    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 19, 1999]
    [Pages 212-213]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Jacques Chirac of France and an Exchange With Reporters
    February 19, 1999

        President Clinton. Is everyone in?
        Q. Yes, sir.
        President Clinton. As you know, we're going to have a press
    conference at the conclusion of our meetings. But I just wanted to take
    this opportunity to welcome President Chirac and the members of his
    delegation back to the White House. We have had a good working
    relationship and a warm personal friendship. I'm delighted to see him.
        We have a lot of important things to discuss, especially the
    situation in Kosovo, but also the work we've been doing on the
    international financial matters and many other things. And we'll be able
    to discuss them later at the press conference.
        But mostly, I just want to welcome him here and give him the chance
    to make a few remarks, if you would like.
        President Chirac. I want to say how happy I am to be with you here
    and with President Clinton, my good friend.
        We're going to have a very interesting day's work together. We'll,
    of course, first be talking about Kosovo and also a number of other
    important questions, like the international financial monetary situation
    in preparation of the NATO summit and a number of other subjects.
        And I want to thank President Clinton for his welcome.

    [[Page 213]]

    Kosovo

        Q. President Chirac, do you think that there will be a settlement, a
    peaceful settlement in Kosovo or military action? Do you think that both
    sides will make an accord by noon tomorrow?
        President Chirac. I hope with all my heart that both sides would
    understand that their intention is to find an agreement, because the
    side which would not understand that would then have to bear the
    consequences. And those consequences would be serious for them but also
    for their country and their people--as the time for peace has come, and
    every side must make this effort to make peace possible. And we are
    determined, really determined and firm on this.
        Q. President Clinton, does Mr. Milosevic deserve more time and, if
    not, sir, why not?
        President Clinton. We'll answer all the other questions at the press
    conference.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:05 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A journalist referred to President Slobodan Milosevic of the
    Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). President Chirac
    spoke in French, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter. A
    tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.