 I want to pay special tribute to the leadership qualities of Prime Minister Perez and Foreign Minister Shamir. Both have shown courage and determination to put aside partisan politics and join together in a government of national unity in order to deal with Israel's most pressing problems. This demonstration of unity reminds us of democracy's great strength and the hope it offers for all the people of the world. In our talks, we focused on several issues. We discussed in some detail the plans of Prime Minister Perez and his partners in the new unity government for revitalizing the Israeli economy and putting it on the road to sustained recovery. And I am impressed by the bold and wide-ranging steps the Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues are planning. I know from our own experience how difficult the problem of economic readjustment is, yet how vitally important a strong economy is to national security. We've made clear our willingness to continue our dialogue and to cooperate with Israel in the best way we can as Israel proceeds with its plans. The new government of Israel has already taken some steps to reduce inflation and increase economic growth and is working to develop additional steps. The economic support funds and other funds that the Congress has appropriated for Israel come at an opportune time, for they will enable Israel to develop its programs without having to divert undue attention to balance of payments problems. Should such problems arise, the U.S. government will work closely with the Israeli government to avert them. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Perez has described a bright vision of Israel's economic future as a dynamic competitor in world markets. We have agreed to explore with Israel ways to enhance its growth and development prospects through structural adjustment, increased trade and investment, as well as American aid. Prime Minister Perez and I have decided to establish a joint economic development group of economic officials from our two governments and private economists to discuss Israel's economic recovery and development program. This group will be an important forum for exchanging views on the full range of economic issues and examining ways to help support Israel's efforts. The establishment of a free trade area between our two countries also offers great promise to Israel's economic future and to the United States. This will be the first such agreement that we have entered into with another nation. Prime Minister Perez and I have instructed our delegations to conclude negotiations within 30 days. I am confident that this unprecedented agreement by expanding Israel's export markets to the United States will be important in helping Israel on the way to economic recovery and it will also boost U.S. exports to Israel. We also discussed the situation in Lebanon. The Prime Minister made clear the firm's Israeli determination to withdraw fully from Lebanon as soon as security arrangements can be put in place to ensure the safety of Israel's northern border. I reassured him that the United States stands ready to help, provided the parties concerned want us to play this role and are committed to finding answers to the difficult issues involved. We agreed to stay in close touch on this subject in the days ahead. And finally, I reaffirmed our fundamental commitment to Israel's national security. I am pleased that we have agreed to consult in a systematic way on the U.S. Israel's Security Assistance Program, a way that contributes most effectively to Israel's overall national security and the maintenance of its qualitative edge. Secretary Weinberger will be discussing this process and other security matters when he visits Israel next week. I made clear to the Prime Minister and his colleagues our firm commitment to the goal of a just and lasting peace between Israel and all its Arab neighbors. Taking steps in that direction, our United States Security Council Resolution 242, the Camp David Accords, and the Historic Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty. I reaffirmed today my initiative of September 1, 1982. At that time, I set forth U.S. positions designed to bring the parties to the negotiating table, presumably with their own positions. The Prime Minister stressed that his government is also determined to move the peace process forward. And I join him in this great and common objective. In partnership, Israel and the United States will continue to work toward a common vision of peace, security, and economic well-being. Prime Minister Perez, it's a great pleasure to have you here with us. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I want to thank the President of the United States for his understanding, his friendship, his hospitality, and may I say, Mr. President, that in our meetings, the relations between the United States and America have reached a new level of harmony and understanding, which I am very grateful for. I would like, from the outset, on behalf of all of the people of Israel, to thank the President, the Congress, and first and foremost, the people of the United States for the lasting friendship existing between our two people and countries. Vice Premier Shamir and myself have had a series of most rewarding discussions with the President, Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and their colleagues. I found in the White House a true friend of Israel. And I understand, who understand her problems and dilemmas, aware of her difficulties and closely follows her efforts to face them. I'm grateful to the President for his warm and detailed statement and consider it an important contribution to the process of rebuilding the Israeli economy. Equally significant is my hope that the United States will continue to play an important role in reducing tension in our region and revitalizing the peace process. I detail to the President the position of our government of national unity on a wide range of issues in the political, security, and economic areas. The government of national unity was formed in the United City of Jerusalem in the spirit and the words of Prophet Aheskel who said, And I shall give them an undivided heart and a new spirit. Despite the differences between the parties of this government, we are all united in our thankfulness and confidence in the United States of America. We are all united in our desire for peace. We are all united in the desire to bring our boys back from Lebanon provided that the security of the northern part of Israel will be guaranteed. We are determined to tackle our economic difficulties head on. Mr. President, our land is not a land for skeptics but a cradle for believers. And this is more important than any passing economic difficulty. Well, we certainly build a primary responsibility for dealing with these problems and we have demonstrated our resolve with regard to each, nevertheless, the support of the President, the United States government, and the American people is a source of strength and inspiration to all of us. Again, Mr. President, I thank you from the depth of my heart for your understanding, friendship, and support in the long and short range of the destinies of Israel. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. President, the Democrats say your age is now a legitimate issue in the campaign. Do you think it ought to be, sir? I'll challenge him to an arm wrestle anytime. Do you have a secret plan to protect Social Security? Every day, don't move your back down. Great charm.