    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [March 9, 1993]
    [Page 257]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 257]]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President Francois
    Mitterrand of France
    March 9, 1993

    Russia

        Q. Mr. President, are you going to accept Russia into the G-7 and
    hold an emergency summit meeting of heads of state involved also on the
    economy?
        President Clinton. Well, I intend to discuss the Russian situation
    with President Mitterrand today. And obviously, whatever the United
    States does, we hope it will be part of a coordinated effort. But in
    terms of mechanics, no decision has been made.
        Q. Do you think a compromise is possible on a special meeting of the
    G-7, discussing maybe Russia and the economy both together?
        President Clinton. I don't think it's a--we're at a point even to
    make that decision yet. As you know, the Japanese have been somewhat
    reluctant to have any kind of special meeting, looking toward their own
    meeting they're hosting in Tokyo this summer. But I think that we will--
    let me say this, I think we will all, the G-7, be dealing with the issue
    of Russia before July in some form or fashion. How that will happen, I
    can't say yet. That's one of the reasons I was looking forward to this
    meeting with President Mitterrand.
        Q. Did President Nixon talk you into talking Japan out of opposing
    Russia's participation?
        President Clinton. No, we had a great meeting. But we were pretty
    much on the same wavelength. And we have been pretty much on the same
    wavelength on this issue for more than a year now. And he gave me a lot
    of very good ideas. It was a good meeting.
        Q. Have you forgiven him for Watergate?
        President Clinton. That was a long time ago.
        Is there another round?
        Q. The French.
        President Clinton. Now, Mr. President, it's your turn. I'm going to
    smile and look wise. [Laughter]
        Q. Did you have a good trip?
        President Mitterrand. All is well.
        Q. How's the first contact going?
        President Mitterrand. As you can see. You will know later.
        President Clinton. He answers these questions better than I do.
        Q. Do you speak some French, Mr. President?
        President Clinton. No, but I understand a little. I can pick up the
    questions a little.
        Q. What's the first order of business with President Mitterrand?
        President Clinton. Well, we want to get acquainted and talk about
    some matters of mutual concerns. We'll discuss that later.

    Note: The exchange began at 10:35 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.