Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Senators David L. Boren and William S. Cohen Concerning Panama

The President invited Senators Boren and Cohen to the White House this morning for a conversation about the events of the last week in Panama. The President has the highest respect for the judgment and integrity of the chairman and the vice chairman and wanted to take this occasion to reaffirm the close working relationship with Senators Boren and Cohen and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

The President expressed his particular appreciation for Senator Boren's leadership on behalf of bipartisanship in foreign policy and his support for necessary Presidential authorities in foreign policy matters.

The meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Participants included the Vice President, Governor Sununu [Chief of Staff to the President], General Scowcroft [Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs], and Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gates.