Bill Clinton: “Mitterrand of France March 9, 1993 Russia Q. Mr. President, are you going to accept Russia into the G-7 and hold an…”

“Mitterrand of France March 9, 1993 Russia 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. Have you forgiven him for Watergate? President Clinton.…”