    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 12 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
    [Page 587]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Exchange With Reporters in Deerfield Beach, Florida

    March 21, 1994

    North Korea

        Q. Anything new on North Korea, Mr. President?
        The President. Let me just say, about North Korea, the IAEA has made
    their judgment; now there will be consultations at the U.N.
        I think you know--I think President Kim has confirmed that I sent
    him a letter at the end of last week. And we have agreed that it is in
    our national interest and the interest of the security of the people of
    South Korea and the security of our armed forces there to proceed with
    the Patriot deployment, so we will do that.
        As to the next issues, I think we have to just wait and see what
    will happen. I can't say more today. We're going to have to work on this
    on a day-to-day basis. I will say again, I want to emphasize this
    decision on the Patriots is purely defensive in nature. But it is
    appropriate--General Luck has said he thinks it's necessary as the
    continuing modernization of our forces proceeds. What happens now is
    still in the court of the North Koreans, and we must hope that they will
    do the right thing.
        Thank you.

    Note: The exchange began at 12:47 p.m. at Century Village East. In his
    remarks, he referred to President Kim Yong-sam of South Korea and Gen.
    Gary E. Luck, senior U.S. commander in South Korea. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of this exchange.