Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Telephone Conversation With President Leonid Kravchuk of Ukraine

The President spoke by phone with President Kravchuk of Ukraine this morning for approximately 20 minutes. The two Presidents discussed the situation in Ukraine and Ukraine's international debt situation. President Kravchuk stated that Ukraine will meet its goal for withdrawing all tactical nuclear weapons from its territory. In addition, he emphasized Ukraine's intention to support ratification of the START and CFE treaties.

Both Presidents welcomed the excellent state of bilateral relations, and President Kravchuk accepted the President's invitation to make an official working visit to Washington on May 6.