Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With President-Elect Sixto Duran-Ballen of Ecuador

The President met this afternoon with President-elect Sixto Duran of Ecuador. The President congratulated President-elect Duran on his election to the Presidency of Ecuador and commended the people of Ecuador for the peaceful, democratic way they have chosen their leaders in three Presidential elections since 1979. The President assured Mr. Duran that the United States wants to maintain excellent relations with his country and support Ecuador's efforts at economic reform and regional narcotics cooperation.

President-elect Duran will be inaugurated on August 10, 1992. The United States will be represented by a special Presidential mission.

President Bush last met President-elect Duran in March of 1987, when he visited Ecuador in the aftermath of a major earthquake.