Clinton Reschedules Japan Trip For April

President Clinton will travel to Tokyo in April to meet with Japan’s leaders in an effort to improve strained relations with the United States.

Clinton had canceled such a trip in November because of the federal budget crisis. The rescheduled trip by the president and Hillary Rodham Clinton is set for April 17-18, the White House said Tuesday.

After Tokyo, the president plans a Moscow trip and talks with Russian President Boris Yeltsin April 19-20 before returning home.

Clinton had to cancel his visit to the city of Osaka for a November summit of Asia-Pacific leaders because of the budget crisis in the United States. He also had planned a state visit to Tokyo.

The White House said Clinton and the first lady will make a formal call on Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Clinton also will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and members of his Cabinet.