PM, Clinton news conference cancelled

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 15. The White House today cancelled a joint news conference with the President, Mr. Bill Clinton, and the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, at the Indian Government's request because of the latter's poor health.

``Yesterday, the Indians asked us to look at the schedule and try to find a way to shorten the day. It's been a very long trip, an exhausting trip for the Prime Minister and they felt the last event today, the press conference, was a little bit too much,'' the White House spokesperson, Mr. Joe Lockhart, said.

He said the Indian delegation wanted to give the Prime Minister some time to rest as he still had several days left of his U.S. visit. Mr. Vajpayee is due to undergo surgery soon to replace his osteoarthitic-troubled knee. Mr. Clinton will host an official dinner for Mr. Vajpayee on Sunday at the White House.

- Reuters

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