[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 24 (Monday, June 19, 1995)]
[Pages 1053-1054]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With European Union Leaders

June 14, 1995

    The President. Let me say that it's a great honor to have President 
Chirac here for he first time since his election, although he's been 
here before and we've had several good visits since I've been President. 
And I'm looking forward to the conversation. We have had no 
conversations yet, and we're going to

[[Page 1054]]

have a press availability at the conclusion of our meetings.

French Nuclear Tests

    Q. Have the French set back the world in terms of resuming their 
nuclear testing?
    The President. I think I would--what we want to do is get a 
comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. That's high on our agenda, and we 
have agreed not to test while we search for that. And I'll--if there are 
further questions on that, I will answer them at the----

Iraq

    Q. Do you have any information about this happening in Iraq? Do you 
think it is a coup attempt against Saddam?
    The President. I'd rather answer all these questions at the press 
availability.

[At this point, one group of reporters left the room, and another group 
entered.]

France-U.S. Relations

    Q. Mr. President, can you say something about this visit of the 
French President, new-elected?
    The President. First, let me say it's a great honor to have 
President Chirac here for his first visit as President. But we have 
known each other since I became President. And I think you met my wife 
before I was elected. I've had many good visits with him, and we've 
talked extensively by telephone since his election. But I look forward 
to this. And of course, after our meeting we will have a press 
availability, and we'll be able to answer questions about the subject of 
our talks at that time.
    Q. How is the mood between France and the United States today with 
the new President here in Washington?
    The President. I think it's very good. I know that I personally have 
a lot of confidence in President Chirac. I think he's entered office 
with a lot of energy and direction and conviction about the things that 
are good not only for France but for our alliance and our common search 
for security and for democracy and the world and for peace. And I'm 
looking forward to it. I think he's going to make an enormous 
contribution to our common causes.

Note: The President spoke at 1:48 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. The President met with President Jacques Chirac of France in his 
capacity as President of the European Council and Jacques Santer, 
President of the European Commission. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of this exchange.