Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With the National Conference of State Legislatures

President Boris Yeltsin of Russia

Q. Mr. President, do you think Yeltsin's going to survive?

The President. I think that he is the duly elected President of Russia and a genuine democrat, small "d," and that he is leading a country that is trying bravely to do two things: one, escape from communism into market economics, a world they never lived in before; and second, to preserve real democracy. That's a tough job. It's pretty hard to do here. [Laughter]

I intend to do what I can to be supportive of that process and to be supportive of him while he serves as President of Russia. I don't know what else to tell you. I'm not a seer. I don't know what's going to happen to him or to me tomorrow. But I've got confidence in him. I'm going to work with him as long—

Attorney-General-Designate Janet Reno—

Q. What about Janet Reno?

The President. I'm elated by that. I had some Senators in the office, and I said, "That may be the only vote I carry 98 to 0 this year." But I enjoyed it. She's an extraordinary person, and I think she will do well.

We've got to go. Thank you.

Q. When is she going to be sworn in?

The President. When?

Q. When?

The President. Soon, I hope. I've been waiting for someone in the Justice Department for a while now.