Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Meeting With President Andres Rodriguez Pedotti of Paraguay

President Bush met with Paraguayan President Andres Rodriguez this morning. President Rodriguez is here on a private visit en route to the Far East.

President Bush expressed his support for the democratization process underway in Paraguay. The country held its first truly open and free election last year. Press freedom has been established. And the opposition is free to speak out and organize.

The two Presidents also discussed the question of drugs. President Bush told President Rodriguez that we would like to cooperate more intensively with Paraguay to prevent drug traffickers from establishing a foothold in that country.

President Rodriguez expressed the hope that GSP benefits for Paraguay would be restored as a result of the hearings now scheduled to begin on June 27.