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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release March 9, 1993

                     REMARKS BY PRESIDENT CLINTON
                  AND PRESIDENT MITTERRAND OF FRANCE
                         IN PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

The Oval Office

10:35 A.M. EST

Q Mr. President, are you going to accept Russia into the G-7 and hold an emergency summit meeting of heads of state involved also on the economy?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: Well, I intend to discuss the Russian situation with President Mitterrand today. And obviously, whatever the United States does, we hope it will be part of a coordinated effort. But in terms of mechanics, no decision has been made.

Q Do you think a compromise is possible on a special meeting of the G-7, discussing maybe Russia and the economy both together?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: I don't think it's a -- we're at a point even to make that decision yet. As you know, the Japanese have been somewhat reluctant to have any kind of special meeting, looking toward their own meeting they're hosting in Tokyo this summer. But I think that we will -- let me say this, I think we will all, the G-7, be dealing with the issue of Russia before July in some form or fashion. How that will happen, I can't say yet. That's one of the reasons I was looking forward to this meeting with President Mitterrand.

Q Did President Nixon talk you into talking Japan out of opposing Russia's participation?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: No, we had a great meeting. But we were pretty much on the same wavelength. And we have been pretty much on the same wavelength on this issue for more than a year now. And he gave me a lot of very good ideas. It was a good meeting.

Q So you forgive him for Watergate?

THE PRESIDENT: Is there another round?

Q The French.

THE PRESIDENT: Now, Mr. President, it's your turn. (Laughter.) I'm going to smile and look wise. (Laughter.)

Q Did you have a good trip?

PRESIDENT MITTERRAND: All is well.

Q How's the first contact going?

PRESIDENT MITTERRAND: As you can see. You will know later.

Q Do you speak some French, Mr. President?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: No, but I understand a little. I can pick up the questions a little.

Q What's the first order of business with President Mitterrand?

PRESIDENT CLINTON: Well, we want to get acquainted and talk about some matters of mutual concerns. We'll discuss that later.

THE PRESS: Thank you.

END10:40 A.M. EST