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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 11, 1995

                   REMARKS BY PRESIDENT CLINTON AND
        JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER MURAYAMA IN PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
             
                           The Cabinet Room

11:28 A.M. EST

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 1:00 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.

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.

Do you want to -- what did you say? Sure. Should we have a handshake? It's a big table, but -- (Laughter.)

(The President and the Prime Minister shake hands.)

PRIME MINISTER MURAYAMA: I wish to extend my sincere condolence to the victims of the torrential rain and the flood in California.

PRESIDENT CLINTON: The people of California have suffered a lot in the last two 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.

END11:31 A.M. EST