THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
                         (San Jose, California)
________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                      April 2, 2000

                        REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
                   ON PRIME MINISTER OBUCHI OF JAPAN
                        UPON ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE

                             Moffett Field
                          San Jose, California

9:15 P.M. PDT

THE PRESIDENT: I just wanted to say that I have heard today the sad news that Prime Minister Obuchi has been hospitalized with a stroke. He has been a good friend to me personally, a good friend of the United States. And he has been a tireless worker to restore the Japanese economy, and to bring Asia back from its financial crisis.

And I just wanted to say that the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with him, his family and the people of Japan. We hope for a speedy recovery. And in the meanwhile, we will work with acting Prime Minister Aoki to maintain the strong relationship we enjoy.

But I think Prime Minister Obuchi is a very good man, and I -- it's sad news for all of us here in America, but we're pulling for his recovery, and we will -- we will keep our prayers there.

Thank you very much.

Q What are you hearing about -- about how he is?

THE PRESIDENT: Nothing. I have tried to get more information, but all I know is that he's hospitalized, and the condition was serious enough to appoint an acting Prime Minister. That may or may not mean anything, you know -- my guess is that they'll have to wait a while and assess --

Q Mr. President, did you hear -- did you hear Mr. Lazio's comments today indicating he might get into the New York Senate race?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I have no knowledge of that. Thanks.

THE PRESS: Thank you.

END 9:17 P.M. PDT