U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Taken Questions of February 3, 1994

1. NORTH KOREA--Dr. Billy Graham Visits North Korea Q: What can you tell us about a message from the President delivered by Rev. Billy Graham when he met Kim Il Sung?

A: WE UNDERSTAND THAT DR. GRAHAM CONVEYED A BRIEF ORAL MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT CLINTON TO KIM IL SUNG SUPPORTING EARLY RESOLUTION OF THE NUCLEAR ISSUE.

Q: Why is the President talking to Kim Il Sung?

A: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT KIM IL SUNG UNDERSTAND THE PRESIDENT'S POSITION ON THE NUCLEAR ISSUE.

--WE SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK ANY OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE OUR OBJECTIVES REGARDING THE NUCLEAR ISSUE.

--A PRECEDENT FOR THIS WAS SET IN APRIL 1992 WHEN DR. GRAHAM FIRST MET KIM IL SUNG AND CONVEYED A BRIEF ORAL MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BUSH.

2. JORDAN--Conference in Jordan Q: Has the United States been invited to participate in a conference hosted by Jordan on economic cooperation mentioned by Israeli Foreign Minister Peres in a speech today?

A: A CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST, TO BE HOSTED BY JORDAN, HAS BEEN A TOPIC IN TRILATERAL U.S./ISRAEL/JORDAN DISCUSSIONS. NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE ON WHEN THE CONFERENCE WOULD TAKE PLACE.

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