    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [April 3, 1993]
    [Page 392]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters With President Boris Yeltsin of Russia in
    Vancouver
    April 3, 1993

    Russia-U.S. Relations

        Q. President Yeltsin, will American aid make a difference to the
    political situation in Russia?
        President Yeltsin. You know, it's always useful to help a friend,
    especially if a friend goes through a difficult period. And we are
    partners, and we are friends.
        Q. Go ahead, Mr. President, you can talk.
        President Clinton. I just was going to say, I don't view this as a--
    this is not a talk about aid; this is a talk about a long-term
    partnership. The United States has a great deal to gain from a strong,
    successful, democratic Russia. It is in our interest. And I'm very
    encouraged by the things that President Yeltsin has stood for, and the
    fight that he's waging now.
        President Yeltsin. And the rest of the world, too.

    Note: The exchange began at 1:55 p.m. at the MacKenzie House at the
    University of British Columbia. President Yeltsin spoke in Russian, and
    his remarks were translated by an interpreter. A tape was not available
    for verification of the content of this exchange.