Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe

President Bush. Welcome, everybody.

Q. Mr. President, are you disappointed -- --

President Bush. I'd like to take this opportunity just to welcome President Mugabe here to the Oval Office. I met him many years ago on a visit to his country and have seen him several times since then. But I'm just so pleased you're with us -- --

President Mugabe. Thanks a lot.

President Bush. -- -- and very glad to have you here. A lot to talk about -- about Africa.

President Mugabe. Yes, of course.

President Bush. Any anything else, too, I might add.

South Africa

Q. President Mugabe, do you support President Bush's decision to lift sanctions against South Africa?

President Mugabe. I support his concern about South Africa, his repeated concern that there must be human rights, and the fact that he imposed sanctions against South Africa and still maintains quite a lot of sanctions against South Africa in spite of the relaxation that has taken place.

President Bush. That's what I call a very tactful answer and a very good answer, too, I might add. [Laughter]