[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 2 (Monday, January 16, 1995)]
[Pages 42-43]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister 
Tomiichi Murayama of Japan

January 11, 1995

California Floods

    Q. Mr. President, we know you're having this meeting, but can you 
help us with any comments on the situation in California?
    The President. We're going to have a press conference after our 
lunch. I'd be happy to talk about it then. I talked with Mr. Witt last 
night at 1 a.m. in the morning our time, so I'm up to date. But I'd 
rather defer questions until our lunch, until our press conference after 
the lunch.

Japan

    Q. Can you tell us if you do expect to make some progress here today 
given the political situation in Japan?
    The President. When the Japanese press come through here, they may 
say, ``Do you expect to make some progress here given the political 
situation in the United States?'' [Laughter] Of course I do.
    Q. [Inaudible]
    The President. Do you want to--what did you say? Sure. Should we 
have a handshake? It's a big table, but--[laughter].

[At this point, the President and the Prime Minister shook hands. Then 
one group of reporters left the room, and another group entered.]

California Floods

    Prime Minister Murayama. I wish to extend my sincere condolence to 
the victims of the torrential rain and the flood in California.
    The President. The people of California have suffered a lot in the 
last 2 years. They've had earthquakes, fires, and now floods. It's a 
very--it's a wonderful place to live, but they bear a great burden.

Note: The exchange began at 11:28 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. Prime Minister Murayama spoke in Japanese, and his re- 

[[Page 43]]

marks were translated by an interpreter. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of this exchange.