[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 19 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Page 665]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With Andres Manuel Lopez 
Obrador of Mexico's Democratic Revolutionary Party in Mexico City

May 6, 1997

    Q. Mr. President, why did you decide to be the first American 
President to meet with opposition leaders?
    The President. Because we support the political reform process in 
Mexico, and I do this in other countries, in Russia, Israel, other 
countries I visit. So I thought it was important.

Note: The exchange began at 7:10 p.m. at El Presidente Intercontinental 
Hotel. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this 
exchange.