Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Finance Minister Theo Waigel of Germany

The President met for approximately a half hour today with German Christian Social Union Chairman Theo Waigel in the Oval Office. They discussed the post-war situation in the Middle East, the economic and social dimensions of German unification, and the importance of supporting the new democratic states of Central and Eastern Europe.

Chairman Waigel, who is also German Finance Minister, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to fully honor its pledges of financial assistance for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The President reiterated his appreciation for Germany's strong financial and other support for the multinational coalition in the Persian Gulf.