[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 15 (Monday, April 18, 1994)]
[Page 754]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Resignation of Prime Minister 
Morihiro Hosokawa of Japan

April 8, 1994

    The President spoke with Prime Minister Hosokawa of Japan today at 
9:40 a.m. for approximately 12 minutes. The President conveyed his 
regret at the Prime Minister's decision to resign and commended him for 
his commitment to political and economic reform in Japan. The President 
expressed his hope that the process of reform would continue in Japan. 
The President stated that he is confident that our strong bilateral 
relations with Japan will continue.
    The President told Prime Minister Hosokawa, ``I am confident that 
you will always be viewed as an historic Prime Minister who made great 
strides in helping Japan in a period of transition. You gave your people 
the courage to change.''
    The President intends to work closely with the new Prime Minister to 
improve the economic relationship with Japan and to implement fully the 
framework agreement, which remains a high priority and is very much in 
the interests of both countries.

Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.