[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[February 3, 1992]
[Pages 193-194]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President Ronald 
Venetiaan of Suriname

February 3, 1992

Japan-U.S. Relations

    Q. Any defense of American workers in response to what Mr. Miyazawa 
said?
    The President. Just go by what Marlin Fitzwater told you guys when 
you asked the same question about 6 hours ago. [Laughter]
    Q. Have you seen the----
    The President. Strong support. I just heard what Marlin said, and I 
back it 100 percent. I also saw the correction by Mr. Miyazawa, I'm 
pleased to say. So, that was fine.
    Q. Do you accept that, sir, as an apology?
    The President. I accept it for what it was, a very clear statement 
from a good man, a man who has said clearly that they're going to live 
up to their commitments, and I support him for that. And we had a very 
good visit. So, you know, he's gone 
out of his way to make clear that he was 
not denouncing all American workers. 
And I strongly support them and 
continue to say so. We can compete with 
anybody in the world if we're

[[Page 194]]

given access. Marlin summed up our position very well.

                    Note: The exchange began at 4:31 p.m. in the Oval 
                        Office. In his remarks, the President referred 
                        to Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa of Japan.