Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, April 5, 1999 Volume 35—Number 13 Pages 531–577

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Federal Agencies Camp David, MD, departure for—532 Delegation of functions, memorandum—550 Electronic Industries Alliance, dinner—539 Kosovo conflict, drawdown of articles and Former Secretary of State Warren M. services to support international relief Christopher, portrait unveiling—533 efforts, memorandum—563 Kosovo Refugee and migration assistance, emergency NATO airstrikes—532 funding, memorandum—550 Refugees—571 National economy—571 Executive Orders Radio address—531 Further Amendment to Executive Order Social Security and Medicare trustees, 12981, as Amended—546 report—535 Identification of Trade Expansion Priorities Virginia and Discriminatory Procurement Military community at Norfolk Naval Practices—561 Station in Norfolk—564 Implementation of the Foreign Affairs Reform U.S. troops at Aviano Air Base, telephone and Restructuring Act of 1998—546 remarks from Norfolk—563 Interviews With the News Media Bill Signings Exchanges with reporters Bankruptcy code provisions legislation, Briefing Room—571 statement—537 Rose Garden—535 Small Business Year 2000 Readiness Act, South Lawn—532 statement—574 Interview with Dan Rather of CBS News— 550 Communications to Congress Chemical and biological weapons defense, Letters and Messages letter transmitting report—538 Easter, message—575 Cyprus, letter transmitting report—538 Passover, message—537

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also available on the Inter- net on the GPO Access service at http://www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments.

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Proclamations Statements by the President—Continued Cancer Control Month—569 Florida youth antismoking program, results— National Child Abuse Prevention Month—570 569 Kosovo, Serbian proposal to settle situation— Statements by the President 537 U.S. pilot in Serbia, rescue—532 See also Bill Signings Census, 2000—568 Supplementary Materials Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Acts approved by the President—576 Treaty—545 Checklist of White House press releases—576 Deaths Digest of other White House Joe Williams—537 announcements—575 Michael Aris—532 Nominations submitted to the Senate—576

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The President’s Radio Address Turkey, from England to Italy, from Ger- March 27, 1999 many and France to our neighbors in Can- ada, including our 3 allies from central Eu- Good morning. Three days ago I decided rope, the new NATO members: Poland, the United States should join our NATO al- Hungary, the Czech Republic. lies in military airstrikes to bring peace to And we should remember the courage of Kosovo. In my address to the Nation last the Kosovar people today, still exposed to vi- Wednesday, I explained why we have taken olence and brutality. Many Americans now this step: to save the lives of innocent civilians have heard the story of a young Kosovar girl in Kosovo from a brutal military offensive; trying to stay in touch with a friend in Amer- to defuse a powder keg at the heart of Eu- ica by E-mail as a Serb attack began in her rope that has exploded twice before in this own village. Just a few days ago she wrote, century with catastrophic results; to prevent ‘‘At the moment, just from my balcony, I can a wider war we would have to confront later, see people running with suitcases, and I can only at far greater risk and cost; to stand with hear some gunshots. A village just a few hun- our NATO allies for peace. dred meters from my house is all surrounded. Our military operation has been underway As long as I have electricity, I will continue for several nights now. In this time, Serb writing to you. I’m trying to keep myself as troops have continued attacks on unarmed calm as possible. My younger brother, who men, women, and children. That is all the is 9, is sleeping now. I wish I will not have more reason for us to stay the course. We to stop his dreams.’’ must and we will continue until Serbia’s lead- We asked these people of Kosovo to accept er, Slobodan Milosevic, accepts peace or we peace, and they did. We promised them we have seriously damaged his capacity to make would stick by them if they did the right war. thing, and they did. We cannot let them As always, America’s military men and down now. women are performing with courage and Americans have learned the hard way that skill. Their strength comes from rigorous our home is not that far from Europe. training, state-of-the-art weaponry, and hard- Through two World Wars and a long cold won experience in this part of the world. This war we saw that it was a short step from a is the same brave and tested force that small brushfire to an inferno, especially in brought stability to Bosnia after 4 years of the tinderbox of the Balkans. The time to vicious war. I am confident they will once put out a fire is before it spreads and burns again rise to the task. down the neighborhood. By acting now, Some of them are fighter pilots, some are we’re taking a strong step toward a goal that bombers, some are mechanics, technicians, has always been in our national interest: a air traffic controllers, and base personnel. peaceful, united, democratic Europe. For Every time I visit our troops around the America there is no greater calling than being world, I am struck by their professionalism, a peacemaker. But sometimes you have to their quiet, unassuming determination. They fight in order to end the fighting. always say, ‘‘This is the job I was trained to Let me end now by repeating how proud do.’’ They don’t see themselves as heroes, but all Americans are of the men and women in we surely do. uniform risking their lives to protect peace I’ve also been deeply impressed by the sol- in the Balkans. Our prayers are with them. idarity of NATO’s purpose. All 19 NATO na- And our prayers are with all the people of tions are providing support, from Norway to the Balkans searching for the strength to put

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centuries of divisions to rest and to join Eu- been separated and sent into exile by the de- rope and North America in building a better nial of human rights in Burma are reunited future together. with their families and when Burma is re- Thanks for listening. united with the family of freedom.

NOTE: The address was recorded at 5:44 p.m. on March 26 in the Oval Office at the White House Remarks on Departure for Camp for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 27. The tran- David, Maryland, and an Exchange script was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on March 26 but was embargoed With Reporters for release until the broadcast. March 28, 1999

NATO Airstrikes Statement on the Rescue of a The President. Good afternoon. All United States Pilot in Serbia Americans can be very proud of the skill and March 27, 1999 bravery of the American servicemen involved in the rescue operation yesterday in Kosovo. I am pleased with the news that our pilot Indeed, we can be proud of all of our men has been rescued successfully. I am tremen- and women in uniform who are involved in dously proud of the skill and bravery of the the NATO mission. pilot and of the courageous individuals who From the outset, I have said to the Amer- participated in the recovery. ican people that this military operation en- As I have said from the outset, this military tails real risks. But the continued brutality operation entails real risk. However, the con- and repression of the Serb forces further un- tinued brutality and repression of the Serb derscores the need for NATO to persevere. forces further underscores the necessity for I strongly support Secretary General Solana’s NATO forces to persevere. decision yesterday to move to a new phase Our NATO operations will go forward as in our planned air campaign, with a broader planned. I strongly support the decision of range of targets including air defenses, mili- Secretary General Solana to move to a new tary and security targets, and forces in the phase of the air campaign, which will include field. a wider range of targets, including forces in In the last 24 hours, I have been in close the field. contact with key NATO allies, including Prime Minister Blair, President Chirac, Statement on the Death Chancellor Schroeder, and Prime Minister of Michael Aris D’Alema. All of them share our determina- tion to respond strongly to Mr. Milosevic’s March 27, 1999 continuing campaign of inhumane and vio- The First Lady and I were saddened to lence against the Kosovar Albanian people. learn of the death of Dr. Michael Aris, a That is what we intend to do. scholar of Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at Thank you very much. Q. Oxford University. We offer our sincere con- Has the bombing made things worse, dolences to his wife, Aung San Suu Kyi, his sir? Q. sons, Alexander and Kim, and other family Sir, is the allied bombing driving the members. atrocities, sir? The President. Dr. Aris’ perseverance and dedication to Absolutely not. his wife and family and to the cause of human rights and democracy in Burma earned him NOTE: The President spoke at 2:15 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, the respect and admiration of citizens around the President referred to NATO Secretary Gen- the world. At this difficult time, I want to eral Javier Solana; Prime Minister Tony Blair of reaffirm to Michael’s family and to all the the United Kingdom; President Jacques Chirac of people of Burma that the United States will France; Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Ger- keep working for the day when all who have many; Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema of Italy;

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and President Slobodan Milosevic of the Federal that plan as the talks ended, increasing our Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). sense of urgency that the airstrikes NATO had threatened for some time must begin. Now, lamentably, we have credible reports Remarks on the Unveiling of a that his troops are singling out for murder Portrait of Former Secretary of State the moderate Kosovar leaders who supported Warren M. Christopher a peaceful solution. Refugees are streaming March 30, 1999 out, clearly shaken by what they have seen. Altogether, since the conflict started last Thank you very much, Secretary Albright, year, more than half a million people have Chris, Marie, other members of the Cabinet been forced from their homes. who are here, Secretary Rubin, Secretary If there was ever any doubt about what Shalala. We thank very much Tunky Riley is at stake in Kosovo, Mr. Milosevic is cer- and Hattie Babbitt for being here. And we’re tainly erasing it by his actions. They are the glad that Tom and Oya are here and past culmination of more than a decade of using and present officials of the State Depart- ethnic and religious hatred as a justification ment, other distinguished guests. for uprooting and murdering completely in- I would like to begin by saying that it is nocent, peaceful civilians to pave Mr. ironic, but perhaps appropriate, that we are Milosevic’s path to absolute power. unveiling the portrait of this truly wonderful, The NATO air campaign is designed to distinguished American who did so much to raise the price of that policy. Today, he faces bring peace to Bosnia at a time when we are the mounting cost of his continued aggres- engaged in a struggle for peace in Kosovo. sion. For a sustained period, he will see that I hope you’ll just let me say a word about his military will be seriously diminished, key that. military infrastructure destroyed, the pros- The NATO military operation is con- pect of international support for Serbia’s tinuing today against an expanded range of claim to Kosovo increasingly jeopardized. targets, including Serbian forces on the ground in Kosovo. The allies are united in We must remain steady and determined, our outrage over President Milosevic’s atroc- with the will to see this through. ities against innocent people. We are deter- I can’t think of anyone whose life and ca- mined to stay with our policy. As President reer and personality those words—‘‘steady, Chirac said yesterday, what is happening determined, the will to see this through’’— today must strengthen our resolution. I can’t think of anyone those words apply bet- Countries from throughout the Balkans, ter to than Warren Christopher. No one from Greece to Turkey to Romania to Bul- worked harder than he did to bring an end garia, are helping us to meet the mounting to the bloody war in Bosnia. No one worked humanitarian crisis. We are all dealing today harder than he did to galvanize the unity in with the same horrible pattern of conduct our NATO alliance that has allowed us to we saw in Bosnia. We saw that conduct re- act with resolve today and gave us the vision sume in 1998 in Kosovo, when a quarter of to take on new members and new missions a million innocent people were driven from in the aftermath of the cold war. their homes. We saw it escalate in January It took time to forge a just peace in Bosnia, and February of this year, as Serbian forces, because Chris and his team were persistent in violation of the agreement the President and prevailed. We must be as persistent had made last October, moved from village today as we were then in pursuit of peace. to village and atrocity to atrocity while their He was our first post-cold-war Secretary leaders pretended to negotiate for peace in of State, our first chief diplomat in over 50 France. years who faced, as Madeleine recently said, Now it is clear that as the Kosovar leaders the challenge of defining our foreign policy were saying yes to peace, Mr. Milosevic was in a world without a single, overriding threat planning a new campaign of expulsions and to our security. But he saw that, as did I, executions in Kosovo. He started carrying out as a great opportunity. He was determined

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to make sure that we maintained our leader- I’ve ever worked with. And we can all say ship in the world, consistent with our values, these noble things about him. It’s true. He our interests, and our tradition, and that we never thought you had to hit below the belt remained alive to the new possibilities for to get above the fold in the morning news- peace and prosperity and security that this paper. He was always willing to go the extra new world brings. mile for peace, and is now the most traveled From the first days of 1993, he was a whirl- Secretary of State in our history—though wind of activity. I like to say—I used to kid Madeleine seems determined to overtake him that he really weighed 250 pounds when him. [Laughter] he became Secretary of State, and he just All that is true. But just remember one worked it off. But that’s not true. He got up thing: People ask me all the time, ‘‘How did every morning and went running to wake up you ever decide to make Warren Christopher and get his exercise, and he never stopped your first Secretary of State?’’ And I said, running. ‘‘You know, I don’t know; it just sort of came He advanced the peace process in the to me in the transition process’’—which War- Middle East, from the unforgettable signing ren Christopher ran. [Laughter] It is a great on the South Lawn in 1993 to the peace be- mistake to underestimate this man. [Laugh- tween Israel and Jordan in the Wadi Araba, ter] to the countless days and nights of hard work Near the end of his book, ‘‘In the Stream to keep the process alive through hope and of History,’’ Chris reveals that he is not fond despair after the death of our friend Prime of emotional goodbyes. I have tried with Minister Rabin. some difficulty to honor his preference. But He led our efforts to secure the agreed I’d like to just mention a couple of things framework with North Korea to achieve a se- from the book because they particularly cure peace on the Korean Peninsula, to make the Dayton agreement first a reality. He touched me. He confesses his admiration in shepherded our alliances in Europe and Asia the book for George Marshall and Dean Ach- into a new historical era. eson, two World War II generation public He tried to bring new unity to our diplo- servants who defeated formidable foes but macy, between our diplomatic, our military, had the foresight to commit America to con- and our economic strategies, aggressively tinued leadership in a new world. In his fare- supporting NAFTA and GATT. He helped well address to the State Department, he us to reach out to the rest of the world in summoned their memory. I suspect that his new and innovative ways through the Asian admiration stems from the fact that they Pacific Economic Leaders meeting, the Sum- were Americans who put the needs of their mit of the Americas, the first White House country above their own, who were modest Conference on Africa. when they could be but forceful when they He understood how important it was for had to be, who possessed the stamina and us to maintain and intensify our partnership the steel to accomplish things that were truly with Russia, and we did a lot of good things extraordinary. He has all those qualities. together in those 4 years. More than any And I can tell you, every day I remain other previous Secretary of State, he under- grateful that somehow, someway, a few years stood that protecting the environment would ago our paths crossed. We became friends become an increasingly important area of and allies. I don’t think I’ve ever known any- international security, requiring greater one with quite the degree of selfless devotion international cooperation. He put the envi- to public service and aggressive pursuit of ronment where it belongs in the 21st cen- the Nation’s interest put into one compact, tury—in the mainstream of our diplomacy. brilliant person that I have seen in Warren Like his successor, Chris also fought tena- Christopher. ciously for the resources the State Depart- I am honored by his service and by his ment needs to do the job you do so well. friendship. And I thank you all for being here Now, Chris had about the lowest ratio of today to unveil his portrait. ego to accomplishment of any public servant Thank you very much.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 1:47 p.m. in the provements in the outlook for Social Secu- Benjamin Franklin Room at the State Depart- rity. They project that economic growth ment. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary today will extend the solvency of the Social Christopher’s wife, Marie, his son, Tom, and Security Trust Fund to 2034—2 years longer daughter-in-law, Oya; Secretary of Education than was projected in last year’s report. Richard W. Riley’s wife, Ann (Tunky); President Slobodan Milosevic of the Federal Republic of After that date, however, the Trust Fund Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); and Presi- will be exhausted, and Social Security will dent Jacques Chirac of France. The transcript not be able to pay the full benefits older made available by the Office of the Press Sec- Americans have been promised. Therefore, retary also included the remarks of former Sec- still I say we must move forward with my retary Christopher. plan to set aside 62 percent of the surplus for Social Security, investing a small portion in the private sector for better return, just Remarks on Receiving the Report of as any private or State government pension the Social Security and Medicare would do. Trustees and an Exchange With As I said in my State of the Union Address, Reporters we then must go further with difficult but March 30, 1999 achievable reforms that put Social Security on a sound footing for 75 years, that lift the The President. Thank you very much. earnings limitations on what seniors can earn, Please be seated. I welcome all of our guests and that do something about the incredible here, as well as the members of the adminis- problem of poverty among elderly women tration. And I thank those who have joined living alone. me here on the platform for this important The trustees have also told us that today announcement. the future for Medicare has improved even Twice in the last 6 years we have strength- more. The trustees project that the life of ened our Nation’s future in the 21st century the Medicare Trust Fund has been extended by addressing serious, great fiscal challenges until 2015. That’s 7 years longer than was to America. In 1993 we met the threat of projected in last year’s report. These im- mounting deficits and a stagnant economy provements are only partially due to the with an economic plan of fiscal discipline, ex- stronger economy. According to the trustees, panded trade, and investment in our people. they are also the result of the difficult but Thanks to that action, the red ink of the Fed- necessary decisions made in 1997 and to our eral budget has turned to black, and we are successful efforts to fight waste, fraud, and enjoying the longest peacetime expansion in abuse in the Medicare program. our Nation’s history. In 1997 we reaffirmed Now, this trustee report is very good news. our commitment to fiscal discipline with the We should be pleased; Americans can be bipartisan balanced budget agreement. It proud. But we should not be lulled into took important steps to improve Medicare, thinking that nothing more needs to be done, saving tens of billions of dollars in costs while because the improvements we see today, expanding benefits for recipients and themselves, did not happen by accident but choices. instead came as a result of determined action Today we have new evidence that those to make sure that the problems were not al- determined actions were the right ones. I lowed to get out of hand. have just been briefed by our four Social Se- When I became President 6 years ago, curity and Medicare trustees for the adminis- Medicare was actually projected to go bank- tration—Secretaries Rubin, Shalala, Her- rupt this year. We worked hard in 1993 and man, Social Security Commissioner Apfel— 1997 to make sure that didn’t happen. Some who are here with me today. The trustees of the actions we took at the time were not have issued their annual report on the future particularly popular, but we knew they had financial health of these vital programs. The to be done. They helped to strengthen Medi- trustees’ report shows that the strength of care, and they laid the foundations from the our economy has led to modest but real im- difficult challenges we still must face.

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Social Security and Medicare face long- Nothing could be further from the truth. term challenges, as all of you know, with the Strengthening and modernizing Medicare re- baby boom aging, with medical science ex- quires tough but achievable changes. And tending the lives of millions, with the number now is the time to make those changes—now of elderly Americans set to double by 2030. when our economy is strong; now when our Even with today’s good news, Social Security people have renewed confidence; and now will run out of money in 35 years, Medicare when we have time on our side so that mod- in 16 years. We cannot—we will not—allow est changes today can have major impacts in that to happen. the years ahead. For three decades, Medicare has pro- Nothing in this report lessens the need to tected seniors and the disabled while ex- devote 15 percent of the surplus to strength- pressing the values of care and mutual obliga- ening Medicare. But nothing in this report tions that bind families and the generations lessens the need to make tough but achiev- of Americans together. Since my State of the able reforms either. And nothing in this re- Union Address, I have called for devoting 15 port lessens the need to help seniors with percent of our surplus to strengthening Medicare, while modernizing the program a prescription drug benefit. If we wait, we with real reforms and helping seniors with will be condemning ourselves to future prescription drugs. changes that will be much more costly and When the Medicare commission com- wrenching and must less satisfying in the pleted its work 2 weeks ago, I said we must end. build on their recommendations by adopting Today, we face a choice that is a test of the best practices from the private sector our wisdom as a self-governing people and while also maintaining high-quality services, a test of our vision of 21st century America. continuing to provide every citizen with a Will we seize this moment of prosperity? Will guaranteed set of benefits, and making pre- we devote these surpluses to strengthening scription drugs more accessible and afford- Medicare, to strengthening our future? Or able to Medicare beneficiaries. will we rush and do the most appealing pros- Now we must build on the good news we pect of the moment, a tax cut that will ex- have received today. We must extend the life plode in later years and avoid our genera- of Medicare even further, modernize the tion’s responsibility and put the future of program even more, and make prescription Medicare at risk? drugs even more accessible and affordable. The trustees’ report is welcome news, but Medicare cannot remain static in the face of it also contains a clear lesson: Tough, dis- the sweeping changes in our Nation’s health ciplined action is good economics. It’s good care system, a system today that relies in- for Social Security; it’s good for Medicare; creasingly on prescription drugs. it’s good for America. It’s very good for our Today, 13 million seniors each spend more children’s future and for the future of our than $1,000 a year, out of pocket, for pre- families across the generations. scriptions. Let me say that again—13 million We can extend the life of Social Security seniors today spend more than $1,000 a year, out of pocket, for prescription medication. and Medicare and have an appropriate, af- At the same time, seniors who have no drug fordable amount of tax relief specially tar- coverage do not benefit from the lower prices geted to the neediest working families and that insurance firms often can negotiate from middle class families. But we have to apply pharmaceutical companies. The higher the lessons we have learned in the last 6 years prices these seniors pay are in effect a hidden to the first years of the 21st century. I am tax. We must find a way through Medicare determined to see that we do so this year. to inject more competition into the health And the trustees’ report should make it easier care system and to provide a prescription for us to fulfill our responsibilities. drug benefit. Thank you very much. Now, I know that some might say this good news means that we can simply delay reform.

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Serbian Proposal To Settle Situation in funding of $150 million to provide more than Kosovo $1 billion in loans for farmers and ranchers. Q. Sir, what do you think of Milosevic’s William J. Clinton offer to withdraw some troops if NATO stops bombing? The White House, The President. I agree with Chancellor March 30, 1999. Schroeder. NOTE: H.R. 808, approved March 30, was as- signed Public Law No. 106–5. NOTE: The President spoke at 2:57 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Statement on a Serbian Proposal To Germany. The exchange portion of this item could Settle the Situation in Kosovo not be verified because the tape was incomplete. March 30, 1999 I share the view of Chancellor Schroeder Statement on Signing Legislation that President Milosevic’s proposal is unac- Extending Bankruptcy Code ceptable. President Milosevic began this bru- Provisions tal campaign. It is his responsibility to bring it to an immediate end and embrace a just March 30, 1999 peace. There is a strong consensus in NATO that we must press forward with our military Today I have signed into law H.R. 808, action. which extends the provisions of chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code until October 1, 1999. Statement on the Death Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code was of Joe Williams enacted in 1986 to provide bankruptcy relief March 30, 1999 to our Nation’s family farmers, who at the time were suffering through a severe agricul- Hillary and I were deeply saddened to tural crisis. The provisions of chapter 12 en- learn of the death of jazz and blues great abled family farmers to meet this financial Joe Williams. He was a national treasure. For crisis by allowing them to reorganize their the better part of this century, America was debts and avoid the loss of their farms and blessed with Joe Williams’ smooth baritone way of life. voice and peerless interpretations of our fa- Despite the general widespread economic vorite ballads. Hearing Joe Williams sing at prosperity of recent years, many of our Na- the White House in 1993 remains one of my tion’s family farmers and ranchers are having favorite memories. Hillary and I are grateful difficulties and face losing their property and for the opportunity to have welcomed him their livelihoods. Chapter 12 is an effective back for the Kennedy Center Honors every tool to mitigate the effects of the current ag- year since. We send our prayers and deepest ricultural crisis on family farmers and ranch- sympathies to his family and friends. ers and on communities that depend upon them. By making it easier for family farmers to work out their debts, chapter 12 also bene- Message on the Observance fits creditors, who would be unlikely to ob- of Passover, 1999 tain repayment if these farmers and ranchers March 30, 1999 went out of business. Although I have signed this temporary ex- Warm greetings to all those observing tension, I urge the Congress to protect those Passover. family farmers and ranchers in financial dis- This sacred holiday commemorates God’s tress by making the provisions of chapter 12 liberation of the Israelites from slavery and permanent. I also urge the Congress to expe- the beginning of the Jewish people’s exodus dite passage of my request for emergency from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their

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journey through the desert was long and dif- Levin, ranking member, Senate Committee on ficult, but they were guided by the light of Armed Services; Ted Stevens, chairman, and Rob- their faith and sustained by their dream of ert C. Byrd, ranking member, Senate Committee liberty. When at last they arrived in the on Appropriations; Benjamin A. Gilman, chair- Promised Land, they rejoiced in their free- man, and Sam Gejdenson, ranking member, House Committee on International Relations; dom to worship God, to rebuild their com- C.W. Bill Young, chairman, and David R. Obey, munities, and to raise their children in the ranking member, House Committee on Appro- traditions and beliefs of the Jewish religion. priations; and Floyd Spence, chairman, and Ike As a people who have always cherished the Skelton, ranking member, House Committee on values of faith and freedom, all Americans Armed Services. can draw inspiration from the story of Pass- over. It reminds us of our ongoing journey to build our own Promised Land, where all Letter to Congressional Leaders people are free to worship according to their Transmitting a Report on Cyprus conscience and where our children can grow March 30, 1999 up safe from the shadows of intolerance and oppression. Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Chairman:) As families across the nation and around In accordance with Public Law 95–384 (22 the world gather to remember the liberation U.S.C. 2373(c)), I submit to you this report of the Israelites and to teach a new genera- on progress toward a negotiated settlement tion the ancient tradition of the Passover of the Cyprus question covering the period Seder and the reading of the Haggadah, let December 1, 1998, to January 31, 1999. us all give thanks for God’s sustaining love In an important step toward easing ten- and for the Jewish heritage that has so sions on Cyprus, the Government of Cyprus strengthened and enriched our national life. announced on December 29 that the S–300 Hillary joins me in extending best wishes anti-aircraft missiles that it had ordered from for a joyous Passover celebration. Russia would not be delivered to the island. This positive and welcome decision gave im- Bill Clinton portant new impetus to efforts to reduce ten- sions and promote a just and lasting settle- Letter to Congressional Leaders ment of the Cyprus dispute. Transmitting a Report on Chemical The United Nations remained active dur- and Biological Weapons Defense ing the reporting period in the effort to re- solve the Cyprus dispute. In addition to re- March 30, 1999 newing the mandate for the U.N. Forces in Dear lllll: Cyprus (UNFICYP), the U.N. Security Attached is a report to the Congress on Council adopted Resolution 1218 that en- Chemical and Biological Weapons Defense, dorsed the Secretary General’s September 30 submitted pursuant to Condition 11(F) of the initiative to reduce tensions and promote a resolution of advice and consent to ratifica- just and lasting peace on Cyprus. In a De- tion of the Convention on the Prohibition of cember 23 statement, I wholeheartedly en- the Development, Production, Stockpiling dorsed Resolution 1218 and directed that the and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their United States take all necessary steps to sup- Destruction, adopted by the United States port a sustained effort to implement it. As Senate on April 24, 1997. I said then and wish to emphasize now, the Sincerely, United States remains deeply committed to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus prob- William J. Clinton lem. Sincerely, NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives; William J. Clinton Jesse Helms, chairman, and Joseph R. Biden, Jr., ranking member, Senate Committee on Foreign NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Relations; John W. Warner, chairman, and Carl Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives,

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and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on and I thought about it. I thought about how Foreign Relations. grateful I am to the members of this organi- zation for the phenomenal successes you Remarks at the Electronic Industries have enjoyed in these last few years and the Alliance Dinner major contributions you have made to the economy of the United States, the opportuni- March 30, 1999 ties you have given our people. And I thought Thank you. First of all, I want to thank about this terrible brutality that is going on you all for giving me a chance to come to- in Kosovo, replaying what happened not so night. I thank my longtime friend Dave long ago in Bosnia, and in a way, replaying McCurdy for his introduction and for his what we see around the world, the modern leadership of EIA. You made a good decision world, that seems to be troubled with ancient when you named him your president. And hatreds rooted in racial and ethnic and reli- I know what you’re laughing about out there. gious differences. [Laughter] Two or 3 years from now, you’ll If you think about the major forces alive think it’s an even better decision. [Laughter] in the world today, the move toward I want to also pay my respects to your vice globalization and the explosion in technology, president, John Kelly, who went to George- especially in information and communica- town with me, although he’s a much younger tions, they really not only, as all of you know man. [Laughter] John—when I was a senior, better than I, are dramatically changing the John was actually president of the freshman way we work and live and relate to each other class. And I’ve been trying to think out of and to the rest of the world. They represent respect for the will of the people—the only both a pull toward integration and a dramatic people we knew back then—whether I force toward decentralization. And I would should still address him as ‘‘Mr. President.’’ argue to you that both forces have within [Laughter] But then that would confuse the them the potential for enormous good and EIA, so I didn’t do it. enormous trouble for the world of the 21st Mr. Major, thank you for your invitation. century. Mr. McGinn, thank you for your remarks. If you think about the forces toward inte- That was very impressive. I couldn’t even gration of the global economy, for example, keep up with all the new things you an- that’s a wonderful thing. But it can be very nounced tonight. destabilizing if we leave whole countries and I’m glad that our FCC Chairman, Bill vast populations within countries behind. Kennard, is here, and I think Secretary of If you think about the explosion in tech- the Army Louis Caldera is also here. And nology and how wonderful it is in empow- General Jones, I thought you gave a terrific ering individuals and small firms and com- invocation. Thank you very much. I appre- munities, and enabling communities—little ciate that. schools I’ve seen in poor African and Latin You know, I was trying to think tonight American villages—to hook up to the Inter- whether there was any way I could say what net and have access to learning that would I originally wanted to come here and say, have taken them a whole generation, at least, which is to talk about some of the technology to achieve through traditional economic de- policies that we’re trying to pursue that I velopment processes in their countries. It is hope will help you, but in the process will breathtaking. strengthen our democracy and the sweep of But looked at another way, it also provides opportunity and freedom around the world, access to technology for every terrorist in the and at the same time say a few words, as world to have their own website, and for I feel I must, about our important mission independent operators to figure out how to in Kosovo. make bombs and set up chemical and bio- And before I came over here tonight, I logical labs. had a long meeting, and I went and had what And when married together with the most has now become almost my daily phone call primitive hatreds, like those we see manifest with Prime Minister Blair. And I sat down in Kosovo today, the advent of technology

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and decentralized decisionmaking and access literally legitimate not only to uproot totally to information can be a very potent but de- innocent civilians from their homes and their structive force. villages but to kill them in large numbers. When I ran for President in 1992, what This is, of course, not confined to the I was seeking to do was to articulate a vision Balkans; it is still at the root of the troubles to the American people of the way I wanted in the Middle East; it is still at the root of America to look in the 21st century, in a the problems we are oh so close to getting world I hope we would be living in then, finally resolved in Northern Ireland; it was and what I thought the President and the at the root of an ancient tribal difference that Government of the United States should do: led to the deaths of somewhere between to take advantage of the benefits of 500,000 and 800,000 people in 100 days in globalization and the explosion of technology Rwanda just a few years ago. and to provide those policies and bulwarks We see it everywhere, the fear of the necessary to guard against the deepest prob- other. It led a couple of demented people lems of the modern world. There are so many in a little Texas town to dismember and drag things bringing us together and so many an African-American to death and a couple things breaking apart. We have to decide a of other people in Wyoming to kill a young lot of new questions. man at the dawn of his life, apparently be- And if I could just say a word about what cause he was gay. we tried to do—and Dave McCurdy and I We have to find a way to use all this tech- have been working on this through the nology in a way that celebrates our dif- Democratic Leadership Council for more ferences instead of uses them for destructive than 15 years—I believe that if we could cre- ends. And the only way to do that, I am con- ate a country in which there was genuine op- vinced, is to somehow reaffirm that amidst portunity for every responsible citizen, and all our differences, what it is we have in com- in which we had a real sense of community, mon as human beings is more important. of belonging, of mutual responsibility, one to And ultimately, that is the liberating logic another, so we all felt we would be better of the telecommunications revolution, so off if everybody had a chance as well; and much of you have powered. The idea that that if we could maintain America’s sense of if we just gave everybody a chance, ordinary responsibility for leading the rest of the world people would do extraordinary things, and so toward peace and prosperity and harmony, they have. both with the environment and with others And so I ask all of you tonight to support across all the lines that divide us, that the what the United States and our 18 other best days for our country and the best days NATO allies are trying to do in the Balkans— for humanity were still ahead. I still believe first, because of all the little people who may that. never even see most of the things you invent Every story you can tell about every com- and sell and market, but who could if they pany represented in this room reflects that. could live in peace. Second, because the But we cannot forget that there will never problems could spread, and you see them be- be a time when life is free of difficulties and ginning to spread with the outflow of refu- where the organized forces of destruction did gees. And third, because the United States not seek to move into the breaches of human and our allies will always have to provide for conduct for their own advance. some order in a world where you want to And that is what we see in Kosovo. It is maximize freedom and individual initiative. a sad commentary, indeed, that on the edge There have to be some limits beyond which of a new millennium there are still people we collectively do not wish to see our country who feel they must define their own self- go, our world go. worth and merit in terms of who they are I know you had Congressman Davis and not; and who believe that their lives only real- Governor Gilmore here today. The White ly count not when they are lifting themselves House, as all of you know, is quite close to up but when they are holding someone else the Potomac River. Right across the river in down; and sometimes who believe that it is Virginia—I used to run down there every day

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and look at this and just be amazed—in the to know that’s how I think about this. I see Fairfax County School District, there are myself trying to help create the conditions children from 180 different racial, ethnic, of dynamic balance so we can get the max- and national groups. They speak about 100 imum benefit from market economics with- different languages as their first language. It out giving up the idea of community and is the most diverse of all American school without leaving anyone behind who’s willing districts; but what they represent is hap- to try to do the right thing. pening everywhere. And I see our environmental policy in the I went home a couple of weeks ago to the same way. I think we have to take on the little town in Arkansas where I was born. challenge of climate change because I’m con- There are about 9,700 people there now. It’s vinced the science is real; but I believe we a lot bigger than it was when I was born can do it in a way that grows the economy, there. And there is a little grade school in not undermines it. And all the big questions this little town in southwest Arkansas named we’re facing this year as a country require for me—which I appreciate; usually you have that sort of decisionmaking. You don’t have to die before they do that. [Laughter] And to agree with the decision I make, but you anyway, in this little grade school in my little ought to ask yourself what is the basis of your hometown there are 27 immigrant children, decision. first generation immigrant children whose We’re dealing with the challenge, for ex- parents, by and large, were migrant farm- ample, of the aging of America. And the workers who settled there. older I get, the better I like that challenge. This is an incredible asset for America. But [Laughter] I’ve never understood all this we have to say to people, whatever your na- handwringing about Social Security and tional background, whatever your racial Medicare, this is a high-class problem. background, whatever your religious convic- Laughter tions, you can have a home here in this coun- [ ] Some of you have helped to bring try and you ought to be safe in the world it about. [Laughter] We’re living longer, and if you are willing to abide by the norms of that’s good, isn’t it? And there’s more medi- civilized conduct everywhere. We must not cine, and that’s good, isn’t it? But as a con- allow, if we have the ability to stop it, ethnic sequence, you know, the average age in cleansing or genocide anywhere we can stop America is 76.7 years. it, particularly at the edge of Europe. Anybody in this room over 60 who still So I ask you to support our men and doesn’t have any life-threatening conditions women in uniform, but to support the propo- has probably got a life expectancy well in ex- sition that the 21st century world will be a cess of 80 years already. Any child born in case of—yes, there will be a lot more decen- America that’s under the age of 15 that’s tralization, there will be a lot more individual healthy and stays healthy has probably got empowerment, but it will not be a time of a life expectancy of about 84. And with the chaos and madness. We will not let it de- baby boomers retiring, this is an issue we scend into the vision of the darkest of the have to deal with. science fiction writers, because we believe Now, I’ll tell you how I think about this. our common humanity is better than that. I believe we should make maximum use of Thank you. [Applause] Thank you; thank you. technology, maximum use of modern busi- Now I want to say what I came to say. ness organizations and competition. I think [Laughter] But it relates to what I just said. that we have to be willing to reform the I believe in the information age the role of Medicare system. But I don’t believe we Government is to empower people with the should turn the Medicare system into, in ef- tools to make the most of their own lives, fect, a defined contribution, as opposed to to tear down the barriers to that objective, a defined benefit plan, because health care and to create the conditions within which we is not like retirement, and it’s a lifesaver for can go forward together. people. Now, the answers to all the questions will And I’m willing to work with Congress to not always be easy. But at least I want you save it. And we’ll have some philosophical

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differences, but I’m trying to achieve the dy- I want to do something about single women, namic balance of maximizing the change because the poverty rate among elderly sin- while maximizing the sense of community gle women, if they’re living alone, is about and the fact that it’s a lifesaver for so many twice the poverty rate for other seniors in people. our country. That’s the framework in which Social Security—we’re going to have an in- I hope this debate will play itself out and teresting debate. By 2030 we’ll only have two get resolved this year. people working for every one person drawing The last issue I’ll tell you is that I firmly Social Security. Now, by 2034, 35 years from believe we ought to deal with Social Security now, the Social Security system is projected and Medicare in a way that maximizes the to run out of money, the Trust Fund, which amount of the surplus we use over the next means you only have three choices: You can 15 years to buy down the public debt. raise revenues, reduce benefits, or increase Now, that is much less popular than the the rate of return on what we’re investing. alternative proposal by the congressional ma- And there are a lot of people who believe jority, which is to give most of the surplus that we should, in effect, take this surplus away right now in a tax cut. It’s your money and give it back to the American people as anyway, they say. And of course, it is. It is mandatory individual retirement accounts; your money anyway. But keep in mind, our let them invest it in the stock market, be- country quadrupled the national debt be- cause the stock market always outperforms tween 1981 and 1993. And in an uncertain the Government bonds over any long period economic climate in the rest of the world, of time. And if you happen to be one of those with all the financial troubles you’ve seen in unfortunate people who retire in a period Asia, it seems to me to be given a chance like we had between—in the 1960’s and early to pay down our debt to the lowest level seventies, where the value of the stock mar- we’ve had since before World War I is better ket is going down, then the Government for most of you than a short-term impact of would make up the difference between what a tax cut. you would have gotten under the old Social Why? Because it will give us lower interest Security program and what you in fact get. rates, lower inflation; it will lower interest The other way to do it is to do what Can- rates for countries that have to borrow money ada does, which is set up an independent that you want to sell your products to; it will board, like the Federal Reserve, and let the maximize growth; it will, therefore, maximize whole Trust Fund earn money. And then income and job-generating potential in you’ll know you’ll always be able to have uni- America. And to me, the benefits of having form, but higher, returns for people. an America that could be out of debt in 17 None of us want—no Republican or Dem- years, that’s quite staggering. Because we ocrat I’ve talked to believes we should raise might have to borrow money ourselves some- payroll taxes, because the tax is regressive. day, again, and we don’t ever want to do— More than half the working people in the ever get back to the way we were when we country already pay more in payroll taxes were having to borrow money just to pay the than they do in income taxes; and small busi- bills. nesses just getting started have to pay that, Most of your companies have borrowed a whether they make money or not, unlike the lot of money, but presumably, you didn’t do income tax. So we don’t believe that’s an ac- it very often just to make payroll. And that ceptable thing. is what we—that’s the decision we’ve been So when you hear this debate, think of the given the opportunity to deal with. So it dynamic balance; think of how you can maxi- seems to me that’s the right decision to do. mize the market forces that are good and still And I think that—when I look at our tech- preserve a sense of community so—and nology policy, I think about that. I think maybe even improve it. For example, I want about how can we have the dynamic balance, to lift the earnings limitations because people how can we maximize this. This is almost 100 are living longer, and I think once you earn percent positive good. And if there is some- Social Security, you ought to be able to work. thing that has to be done to limit it in any

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way, shape, or form, how can we minimize sometimes I have the feeling that we’re look- the damage to the economy and to the rapid ing for a new enemy in America. I’m not spread of opportunity. looking for a new enemy. I didn’t pick Mr. Now, that’s what we’ve tried to do for 6 Milosevic, for example. His conduct made years, and it’s worked pretty well. So we’ve him the adversary of the United States and cut the deficit and balanced the budget, but people who believe in the inherent dignity almost doubled investment in education and of every religious and ethnic group in the training. world. I did not look for a new enemy. I believe very strongly that we have to con- So I say to you, if you want us to go forward tinue to expand trade. That’s another issue. with China, then remind everybody the same Most of you support that position. Most of debates we’re having about China today are you believe the President should be given being held about the United States in China. fast-track authority. And most of you believe I promise you there are people inside the if we can get an agreement with China that high councils of government who say, ‘‘Those is good for the American economy, we should Americans don’t want us to amount to a hill extend the opportunity to them to join the of beans. Those Americans want us to be World Trade Organization. I believe that. their enemy so they will have a way to in- But I ask you to think about how are we crease the defense budget. Those Americans going to get this passed in a Congress where will do everything they can to promote dis- there are some people who are afraid of trade cord in our country; that’s why they’re all for and some people who are basically—they’re political and human rights. They want us to afraid trade hurts more of the people they just pure disintegrate, just like we did once represent than it helps—and others just are before.’’ And by the time—you know, you afraid trade gives power to countries that just keep on talking like that, and there is they feel will be adversaries of the United enough mutual misunderstanding until fi- States over the long run. Some people feel nally you get the political equivalent of a di- that about China now, that they’re inevitably vorce. our adversary. So I say we should be careful. We should I say there has to be a dynamic balance evaluate our partners, our friends, our poten- here. We should be trading more. We should tial adversaries based on the facts at hand. be opening our markets more. We should be But we should always be working for the best getting more open markets, but we should future, even as we prepare for something we make sure we’re investing what is necessary might not like. And that’s where I think you here to help people who are dislocated by are. trade through no fault of their own, and we So I ask you to work with us to help to should support the same thing in other coun- fashion a fast-track bill, for example, that will tries. When we elevate trade, if we increase reflect a new consensus on trade; that will national income it should lift the incomes of be able to say: we want more trade, but we all working people. It should be a race to want to lift people up and we don’t want to the top, not a race to the bottom. tear the environment up, and there is a way And when we deal with China, we should to do that. And, yes, we would like to have recognize that we’re advantaged when we a good relationship with China that includes open China more, economically, informa- a frank, sometimes even uncomfortable air- tionally, culturally; but if we have honest dif- ing of our differences, but we recognize that ferences with them over political and human the Chinese people will be better off, and rights, we ought to say it. And we ought to we’ll be less likely to have conflict in the 21st encourage them to air their differences with century if there is more constructive relation- us but not in a way that isolates us one from ships—not just commerce, but also culture, another. education, all kinds of information. And so Keep in mind what I said to you about let’s try to build that sort of relationship. these ethnic wars. There are people who can- And that again I say, it seems to me you not bear to live without somebody to be folks are in a unique position to make these afraid of or look down on. And there are— arguments because if you take—well, Rich

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was giving his speech tonight, and I was Two years ago the Vice President and I re- thinking about what his company does in leased a framework for seizing the potential Newark, New Jersey. Now, most of the peo- of global electronic commerce. We said the ple there helping in Newark, New Jersey, will Internet should be a free-trade zone, with never work for Lucent. But it will be a more incentives for competition, protection for successful company if everybody is at least consumers and children, supervised not by literate enough to make a decent living, have Government but by the people who use the a good job, and buy those products. And life Internet every day. Most of you thought that will be a lot better if every inner city in this was a pretty good idea. country has a set of thriving businesses be- Now, in the coming months we’ve got to yond the drug trade, and where the children fill in the blanks of that nice sounding general feel safe walking on the street, and where statement. I want to work with you to find the schools are functioning at a high level ways to give consumers the same protection and people aren’t dropping out of school. in the virtual mall they now have at the shop- And so they invest in that; not because it ping mall, to enhance the security and pri- immediately shows up on the bottom line, vacy of financial transactions on the Internet, but because they have a sense that life is of an increasingly deep concern of citizens ev- a whole texture and you have to understand erywhere, and to bring advanced, high-speed what these relationships are. That’s what we connections into homes and small businesses. have to do as Americans. And that’s how we I may not know as much about cable have to look at this. modems or T–1 lines as the Vice President— So let me just mention two or three spe- [laughter]—‘‘may’’ is a misleading word cific things that I think we should do in your there. [Laughter] But I know what this can area—and I ask you for your help. First, we do for our children’s future. have to work to keep America’s lead in science and technology, which means you The third thing I’d like to ask you to do have to do your part, but we have to do ours. relates to something Dave McCurdy talked Basic Government investment in research about. I want you to help us continue to work and development is important and fulfills a to bridge the digital divide. We have to have role fundamentally different from that done shared prosperity and leave no one behind. by most companies. Today, affluent schools still are more likely Tonight I ask you to help us to increase than disadvantaged ones to have Internet ac- our investment for the seventh straight year cess in the classrooms. And white households in research and development. Our budget are more than twice as likely to own a com- provides those kinds of investments that will puter as black or Hispanic ones. The digital spur the next generation of information tech- divide has begun to narrow, but it won’t dis- nology, meet the challenge of climate appear on its own. We’ll have to work at it. change, find new cures for medical difficul- Dave talked about the first NetDay in ties, explore space, protect our infrastructure 1996. Listen to that—before that day, only against terrorist attacks. 8 percent of our classrooms were wired to The budget resolution passed by the con- the Internet. Today, well over half of them gressional majority would inevitably lead to are, and we are well on our way to connecting big reductions in many of these investments. every classroom to the Internet by the end It is not necessary for us to do this. We can of next year. find a way to be fiscally responsible without I’d like to ask you to do one other thing, cutting our R and D investments, and I ask as well. A lot of you have had a hard time for your help in that regard. finding sufficiently trained workers in the Second, I ask you to work with me to main- United States to do the work you need done. tain the right conditions for entrepreneurship Last year I agreed to increase the number in electronics. Just a few years ago, E-com- of H–1B visas as an emergency measure. But merce did not exist. In 4 years, retail trade over the long run, the answer to this problem on the Internet could reach $100 billion, of the lack of skilled workers cannot simply business-to-business trade above a trillion. be to look beyond our borders. Surely, a part

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of it has to be to better train people within But in the end, there will be these gaps, our borders to do this work. and someone must be standing in the gap For many years, your foundation has made to reaffirm our basic devotion to freedom and this a top priority, and many individual firms democracy, to peace and prosperity, and to have, as well. Cisco Systems is now working the principle that we must be a community, to establish a networking academy, for exam- that out of many we are one, and that we ple, in every empowerment zone high school are still about the business of our Founding that wants one. These academies will provide Fathers, forming a more perfect Union. students with the skills they need to get cer- Thank you, and God bless you all. tified for jobs in information technology. It’s like giving a student a first-class ticket to a NOTE: The President spoke at 8:25 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. In high-skill, high-wage future. We have to do his remarks, he referred to John E. Major, chair- more of that. man, Electronic Industries Alliance; Richard A. Because you have done so well, I would McGinn, chairman and chief executive officer, argue that you have larger responsibilities as Lucent Technologies; Brig. Gen. Hiram (Doc) citizens than those who have not. And many Jones, USAF, Deputy Chief of Chaplains, who of you are fulfilling them remarkably. gave the invocation; Prime Minister Tony Blair The last thing I’d like to say is this: You of the United Kingdom; Gov. James S. Gilmore were very kind when I spoke about Kosovo III of Virginia; and President Slobodan Milosevic earlier—kind to stand, maybe just hoping I of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). was through with my speech. [Laughter] I believe there is a hunger for substantive in- formation on the part of our citizens greater Statement on the Conventional than I have ever seen before. And the more Armed Forces in Europe Treaty you give them ways to get information, the March 31, 1999 more hungry they feel. But keep in mind, you can sit in front of your television and I am very pleased that yesterday nego- channel-surf all night long. You can have 50 tiators from the 30 countries that are party channels, or 70 or 80 or 90. You may pick to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces up a lot of facts, and you may go to bed in Europe (CFE) reached an agreement set- bleary-eyed at 3 in the morning, and the next ting the stage for a final adapted treaty. All day your understanding of what it is you have countries agreed to deeper limits on their seen or heard might not be any greater. conventional forces and stronger measures to And so the last thing I would like to say ensure compliance. The decision preserves is, with your employees, with those in the NATO’s ability to fulfill its post-cold-war community with whom you work, help peo- missions, to ensure its new members are full ple to understand that the forces of military partners, and to deepen its engage- globalization can be good, but they present ment with Partnership For Peace states. It challenges that must be met. Help people also takes into account the interests of non- understand that the forces of decentraliza- NATO states and helps fulfill the commit- tion, of the breaking up of old blocs can be ment President Yeltsin and I made last Sep- a magnificent story of individual empower- tember to conclude a final adapted treaty by ment and democratization, but they, too, the OSCE summit this year. present challenges that must be met. At a time when we are trying to end a I have done everything I could to fashion pattern of escalating insecurity, brutality, and a Government that could do its part to meet armed conflict in the Balkans, I am gratified those challenges. It’s the smallest Govern- that these 30 countries, comprising the vast ment we’ve had since President Kennedy was majority of European nations, are moving in here. It has given more power to States and a different direction. Together, we are build- localities. It works more with community ing a Europe in which armies prepare to groups and churches and social programs. It stand beside their neighbors, not against does a lot of things that need to be done them, and security depends on cooperation, badly, and I’m sure we can do better. not competition.

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Executive Order 13117—Further Executive Order 13118— Amendment to Executive Order Implementation of the Foreign 12981, as Amended Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 March 31, 1999 March 31, 1999 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the By the authority vested in me as President United States of America and in order to fur- by the Constitution and the laws of the ther the implementation of the reorganiza- United States of America, including section tion of the Arms Control and Disarmament 621 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, Agency (ACDA) into the Department of as amended (22 U.S.C. 2381), and section State, in this instance by eliminating ACDA’s 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby vote on dual-use export license decisions in ordered as follows: the administration of export controls, it is Section 1. Part 1–1 of Executive Order hereby ordered that Executive Order 12981, 12163, as amended, is amended to read as as amended (‘‘Executive Order 12981’’), is follows: further amended as follows: Section 1. The second sentence of section ‘‘1–1. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 1 of Executive Order 12981 is amended by ‘‘1–100. Delegation of Functions. (a) Ex- deleting ‘‘, and the Arms Control and Disar- clusive of the functions otherwise delegated, mament Agency’’. or reserved to the President, by this order, Sec. 2. The second sentence of section Executive Order 12884, Executive Order 5(a)(1)(A) of Executive Order 12981 is 11579, and Executive Order 12757, and sub- amended by adding ‘‘and’’ after ‘‘the Sec- ject to the provisions of such orders, there retary of Defense’’ and before ‘‘the Secretary are hereby delegated to the Secretary of of Energy,’’ and deleting ‘‘, and the Director State (referred to in this Part as the ‘‘Sec- of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agen- retary’’) all functions conferred upon the cy.’’ President by: Sec. 3. The first sentence of section ‘‘(1) the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 5(a)(2) of Executive Order 12981 is amended (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) (‘‘Act’’); by deleting ‘‘, and the Arms Control and Dis- (i) except that with respect to section armament Agency.’’ 505(a) of the Act, such functions only Sec. 4. The second sentence of section insofar as those functions relate to other 5(a)(3)(A) of Executive Order 12981 is provisions which may be required by the amended by deleting ‘‘, and the Arms Con- President or only insofar as they relate trol and Disarmament Agency.’’ to consent; Sec. 5. The first sentence of section 6 of (ii) except that with respect to section 505(b) of the Act, such functions only Executive Order 12981 is amended by delet- insofar as those functions pertain to ing ‘‘and the Arms Control and Disarmament countries that agree to the conditions set Agency’’. forth therein; ‘‘(2) section 1205(b) of the International William J. Clinton Security and Development Cooperation Act The White House, of 1985 (‘‘ISDCA of 1985’’); ‘‘(3) section 8(d) of the Act of January 12, March 31, 1999. 1971 (22 U.S.C. 2321b(d)); ‘‘(4) section 607 of the International Secu- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, rity Assistance and Arms Export Control Act 8:45 a.m., April 2, 1999] of 1976 (22 U.S.C. 2394a); ‘‘(5) section 402(b)(2) of title 10, United NOTE: This Executive order was published in the States Code, which shall be exercised in con- Federal Register on April 5. sultation with the Secretary of Defense;

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‘‘(6) the third proviso under the heading ‘‘(e) The Secretary may redelegate to any ‘‘Development Assistance’’ contained in title other officer or agency of the Executive II of the Foreign Operations, Export Financ- branch functions delegated to the Secretary ing, and Related Programs Appropriations by this order to the extent such delegation Act, 1999 (as contained in Public Law 105– is not otherwise prohibited by law.’’. 277); Sec. 2. Part 1–2 of Executive Order 12163, ‘‘(7) section 572 of the Foreign Operations, as amended, is amended to read as follows: Export Financing, and Related Programs Ap- propriations Act, 1989 (Public Law 100–461); ‘‘1–2. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR ‘‘(8) sections 508, 517, 518, 528(a), 535, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 539, 544, 561, 563, 572, 574, 575, 585, 594 ‘‘1–200. United States Agency for Inter- of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, national Development. and Related Programs Appropriations Act, ‘‘(a) The United States Agency for Inter- 1999 (as contained in Public Law 105–277); national Development is an independent es- ‘‘(9) section 523 of the Foreign Operations, tablishment within the Executive branch. Export Financing, and Related Programs Ap- Any reference in the Act to the agency pri- propriations Act, 1999 (as contained in Public marily responsible for administering part I Law 105–277), which shall be exercised in of the Act, or to the Administrator of such consultation with the Secretary of the Treas- agency, shall be deemed to be a reference ury; to the United States Agency for International ‘‘(10) section 551 of the Foreign Oper- Development or to the Administrator of that ations, Export Financing, and Related Pro- agency, as appropriate. grams Appropriations Act, 1999 (as con- ‘‘(b) The United States Agency for Inter- tained in Public Law 105–277); national Development shall be headed by an ‘‘(11) section 591 of the Foreign Oper- Administrator appointed pursuant to section ations, Export Financing, and Related Pro- 624(a) of the Act. grams Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law ‘‘(c) The officers provided for in section 105–118), and the provisions of law ref- 624(a) of the Act shall serve in the United erenced therein; States Agency for International Develop- ‘‘(12) section 821(b) of the Western Hemi- ment. sphere Drug Elimination Act (as contained ‘‘(d) The Office of Small Business provided in Public Law 105–277). for in section 602(b) of the Act shall be in ‘‘(b) The functions under section 653 of the United States Agency for International the Act delegated to the Secretary shall be Development. exercised in consultation with the Secretary ‘‘(e) To the extent practicable, the Admin- of Defense, insofar as they relate to functions istrator of the United States Agency for under the Act administered by the Depart- International Development will exercise ment of Defense, and the Director of the functions relating to Foreign Service per- Office of Management and Budget. sonnel in a manner that will assure maximum ‘‘(c) The functions under sections 239(f), compatibility among agencies authorized by 620(e), 620(g), 620(j), 620(q), and 620(s) of law to utilize the Foreign Service personnel the Act delegated to the Secretary shall be system. To this end, the Administrator shall exercised in consultation with the Adminis- consult regularly with the Secretary of trator of the United States Agency for Inter- State.’’. national Development. Sec. 3. Part 1–3 of Executive Order 12163, ‘‘(d) The Secretary shall perform all public as amended, is amended in section 301(c) information functions abroad with respect to by striking ‘‘part II of the Act (except chap- the foreign assistance, aid, and development ters 4, 6, and 8 thereof)’’ and inserting in programs of the United States Government, lieu thereof ‘‘chapters 2 and 5 of part II of to the extent such functions are not specifi- the Act’’. cally assigned by statute to be performed by Sec. 4. Part 1–4 of Executive Order 12163, a different officer. as amended, is revoked.

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Sec. 5. Part 1–5 of Executive Order 12163, (a) request and receive information from as amended, is amended as follows: any agency that is subject to this delega- (1) in section 1–501(c), by striking ‘‘Direc- tion; tor, as provided in Executive Order 11269 (b) carry out all responsibilities associated of February 14, 1966, as amended’’ and in- with implementing the Government serting in lieu thereof ‘‘Secretary of State’’; Performance and Results Act, the Gov- (2) section 1–504 is revoked; ernment Management Reform Act, and (3) section 1–505 is amended to read as other comparable government-wide follows: statutes dealing with management; and ‘‘1–505. Trade and Development Agency. (c) carry out all statutory budget and policy There is delegated to the Director of the coordination responsibilities assigned to Trade and Development Agency the func- the Director of the Office of Manage- tions conferred upon the President by sec- ment and Budget by statute or Execu- tion 661(d) of the Act.’’; tive order. (4) section 1–506 is revoked. Sec. 8. Part 1–8 of Executive Order 12163, Sec. 6. Part 1–6 of Executive Order 12163, as amended, is amended to read as follows: as amended, is amended as follows: (1) in section 1–602, by striking ‘‘Director ‘‘1–8 FUNDS of IDCA, the Director’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Secretary of State, the Secretary’’; ‘‘1–800. Allocation of Funds. Funds de- and scribed below that are appropriated or other- (2) in section 1–604, by striking ‘‘, title IV wise made available to the President shall be of the IDC Act of 1979 or section 402 of deemed to be allocated without any further the Mutual Security Act of 1954’’. action of the President, as follows: Sec. 7. Part 1–7 of Executive Order 12163, ‘‘(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) as amended, is amended as follows: and (c), there are allocated to the Sec- (1) in section 1–701(a)— retary all funds made available for car- (A) by striking ‘‘662(a),’’; and rying out the Act, including any funds (B) by inserting ‘‘493,’’ after ‘‘298(a),’’; appropriated under the heading ‘‘Non- (2) by striking section 1–701(b), and redes- proliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining ignating subsections ‘‘(c)’’ and ‘‘(d)’’ as sub- and Related Programs’’. sections ‘‘(b)’’ and ‘‘(c)’’, respectively; ‘‘(b) There are allocated to the Secretary (3) in section 1–701(c), (as redesignated of Defense all funds made available for by this section)— carrying out chapters 2 and 5 of Part (A) by inserting ‘‘209(d),’’ before ‘‘303’’; II of the Act. (B) by striking ‘‘481’’ and inserting in lieu ‘‘(c) There are allocated to the Secretary thereof ‘‘490’’; and of the Treasury all funds made available (C) by striking ‘‘, 669(b)(1), 670(a), for carrying out section 129 of the Act. 670(b)(2), and 670(b)(3)’’; ‘‘(d) The Secretary of State, the Secretary (4) in section 1–701(g), by striking ‘‘131,’’; of Defense, and the Secretary of the (5) in section 1–702— Treasury may allocate or transfer as ap- (A) by striking ‘‘Director’’ and inserting in propriate any funds received under sub- lieu thereof ‘‘Secretary’’; and sections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, (B) by striking ‘‘IDCA’’ and inserting in respectively, to any agency or part there- lieu thereof ‘‘the Department of State’’; of for obligation or expenditure thereby (6) by adding a new section 1–703 to read consistent with applicable law. as follows: Sec. 9. Part 1–9 of Executive Order 12163, ‘‘1–703. Office of Management and Budget. as amended, is amended as follows: (1) in In this order the Director of the Office of section 1–902(c), by striking ‘‘hereafter-en- Management and Budget shall retain all au- acted’’; and (2) by revoking sections 1–903(c) thorities related to the implementating of his and 1–903(d). budgetary and policy coordination functions, Sec. 10. The following Executive orders including the authority to: are revoked or amended:

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(1) Executive Order 12884 of December ing in lieu thereof ‘‘United States Agency for 1, 1993, is amended— International Development’’. (a) in section 3, by striking the section (8) Executive Order 11958 of January 18, heading and all that follows through 1977, is amended in section 2 by striking ‘‘the ‘‘by:’’, and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Sec- Director of the United States International retary of State-Additional Functions. Development Cooperation Agency, the Di- There are delegated to the Secretary of rector of the Arms Control and Disarmament State the functions conferred upon the Agency,’’. President by:’’; and (9) Executive Order 11269 of February 14, (b) in section 6(a), by striking ‘‘3, 4, and 1966, is amended— 5’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘4 and (A) in section 1(b), by striking ‘‘Director 5’’. of the International Development Co- (2) Executive Order 12703 of February 20, operation Agency’’ and inserting in lieu 1990, is amended by amending section 2 to read as follows: thereof ‘‘Administrator of the United ‘‘Sec. 2. Department of State. The func- States Agency for International Devel- tions conferred upon the President by sec- opment’’; tion 201 of the Act relating to Enterprise (B) in section 4(a), by striking ‘‘Director Funds for Poland and Hungary are hereby of the International Development Co- delegated to the Secretary of State.’’. operation Agency’’ and inserting in lieu (3) Executive Order 12599 of June 23, thereof ‘‘Secretary of State’’, in both 1987, is revoked. places that it appears; and (4) Executive Order 12293 of February 23, (C) in section 7, by striking ‘‘Functions of 1981, is amended— the Director of the International Devel- (A) in section 2, by striking ‘‘Director of opment Cooperation Agency. As the the United States International Devel- principal international development ad- opment Cooperation Agency’’ and in- visor to the President, the Director of serting in lieu thereof ‘‘Administrator of the International Development Co- the United States Agency for Inter- operation Agency’’ and inserting in lieu national Development’’; and thereof ‘‘Functions of the Secretary of (B) in section 9, by striking ‘‘United States State. The Secretary of State’’. International Development Coopera- (10) Executive Order 11223 of May 12, tion Agency’’ and inserting in lieu there- 1965, is amended by striking ‘‘Director of the of ‘‘United States Agency for Inter- United States International Development national Development’’ in both places Cooperation Agency (with respect to func- this phrase appears. tions vested in or delegated to the Director)’’ (5) Executive Order 12301 of March 26, and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Administrator 1981, is amended in subsection (b)(23) by of the United States Agency for International striking ‘‘Director of the United States Inter- national Development Cooperation Agency’’ Development (with respect to functions vest- and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘Administrator ed in or delegated to the Administrator)’’. of the United States Agency for International (11) The Memorandum for the Secretary Development’’. of State of March 23, 1999, entitled ‘‘Delega- (6) Executive Order 12188 of January 2, tion of Authority Under Section 577 of the 1980, is amended by striking ‘‘Director of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and United States International Development Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999 Cooperation Agency’’ and inserting in lieu (as contained in Public Law 105–277)’’, is thereof ‘‘Administrator of the United States amended by deleting the second sentence Agency for International Development’’. therein. (7) Executive Order 12260 of December Sec. 11. The provisions of this order shall 31, 1980, is amended in the annex thereto, become effective as of April 1, 1999, except by striking ‘‘United States International De- that the authority contained in section 1– velopment Cooperation Agency’’ and insert- 100(d), and the amendment made by section

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5(2) of this order, shall become effective as Memorandum on Delegation of of October 1, 1999. Functions March 31, 1999 William J. Clinton Memorandum for the Secretary of State The White House, Subject: Delegation of the Functions Vested March 31, 1999. in the President by Sections 1601(e) and 1601(g) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Restructuring Act of 1998, as Enacted in 10:35 a.m., April 2, 1999] Public Law 105–277 By the authority vested in me by the Con- NOTE: This Executive order was published in the stitution and laws of the United States, in- Federal Register on April 5. cluding section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the functions vested in the President by sections Memorandum on Emergency 1601(e) and 1601(g) of the Foreign Affairs Refugee and Migration Assistance Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, as Funding enacted in Public Law 105–277. The functions delegated by this memo- March 31, 1999 randum may be redelegated as appropriate. You are authorized and directed to publish Presidential Determination No. 99–19 this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Memorandum for the Secretary of State William J. Clinton Subject: Determination Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Interview With Dan Rather Assistance Act of 1962, as Amended of CBS News March 31, 1999 Pursuant to section 2(c)(1) of the Migra- tion and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as Mr. Rather. Mr. President, thank you for amended, 22 U.S.C. 2601(c)(1), I hereby de- doing this. termine that it is important to the national The President. Glad to do it, Dan. interest that up to $25,000,000 be made Mr. Rather. I appreciate you doing it. available from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to meet the Reasons for NATO Airstrikes in Serbia urgent and unexpected needs of refugees and Mr. Rather. As Commander in Chief, migrants. you’ve sent some of our best to fly every day, These funds may be used to meet the ur- every night, through the valley of the shadow gent and unexpected needs of refugees, dis- of death in a place far away. Why? For what? placed persons, victims of conflict, and other The President. For several reasons. First persons at risk due to the Kosovo crisis. and most important, because there are de- These funds may be used, as appropriate, to fenseless people there who are being up- provide contributions to international and rooted from their homes by the hundreds of nongovernmental organizations. thousands and who are being killed by the You are authorized and directed to inform thousands; because it is not an isolated inci- the appropriate committees of the Congress dent but, in fact, a repeat of a pattern we of this determination and the use of funds have seen from Mr. Milosevic in Bosnia and under this authority, and to arrange for the Croatia. So there is a compelling humani- publication of this determination in the Fed- tarian reason. eral Register. Secondly, we haven’t been asked to do this alone. All of our NATO allies are doing it William J. Clinton with us. They all feel very strongly about it,

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and we are moving together. Thirdly, we do pened. In Rwanda, without many modern not want to see the whole region destabilized military weapons, somewhere between by the kind of ethnic aggression that Mr. 500,000 and 800,000—we may never know— Milosevic has practiced repeatedly over the people were killed in the space of only 100 last 10 years, but he’s been limited. This is, days. I think the rest of the world was caught in some ways, the most destabilizing area he flat-footed and did not have the mechanisms could be doing it in. And fourthly, we believe to deal with it. We did do some good and, we can make a difference. I think, limited some killing there. But I wish And so for all those reasons, I believe we we’d been able to do more there. And I should be doing this. would hope that that sort of thing will not Mr. Rather. Why now, and why this ever happen again in Africa. And that’s one place? The Russians, in a somewhat similar of the reasons we worked hard to build up situation in Chechenya, had maybe 100,000 a cooperative relationship with African mili- casualties. We’ve had Rwanda, Sudan—you taries through the Africa Crisis Response Ini- didn’t go into those places. As a matter of tiative. fact, the Serbians argue the Croatians did the So I believe there are lots of reasons. But same thing with the Serbians in part of Cro- if you look at Kosovo, we have a history there atia. So why this place? Why right now? in Europe. We know what happens if you The President. Well, first of all, if you go have ethnic slaughter there. We know how back to Yugoslavia, we never supported any it can spread. And the main thing is, there kind of ethnic cleansing by anybody. And the is this horrible humanitarian crisis. And be- circumstances under which we went into cause of NATO, because of our allied agree- Bosnia and ended the Bosnian war were de- ment and because we have the capacity, we signed to guarantee safety and security for believe we can do something about it there. all the ethnic groups, not just the Muslims And I think we have to try. but also the Croats and the Serbs. And the Mr. Rather. You still believe you can do peace agreement that the Kosovar Albanians something about it there? The last few days agreed to would have brought in an inter- have indicated—well, seem from at least sev- national peacekeeping force under NATO eral points of view, Milosevic is winning, and that would have guaranteed security to the we’re losing. Serbs, as well as to the Albanians. The President. Well, we knew that that So the United States and NATO believe would happen in the first few days. He had that there should be no ethnic cleansing and planned this a long time. Keep in mind, be- no people killed or uprooted because of their fore the first NATO plane got in the air, he ethnic background. already had the 40,000 troops there. Think Secondly, we’re doing it now because now how we would feel if this were going on and it’s obvious that Mr. Milosevic has no interest we were doing nothing. There’s no question in an honorable peace that guarantees secu- that in—we’ve run this air campaign for less rity and autonomy for the Kosovar Albanians, than a week. We’ve been hampered by bad and instead he is practicing aggression. We weather. We had to be cautious on the early might have had to do it last fall, but we were nights to try to at least protect our planes able to head it off. Remember, he created as much as we possibly can against the air a quarter of a million refugees last year. And defenses, which are quite good. NATO threatened to take action, and we So it takes a while to get up and going. worked out an agreement, which was ob- And against that he had 40,000 troops and served for a while, which headed this off. 300 tanks. It shouldn’t surprise anybody that When we agreed to take action was when he’s able to do a lot of what he intended he rejected the peace agreement and he had to, even though we’ve had some success in already amassed 40,000 soldiers on the bor- hitting his military targets in the last couple der and in Kosovo, with about 300 tanks. So of days. that’s why we’re doing it now. But I would urge the American people And you asked about other places. In the and, indeed, the people of all the NATO na- Rwanda case, let’s remember what hap- tions, to have a little resolve here, to stay

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with your leaders, to give us a chance to real- The President. That we are acting in de- ly see this thing through. We cannot view fense of the defenseless. We are not carrying this as something that will be instantaneously on an aggressive war. We are acting at a time successful. This is something that will require when he is going through the country killing some time. people—according to the reports, including Keep in mind, when we took NATO air moderate politicians—tried to destroy action in Bosnia, when we tried to alleviate records of what their land holdings are, tried the siege of Sarajevo, which was a very im- to eradicate any historical record of their portant precursor to the ultimate peace that claim to their own land, and has given no was signed there, the air campaign went on indication whatever that he’s prepared to for 20 days—with pauses—I think there were stop his aggression. 12 days, at least, of bombing. So that’s quite I mean, the cease-fire he offered to Prime a bit more than has been done now—2,300 Minister Primakov was ludicrous. He didn’t sorties there. offer to withdraw his troops to where they So the American people and the people were before this invasion began. He didn’t of the NATO nations should not be surprised do that. He basically said, ‘‘Well, now, I’ll that what has happened on the ground has just keep my gang and sit around here, and happened. It was always obvious it was going if everybody wants to stop shooting, that’s to happen if there were no opposition to fine with me.’’ Milosevic. And this thing hasn’t had enough Since he’s taken all the media out of time to work. So I would ask for the Amer- Kosovo, we would have no way of knowing ican people to be patient and to be resolved even whether he was honoring that or not. and be firm and to give our plan a chance He could keep right on doing what he’s been to take hold here. doing, and there would be no coverage of it. So this week is a very important week to Pope’s Plea for Easter Suspension of me personally and to American Christians, Bombing to American Jews. Next week will be Easter Mr. Rather. Let me follow up some, Mr. week for Orthodox observers, Christians, not President. First of all, the Pope has asked only in—the Serbs, in that part of the world, for an Easter suspension of the bombing. Are and among the many, many Orthodox we you prepared to do that? have in the United States. I hate the idea The President. I don’t see how we can of having to continue this campaign during do that, with what is going on on the ground this period. But I hate more the idea that there now. Mr. Milosevic is running those we would walk away from this campaign people to the Albanian border, to the other while he continues to clean out house after borders by the thousands a day; he’s killing house after house and village after village people. No one would like more than I to after village and kill a lot of innocent people. properly observe Easter, which for Christians I think that that would not serve to honor is the most important holiday of all—even the occasion. more important than Christmas, really, be- cause of what it symbolizes to the living. But President’s Feelings About Situation in we can’t observe Easter and honor the res- Kosovo urrection of Christ by allowing him another Mr. Rather. Mr. President, as you always free day to kill more innocent civilians. try to do, we’re talking in measured tones. Mr. Rather. And to those people who say, As President of the United States, you have Mr. President, that this is the most important to be careful of what you say. But I’m told week in the whole Judeo-Christian calendar by those who are close to you that you have in many ways—because you have Passover, a lot of pent-up feelings about what’s hap- Monday, Thursday, Good Friday, and pening in the Balkans, what we’re doing Easter—that it is ‘‘obscene’’ to be carrying there. Can you share some of that with us? on this kind of war during this period—you The President. Well, I guess I do have say what? a lot of pent-up feelings, and I think the

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President is supposed to keep a lot of those those people in Bosnia, and they made a feelings pent up. But let me say, I think quarter of a million refugees there—or mil- throughout human history one of the things lions, probably 2 million by the time it was that has most bedeviled human beings is over, dislocated from their home; and a quar- their inability to get along with people that ter million people died—and it’s really okay are different than they are, and their vulner- what they’re doing in Kosovo; that somehow ability to be led by demagogues who play on non-Serbs on land that they want are less their fears of people who are different than than human. they are. And I guess I’ve seen too much of that You and I grew up in a part of the country all my life. And I have all these dreams for where that was a staple of political life during what the modern world can mean. When I’m our childhood. That’s why this race issue has long gone from here, I hope that there will always been so important to me in America. be a level of prosperity and opportunity And here we are at the end of the cold war; never before known in human history, not we’re on the verge of the 21st century; our just for Americans but for others. And it’s stock market went over 10,000 this week; we all being threatened all over the world by see the Internet and all this technology with these ancient hatreds. all this promise for all these people, not just We’re working, trying to bring an end to the United States but all over the world. And the Northern Ireland peace process now. what is the dominant problem of our time? We’re trying to keep the Middle East peace From the Middle East to Northern Ireland process going. All of this stuff, it’s all rooted to Bosnia to central Africa, people still want- in whether people believe that their primary ing to kill each other because of their racial identity is as a member of the human race and religious, their ethnic, their cultural dif- that they share with others who are different ferences. from them, or if they believe their primary This is crazy. And it is embodied in the identity is as a result of their superiority over policies of Mr. Milosevic. He became the people who may share the same village, the leader of the Serbs by playing on their sense same neighborhood, and the same high-rise of grievance, which may have had some jus- apartment. But they don’t belong to the same tification—their sense of ethnic grievance— ethnic group or racial group or religious and made them believe that the only way group, so if they have to be killed, it’s just they could fulfill their appropriate human fine. destiny was to create a Serbs-only state, even I mean, I think that is the basis of if it meant they had to go in and go to war Milosevic’s power. And that is the threat to with the Bosnian Muslims, and they had to our children’s world. That’s what I believe. go to war with the Croatian Catholics; they had to go to war with Kosovar Albanian Mus- Airstrikes in Belgrade lims and clean them all out. And to be doing it in a place where World Mr. Rather. Mr. President, there are re- War I began, which has been the source of ports that as we speak, and through this so much heartache, where so much instability evening, that there will be air attacks in Bel- can occur in other neighboring countries in grade, itself; that you’ve gotten NATO to au- the last year of the 20th century, I think is thorize it. Is that correct? Is that accurate? a tragedy. The President. It is accurate that we are And I had hoped—he’s a clever man, you attacking targets that we believe will achieve know, Mr. Milosevic, not to be underesti- our stated objective, which is either to raise mated. He’s tough; he’s smart; he’s clever. the price of aggression to an unacceptably I told all of our people that. The worst thing high level so that we can get back to talking you can ever do in life is underestimate your peace and security, or to substantially under- adversary. But underneath all that, for rea- mine the capacity of the Serbian Govern- sons that I cannot fathom, there is a heart ment to wage war. that has turned too much to stone, that be- Mr. Rather. Does that include attacks lieves that it’s really okay that they killed all now in Belgrade? In the vernacular of the

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military, have you authorized them to go to it. ‘‘Dan, we’re not employing the full downtown? power of our Air Force.’’ Another one: ‘‘We The President. I have authorized them to ran over 200 bombing missions the first day attack targets that I believe are appropriate when we moved against Saddam Hussein.’’ to achieve our objectives. We have worked There hasn’t been a single day in which very hard to minimize the risks of collateral you’ve run as many as 50 bombing missions, damage. I think a lot of the Serbian people with the possible exception of today. Why are—like I said, the Serbs, like other people, aren’t we going all-out? You’ve described a are good people. They’re hearing one side situation that you feel passionately about, you of the story. They’ve got a state-run media. think is wrong. Everybody knows if you had They don’t have anybody that can talk about a street fight with a bully, you want to hit Mr. Milosevic the way you get to talk about him the hardest right at first. me from time to time. And that’s too bad. The President. You have reported—and And some of those targets are in difficult you mentioned this to me in the beginning places. But I do not believe that we can rule that we have stepped up our attacks and that out any set of targets that are reasonably re- I have pushed for that. I think it’s quite im- lated to our stated objective. portant to emphasize—again, let me say, Mr. Rather. If I report tonight that we again—we have done this through and with are attacking targets inside Belgrade, will that NATO. It is an organization that operates by be inaccurate? consensus. One of the things that has struck The President. I don’t think that you can me is that in the last 48 hours, because of report tonight that I have confirmed any spe- the actions taken by Mr. Milosevic, the will, cific set of targets, because I think that’s a the steel, the determination, and the outright mistake until we have actually carried out our anger of our allies has been intensifying expo- mission, and I would not do that. You can nentially, so that we have now, I think, report that I have said that I have not ruled stronger support than we have ever had for out any targets that I believe are reasonably taking the most aggressive action we can. related to our objective of raising the price So I will say to you, I’ve tried to do every- of his aggression in trying to undermine the thing I can, consistent with maintaining allied capacity to wage war. unity and with achieving our objectives. I un- Mr. Rather. You know I’m not going to derstand the frustration of some of our peo- go down a list of targets. When you say that ple in the Pentagon. But I think that the Sec- you don’t rule out any targets that could help retary of Defense and the Chairman of the you accomplish the mission, would that—de- Joint Chiefs would tell you that I have clining to rule out targets—include the De- worked very hard with them to give them fense Ministry, the Interior Ministry? the maximum possible leeway, showing sensi- The President. I don’t think I should dis- tivity only to targets that would have marginal cuss the specific targets, because I don’t want benefit but cause a lot of collateral damage. to compromise our efforts to achieve them. I don’t want a lot of innocent Serbian civil- And I don’t want to run the risk that unscru- ians to die because they have a man running pulous people would actually try to stage ci- their country that’s doing something atro- vilian casualties there that would otherwise cious. But some of them are at risk because not occur. But you can say that I didn’t rule of that and must be, because we have targets out any targets anywhere within Serbia or that we need to go after. Kosovo that would be reasonably related to Now, we’re getting—we’ve got good allied our objectives. You can say that. unity. I think it’s worth something to pre- serve that. And I think that that’s what I Remarks by High-Ranking Officials and would ask our military people to understand, President’s Policy too. I know that our top commanders do, be- Mr. Rather. Mr. President, I want to read cause they understand what we’re trying to to you what some fairly high-ranking military do with NATO. And goodness knows, Gen- people have said privately. You would under- eral Clark, the American general who’s the stand, they didn’t want their names attached Commander of our NATO forces, we have

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someone who understands Mr. Milosevic the words I have used; why I have said the very well, who was there during the Bosnian words I have said. talks, and who is all-out committed to the Now, on the merits of it, the thing that most aggressive possible response. bothers me about introducing ground troops So we’re doing—we’re getting steadily into a hostile situation—into Kosovo and into more and more support for being more and the Balkans—is the prospect of never being more aggressive, and I think that will only able to get them out. If you have a peace grow. agreement, even if it’s difficult and even if you have to stay a little longer than you Ground Troops thought you would, like in Bosnia, at least Mr. Rather. Mr. President, I want to pose there is an exit strategy and it’s a manageable this next question with all respect, but also situation. If you go in in a hostile environ- directly. Everybody acknowledges you have ment in which you do not believe in ethnic a brilliant mind; you’re an excellent speaker, cleansing and you do not wish to see any in- but sometimes people—people who support nocent civilians killed, you could be put in you and like you say, well, he parses words a position of, for example, creating a Kosovar too closely—‘‘what is, is’’ argument, all of enclave that would keep you there forever. that. I want to discuss ground troops. In the And I don’t believe that is an appropriate context of speaking as directly as you possible thing to be discussing at this time. can, when you say you have no intention to I do think we’ve got quite a good chance commit ground troops to accomplishing the of succeeding with our strategy if we could mission in Kosovo, does that mean we are keep everybody focused on it. And I simply not going to have ground troops in there— think that it’s wrong for us to be obsessing no way, no how, no time? about other things and not working—people The President. It means just what it says. are frustrated because we live in an age I’ll come back to the point, but you say peo- where everybody wants things to operate like ple say I parse words too close. That’s what a 30-second ad. This air campaign is not a they said about President Roosevelt, too. He 30-second ad. It’s only been going on a few made a pretty good President. And when days, and it’s been undermined to some ex- people say you parse words too closely, it tent by bad weather. But we are blessed with usually means they want to ask you a question enormously skilled pilots, a good plan, good and get you to give an answer which is incon- technology, and good resolve by our allies. sistent with the objective you’re trying to pur- And I’d like to see us keep working on this sue for the American people, and so you and not to have our attention diverted by don’t do what they want you to do. So nor- other things. mally they criticize you not for what you’re doing but for what they wish you would do. Mrs. Clinton’s Possible Senate Bid Mr. Rather. Fair enough. Mr. Rather. Mr. President, there’s so The President. I have used those words many questions and so little time. You know carefully. I am very careful in the words I I’m going to be in trouble if I don’t ask you use not to mislead one way or the other. And some questions on some other subjects, but the reason is, I think I have embraced a strat- I’d like to do that and then come back to egy here that I believe has a reasonable, good Kosovo because I know you agree that this chance—a reasonably good chance of suc- war situation—air war at the moment for ceeding—maybe even a better chance than us—there’s nothing more important than that as long as we have more and more steel that. But let me shift gears for just a moment. and will and determination and unity from Could you describe for me what you be- all of our NATO allies. And I want to pursue lieve to be the responsibilities of a husband that strategy. And I believe that all these dis- of a United States Senator? cussions about, well, other strategies and The President. [Laughter] I don’t know, should we do this, that, or the other thing but I’m willing to fulfill them. I would do do not help the ultimate success of the strat- whatever. I would fill in at dinners, make egy we are pursuing. That is why I have used speeches when she had to vote. I’d be the

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main casework officer of the New York of- it. I think we’re doing quite well considering fice. I’d do whatever I was asked to do. what we’ve been through. And God willing, Let me say seriously, I have no earthly idea we’ll keep after it. what my wife will do. I can tell you that be- fore some New York officials came to her, Lessons of the Past Year it had never crossed her mind. And I still think it’s a highly unusual thing. And I can Mr. Rather. How about yourself, Mr. imagine that many voters in New York would President—we’re here in a room with pic- wonder whether—even though she and I in- tures of Lincoln, Washington, Continental tended to move to New York after we left Congress—and you’re thinking about send- the White House, although I would also ing our sons and daughters into war. I know spend a lot of time at home in Arkansas— that. But I also know you tend to stay up they would wonder, well, does this make late at night; you always have done that. sense for someone to be a United States Sen- When you look back over this year-plus, ator. And that would be a burden she would what’s the moral of it? Does it have a moral? have to carry in the campaign and to explain The President. Oh, yes, I think there is that—why she was doing it, that she was more than one lesson here. I think, first of asked to do it, and demonstrate her commit- all, the moral is—there’s a personal moral, ment to the State and its issues. which is that every person must bear the con- I think if she could win an election like sequences of his or her conduct, and when that, she would be magnificent. But whatever you make a mistake, you pay for it, no matter the duties are—for 22 years now or more, who you are. And it’s true whether or not we’ve done what I wanted to do in terms it’s made public, or whether or not what’s of my political career. So the deal I made made public is exactly accurate reflection of was she gets the next 22 years. And if I’m what in fact happened—that’s not the impor- still around after that, we can argue about tant thing. The important thing is that there the third phase. And so I would be happy are consequences in people’s personal lives, to be the spouse of a Senator. no matter who they are. Mr. Rather. And you expect to do that The second lesson is that the Constitution together as man and wife? works. The Founding Fathers were smart The President. Oh, absolutely. I would— people. They understood that partisan pas- like I said, I don’t know what the duties are, sions which very often get carried away in but I’m sure I could fulfill them. the temptation to seize on events of the mo- First Family ment would be too great, and that’s why they wrote the Constitution the way they did. And Mr. Rather. Mr. President, you know they were awfully smart. Americans like to know that the First Family is okay, that they’re doing all right. Given The third thing that I think we learned the year-plus, what you and our First Family this year is that the American people almost have been through, tell us what you can always get it right if you give them enough about how the three of you are doing. time to think through things and really work The President. Well, I think, given what on it. we’ve been through, we’re doing reasonably And the fourth thing I think we learned well. We’re not a large family. We do love is that people expect their elected officials each other very much, and we work hard to to work for them, and not be forced to be support one another. And I think that this focused on themselves or their adversaries trip to north Africa has been a good thing in Washington, and that they will reward not only for our country—because I think those who they believe get up every day and Hillary has done a great job on it—I think show up for work and work for them and it must have been good for Hillary and Chel- their future and their children, and they will sea, too, to have that time together, to do take account of those they believe do not. some exciting things, to be in a different envi- Those are, I think, the lessons of the last ronment. And I think they’ve really enjoyed year.

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Resignation because what they say is, ‘‘What I learned Mr. Rather. You said the American peo- from this is what my parents always told ple, if given enough time—did you ever con- me—that nobody is so big or so important sider resigning? that they’re not subject to the same rules of The President. Never. human conduct; and that when they do Mr. Rather. Never for a second? things they shouldn’t, they have to bear the The President. Never. Not a second. consequences. But if they bear the con- Never. Never. sequences, say they’re sorry and go on, they Mr. Rather. Never entered you mind? should be able to go on with their lives, be- The President. Never entered my mind. cause they also know that every person makes Mr. Rather. Did the First Lady ever come mistakes. No one is so big or so important to you and say, ‘‘Listen, I think we ought that they are perfect.’’ to at least consider it?’’ And so that’s what I would say to our chil- The President. No. She felt at least as dren. That’s what I think the lessons of all strongly as I did that it shouldn’t be done. those Bible stories are of the great figures Mr. Rather. That tells me she might have of the Bible who did things they shouldn’t felt even stronger. have done. The reason those stories are in The President. At least as strongly as I the Bible is to say, everyone sins, but every- did. But it never crossed my mind. I wouldn’t one is held accountable and everyone has a do that to the Constitution. I wouldn’t do chance to go on—and that all three of those that to the Presidency. I wouldn’t do that points need to be made. And if you say that to the history in this country. I would never to our children, I think that’s what needs to have legitimized what I believe is horribly be said. wrong with what has occurred here over the Kids are pretty smart, and they—this is a last 4 or 5 years. So it never crossed my mind. good lesson, not a bad lesson for them. I’m And I always had faith. I just—I prayed about sorry that I had to be the example, and it’s it. I tried to work on maintaining my inner painful. But the lessons, the right lessons spiritual strength, and I tried to come to grips properly learned, will be good for them and with the work I had to do personally with good for our country. my family and myself and the work I owed the American people. And I just decided that Impeachment of all the options available, that wasn’t one. Mr. Rather. Mr. President, I hear this And it never entered my mind. clock ticking, and it isn’t the ‘‘60 Minutes’’ clock. And I do want to get back to the war Reaction to President’s Conduct situation, but in this category—last question, Mr. Rather. Mr. President, I get a lot of if you’ll indulge me—you agree that what- letters—not as many as you do, but I get a ever you do, however this situation in Kosovo lot of letters from parents who say, some of turns out, whatever else you do, in the first them say, ‘‘Listen, I like President Clinton, paragraph of your obituary is going to be a I like what he’s doing for the country.’’ Some reference to what you consider among the of them even say they’d ‘‘vote for him again, worst things that has ever happened to you: but I don’t know what to tell the children the only President in the 20th century to be on the worst aspects of what happened last impeached; one of only two Presidents to be year.’’ Let’s try to give these parents some impeached. Give me some sense of how you help. What can they tell the children? What feel about that, within yourself. do they tell—— The President. Well, first of all, I’m not The President. Well, it’s interesting, you at all sure that’s right, that it will be the first know. I get a lot of letters from parents and paragraph of the obituary. And secondly, if from children—interesting letters from chil- it is, if the history writers are honest, they’ll dren—and sometimes pretty young chil- tell it for just exactly what it was. And I am dren—11-, 12-, 13-year-old kids writing me, honored that something that was indefen- some of them, on this very point, and of- sible was pursued and that I had the oppor- fended that they’re being used in that way, tunity to defend the Constitution. That

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doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that friends. So it’s almost a selfish decision. But I did something I shouldn’t have done of I do not regard this impeachment vote as which I am ashamed of and which I apologize some great badge of shame; I do not. Be- for. But it had nothing to do with the im- cause it was—I do not believe it was war- peachment process. And I think that’s what ranted, and I don’t think it was right. the American people, two-thirds of them, And I believe, frankly, if you look back at knew all along. And I determined that I President Andrew Johnson, who, unfortu- would defend the Constitution and the work nately, because of the circumstances under of my administration. And those that did not which he came to office, didn’t have the op- agree with what I had done and were furious portunity to achieve very much while he was that it had worked and that the country was President, I think most people believe that doing well, and attempted to use what should he was unjustly impeached and that the fact have been a constitutional and legal process that he stood up to it and refused to give for political ends, did not prevail. And that’s in, and came within much closer than I did— the way I saw it. he came within only a vote of actually being I have no lingering animosity. I don’t wake removed—reflects well on him and the his- up every day mad at those people—— tory of the country, not poorly. Mr. Rather. You’ve got to be bitter about And so I just don’t have bad feelings about some of it. that. But neither do I have feelings of anger The President. I’m not. I have—I’m not. and bitterness against those who did what I learned—look, I’m not. And I’m not saying they did, whether they believed it or whether that for any reason other than that I have— it was political, or whatever. I just think that part of the learning process that I went it’s past us, and we need to put it behind through in the last 6 years, but certainly in us, and we need to go on. We owe that to the last—and in the last several years when the American people, to let it go. And all I was dealing with this, when I saw—all these of us owe it to our families and our personal other charges, they were always false, they lives. All the great players here, they need never amounted to anything. And half the to let it go and go on with the business of people that were propagating them knew the country. they were false. I realized that, particularly in the last year, if I wanted people to give Serbia’s Strategy in Kosovo me forgiveness, I had to extend forgiveness. Mr. Rather. Mr. President, you have been If I wanted to be free to be the best President very generous with your time, and I appre- and the best husband and father and the best ciate it. I want to get back to the war. Let person I could be, I had to free myself of me sketch out for you a scenario which a bitterness. number of diplomats and some military peo- And I have worked very hard at it. And ple have said this could happen: Milosevic I have had very powerful examples. I look will have defeated the Kosovo Liberation at a man like Nelson Mandela, who suffered Army, self-described as such, and he will enormously—yes, he was part of a political have rid Kosovo—driven out most of, if not movement that was threatening to the people all of, the Albanians. He’s very near having who were in, but he didn’t deserve to go to accomplished that. So over the next few days, jail for 27 years. And in the 27 years he was having accomplished that on the ground, there, he purged himself of his hatred and while our air campaign tries to build this mo- also of whatever might have been wrong with mentum you’ve talked about, he then says, himself, and his hatred for other people. ‘‘Okay, I’m ready to talk.’’ Doesn’t that leave Now, if a person like that can rid himself us defeated? Or does it? of bitterness, what I went through was pea- The President. It does if we accept that nuts compared to that. It was nothing. result—if we accept that result. Because I And I think it’s an—and any moment I think we’ve got to say, but the Kosovars have spend full of anger and bitterness is a mo- all got to be able to come home, and they ment I am robbing from my wife or from have to be secure, and they have to be given my daughter or from my country or from my the autonomy of self-government——

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Mr. Rather. Excuse me—you’re talking come down—with support they got from about in some enclave, some protected en- their kinfolks and relatives outside of the re- clave? gion. The President. No, I’m talking about So I think it’s very important to note that they’re entitled to come back to Kosovo, to there—that under any set of circumstances, go back to their villages where they were, his military could have done what they have and to enjoy self-government and security. done these last 5 days. But keep in mind, Dan, let me say again, Mr. Rather. And you think they would there is no scenario under which this last have done—— week could not have occurred, if he was will- The President. Absolutely. I am totally ing to do it. convinced of that. So is everyone else that Mr. Rather. You don’t think the air cam- I know who’s been dealing with this for any paign gave him the opening to do this? length of time. Would they have waited an- The President. No, no, that I’m sure of. other week to do it? Maybe. But I’m con- I just met with a bunch of Kosovar Albanians vinced that that’s exactly what they wanted here—excuse me, a bunch of Albanian to do. They didn’t show up in those numbers Americans here—I’m sorry—in the White with those tanks for their health. That’s what House. One man told me he had 24 cousins they were going to do. in Pristina. Every one of them said to me, So I think the real issue is—I think that ‘‘Don’t let people tell you that this NATO that was a decision certainly made when he air campaign caused Milosevic to do that. Ev- realized—he did not want the framework of erybody knows that’s a bunch of bull.’’ the peace agreement, which was let them Mr. Rather. You’re absolutely convinced—— have self-government within the autonomous The President. Absolutely. framework that governed Yugoslavia for all Mr. Rather. ——that it didn’t touch it off. those years; and let’s have an international The President. No. He had 40,000 sol- force in there to keep them safe. Even diers on the border and inside Kosovo. though the international force—I want to say Mr. Rather. And hundreds of tanks? again, because there may be a lot of Serbian- The President. Almost 300—before any Americans listening to this interview—the of this happened. Last October he had al- international force, we made it clear that we ready created a quarter of a million refugees would not go in there, and neither would our before the NATO threat got him to stop. This NATO allies, unless they were also free to is a part of his strategy. He started his ethnic protect the Serbian minority in Kosovo, be- cleansing politics with a big speech against cause so much blood has been shed and so the Kosovars in Kosovo 12 years ago. And many people that have been dislocated that then he got diverted into his wars in Bosnia they, too, are vulnerable to people taking it and Croatia. So I believe this is a plan he out on them because they’re Serbs. So we had all along. said we would not go in there unless we also Now, suppose—you could take any sce- protected the Serbs. nario. If we had said, well, if you do this, But, yes, I’m completely convinced. Prime ground troops are on the way. Suppose that Minister Blair believes that. Chancellor had been said—it would take much longer Schroeder believes that. to mobilize that than it did the air campaign. Mr. Rather. And you believe it. He had the armor; he had the men; he had The President. With every fiber of my the air cover; he had the weapons; he had being. I am convinced. Look at what this guy all this stuff he could do. did in—let’s go back to Bosnia. Two million And the UCK, the Kosovar Liberation refugees—a quarter of a million people dead. Army, all those people—all they could ever There is no question that this is his strategy. do was to fight what was, in effect, a guerrilla And he was very angry that finally what had war, which they could still do. They may be been a passive resistance from the Kosovars, run out of the country; they could come back; a peaceful resistance for 10 years, began to they may be run up into the hills; they can manifest itself then in violent exchanges in

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return for—in reaction to what the Serbians status of Kosovo as an autonomous province had done. of Serbia. We think it would be difficult for I think he wanted to clean them out. I the Kosovars—politically, economically—to think he wanted to ethically cleanse the sustain independence because of their small country as much as he could. I think he want- size and because of the stage of their eco- ed to drastically alter the population balance. nomic development. I think he wanted to eradicate all the records But what I said, and I’ll say again, is that of the Albanians and the property they own. Mr. Milosevic is in danger of forfeiting the I think he wanted to erase the history and claim of the Serbs to have government over start all over again. That’s what I think. those people in their own land. That’s the Genocide problem—it’s his conduct. It’s not that we’ve had a change of heart about what would be Mr. Rather. Is genocide too strong a best, if you will, or that we would honor the word, Mr. President? rule of international law, which still has The President. Well, as you know, I try lodged Kosovo as an independent province to be hesitant in using it. There is no question that a few thousand people have been mur- of Serbia. It’s whether—and we tried to tell dered because they were Kosovar Albanians. Mr. Milosevic all along that this peace proc- There’s no question about that. ess was the best chance he had to keep the Mr. Rather. But you hesitate to use the Kosovars as a part of Serbia, because there word genocide. would be a 3-year period during which they The President. But I think because—it’s could demonstrate, the Serbs, good faith in only a question of whether enough people letting them govern themselves. We could have been killed yet. There’s no question that protect the Serbian minority as well as the what he was doing constitutes ethnic cleans- Albanian majority in Kosovo. And they could ing and that he was killing and uprooting see that economically it would be better, as people because of their ethnic heritage. well as politically. He’s just about blown all There is no question about that. And I think that off. That’s the—— that not only he, but others who are in deci- Mr. Rather. You think he now has that sionmaking positions, have to be held ac- at deep risk? countable for what they’ve done. And of The President. It’s very much at risk— course, this whole war crimes tribunal that’s not because of a change of heart by us, but been set up to review what happened in the because of a change of behavior by him. Balkans will have to review those facts. But Mr. Rather. Mr. President, thank you. the main thing I want to do is, whatever the The President. Thank you. label belongs on it, is to stop it if we can.

Kosovar Independence NOTE: The interview was taped at 4:21 p.m. in Mr. Rather. Mr. President, I’m getting the Cabinet Room at the White House for later the wrap-up sign, and I must ask you—help broadcast and was embargoed for release by the me as a reporter. You seem to hint within Office of the Press Secretary until 9 p.m. In his the last 24 hours, at least hint, and the news- remarks, the President referred to President paper stories say, ‘‘President hints at a Slobodan Milosevic of the Federal Republic of change in position’’—an independent Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); Prime Min- ister Yevgeniy Primakov of Russia; Gen. Wesley Kosovo, as opposed to a semi-autonomous K. Clark, USA, Supreme Allied Commander, Eu- Kosovo. Has there been a change in your rope; President Nelson Mandela of South Africa; thinking? Are you changing the policy? Is Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United King- there likely to be one? Help me explain that dom; and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Ger- to folks. many. A tape was not available for verification of The President. What I said, I’ll say it the content of this interview. again, because I think it’s pretty clear. The United States has supported the historic legal

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Executive Order 13116— (2) the trade agreements to which a for- Identification of Trade Expansion eign country is a party and its compli- Priorities and Discriminatory ance with those agreements; Procurement Practices (3) the medium-term and long-term impli- cations of foreign government procure- March 31, 1999 ment plans; and (4) the international competitive position By the authority vested in me as President and export potential of United States by the Constitution and the laws of the products and services. United States of America, including title III of the Act of March 3, 1993, as amended (c) The Trade Representative may include (41 U.S.C. 10d), sections 141 and 301–310 in the report, if appropriate, a description of of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the the foreign country practices that may in the Act) (19 U.S.C. 2171, 2411–2420), title III future warrant identification as priority for- of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as eign country practices. The Trade Rep- amended (19 U.S.C. 2511–2518), and section resentative also may include a statement 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to about other foreign country practices that ensure that the trade policies of the United were not identified because they are already States advance, to the greatest extent pos- being addressed by provisions of United sible, the export of the products and services States trade law, existing bilateral trade of the United States and that trade policy agreements, or in trade negotiations with resources are used efficiently, it is hereby or- other countries and progress is being made dered as follows: toward their elimination. Sec. 2. Resolution. Upon submission of the report required by paragraph (a) of section PART I: IDENTIFICATION OF TRADE 1 of this part, the Trade Representative shall, EXPANSION PRIORITIES with respect to any priority foreign country Section 1. Identification and Annual Re- practice identified therein, engage the coun- port. (a) Within 30 days of the submission try concerned for the purpose of seeking a of the National Trade Estimate Report re- satisfactory resolution, for example, by ob- quired by section 181(b) of the Act (19 taining compliance with a trade agreement U.S.C. 2241(b)) for 1999, 2000, and 2001, or the elimination of the practice as quickly the United States Trade Representative as possible, or, if this is not feasible, by prov- (Trade Representative) shall review United ing for compensatory trade benefits. States trade expansion priorities and identify Sec. 3. Initiation of Investigations. Within priority foreign country practices, the elimi- 90 days of the submission of the report re- nation of which is likely to have the most quired by paragraph (a) of section 1 of this significant potential to increase United States part, the Trade Representative shall initiate exports, either directly or through the estab- under section 302(b)(1) of the Act (19 U.S.C. lishment of a beneficial precedent. The 2412(b)(1)) investigations with respect to all Trade Representative shall submit to the of the priority foreign country practices iden- Committee on Finance of the Senate and the tified, unless during the 90-day period the Committee on Ways and Means of the House Trade Representative determines that a satis- of Representatives, and shall publish in the factory resolution of the matter to be inves- Federal Register, a report on the priority for- tigated has been achieved. eign country practices identified. (b) In identifying priority foreign country practices under paragraph (a) of this section, PART II: IDENTIFICATION OF the Trade Representative shall take into ac- DISCRIMINATORY GOVERNMENT count all relevant factors, including: PROCUREMENT PRACTICES (1) the major barriers and trade distorting Section 1. Identification and Annual Re- practices described in the National port. (a) Within 30 days of the submission Trade Estimate Report; of the National Trade Estimate Report for

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1999, 2000, and 2001, the Trade Representa- pated contract values below the value tive shall submit to the Committees on Fi- threshold of the GPA, NAFTA, or other nance and on Governmental Affairs of the procurement agreements, or to make Senate and the Committees on Ways and the procurement less attractive to U.S. Means and Government Reform and Over- businesses; sight of the House of Representatives, and (3) announce procurement opportunities shall publish in the Federal Register, a report with inadequate time intervals for U.S. on the extent to which foreign countries dis- businesses to submit bids; and criminate against U.S. products or services (4) use specifications in such a way as to in making government procurements. limit the ability of U.S. suppliers to par- (b) In the report, the Trade Representative ticipate in procurements; and shall identify countries that: (c) consider information included in the (1) are not in compliance with their obliga- National Trade Estimate Report, and any tions under the World Trade Organiza- other additional criteria deemed appropriate, tion Agreement on Government Pro- including, to the extent such information is curement (the GPA), Chapter 10 of the available, the failure to apply transparent and North American Free Trade Agreement competitive procedures or maintain and en- (NAFTA), or other agreements relating force effective prohibitions on bribery and to government procurement (procure- other corrupt practices in connection with ment agreements) to which that country government procurement. and the United States are parties; or Sec. 3. Impact of Noncompliance and De- (2) maintain, in government procurement, nial of Comparable Treatment. The Trade a significant and persistent pattern or Representative shall take into account, in practice of discrimination against U.S. identifying countries in the annual report and products or services that results in iden- in any action required by this part, the rel- tifiable harm to U.S. businesses and ative impact of any noncompliance with the whose products or services are acquired GPA, NAFTA, or other procurement agree- in significant amounts by the United ments, or of other discrimination on U.S. States Government. commerce, and the extent to which such non- Sec. 2. Considerations in Making Identi- compliance or discrimination has impeded fications. In making the identifications re- the ability of U.S. suppliers to participate in quired by section 1 of this part, the Trade procurements on terms comparable to those Representative shall: (a) consider the re- available to suppliers of the country in ques- quirements of the GPA, NAFTA, or other tion when seeking to sell goods or services procurement agreements, government pro- to the United States Government. curement practices, and the effects of such Sec. 4. Resolution. Upon submission of the practices on U.S. businesses as a basis for report required by section 1 of this part, the evaluating whether the procurement prac- Trade Representative shall engage any coun- tices of foreign governments do not provide try identified therein for the purpose of seek- fair market opportunities for U.S. products ing a satisfactory resolution, for example, by or services; obtaining compliance with the GPA, (b) take into account, among other factors, NAFTA, or other procurement agreements whether and to what extent countries that or the elimination of the discriminatory pro- are parties to the GPA, NAFTA, or other curement practices as quickly as possible, or, procurement agreements, and other coun- if this is not feasible, by providing for com- tries described in section 1 of this part: pensatory trade benefits. (1) use sole-sourcing or otherwise non- Sec. 5. Initiation of Investigations. (a) competitive procedures for procure- Within 90 days of the submission of the re- ment that could have been conducted port required by section 1 of this part, the using competitive procedures; Trade Representative shall initiate under sec- (2) conduct what normally would have tion 302(b)(1) of the Act (19 U.S.C. been one procurement as two or more 2412(b)(1)) investigations with respect to any procurements, to decrease the antici- practice that:

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(1) was the basis for the identification of was published in the Federal Register on April a country under section 1; and 5. (2) is not at that time the subject of any other investigation or action under title Memorandum on Drawdown of III, chapter 1, of the Act, Articles and Services To Support unless during the 90-day period the Trade International Relief Efforts Relating Representative determines that a satisfactory resolution of the matter to be investigated to the Kosovo Conflict has been achieved. March 31, 1999 (b) For investigations initiated under para- Presidential Determination No. 99–20 graph (a) of this section (other than an inves- tigation involving the GPA or NAFTA), the Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Trade Representative shall apply the time Secretary of Defense limits and procedures in section 304(a)(3) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2414(a)(3)). The time lim- Subject: Drawdown of Articles and Services its in subsection 304(a)(3)(B) of the Act (19 to Support International Relief Efforts U.S.C. 2414(a)(3)(B)) shall apply if the Trade Relating to the Kosovo Conflict Representative determines that: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by (1) complex or complicated issues are in- section 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance volved in the investigation that require Act of 1961, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’), I here- additional time; by determine that: (2) the foreign country involved in the in- (1) as a result of an unforeseen emer- vestigation is making substantial gency, the provision of assistance progress in drafting or implementing under Chapter 6 of Part II of the Act legislative or administrative measures in amounts in excess of funds other- that will end the discriminatory procure- wise available for such assistance is ment practice; or important to the national interests of (3) such foreign country is undertaking en- the United States; and forcement measures to end the discrimi- (2) such unforeseen emergency requires natory procurement practice. the immediate provision of assistance PART III: DIRECTION under Chapter 6 of Part II of the Act. I therefore direct the drawdown of up to Section 1. Presidential Direction. The au- $25 million in commodities and services from thorities delegated pursuant to this order the inventory and resources of the Depart- shall be exercised subject to any subsequent ment of Defense to support international re- direction by the President in a particular lief efforts for Kosovar refugees. matter. The Secretary of State is authorized and Sec. 2. Consultations and Advice. In de- directed to report this determination to the veloping the annual reports required by part Congress and to arrange for its publication I and part II of this order, the Trade Rep- in the Federal Register. resentative shall consult with executive agen- cies and seek information and advice from William J. Clinton U.S. businesses in the United States and in NOTE: This item was released by the Office of the countries involved in the practices under the Press Secretary on April 1. consideration. William J. Clinton Telephone Remarks From Norfolk, The White House, Virginia, to United States Troops at March 31, 1999. Aviano Air Base in Italy [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, April 1, 1999 8:45 a.m., April 2, 1999] The President. Colonel Nichols, I know NOTE: This Executive order was released by the you’re about to leave on a mission. I just Office of the Press Secretary on April 1, and it called to tell you we’re proud of you, and

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we appreciate you and all your Buzzards I thank Secretary Danzig, National Secu- there at the 510th and all the other people rity Adviser Berger, and others who came who are carrying out this difficult mission. with me from the White House. Mayor And you may know that I’m down in Vir- Oberndorf, thank you for welcoming me to ginia, and I just met with some service fami- Virginia Beach. lies to tell them how much I appreciate their I’d like to say a special word of apprecia- sacrifice. And I know many of you have fami- tion to the Members of Congress who are lies back home pulling for you, as well. here: your representatives, Congressmen So I just want to tell you that and tell you Scott and Sisisky; Senator Levin, our ranking how proud we are. I’m here with Secretary member of the Armed Services Committee; Cohen and General Shelton and a number and a special thanks to my longtime friend of other people from Washington, and we’re Senator Chuck Robb, who is one of the most all there for you. courageous Members of the United States Lt. Col. David Nichols. Thank you, Mr. Congress, and Virginia is very fortunate to President, sir. You have the 81st and the 23d be represented by him. Fighter Squadrons here also. It’s a great team. And we are truly honored to have the Let me say to all of you, I came here today privilege to hear your voice this afternoon. primarily to thank two groups of people: our The President. Well, thank you. I know men and women in uniform and their fami- that I’m taking you almost up to your depar- lies, for the service and sacrifice that makes ture time, and I don’t want to keep you late America strong. for your mission. But you just know we’re I just met a few moments ago with several all proud of you, and what you’re doing is members of families, spouses and children very important for our country and for the of members of four different services who future of the world. And we thank you very are deployed away from here now. They’re much. all over here to my right. And whatever it Goodbye. is you would like to say to me today, I think there’s a very good chance they said it. They NOTE: The President spoke at 12:46 p.m. from did a very good job for you, and I’m very the dining room of the Pennsylvania House at the Norfolk Naval Station. Lieutenant Colonel Nich- proud of them. ols, USAF, is Commanding Officer of the 510th I heard about the financial sacrifices, and Fighter Squadron. A tape was not available for I heard about the human sacrifices. I don’t verification of the content of these remarks. think that anyone could say it better than this lady over here with this beautiful baby in the red hat, with the ‘‘I miss you, Daddy’’ sign. Remarks to the Military Community I thank you. And this sign, ‘‘I love my TR at the Norfolk Naval Station sailor. Support our troops.’’ April 1, 1999 I wanted to come here today because I want America to know that the sacrifices The President. Thank you very much. I’m just curious, can you all hear me out there? made by our men and women in uniform Audience member. No! are fully mirrored by their families back The President. No? The echo is pretty home, by the opportunities that are missed bad, isn’t it? Well, if I speak louder, is it bet- to be with wives and husbands and children ter or worse? No difference. I’ll do the best on birthdays and holidays, and just being I can. there for the kids when they’re needed at First, I’d like to thank Secretary Cohen night and in the morning as they go off to and General Shelton for their truly out- school. They are fully felt in terms of the standing service in our administration at a financial sacrifices of the family members left difficult time. I’d like to thank Admiral at home to pay the bills and see to the health Gehman, Admiral Reason, General Pace, care and other needs of the children. General Keck, and the other leaders of all And America should know that and should the forces represented here. be very, very grateful to all of you. We are

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grateful, and we think all Americans will be asked our Armed Forces to carry out with grateful as they know what you do. our NATO allies is a dangerous one, as I have Let me also say I had a chance to speak repeatedly said. Danger is something the just before I came out here with the 510th brave men and women of our country’s Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base in Italy, Armed Forces understand because you live part of our Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, with it every day, even in routine training to thank them and to hear of their immense exercises. pride and determination in their mission. Now, we all know that yesterday three I know that many, many people here have Army infantrymen were seized as they were friends or family members who are working carrying out a peaceful mission in Mac- hard in our mission in Kosovo. I know this edonia, protecting that country from the vio- port is home to 100 ships, not only the pow- lence in neighboring Kosovo. There was ab- erful battle groups now at sea led by the En- solutely no basis for them to be taken. There terprise and the Theodore Roosevelt but also is no basis for them to be held. There is cer- ships in the Adriatic: guided missile destroy- tainly no basis for them to be tried. All Amer- ers like the Gonzalez; fast-attack submarines icans are concerned about their welfare. like the Norfolk. [Applause] Yes, you can clap President Milosevic should make no mis- for your ships; that’s okay. [Applause] take: The United States takes care of its own. I can’t name every ship or every unit, but And President Milosevic should make no I know that all of you are proud of all of mistake: We will hold him and his govern- them. Again, let me say, too, a special word ment responsible for their safety and for their of thanks to the family members of those who well-being. are deployed in the Kosovo operation now. And let me say to all of you, we spend But I ask you, also, to resolve that we will a lot of time—perhaps more time than you continue to carry out our mission with deter- would think—in the White House, and at the mination and resolve. Pentagon, talking about our obligations to the Over the past few weeks, I have been talk- families of our service members. We know ing with the American people about why that we are asking more and more of you we’re involved with our NATO allies in as we have downsized the military and diver- Kosovo and the risks of our mission and why sified and increased the number of our oper- they’re justified. It’s especially important that ations around the world. We know that the I speak to you and, through you, to all men more we ask of you, the greater our respon- and women in uniform about these matters. sibilities to you. The roots of this conflict lie in the policies We know that we owe you the support, of Mr. Milosevic, the dictator of Serbia. For the training, the equipment you need to get more than 10 years now, he has been using the job done. We know we owe you fair pay, ethnic and religious hatred as a path to per- decent housing, and other support. Our new sonal power and a justification for the ethnic defense budget contains not only a substan- cleansing and murder of innocent civilians. tial pay raise but increased funding to keep That is what he did first in Bosnia and Cro- our readiness razor sharp. It is our solemn atia, where the United States, with our allies, obligation to those of you who accept the did so much to end the war. And that is what dangers and hardships of our common secu- he is doing in Kosovo today. That is what rity. he will continue to do to his own people and Since the cold war ended, we have asked his neighbors unless we and our allies stand more and more of our Armed Forces—from in the way. the Persian Gulf to Korea, to Central Amer- For months, we tried and tried and tried ica to Africa—today, to stand with our allies every conceivable peaceful alternative. We in NATO against the unspeakable brutality did everything we could through diplomacy in Kosovo. to solve this problem. With diplomacy Now, this is not an easy challenge with a backed by the threat of NATO force, we simple answer. If it were, it would have been forged a cease-fire last October that rescued resolved a long time ago. The mission I have from cold and hunger hundreds of thousands

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of people in Kosovo whom he had driven small place. But it sits right at the dividing from their homes. line of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; In February, with our allies and with Rus- the dividing line between Islam and Christi- sia, we proposed a peace agreement that anity, close to our Turkish and Greek allies would have given the people of Kosovo the to the south; our new allies, Hungary, Po- autonomy they were guaranteed under their land, and the Czech Republic to the north; constitution before Mr. Milosevic came to surrounded by small and struggling democ- power and ended the fighting for good. racies that easily could be overwhelmed by Now, the Kosovar leaders, they signed that the flood of refugees Mr. Milosevic is cre- agreement—even though it didn’t give them ating. the independence they said they wanted and Already, Macedonia is so threatened. Al- that they had been fighting for. But Mr. ready, Serbian forces have made forays into Milosevic refused. In fact, while pretending Albania, which borders Kosovo. If we were to negotiate for peace, he massed 40,000 to do nothing, eventually our allies and then troops and hundreds of tanks in and around the United States would be drawn into a larg- Kosovo, planning a new campaign of destruc- er conflict at far greater risks to our people tion and defiance. He started carrying out and far greater costs. that campaign the moment the peace talks Now, we can’t respond to every tragedy ended. in every corner of the world. But just because Now the troops and police of the Serbian we can’t do everything for everyone doesn’t dictator are rampaging through tiny Kosovo, mean that for the sake of consistency we separating men from their families, executing should do nothing for no one. many of them in cold blood, burning homes—sometimes, we now hear, with peo- Remember now, these atrocities are hap- ple inside—forcing survivors to leave every- pening at the doorstep of NATO, which has thing behind, confiscating their identity pa- preserved the security of Europe for 50 years pers, destroying their records so their history because of the alliance between the United and their property is erased forever. States and our allies. They are happening in Yesterday Mr. Milosevic actually said this violation of specific commitments Mr. problem can only be solved by negotiations. Milosevic gave to us, to our NATO allies, to But yesterday, as he said that, his forces con- other European countries, and to Russia. tinued to hunt down the very Kosovar leaders They are happening to people who embrace with whom he was supposed to be negoti- peace and promise to lay down their own ating. arms. They put their trust in us, and we can’t Altogether now, more than half a million let them down. Kosovars have been pushed from their Our objective is to restore the Kosovars homes since the conflict began. They are ar- to their homes with security and self-govern- riving at the borders of the country, shaken ment. Our bombing campaign is designed to by what they have seen and been through. exact an unacceptably high price for Mr. But they also say—as a delegation of Alba- Milosevic’s present policy of repression and nian-Americans, many of whom have rel- ethnic cleansing and to seriously diminish his atives in Kosovo, told me personally in the military capacity to maintain that policy. White House yesterday—that NATO’s mili- We’ve been doing this for 7 days now— tary action has at least given them some hope just 7 days. Our pilots have performed brave- that they have not been completely aban- ly and well in the face of dangerous condi- doned in their suffering. tions and often abysmal weather. But we Had we not acted, the Serbian offensive must be determined and patient. Remember, would have been carried out with impunity. the Serbs had 40,000 troops in and around We are determined that it will carry a very Kosovo, and nearly 300 tanks, when they high price, indeed. We also act to prevent began this, before the first NATO plane got a wider war. If you saw my address to the in the air. They had a sophisticated air-de- country the other night and the maps that fense system. They also have a problem I showed, you know that Kosovo is a very which has been festering for a decade, thanks

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to the efforts of Mr. Milosevic to make peo- portunities to share prosperity and to give ple hate each other in the former Yugoslavia their kids an education and have a decent because they are Muslims instead of Ortho- future, if only they will live in peace with dox Christians or Catholics; because they’re the basic human regard for other people. Albanians instead of Serbians or Croatians, That is absolutely antithetical to everything or Bosnian Muslims, or Macedonians, or you that Mr. Milosevic has done. have—whatever. It is appalling. So I ask you—you say, what has this got For decades, those people lived in peace to do with America? Remember, we fought with one another. For 10 years and more, two World Wars in Europe. Remember that now, a dictator has sought to make himself the unity, the freedom, the prosperity, the powerful by convincing the largest group, the peace of Europe is important to the future Serbs, that the only way they can amount of the children in this room today. That is, to anything is to uproot, disrupt, destroy, and in the end, what this is about. kill other people who don’t have the same We’re not doing this on our own. We could means of destruction—no matter what the not have undertaken it on our own. This is consequences are to everybody around them, something we’re doing with our NATO allies. no matter how many innocent children and They’re up there in the air, too. If there’s their parents die, no matter how much it dis- a peace agreement, they’ve agreed to provide rupts other countries. 85 percent of the troops on the ground to Why? Because they want power, and they help to monitor the peace agreement and want to base it on the kind of ethnic and protect all the ethnic groups, including the religious hatred that is bedeviling the whole Serbs. world today. You can see it in the Middle East, in Northern Ireland. You can see it in This is something we are doing to try to the tribal wars in Africa. You can see that avoid in the 21st century the kind of wide- it is one of the dominant problems the whole spread war, large American casualties, and world faces. And this is right in the under- heartbreak that we saw too much of in the belly of Europe. century we are about to leave. We have to decide whether we are going So this is not just about a small piece of to take a stand with our NATO allies and the Balkans. But let me ask you something. whether we are prepared to pay the price When we are moved by the plight of three of time to make him pay the price of aggres- service men, when we stay up half the night sion and murder. Are we, in the last year hoping that our rescue teams find that fine of the 20th century, going to look the other pilot who went down when his plane was hit, way as entire peoples in Europe are forced when we see a sign that says, ‘‘I love my TR to abandon their homelands or die? Are we sailor’’ or ‘‘I miss my Daddy,’’ we remember going to impose a price on that kind of con- that all political and military decisions ulti- duct and seek to end it? mately have a human component that is high- Mr. Milosevic often justifies his behavior ly individualized. by talking about the history of the Serbs Think how you would feel if you were part going back to the 14th century. Well, I value of the half million people who lived peace- the history of this country, and I value what ably in a place, just wanted to be let alone happened here in the 18th century. But I to practice your religion and educate your don’t want to take America back to the 18th children and do your work—if people came century. And he acts like he wants to take to your house and your village and said, Serbia back to the 14th century—to 14th ‘‘Pack up your belongings and go; we’re going century values, 14th century ways of looking to burn your property records; we’re going at other human beings. to burn your identity records. And if your We are on the edge of a new century and husband or your son is of military service age, a new millennium, where the people in poor we might take them out behind the barn and countries all over the world, because of tech- shoot them dead’’—just because you have a nology and the Internet and the spreading different religion, just because you have a dif- of information, will have unprecedented op- ferent ethnic background. Is that really what

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we want the 21st century to be about for our NOTE: The President spoke at 1:17 p.m. in Hangar children? SP2. In his remarks, he referred to Adm. Harold Now, that is what is at stake here. We can- (Hal) Gehman, Jr., USN, Supreme Allied Com- not do everything in the world, but we must mander, Atlantic; Adm. J. Paul Reason, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Lt. do what we can. We can never forget the Gen. Peter Pace, USMC, Commander, U.S. Ma- Holocaust, the genocide, the carnage of the rine Corps Forces, Europe; Lt. Gen. Thomas 20th century. We don’t want the new century Keck, USAF, Vice Commander, Air Combat to bring us the same nightmares in a different Command; Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf of Vir- guise. ginia Beach; President Slobodan Milosevic of the We also want to say again how proud the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Mon- United States is that each of NATO’s 19 tenegro); and the three U.S. Army infantrymen members is supporting the mission in Kosovo in custody in Serbia: Staff Sgt. Andrew A. Rami- in some way—France and Germany, Turkey rez, Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone, and Specialist and Greece, Poland and Hungary, the Czech Steven M. Gonzales. Republic, Britain, Canada—all the others. And this is also important. Statement on the 2000 Census Let me finally say—I’d like to read you April 1, 1999 something. Near the end of the Second World War, President Roosevelt prepared a Exactly one year from today, America will speech to give at a holiday honoring Virginia’s commence the first census of the 21st cen- famous son, Thomas Jefferson. He never got tury. The responsibility to conduct the census to give the speech. But it still speaks to us, is nearly as old as our Nation. Beginning in his last words. And to those of you who wear 1790, and every 10 years since, America has the uniform of our Nation and to those of counted its people, charted its growth, and you who are part of the families of our uni- by doing so, prepared for its future. formed service members. I ask you to heed The census is a vital statistical snapshot these words. that tells us who we are and where we are After the long war was almost drawing to going as a nation. And though it is taken only a close, these were Franklin Roosevelt’s last once a decade, it is important to our everyday words that he never got to deliver: ‘‘We as lives. The census helps communities deter- Americans do not choose to deny our respon- mine where to build everything from schools sibilities. Nor do we intend to abandon our to supermarkets and from homes to hospitals. determination that within the lives of our It helps the Government decide how to dis- children and our children’s children, there tribute funds and assistance to States and lo- will not be a third world war. We seek peace, calities. It is used to draw the lines of legisla- enduring peace. More than an end to war, tive districts and reapportion the seats each we want an end to the beginnings of all State holds in Congress. wars.’’ The Census Bureau estimates it will count That is what we are trying to achieve in about 275 million people next year across our Kosovo. That is what many of you in this Nation. But America must be accurate—and room, perhaps, and your colleagues, did more so than we have been in the past. The achieve in Bosnia. We want to end a war that previous census, in 1990, missed 8.4 million has begun in Europe, and prevent a larger people and counted more than 4 million war. And we want to alleviate the burdens twice. Children, minorities, and low-income and the killing of defenseless people. Let us Americans have been often overlooked. We heed President Roosevelt’s last words. must do better. Every person in America Let me say again, for those of you who counts—so every American must be counted. serve and for those of you who serve as family I am committed to ensuring that Census members and who sacrifice as wives and hus- 2000 is as accurate, complete, and fair as pos- bands and children: I thank you for your serv- sible. That will be an enormous under- ice and your sacrifice, and America thanks taking—demanding the largest peacetime you. mobilization in our Nation’s history, involving God bless you. hundreds of thousands of local census takers

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and community volunteers. I have, therefore, Proclamation 7157—Cancer Control asked every executive department and agen- Month, 1999 cy of the Federal Government to develop an April 1, 1999 action plan that helps recruit census workers and promotes full participation in Census By the President of the United States 2000. The Census Bureau has put forth a of America comprehensive and complete plan that in- cludes a full enumeration and modern sci- A Proclamation entific methods. The Bureau will also build unprecedented partnerships with business, Each year for more than half a century, community groups, schools, and State, local, our Nation has dedicated the month of April and tribal governments and use, for the first to reaffirming our commitment to developing time, radio, television, and billboard adver- more effective prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and to recognizing the tisements to encourage everyone to partici- progress that we have made in fighting this pate in Census 2000. devastating disease. Working together, we can ensure that Today we are reaping the rewards of our Census 2000 truly reflects who we are as a long-standing efforts to combat cancer as re- people and that each American can make the searchers make remarkable progress virtually best of the opportunities of the 21st century. every day. Over the past several years, for example, scientists have identified genes in- volved in a number of cancers, including can- cers of the breast, prostate, kidney, skin, and Statement on Results From a Florida colon. In the first year of the Cancer Genome Youth Antismoking Program Anatomy Project at the National Cancer In- stitute (NCI), researchers succeeded in iden- April 1, 1999 tifying more than 300,000 DNA sequences and 12,000 new genes—double the initial ex- Today the Centers for Disease Control and pectation. The newly created Cancer Genet- Prevention is publishing promising new re- ics Network will help scientists answer the sults from the youth antismoking program many clinical questions raised by these dis- launched by the late Florida Governor coveries. This national network will link par- Lawton Chiles. The study shows that in just ticipating cancer research centers and one year, smoking has declined by 19 percent strengthen their efforts not only to identify among middle school students and by 8 per- genes that predispose people to cancer, but cent among high schoolers. These results also to learn better methods for counseling, show why every State should have a com- testing, and monitoring people for cancer prehensive program to reduce youth smoking susceptibility. These and other recent ad- and why I oppose any legislation waiving the vances are providing Americans with our Federal Government’s claim to tobacco set- most powerful weapons to defeat cancer: tlement funds without making a commitment early detection and immediate treatment. from the States to fund such efforts. Without Recognizing the great promise such find- such a commitment, States won’t have to ings hold for our battle against cancer, my spend a single penny of the $246 billion set- Administration has dedicated unprecedented tlement to reduce youth smoking. We must Federal resources toward cancer research. act now: Every day 3,000 children become The omnibus appropriations bill I signed this regular smokers, and 1,000 will have their past October increased funding for the NCI lives cut short as a result. by $400 million. This increase—the single largest increase in funding for cancer and medical research in history—sets the NCI budget at nearly $3 billion, enabling it to NOTE: This statement was embargoed for release fund critical new research, including 10 new by the Office of the Press Secretary until 4 p.m. clinical trials for breast cancer treatment.

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Last year we saw one of the most significant In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set advances to date in cancer prevention re- my hand this first day of April, in the year search with the discoveries from the land- of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- mark Breast Cancer Prevention Trial. This nine, and of the Independence of the United study, a national clinical trial sponsored by States of America the two hundred and twen- the NCI, found that the incidence of breast ty-third. cancer fell by 49 percent among women tak- William J. Clinton ing the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen. Based upon this finding, last October, the Food and [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Drug Administration approved tamoxifen for 8:45 a.m., April 6, 1999] preventative use by women at risk for breast cancer. NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Through the Department of Defense, we Federal Register, on April 7. are also awarding $60 million in grants for prostate cancer research. These grants are funding innovative new studies to determine Proclamation 7158—National Child the causes of prostate cancer, develop new Abuse Prevention Month, 1999 methods of prevention and detection, and April 1, 1999 discover groundbreaking new treatments to save lives. In addition, we have worked to By the President of the United States accelerate the approval process for new can- of America cer drugs to ensure that cancer patients have access to the latest and most effective treat- A Proclamation ments, all while maintaining the highest of Children bring happiness to our lives and safety standards. hope to our future; they are our greatest joy Although these and other recent advances and our most important responsibility. are encouraging, we must not be complacent. Whether as loving parents or concerned citi- The occurrence of cancer is still too common, zens, we must do everything we can to nur- and the suffering it causes is incalculable. As ture them, protect them, raise them in an we stand on the threshold of a new millen- atmosphere of love and respect, and create nium, let us draw strength from the successes for them an environment in which they can of the past and reaffirm our determination grow into healthy, well-adjusted, and produc- to treat, prevent, and ultimately eradicate tive adults. cancer. Tragically, however, statistics confirm that In 1938, the Congress of the United States not all of America’s children enjoy the bene- passed a joint resolution (52 Stat. 148; 36 fits of a safe, loving home. Instead, hundreds U.S.C. 150) requesting the President to issue of thousands of children each year suffer an annual proclamation declaring April to be abuse and neglect, most often at the hands ‘‘Cancer Control Month.’’ of their own parents or other family mem- Now, Therefore I, William J. Clinton, bers. The horrors of physical or emotional President of the United States of America, trauma deny these young people their child- do hereby proclaim April 1999 as Cancer hood, and our abused children carry the psy- Control Month. I invite the Governors of the chological scars of their mistreatment 50 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto throughout their lives. Worse yet, for some— Rico, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, particularly those under 3 years old—the and the appropriate officials of all other areas abuse they endure is fatal. under the American flag to issue similar My Administration is committed to pro- proclamations. I also ask health care profes- moting effective policies and innovative pro- sionals, private industry, community groups, grams to protect children from harm and to insurance and managed care companies, and mitigate the stresses on families that can ig- all other interested organizations and individ- nite violence in the home. We have imple- uals to unite in renewing our Nation’s com- mented a comprehensive agenda that in- mitment to controlling cancer. cludes increased funding at the State level

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to ensure that maternal and child health pro- NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the grams are expanded to include child protec- Federal Register on April 7. tion, family preservation, and support; we have released prevention grants for commu- nity-based family services in all 50 States; and Remarks on the National Economy we have worked with the Congress to pass and Kosovar Refugees and an the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, Exchange With Reporters the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforce- ment Act of 1994, and the National Child April 2, 1999 Protection Act of 1993, all of which support child abuse prevention efforts in State and The President. Ladies and gentlemen, I local jurisdictions. would like to make some fairly brief com- Yet government programs alone cannot ments today about the situation in Kosovo prevent child abuse. As a society that cares and the humanitarian issue, and also about about the health and well-being of our chil- the good news today we received on the do- dren, we must forge caring, cooperative alli- mestic economy. Let me make the economic ances that include government as a partner, remarks first, and then I will talk about but also involve schools, community organi- Kosovo and refer to the folks from the ad- zations, businesses, religious groups, and es- ministration who are here to my right. pecially parents and family members them- As I think all of you know by now, it was selves—indeed, everyone who has a stake in reported today that last month the unem- the future of American families. During this ployment rate in the United States dropped special month, as we focus our Nation’s at- to 4.2 percent, the lowest in this long expan- tention on the disturbing problem of child sion and the lowest monthly unemployment abuse, let us remember that behind every rate the United States has enjoyed since heartbreaking statistic is a child whose 1970. This is also an expansion that is wid- health, happiness, and future depend on our ening the circle of opportunity. We had, ability to recognize the signs of abuse and among other things in this last monthly re- our refusal to tolerate abuse in our homes port, the lowest Hispanic unemployment rate and communities. ever recorded. Now we know also that real Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, wages went up last year at the highest rate President of the United States of America, in two decades. by virtue of the authority vested in me by Now, these economic indicators are more the Constitution and laws of the United than just economic indicators; they mean States, do hereby proclaim April 1999 as Na- wider opportunity and a better chance for tional Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call millions of Americans to have stronger fami- upon all Americans to observe this month by demonstrating our gratitude to those who lies and give their children a better chance. work to keep our children safe, and by taking It is a reminder of the gains we have made action in our own communities to make them because we have done the right things eco- healthier places in which children can grow nomically for the long run. and thrive. And now we must act to extend that pros- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set perity. That means, among other things, we my hand this first day of April, in the year have to be very, very smart about how we of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- deal with the question of the surplus. In the nine, and of the Independence of the United coming months, I will continue to insist that States of America the two hundred and twen- a substantial portion of the surplus—the ma- ty-third. jority—as I have outlined since the State of the Union, be set aside in a way that will William J. Clinton save Social Security and Medicare and will enable us to pay down the debt, to keep in- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, terest rates low, to keep investment high, to 8:45 a.m., April 6, 1999] keep this economy going.

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I hope that today this good news on unem- are especially burdened, we are able to pro- ployment will remind us of how we got here vide help there—although we need more and not make us forget how we got here. countries to join us in providing help there. Now, let me say a few words about Kosovo, We must be increasingly concerned about and in particular, the humanitarian situation. the plight of displaced people who are actu- I am glad to be joined by the folks to my ally trapped inside Kosovo and are under at- right—Hattie Babbitt, the Deputy USAID tack or certainly vulnerable to attack by Ser- Administrator; Julia Taft, the Assistant Sec- bian forces. retary of State for Population, Refugees, and That is why our airstrikes are now increas- Migration; General John McDuffie, the ingly focused on military targets there. Chairman’s Director for Logistics of the Joint There’s no doubt that what Mr. Milosevic Chiefs of Staff; and Eric Schwartz, who is wants to do is to keep the land of Kosovo our Director for Multilateral and Humani- and rid it of its people. We cannot let that tarian Affairs at the NSC. happen with impunity. The humanitarian situation, as all of you I said yesterday in Virginia to our troops, know, remains grave in Kosovo. Since last and I want to say again, we must be deter- year, nearly one in three people there have mined; we must be persistent; we must be been pushed from their homes. patient if we expect to see this mission I met this morning with representatives of through. And I am absolutely determined to humanitarian organizations that are leading do that. relief efforts in the area. They are doing cou- We have to make sure that Mr. Milosevic rageous work under difficult circumstances. pays a heavy price for this policy of repres- We want to support them in every way we sion. We have to seriously diminish his capac- can. ity to maintain that policy. Ultimately, we I can tell you that I was very impressed want to make it possible for the victims to that they reported that the refugees coming return home, to live in security, and enjoy out strongly support the action that NATO self-government. has taken and clearly understand that that Let me also reaffirm what I said yesterday action did not provoke the attempt to remove about the three Army infantrymen who were them from their homes, that that is part of seized on Wednesday as they were carrying an operation that has been going on since out a completely peaceful mission in Mac- last year, that there were 40,000 troops and edonia. There was no basis for them to be nearly 300 tanks—Serbian troops and taken; there is no basis for them to be held; tanks—massed in and around Kosovo at the there is absolutely no justification for putting time the peace talks in France broke up. And them on trial or displaying them in public they are quite clear that what has happened in violation of the Geneva Convention. As to them was what was planned for quite a long as they are detained, they have the sta- long while. And I appreciate the support— tus of POW’s and are entitled to all the pro- and the great difficulty of maintaining it— tections that come with that status. of these people who have suffered so much. As I made clear yesterday, we will hold Now, what are we doing about this? This President Milosevic and his government re- week I authorized an additional $50 million sponsible for their safety and well-being. in emergency aid to augment our contribu- tions to the UNHCR and to the other relief Ground Troops organizations and to ensure that our military Q. Mr. President, is Kosovo lost, sir? can do more to help them get aid to the peo- Q. Mr. President, those same refugees you ple in need. just cited a moment ago are, by and large, Today NATO agreed that its forces in also saying that they believe that only NATO Macedonia should support the relief effort ground forces will be able to get them back there by providing transport, shelter, and into their country. Do you still feel the same logistical support. way you do about ground forces? While many people are arriving in neigh- The President. I still believe that we have boring countries, and Macedonia and Albania a good possibility of achieving our mission

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with the means that we have deployed. Re- or on the borders. So there has been a lot member, we have been at this for a week. of speculation—was this—I don’t think any- I see all of you, and I don’t blame you for body in our military was under any illusion doing this because everybody it trying to get that he did not have the capacity to do what their hands around a very complex problem, has been done. And what we have tried to referring to Desert Storm or other historical do is to gear up this air campaign as quickly analogies. Is this like the Persian Gulf; is this as we could, and given the limitations of the like Vietnam; what is it like? Is it like what weather, proceed. happened in World War II? We have strong allied unity. We have real Let me remind you, for these people who firm determination today in Europe that talk about ground forces, the ground forces these objectives will be achieved. And we in- that were deployed in the Middle East were tend to stay after them until they are. deployed after the objective had been I do not believe—I think that—I do not achieved by Saddam Hussein, after he had believe that anyone should expect, or should captured Kuwait. It took, as I remember, have expected—we recognized when we maybe more than 5 months to do the pre- started that this campaign, this air campaign, paratory deployment before any action could would not be a week or two proposition. be taken. Q. But, sir, even many of those who ad- So this air campaign has been much more vised and represented the Kosovars at Ram- rapid in getting up and getting underway bouillet say that process is now dead, given than any sort of ground operation could be. what has happened on the ground. Will there And it seems to me we have a real obligation have to be some new security and political to try to keep the NATO allies together and arrangement beyond what was envisioned at to vigorously pursue this. We are making the those peace talks? And what will the air campaign more intense; we are adding U.S.—— targets; we are keeping the NATO allies to- The President. Well, I think there will gether. And I believe we have quite a good have to be some sort of security arrangement chance of achieving our objectives of the re- in order for them to live safely. And then turn of the Kosovars to live in security with there will have to be some sort of agreement the measure of self-government that they en- that entails the autonomy to which they are joyed under the old Yugoslav constitution be- entitled. That is clearly right. fore Mr. Milosevic took it away from them. So the elements that were discussed at the And I believe that is what we should continue peace talks in France are still elements that to do. That is what I intend to continue to have to be resolved before the Kosovars can do. either stay home or go home, for those who have left, and do so peacefully, and do so President’s Policy with some measure of autonomy. And it Q. Mr. President, with villages burning, seems to me that will require, clearly, for sir, and refugees coming out at a rate of near- some period of time, some sort of inter- ly 100,000 a day, is it not unfair to say that national force that will be able to protect Kosovo is already lost? And if it is lost, sir, their security. is it your policy to get it back? So the elements, the framework that we The President. My policy is to stick with dealt with in France is still the framework the NATO allies to provide for return of the people are going to have to deal with; what- Kosovars in conditions of security where they ever label you put on it, those are the—the have the self—the autonomy that they had objectives that we seek to achieve will re- before Mr. Milosevic took it away. That is quire certain means to realize. my policy. Helen [Helen Thomas, United Press Keep in mind, this campaign of his started International]. last year. There were hundreds of thousands of refugees before the peace talks in France Russian Involvement started. Before that happened, there were Q. Mr. President, what about the deep- 40,000 troops and nearly 300 tanks in Kosovo ening Russian involvement? Apparently, we

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understand they are now going to offer aid; small- and medium-sized firms, will not be they’re sending ships into the Mediterranean. ready unless they act immediately. Are they ready for a fight? This week, the Small Business Administra- The President. I don’t believe so. I be- tion (SBA), the Department of Commerce, lieve that—as I said before and I’ll say again, the Department of Agriculture, and other one of the unfortunate side effects of this Federal departments and agencies of the whole crisis—and we saw it a little bit in Bos- President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion nia, but we were able to resolve it, thank are sponsoring ‘‘Small Business Y2K Action goodness, in Bosnia in a way that brought Week.’’ At hundreds of Y2K seminars and us together with the Russians in the peace- training events across the country, these keeping force there—is that this whole issue agencies are educating small businesses on has put great strains on the domestic politics the steps necessary for achieving Y2K com- of Russia, in the Russian Duma, because of pliance. the religious and cultural identity and the The message we are delivering to small ethnic identity of the Russians with the Serbs. businesses at these events is that every small But I think that, based on my experience business must take responsibility for making in dealing with this in the last few days, and sure it is ready for the Year 2000 by taking my experience in dealing with the Russians action now. Every business should assess its over the last 6 years, and what appear to be exposure to the Y2K problem, ask its vendors the facts now, they are looking for ways to and suppliers to be ready as well, and de- continue to oppose what NATO is doing, but velop contingency plans in case its own crit- to leave open the prospect that they could ical systems or the systems of its vendors fail play a very constructive role in making a as we move into the Year 2000. peace. I don’t think anyone wants to see this The legislation I am signing today will help conflict escalate, and I certainly don’t believe ensure that the Nation’s small businesses the Russian Government does. have access to the capital they need to be Thank you. ‘‘Y2K–OK’’ in the Year 2000. The Act will authorize the SBA to provide loan guarantees NOTE: The President spoke at 12:23 p.m. in the for two Y2K purposes. First, it will enable Briefing Room at the White House. In his re- small businesses to purchase the systems, marks, he referred to President Slobodan software, equipment, and services necessary Milosevic of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); the three U.S. Army to become Y2K compliant. Second, it will as- infantrymen in custody in Serbia: Staff Sgt. An- sist small businesses that suffer economic in- drew A. Ramirez, Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone, jury as a result of the Y2K problem during and Specialist Steven M. Gonzales; and President the Year 2000. Authority for this special pro- Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The President also re- gram will terminate on December 31, 2000. ferred to the United Nations High Commissioner I want to especially recognize the job that for Refugees (UNHCR). Administrator Aida Alvarez and the Small Business Administration have done in ensur- Statement on Signing the Small ing that the Nation’s small business commu- Business Year 2000 Readiness Act nity is ready to meet the Y2K challenge. Through its leadership of Small Business April 2, 1999 Y2K Action Week, and its other extensive Today I am pleased to sign into law S. 314, outreach efforts, the SBA has done an excel- the ‘‘Small Business Year 2000 Readiness lent job of raising the awareness of small Act.’’ businesses concerning the Y2K challenge. I In 9 months we will enter the new millen- would also like to thank the Congress for act- nium. We have made tremendous progress ing swiftly this session to ensure that we have in our efforts to address the Year 2000 (Y2K) this additional tool for assisting small busi- computer problem. In spite of this progress, nesses in their efforts to address this prob- however, too many businesses, especially lem.

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The Nation’s small businesses are the Digest of Other backbone of our country’s vibrant and grow- White House Announcements ing economy. In signing S. 314 today, I hope to ensure that our small business community will move into the Year 2000 with minimal The following list includes the President’s public disruption to our Nation’s economy. schedule and other items of general interest an- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. William J. Clinton The White House, March 28 April 2, 1999. In the afternoon, the President went to Camp David, MD.

NOTE: S. 314, approved April 2, was assigned Pub- March 29 lic Law No. 106–8. An original was not available In the morning, the President returned to for verification of the content of this statement. the White House, where he met with Chief of Staff John Podesta in the Oval Office. Later, he met with the foreign policy team and military leaders in the Oval Office con- cerning the situation in Kosovo. Message on the Observance The President announced the appoint- of Easter, 1999 ment of Robert A. Babbage, Jr., and Larry Echohawk as members of the Coordinating April 2, 1999 Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Prevention. Easter. March 30 Today Christians across America and In the afternoon, the President met with around the world commemorate with great President-elect Olusegun Obasanjo of Nige- joy the central mystery of their faith: the Res- ria concerning a range of bilateral and re- urrection of Jesus. In this season, we cele- gional issues. brate Christ’s victory over sin and death, and In the evening, the President had a tele- we rejoice in the new life that He won for phone conversation with Prime Minister us through His suffering, death, and rising Tony Blair of the United Kingdom regarding from the dead. the situation in Kosovo and the Northern Ire- land peace process. That new life empowers us to overcome The President announced his intention to sin and to recognize our capacity for forgive- nominate John Hanson to be Assistant Sec- ness and love. We have seen in our own com- retary for Public and Intergovernmental Af- munities and in other nations across the fairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. globe the violence and human tragedy spawned by hatred, intolerance, and fear April 1 born of ignorance. If we are to destroy the In the morning, the President had a tele- roots of hatred, we must examine our own phone conversation with Prime Minister hearts and actions and learn what we can and Tony Blair of the United Kingdom and Prime must do to build just communities united in Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland concerning the Northern Ireland peace process. Later, understanding and mutual respect. May this he met with the national security team in the sacred season of renewal, hope, and new be- Oval Office. ginnings inspire our efforts and light our way Later in the morning, the President trav- to a brighter, more peaceful future. eled to Norfolk, VA. While en route aboard Hillary joins me in extending best wishes Air Force One, he met with Defense Sec- for a blessed and joyous Easter celebration. retary William Cohen and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Henry (Hugh) Bill Clinton Shelton. Following his arrival at the Norfolk

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Naval Station, he met privately at the Penn- Released March 31 sylvania House with a group of military fami- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- lies to convey the Nation’s appreciation for retary Joe Lockhart their sacrifices and hardships. In the afternoon, the President returned Statement by the Press Secretary: White to Washington, DC. House Initiates Review on Space Launch The President announced his intention to Ranges nominate Robert Z. Lawrence to be a mem- ber of the President’s Council of Economic Released April 1 Advisers. Statement by the Press Secretary on an inter- April 2 agency delegation to southeast Europe In the morning, the President met with representatives of humanitarian organiza- Transcript of a press briefing by U.S. Atlantic tions in the Cabinet Room concerning relief Fleet Commander in Chief Adm. J. Paul efforts in Kosovo. Reason, USN, and Air Combat Command The President designated Harold C. Vice Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Keck on Pachios as Chair of the Advisory Commission the President’s visit to the Norfolk Naval on Public Diplomacy. Station Transcript of a press briefing by Secretary of Defense William Cohen and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Hugh Shelton on the NATO mission in Kosovo Nominations Submitted to the Senate Released April 2 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the retary Joe Lockhart Senate during the period covered by this issue. Transcript of a press briefing by NSC Senior Director for Multilateral and Humanitarian Affairs Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migra- Checklist tion Julia Taft, USAID Deputy Administrator of White House Press Releases Hattie Babbitt, and Joint Chiefs Director of Logistics Lt. Gen. John McDuffie on relief The following list contains releases of the Office efforts in the Balkans of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as Fact sheet: U.S. Humanitarian Relief Efforts items nor covered by entries in the Digest of for Kosovar Albanians Other White House Announcements.

Released March 29 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Acts Approved retary Joe Lockhart by the President Released March 30 Statement by the Press Secretary: President Approved March 30 Clinton Meets with Nigerian President-elect Obasanjo H.R. 808 / Public Law 106–5 Transcript of remarks by Secretary of State To extend for 6 additional months the period Madeleine Albright at the Warren Chris- for which chapter 12 of title 11, United States topher portrait unveiling Code, is reenacted

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Approved March 31 Approved April 2

S. 643 / Public Law 106–6 S. 314 / Public Law 106–8 Interim Federal Aviation Administration Au- Small Business Year 2000 Readiness Act thorization Act Approved April 1

H.R. 1212 / Public Law 106–7 To protect producers of agricultural com- modities who applied for a Crop Revenue Coverage PLUS supplemental endorsement for the 1999 crop year

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