date=6/21/94
type=correspondent report
number=2-160572
title=Clinton / Hungary / Slovakia (l only)
byline=Deborah Tate
dateline=White House
content=
voiced at:

*Intro:  President Clinton met today (Tuesday) at the White House
with the Presidents of Hungary and Slovakia.  V-o-A White House
correspondent Deborah Tate reports Mr. Clinton  expressed U-S
support for the political and economic reforms undertaken by the
two nations.

Text:  President Clinton thanked Hungarian President Arpad Goncz
and Slovak President Michal Kovac for their commitment to
democracy and reform.

                   ///  Clinton actuality  ///

         The path to change is never easy, and they have had the
         courage to go forward. The United States is very
         supportive of it, and we're glad to have them here
         today.

                        ///  End act  ///

Mr. Clinton thanked both nations for joining the partnership for
peace plan under which nato countries offer limited military
cooperation with former Warsaw Pact nations.  Mr. Clinton also
said Russia would formally join the plan in the coming days.

For their part, the Hungarian and Slovak Presidents said free
market reforms in their countries will be successful only if
western nations increase their investments in their nations.

After his talks with Mr. Clinton, Slovak President Kovac urged
greater U-S investment in Slovakia, and called on President
Clinton to urge nations of the European Union to buy products
made in Slovakia.  He spoke through a translator.

                    ///  Kovak actuality  ///

         I asked him to convince them to open their markets more
         to our products because we think that is the most
         important contribution that these Western European
         countries can contribute to our historic efforts.

                        ///  End act  ///

Hungarian President Goncz expressed similar comments.  He also
told reporters he briefed Mr. Clinton about last month's general
elections, in which the former communists won a majority.  But he
said Hungary is committed to democratic reform.  He added that a
new government based on the outcome of the elections would be
announced soon.

                    ///  Goncz actuality  ///

         We'll see a government coalition created that reflects
         the views of the voters.

                        ///  End act  ///

The Hungarian and Slovak leaders also promised to work together
to  overcome differences and to ease ethnic tensions in the
region.  (Signed)

neb/dt/jwh

21-jun-94 1:23 pm edt (1723 utc)
nnnn

source: Voice of America