Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 / Nov. 2 2227 the cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and kinship sight of the rich history of Native Americans. bonds that have existed for millennia. Just weeks ago, the Smithsonian Institution As we reflect on the heritage of American broke ground on the National Mall for the Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawai- National Museum of the American Indian. ians, we also reaffirm our commitment to fos- This wonderful facility will preserve and cele- tering a prosperous future for native youth brate the art, history, and culture of Ameri- and children. At the foundation of these ef- ca’s indigenous peoples. It is also fitting that forts is our work to provide a quality edu- the first U.S. dollar coin of the new millen- cation to all Native American children. In nium will bear the likeness of Sacajawea and particular, we have sought significantly in- her infant son—an image that captures the creased funding to support Bureau of Indian importance of our shared history. Affairs school construction and 1,000 new Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, teachers for American Indian youth. My 1998 President of the United States of America, Executive order on American Indian and by virtue of the authority vested in me by Alaska Native Education sets goals to im- the Constitution and laws of the United prove high school completion rates and im- States, do hereby proclaim November 1999 prove performance in reading and mathe- as National American Indian Heritage matics. And we are working to get computers Month. I urge all Americans, as well as their into every classroom and to expand the use elected representatives at the Federal, State, of educational technology. local, and tribal levels, to observe this month We are also seeking ways to empower Na- with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and tive American communities and help them activities. prosper. My Administration is expanding In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set consultation and collaborative decision-mak- my hand this first day of November, in the ing with tribal governments to promote self- year of our Lord nineteen hundred and determination. We also support tribal gov- ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the ernment economic development initiatives, United States of America the two hundred particularly those that increase or enhance and twenty-fourth. the infrastructure necessary for long-term William J. Clinton economic growth. My New Markets Initia- tive seeks to leverage public and private in- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, vestment to boost economic development in 8:45 a.m., November 3, 1999] areas that have not shared in our recent na- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the tional prosperity. In July, I visited the Pine Federal Register on November 4. Ridge Reservation of the Oglala Sioux, as part of my New Markets Tour, to explore opportunities for economic development in Remarks at a Ceremony Honoring Indian Country. the Memory of in Oslo Among the most serious barriers to eco- November 2, 1999 nomic growth facing tribal communities is a lack of housing, physical infrastructure, and Your Majesties, Prime Minister and Mrs. essential services. My Administration is Bondevik, Mr. Mayor, President Ahtisaari, working with tribal leaders to build and ren- , Prime Minister Barak, Chair- ovate affordable housing on tribal lands, man Arafat, , ladies and gentle- bring quality drinking water to economically men, today we bear witness to the wisdom distressed Indian communities, and improve of the Psalm which says, ‘‘the righteous shall public safety. We are moving to assist tribal be in everlasting remembrance.’’ We honor governments in developing the physical in- a righteous man whose memory is everlast- frastructure needed for economic develop- ing, because he devoted his life to the secu- ment, including roads, fiber-optic cabling, rity of his country but gave his life to the and electric power lines. promise of peace. In working together to shape a brighter Yitzhak Rabin’s life was a lesson, teaching future for Indian Country, we must not lose us that old fears and suspicions and hatreds 2228 Nov. 2 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 can, in fact, be overcome—for he would be The way ahead will be full of challenges the first to remind us that he felt all those for the Israelis, the Palestinians, the Syrians, things, too, but he let them go—teaching us the Lebanese, for the friends of peace here that there could be no security without last- represented. President Mubarak and King ing peace and no peace without charity for Abdullah will be important to our efforts. I all and malice toward none, teaching us that am determined that the United States will the only final answer to violence is reconcili- do all we can, including living up to the com- ation. mitments we made at Wye River. But the Almost 7 years ago, those principles most important thing we can do today is to brought Israelis and Palestinians to this city say to our friend, Rabin, we can still hear of peace to find common ground. And today you; we are prepared to finish the job. our friend brings us back to Oslo. We can When President Kennedy was assas- almost hear his kind, but stern voice telling sinated, said, ‘‘Tragedy is the dif- us, ‘‘Well, this is all very nice, but if you really ference between what is and what might have want to honor me, finish the job.’’ He would been.’’ That is the way we felt in the months and years after Prime Minister Rabin was be pleased to see ’s cause represented killed. Today let us say together we are done by Prime Minister Barak, his friend, fellow with tragedy. We will close the gap between soldier, and fervent ally for peace. what is and what might have been. In his last hour, Yitzhak Rabin, who was The other night my wife had to the White a shy person in public, sang to a peace-loving House one of the great scientists in our coun- throng of Israelis the Shir Ha Shalom, the try, who is unlocking the mysteries of the ‘‘Song of Peace.’’ Its words sing out to us human gene. And he said to us the most as- today: Don’t say the day will come; make it tonishing thing—he said all humanity, come. Today, in honor of our friend and lead- genetically, are 99.9 percent the same. And er, we must all say we will make it come— if you get any group, ethnic group, to- a new day of peace that is more than the gether—100 Norwegians—with another eth- absence of war; a new day of tolerance and nic group—100 west Africans—you find that respect, of trust and shared destiny, when the genetic differences among individuals the fears of the past are released so that the within each group are greater than the ge- hands and heart are free to embrace the netic profile of differences between the Nor- promise of the future. wegians and the Africans. Think of that. The enemies of peace remain alive and ac- Think of all the bodies that have been tive. Even in this day we see their dark work. piled up, one after another, the young and But the Scripture reminds us that evil can the old, throughout human history in tribute be overcome by good, and only by good. So to that one-tenth of one percent difference. we pursue Yitzhak Rabin’s vision not only be- Think about what brings us here today—that cause we loved and admired him—although the greatest quality a human being can have we surely did—but because it is right and is the ability to reach beyond that last one- the only way. tenth of one percent to unite in the common We have now a chance, but only a chance, humanity of the other 99.9 percent. to bring real and lasting peace between Israel Yitzhak Rabin led us in that great reach and her neighbors. If we let it slip away, all out—reaching across the last divide of one- will bear the consequences: Israel still tenth of one percent. It was his greatness. trapped within a circle of hostility; the Pal- It is his lesson. It is his message to us today. estinians still saddled with poverty and frus- Let us hear him, even as we loved him. tration and pain; both—and their Arab neigh- Thank you very much. bors wrapped in an endless and pointless cycle of conflict. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:50 a.m. in the Main Hall at City Hall. In his remarks, he referred So if Rabin were here with us today, he to Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Nor- would say there is not a moment to spare; way and his wife, Bjorg; Mayor Per Ditlev- ‘‘All this honoring me and these nice words, Simonsen of Oslo; President Martii Ahtisaari of they’re very nice, but please finish the job.’’ Finland; former Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 / Nov. 2 2229 current Prime Minister of Israel; Statement on House Action on the Chairman of the Palestinian Author- Proposed ‘‘African Growth and ity; Leah Rabin, widow of Yitzhak Rabin; Presi- dent of Egypt; and King Abdullah Opportunity Act’’ II of Jordan. November 2, 1999

Remarks Prior to Discussions With Today’s vote is an important milestone in Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel our effort to build a new economic relation- ship with sub-Saharan Africa and deepen ties and Chairman Yasser Arafat of the with our Caribbean and Central American Palestinian Authority and an neighbors. This legislation will help increase Exchange With Reporters in Oslo trade, enhance opportunity, and boost eco- November 2, 1999 nomic growth in America and nations in Afri- ca, the Caribbean, and Central America. I Middle East Peace Process urge the Senate to pass this bill as soon as The President. I think I can speak for all possible. of us when I say, first, we’re very grateful to the Government of Norway for inviting us here for this important ceremony. And we now have to give some real energy to the Statement on the Cyclone in India framework talks, but I think even though the November 2, 1999 issues are difficult, the will is strong, and we’re off to a good start. On behalf of all Americans, Hillary and I Q. How do you see the strong focus, Mr. offer our deepest condolences to the families President, on the issue of the settlement? who lost loved ones to the devastating The President. I think that the less we cyclone that struck eastern India Friday and say now to the public and the more we work Saturday. It is gradually becoming clear just in private, the better off we’ll be and the how much destruction was wrought along the more likely we will be able to get an agree- seacoast and inland in those terrifying hours. ment. There are reports that thousands of lives Q. ——a summit in January or February were lost and hundreds of thousands of in Washington, or maybe in ? The President. I wouldn’t—I don’t think homes were destroyed. It is truly a national we should rule it out or in. We ought to make calamity. sure—see how much progress we can make Our hearts go out to the Indian people, between now and then. You know, I would and we are prepared to do what we can to do anything I could to help them. help. The Government of India has an im- Q. What is the main issue you will discuss mense task ahead in providing assistance to right now when you start negotiations? the people who were affected by this tragedy. The President. I think we just have to talk The United States Government is providing about—to get agreement on the ground more than $2 million worth of food and rules, how we’re going to proceed. $100,000 worth of tents and plastic sheeting to help alleviate the hunger and immediate NOTE: The exchange began at 5:45 p.m. in the suffering. I also encourage the American U.S. Ambassador’s residence. A tape was not avail- people to help through charities involved in able for verification of the content of this ex- change. international relief.