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

This afternoon the President called Prime Minister Thatcher of Great Britain to discuss the upcoming EC [European Community] meeting on Eastern Europe and his meeting in Malta with President Gorbachev. They discussed the ongoing reform movement in Eastern Europe, noting that they are encouraged by the peaceful nature of the changes. The two leaders will continue their discussions when the Prime Minister visits Camp David on November 24.

The President also called President Mubarak of Egypt to discuss the Middle East peace process. The President discussed his recent meeting with Prime Minister Shamir of Israel, emphasizing the continued U.S. involvement in the search for peace. The President and President Mubarak agreed that discussions among the parties to the process will continue.