued in an on-line interview with CNN, "I believe it is so clearly in the interests of the long-term security of Israel and the long-term interests of the Palestinians and the Syrians and the Lebanese to have a comprehensive peace. And I think we're so close on the substance, that I am optimistic."
Clinton said that he is continuously involved in the process, "even when I'm not in a public way," adding that there must be progress within the next few weeks.
