    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [January 11, 1995]
    [Pages 32-33]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister
    Tomiichi Murayama of Japan
    January 11, 1995

    California Floods

        Q. Mr. President, we know you're having this meeting, but can you
    help us with any comments on the situation in California?

        The President. We're going to have a press conference after our
    lunch. I'd be happy to talk about it then. I talked with Mr. Witt last
    night at 1 a.m. in the morning our time, so I'm up to date. But I'd
    rather defer questions until our lunch, until our press conference after
    the lunch.

    Japan

        Q. Can you tell us if you do expect to make some progress here today
    given the political situation in Japan?
        The President. When the Japanese press come through here, they may
    say, ``Do you expect to make some progress here given the political
    situation in the United States?'' [Laughter] Of course I do.
        Q. [Inaudible]
        The President. Do you want to--what did you say? Sure. Should we
    have a handshake? It's a big table, but--[laughter].

    [[Page 33]]

    [At this point, the President and the Prime Minister shook hands. Then
    one group of reporters left the room, and another group entered.]

    California Floods

        Prime Minister Murayama. I wish to extend my sincere condolence to
    the victims of the torrential rain and the flood in California.
        The President. The people of California have suffered a lot in the
    last 2 years. They've had earthquakes, fires, and now floods. It's a
    very--it's a wonderful place to live, but they bear a great burden.

    Note: The exchange began at 11:28 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House. Prime Minister Murayama spoke in Japanese, and his remarks were
    translated by an interpreter. A tape was not available for verification
    of the content of this exchange.