Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Telephone Conversations With Allied Leaders

President Bush this morning telephoned the President of France, Francois Mitterrand, to discuss his views on the upcoming Malta meeting and events in Eastern Europe. President Bush wanted the unique perspective provided by the French President. They discussed a number of issues regarding the impact of recent events in Eastern Europe on the countries of Western Europe. The two Presidents agreed to talk again after the EC [European Communities] summit and before the Malta meeting.

President Bush also called the Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney, to discuss the Malta meeting and his views on these issues. President Bush and Prime Minister Mulroney have very similar thinking on these issues. President Bush and Prime Minister Mulroney will talk again after the Malta meeting.

In addition, Chancellor Kohl of West Germany telephoned President Bush this morning to discuss the events in his country and Eastern Europe.