    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [June 21, 1991]
    [Pages 708-709]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Telephone
    Conversation with President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union
    June 21, 1991

        President Bush spoke by telephone with President Gorbachev this
    morning for approximately 40 minutes. President Bush discussed
    yesterday's meeting with Russian Republic President Yeltsin. President
    Bush stated he had a good discussion centered on the current political
    and economic reforms taking place in the Soviet Union. President Bush
    noted with pleasure the cooperative nature between Yeltsin and Gorbachev
    in moving the reform process forward and emphasized to President
    Gorbachev how important this is to the overall process.
        President Bush reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support these
    reforms since they not only help the Soviet Union but are of benefit to
    the wider international community. President Gorbachev presented an
    overview of the current situation in his country. The two leaders spoke
    about the forthcoming economic summit and the economic issues that face
    the international community.
        President Bush discussed the appoint-

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    ment of Robert Strauss as the new Ambassador to the Soviet Union.
    President Gorbachev expressed his great pleasure on the appointment and
    stated he is looking forward to working with Mr. Strauss. President Bush
    also discussed the need to conclude a START treaty and the possibility
    of a summit, but no specific dates were discussed.