    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1997]
    [Pages 558-559]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With Andres Manuel Lopez
    Obrador of Mexico's Democratic Revolutionary Party in Mexico City
    May 6, 1997

        Q. Mr. President, why did you decide to be the first American
    President to meet with opposition leaders?
        The President. Because we support the political reform process in
    Mexico, and I do this in other countries, in Russia, Israel, other
    countries I visit. So I thought it was important.

    [[Page 559]]

    Note: The exchange began at 7:10 p.m. at El Presidente Intercontinental
    Hotel. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    exchange.