    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [June 25, 1991]
    [Page 721]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 721]]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With the Congressional Black
    Caucus
    June 25, 1991

        Q. Mr. President, are you going to lift South African sanctions
    soon?
        The President. We're not taking any questions at what is known as a
    photo opportunity.
        I will say, I'm glad to have the Black Caucus here. We have had
    differences on some issues. I don't think we have differences in terms
    of questioning each other's motives, and I think on this question I want
    to hear from them. And then I want to tell them how I see the law, which
    was written by the Congress, and how I would interpret the law, which
    I--under which I don't have much flexibility. But I'm anxious to hear
    from these leaders as to their view on that very important issue, and
    their--I'll be very frank with them in giving them my views.
        This is not the first meeting of the Black Caucus, nor will it be
    the last, as far as I'm concerned. I think it's a good thing to have
    these kind of discussions, and I appreciate your comments on that from
    time to time. Ed requested the meeting, and I'm glad you all are here.
        So, there's an answer to your question--which I will take no more,
    which I will take no more.
        Q. Are you also going to discuss the civil rights bill?
        The President. ----the agenda is wide open. And I want to hear from
    them on a wide array of questions. You see Mr. Rangel here; I expect it
    won't be confined to any two categories, knowing of his fascination and
    leadership in the field of antinarcotics. So, it's an open agenda.
    Education. We'll talk about anything that's on the minds of these
    leaders of the Congress and members of the Black Caucus.

                        Note: The exchange began at 10:05 a.m. in the
                            Cabinet Room at the White House. In his remarks,
                            the President referred to Representatives
                            Edolphus Towns and Charles Rangel.