Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Aleksandr Yakovlev

The President met with Aleksandr Yakovlev, Senior Adviser to President Gorbachev, for approximately 1 hour in the Oval Office. The President and Mr. Yakovlev reviewed the current situation in the Soviet Union. Mr. Yakovlev discussed the result of the last State Council meeting, which set the foundation for a political union of the Republics. Mr. Yakovlev also underscored the difficult food situation the Soviet Union faces this winter. The President stated his willingness to help and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be brought up to date on developments. Mr. Yakovlev presented the President with a letter from President Gorbachev.