[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[November 15, 2000]
[Page 2538]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With President




Kim Dae-jung of South Korea in Bandar Seri 
Begawan
November 15, 2000

2000 Presidential Election

    Q. Have any of the leaders asked you about the election results, 
sir?
    President Clinton. Just briefly.
    Q. Did they accept your explanation of what's going on?
    President Clinton. No, they were just interested in it. I told them 
it would all be worked out. The process was underway.

Possible Visit to North Korea

    Q. Mr. President, what exactly are you waiting for from the North 
Koreans, in terms of commitments on their missile program? What do you 
need to hear from them?
    President Clinton. Well, we're working on a number of issues, of 
which the missile program is one. We're obviously trying to make as much 
progress as we can, and I'll make an appropriate decision about the trip 
sometime in the not too distant future.
    Q. Sir, do you think it would be helpful to bring the South Koreans' 
President with you if you make a trip?
    President Clinton. Well, I don't--he just went, and he deserves a 
lot of credit for doing it. I was actually quite thrilled, as I've told 
him several times, that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to him for a 
lifetime of devotion to peace and human rights, and especially for the 
breakthrough he's achieved here.
    So I think he's put this whole business on a different footing. 
Secretary Albright, as you know, had a 
very good trip to North Korea. So I think we're going to work together. 
We've always worked in partnership with South Korea, and we will 
continue to do so.

Note: The exchange began at 6:42 p.m. at the Istana Edinburgh Guest 
House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this 
exchange.