Contact: John Wright (202) 208-6416

For Immediate Release: August 9, 1995

Eckart Declines Special Representative Appointment - Secretary Babbitt Moving Quickly to Find

In a letter to Secretary Babbitt today former Ohio Congressman Dennis Eckart announced his decision to declinethe appointment as Special Representative to coordinate the Administration's efforts in the Guam Commonwealthdiscussions.

"The efficacy of these talks, the importance of the commonwealth discussions, and the absolute necessity toensure that the integrity of the process be protected leads me to the conclusion that you would be better served ifsomeone else carried on with this task," Eckart wrote in his letter.

Citing professional reasons related to his firm's representation of clients, Mr. Eckart said, "Practically speaking,the broad nature of the matters that could come under discussion in conjunction with the broad nature of ourclients' activities could potentially raise an appearance question in the future."

"It is with a sense of regret and respect that I accept Mr. Eckart's decision," Babbitt said. "Moreover, I amsensitive to the importance of the commonwealth discussions. There is an urgent need to move forward with thisprocess and I am working aggressively with the White House to find a replacement as quickly as possible."

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