[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.