[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 10 (Monday, March 15, 1993)]
[Page 379]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With President Francois 
Mitterrand of France

 March 9, 1993

Russia

    Q. Mr. President, are you going to accept Russia into the G-7 and 
hold an emergency summit meeting of heads of state involved also on the 
economy?
    President Clinton. Well, I intend to discuss the Russian situation 
with President Mitterrand today. And obviously, whatever the United 
States does, we hope it will be part of a coordinated effort. But in 
terms of mechanics, no decision has been made.
    Q. Do you think a compromise is possible on a special meeting of the 
G-7, discussing maybe Russia and the economy both together?
    President Clinton. I don't think it's a--we're at a point even to 
make that decision yet. As you know, the Japanese have been somewhat 
reluctant to have any kind of special meeting, looking toward their own 
meeting they're hosting in Tokyo this summer. But I think that we will--
let me say this, I think we will all, the G-7, be dealing with the issue 
of Russia before July in some form or fashion. How that will happen, I 
can't say yet. That's one of the reasons I was looking forward to this 
meeting with President Mitterrand.
    Q. Did President Nixon talk you into talking Japan out of opposing 
Russia's participation?
    President Clinton. No, we had a great meeting. But we were pretty 
much on the same wavelength. And we have been pretty much on the same 
wavelength on this issue for more than a year now. And he gave me a lot 
of very good ideas. It was a good meeting.
    Q. So you forgive him for Watergate?
    President Clinton. Is there another round?
    Q. The French.
    President Clinton. Now, Mr. President, it's your turn. I'm going to 
smile and look wise. [Laughter]
    Q. Did you have a good trip?
    President Mitterrand. All is well.
    Q. How's the first contact going?
    President Mitterrand. As you can see, you will know later.
    Q. Do you speak some French, Mr. President?
    President Clinton. No, but I understand a little. I can pick up the 
questions a little.
    Q. What's the first order of business with President Mitterrand?
    President Clinton. Well, we want to get acquainted and talk about 
some matters of mutual concerns. We'll discuss that later.

Note: The exchange began at 10:35 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this 
exchange.