Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Prime Minister Anan Panyarachun of Thailand

The President met with Thai Prime Minister Anan Panyarachun in the Oval Office and then hosted a working lunch. They discussed bilateral trade issues, developments in the fight against narcotics trafficking, and key regional issues including implementation of the Cambodia settlement agreement and Burma. The President stated his expectation that U.S. concerns on patents would be addressed. Discussions also centered on democracy and human rights and steps toward elections next March in Thailand. The President reiterated the U.S. commitment to regional security. The President described his forthcoming visit to Asia and heard the Prime Minister's views on developments in the region.