    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [June 14, 1995]
    [Page 881]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President
    Jacques Chirac of France
    June 14, 1995

        The President. Let me say that it's a great honor to have President
    Chirac here for he first time since his election, although he's been
    here before and we've had several good visits since I've been President.
    And I'm looking forward to the conversation. We have had no
    conversations yet, and we're going to have a press availability at the
    conclusion of our meetings.

    French Nuclear Tests

        Q. Have the French set back the world in terms of resuming their
    nuclear testing?
        The President. I think I would--what we want to do is get a
    comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. That's high on our agenda, and we
    have agreed not to test while we search for that. And I'll--if there are
    further questions on that, I will answer them at the----

    Iraq

        Q. Do you have any information about this happening in Iraq? Do you
    think it is a coup attempt against Saddam?
        The President. I'd rather answer all these questions at the press
    availability.

    [At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group
    entered.]

    France-U.S. Relations

        Q. Mr. President, can you say something about this visit of the
    French President, new-elected?
        The President. First, let me say it's a great honor to have
    President Chirac here for his first visit as President. But we have
    known each other since I became President. And I think you met my wife
    before I was elected. I've had many good visits with him, and we've
    talked extensively by telephone since his election. But I look forward
    to this. And of course, after our meeting we will have a press
    availability, and we'll be able to answer questions about the subject of
    our talks at that time.
        Q. How is the mood between France and the United States today with
    the new President here in Washington?
        The President. I think it's very good. I know that I personally have
    a lot of confidence in President Chirac. I think he's entered office
    with a lot of energy and direction and conviction about the things that
    are good not only for France but for our alliance and our common search
    for security and for democracy and the world and for peace. And I'm
    looking forward to it. I think he's going to make an enormous
    contribution to our common causes.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:48 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.