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Home , Ann Lewis, Antigua Guatemala, Moral equivalence

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, March 15, 1999 Volume 35—Number 10 Pages 377–418

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress—Continued See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Iran, national emergency, message Airline passenger protection, radio remarks on transmitting notice on continuation—400 proposed legislation—398 National Endowment for the Arts, message Arkansas transmitting report—390 Arrival in Hope—413 Trade policy agenda and trade agreements program report, message transmitting—390 Clinton Birthplace, dedication ceremony in Hope—413 Communications to Federal Agencies El Salvador, Legislative Assembly in San Korean Peninsula Energy Development Salvador—391 Organization, memorandum—377 Guatemala Interviews With the News Media Arrival in Guatemala City—395 Central America Summit in Antigua—400, Exchange with reporters in Antigua, 401 Guatemala—401 Peace efforts, roundtable discussion in Joint Statements Guatemala City—395 Declaration of Antigua—406 Honduras Community at the Soto Cano Air Base— Letters and Messages 384 Saint Patrick’s Day, message—416 Hurricane Mitch reconstruction efforts, Meetings With Foreign Leaders roundtable discussion in Tegucigalpa— 385 Belize, Prime Minister Musa—400, 401, 406 Kosovo—401 Costa Rica, President Rodriguez—400, 401, Nicaragua 406 Community in Posoltega—378 Dominican Republic, President Fernandez— Las Casitas Volcano mudslide survivors, 400, 401, 406 El Salvador, President Calderon Sol—391, roundtable discussion in Posoltega—380 400, 401, 406 Radio address—377 Guatemala, President Arzu—395, 400, 401, Communications to Congress 406 Honduras, President Flores—384, 385, 400, Conventional Armed Forces in Europe 401, 406 Treaty, letter transmitting report on Nicaragua, President Aleman—378, 380, 400, compliance—383 401, 406

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The President was in Texarkana, TX, on March 12, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

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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Notices Statements by the President—Continued Continuation of Iran Emergency—399 Kosovo, House action to support use of U.S. Proclamations Armed Forces—412 National Institutes of Health, selection of National Older Workers Employment Week— Vaccine Research Center Director—411 412 Statements by the President Supplementary Materials Deaths Amir Essa bin Salman Al-Khalifa of Bahrain—378 Acts approved by the President—418 Joe DiMaggio—383 Checklist of White House press releases—417 Kennedy-Murray amendment to proposed Digest of other White House amendments— education flexibility partnership 416 legislation—383, 390, 399, 412 Nominations submitted to the Senate—417

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Memorandum on the Korean (4) the United States is fully engaged in Peninsula Energy Development efforts to impede North Korea’s devel- Organization opment and export of ballistic missiles. You are authorized and directed to report March 4, 1999 this certification to the Congress and to Presidential Determination No. 99–16 arrange for its publication in the Federal Register. Memorandum for the Secretary of State William J. Clinton

Subject: U.S. Contribution to KEDO: NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- Certification Under Section 582(b) of the fice of the Press Secretary on March 5. This item Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and was not received in time for publication in the Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999, appropriate issue. as contained in Public Law 105–277 Pursuant to section 582(b) of the Foreign The President’s Radio Address Operations, Export Financing, and Related March 6, 1999 Programs Appropriations Act, 1999, as contained in Public Law 105–277, I hereby cer- Good morning. This week we learned the tify that: good news that our efforts to raise academic (1)(A) the parties to the Agreed Frame- standards for our children are beginning to work have taken and continue to take pay off. The National Assessment of Edu- demonstrable steps to assure that cation Progress, or NAEP, released State test progress is made on the implementation scores on Thursday that show that our chil- of the January 1, 1992, Joint Declaration dren’s reading scores have risen, with some on the Denuclearization of the Korean of the greatest gains in States that once Peninsula in which the Government of scored below the national average. North Korea, has committed not to test, Today I want to talk to you about what manufacture, produce, receive, possess, I think we must do to build on our progress, store, deploy, or use nuclear weapons; by putting more teachers in the classroom (B) the parties to the Agreed Framework and reducing class size in schools around our have taken and continue to take demon- country. strable steps to assure that progress is We all agree that to build a stronger nation made on the implementation of the we must build up our Nation’s public schools. North-South dialogue; and I have proposed a comprehensive education (C) North Korea is complying with all pro- agenda to strengthen and improve our visions of the Agreed Framework and schools with more accountability, higher with the Confidential Minute between standards, more volunteer reading tutors for North Korea and the United States. young children, and mentors for teenagers, (2) North Korea is cooperating fully in the with Internet connections in every classroom, canning and safe storage of all spent fuel and with more well-trained teachers in small- from its graphite-moderated nuclear re- er classes. actors; As any parent, teacher, or school principal (3) North Korea has not significantly di- can tell you, smaller classes make a huge dif- verted assistance provided by the ference in our children’s lives. Studies show United States for purposes for which it that teachers in smaller classes spend less was not intended; and time on discipline and more time teaching.

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Students spend less time competing for at- whether the Congress is serious about giving tention and more time learning. Students in our children the education they need and de- smaller classes out-perform their peers. serve. For children in struggling communities, The choice is simple: Are we going to give from remote rural areas to inner-city neigh- Americans smaller classes or more partisan- borhoods, small class size is even more crit- ship? Are we going to put politics ahead of ical. And with school enrollments at record progress or put 100,000 teachers in our Na- highs and expected to keep rising, we must tion’s classrooms? I call on the Senate to act now to reduce class size in all our Nation’s allow an up-or-down vote on the Murray- public schools. Kennedy class size amendment, and I urge Across the country, more and more com- every Senator to vote for it. When it comes munities are recognizing the importance of to our children’s future, politics must stop smaller class size and trying to do something at the schoolhouse door. about it. To help them meet this challenge Thanks for listening. I called on Congress early last year to pass my initiative to reduce class size by helping NOTE: The address was recorded at 4:08 p.m. on school districts hire 100,000 highly trained March 5 in the Oval Office at the White House teachers. I’m pleased that Republican Mem- for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 6. The tran- bers of Congress joined with Democrats and script was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on March 5 but was embargoed did the right thing in making a big downpay- for release until the broadcast. ment toward meeting our goal. Today the Department of Education is re- leasing guidelines that will let every school Statement on the Death of Amir Essa district in our Nation know how much money bin Salman Al-Khalifa of Bahrain they will receive and how best to use the March 6, 1999 funds to reduce class size in time for school this fall. But communities deciding now I would like to express my deep sadness whether to hire and train new teachers for at the news that Shaikh Essa bin Salman next year need to know whether they can Al-Khalifa of Bahrain has passed away. The count on the commitment Congress made prayers and condolences of all Americans go last year to help them reduce class size for out to the royal family and the people of years to come. It is time to finish the job. Bahrain. Now, this week the Senate and House will The Amir was a good friend of the Amer- vote on a bill that gives States the flexibility ican people and a good friend of peace. He they need to improve their public schools in shared our desire to see a just, comprehen- spending Federal aid they receive. I support sive and lasting peace in the region. I take this bill. But I also strongly support efforts heart from the personal commitment to for- by Senators Murray and Kennedy, and Rep- warding the cause of peace the Amir ex- resentatives Clay and Wu, to add an amend- pressed during his recent June visit to the ment to it that will fully fund 100,000 well- United States. The Amir shared his heartfelt trained teachers over the next 6 years. hope to see peace come to his region in elo- Unfortunately, Republican leaders are try- quent and passionate words. ing to shut down debate on the ed-flex bill Shaikh Essa did much to deepen and before this important amendment on more strengthen the historic relationship between teachers and smaller classes can even be America and Bahrain. He will be missed. voted on. Now, last October, just before the election, Republicans joined us in promising the American people more teachers and Remarks to the Community in smaller classes. Less than 5 months later, we Posoltega, Nicaragua now have the first big test of whether this March 8, 1999 Congress is really willing to work together across party lines and with the White House Thank you very much. President Aleman, to get things done for the American people, Mayor Zeledon, Mayor Palacios, Bishop

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Vivas. To our school director, Julia Martinez am grateful that leaders in our Congress from Toruno, and all the children who are here; both political parties have expressed support, to the members of the Government of Nica- and I thank the Members of the United ragua and the National Assembly; to the— States Congress who have come to Nicaragua [inaudible]—Boys Choir and to the young with me and are sitting over here—Senator woman who sang the national anthems of Graham and Congressmen Becerra, both nations, the granddaughter of former Deutsch, and Reyes. President Violeta Chamorro; and to all the This aid will help to speed the rebuilding people of Nicaragua: thank you for making of homes, farms, businesses, and roads. It will us feel so very welcome today. help your Government to deliver aid better. My fellow Americans and I are moved and It will allow us to send more Peace Corps humbled to be here in Posoltega, where the volunteers. And I would like to thank the terrible mudslide took so many sons and Peace Corps volunteers who are here today daughters, mothers and fathers, neighbors for their service in Nicaragua. and friends. I have come to pay my respects to those who lost their lives and to reaffirm As we see the dust in the wind today, it the support of the American people for those reminds us that you must rebuild in a way who were spared and for your rebuilding. In that helps you to manage the environment this decade, with courage and strength, you better by preserving trees that can help pre- have created a new Nicaragua. You have vent a mudslide or curbing pollution that can earned the world’s admiration, and now you cause temperatures to rise. We can avoid or deserve the world’s support in this moment lessen future catastrophes. We can manage of need. the land and water and grow your economy, Somos humanos, y nos ayudamos. We are and I know you want to do that. brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends. To help you focus on reviving your econ- We must help each other. omy, my aid package would also forgive or I thank President Aleman for recognizing defer much of Nicaragua’s—and Hon- the work of the United States to provide duras’—debts to our Government. And I food, shelter, and health care; to renew the have asked our Congress to reduce trade bar- farms and small businesses; to rebuild the riers between the two of us so that all the roads and bridges and homes. I thank our people of Central America can work and Armed Forces for all they have done, includ- grow their way back to prosperity and normal ing building a new health center in Wiwili, life. north of here. Now our Agency for Inter- We have provided temporary immigration national Development will provide equip- protection for Central Americans in our ment, training, and immunizations for this country, and I will seek a fair solution to all health center and others in Nicaragua, so that the immigration issues this tragedy has your people can get back on their feet and heightened. stay healthy as they rebuild their lives. In times past, there was conflict, turbu- Today we have brought 3,000 pounds of school supplies for the children of Posoltega, lence, and distrust between our two nations, donated by organizations all across America but now we are bound together in our com- and by our own workers at the White House. mon commitment to democracy. And de- I know that you need more temporary shel- mocracy will light the way to a brighter future ters until permanent homes can be built. I for Nicaragua through government, through know you need to speed the discovery and voluntary organizations, through local offi- the removal of landmines left from the war, cials working with citizens who are partici- because the hurricanes may have moved pating in decisions that affect their lives, them and made them more dangerous. With through leaders working to see that no one these tasks, too, we will help. exploits this tragedy for personal gain and no I know that more is needed, and urgently. one is left behind. And we will work with I have asked our Congress for $956 million you every step of the way. to support our reconstruction effort here. I

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A hurricane, a mudslide—they can destroy U.S. and international relief organizations. lives; they can destroy homes; they can de- He described Hurricane Mitch and the result- stroy a life’s work. But they must not be al- ing mudslide down Las Casitas Volcano as lowed to destroy hope. Not so long ago, your a tragedy which devastated his community country overcame a terrible war and and altered its future. Mr. Santeliz described emerged even stronger. You will overcome his family’s experience attempting to flee this adversity as well. And we will work with from harm and said that he had lost 22 rel- you every day until the task is done. atives, and his wife had lost 45. President Thank you. God bless you. Muchas Aleman asked Mr. Santeliz about the death gracias. toll from Posoltega and El Porvenir, a neighboring community, and Mr. Santeliz said it NOTE: The President spoke at 2 p.m. in the out- must have been about 4,000. President door field at Jose Dolores Toruno Lopez High Aleman asked about the experience of a little School. In his remarks, he referred to President boy, Juan Pablo Montoya Narvaez, who was Arnoldo Aleman of Nicaragua; Mayor Felicita present. Mr. Santeliz described finding the Zeledon of Posoltega; Mayor Eligio Palacios of boy beneath enormous tree branches and said Chichigalpa; Monsignor Bosco Vivas, Bishop of Leo´n; and Maria Andres Chamorro, who sang the that Juan Pablo lost his parents, but two of national anthems. his brothers survived.] President Clinton. So he has two brothers now? Remarks in a Roundtable Discussion Mr. Santeliz. One is 13, and one is 21. With Las Casitas Volcano Mudslide President Clinton. And are both of them Survivors in Posoltega living with him—he’s living with both of March 8, 1999 them? President Aleman. Are you going to [President Arnoldo Aleman of Nicaragua school, Juan Pablo? opened the discussion by presenting four sur- Juan Pablo. No. vivors of Hurricane Mitch and directing them President Aleman. Why not, sweetie? to tell their stories to President Clinton and You were going to school back in—— to express their needs for assistance.] Juan Pablo. No. President Clinton. Could I just say one President Aleman. No? Didn’t you go to word? This is Senator Graham, who is from school back in—but there was a school there, the State of Florida in the United States. wasn’t there? First of all, thank you for agreeing to meet Juan Pablo. Yes. with me. I know it must be hard to relive President Aleman. Is your other brother your story. But I think it is very important going to school? for us to be able to go home to the United Juan Pablo. Tonio. States, having seen not only the President, President Aleman. Tonio, is he the one who is my friend—I enjoy that—but also the going to school? people who have lived personally through Juan Pablo. No, he’s not. this terrible tragedy. President Aleman. And how many of your It is also important for the health of brothers and sisters died? Nicaragua’s democracy that he and I, when Juan Pablo. Three. Mr. Santeliz. we respond to this terrible tragedy, respond And his mother died. President Aleman. And you have uncles in a way that helps you the most and that and aunts? is consistent with your wishes. So I would Juan Pablo. No. like it if, in your own words, you could just President Aleman. Did your father have tell us a little about what happened to you any brothers or sisters? What about your and your family and what would help most mother? going forward. Juan Pablo. One. [Survivor Ricardo Santeliz thanked the Presi- President Aleman. And where are your dent for his visit and for the assistance from uncles and aunts? Did they die?

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Juan Pablo. Yes, the whole family. the water. I lost my little girl, and I never President Clinton. So now it’s you and found her again. your two brothers? President Aleman. And your husband Juan Pablo. Yes. died, too? President Clinton. And you have to stay Ms. Acosta. Yes. And my little girl was close with them. shouting at me, asking me to save her, but Juan Pablo. Yes. the water was dragging me away, and I couldn’t do anything. I was struggling to try [Survivor Diega Olivia Cortes Pantoja, from and stand up again, but I couldn’t do any- neighboring Rolando, explained that during thing. I couldn’t see anything. the hurricane she was away at a clinic for President Aleman. And who rescued you? an operation and was consequently spared. Ms. Acosta. I was rescued by people from However, she lost most of her family and rel- the Red Cross who were there and some peo- atives in the tragedy. She described the dan- ple from the area. Two people from the area ger and difficulty her surviving children ex- were there, as well. They found me. I was perienced in searching the mud for family terrified, and they were able to get me out. members. President Aleman asked how many They were able to dig me out of the mud. survived in Rolando, and Ms. Pantoja esti- I was there stuck for 3 days. mated 2,000 to 2,500. She stated that a lot President Clinton. So what are you going of surviving residents were in Costa Rica to do now with your life? seeking work at the time because the crops Ms. Acosta. I still have problems with one in Rolando were finished. President Aleman knee. I want to get well, and I want to fend asked her for Rolando’s death toll, and she for myself, because now I have nothing and estimated there were 3,000 between Rolando no one left. All I want to do now is work and El Porvenir. Ms. Pantoja thanked the to survive and just get by. U.S., the Red Cross, and Save the Children President Aleman. She said, ‘‘I just want for relief efforts and added her concern for to work until my day comes to go.’’ people’s need for shelter and opportunity to Ms. Acosta. That’s all I’m waiting for. work in the wake of losing their livelihoods. President Aleman. Survivor Esperanza Mirales Acosta thanked And what’s wrong the President and described being buried in with your leg? the mud for 3 days. She said in spite of every- Ms. Acosta. I had a cast on this leg, and thing, she held out hope that she’d be able it wasn’t set properly. And so now they have to find her family, but she never did. She to x ray it again and see what they can do. said she lost 25 family members.] President Aleman. And where are you staying now? President Aleman. No one from your Ms. Acosta. I’m over there in the shelter. home was saved, my dear? No one? President Clinton. You know, the Presi- Ms. Acosta. My sisters were saved be- dent was explaining to me when we were cause they had gone to work in Costa Rica. coming out that the people need not only But the people who were living there, who homes again but homes that are close enough were still there from my family, I’m the only to land which can be farmed again, because one who survived. a lot of this land which is covered by the President Aleman. And where were you? mud, even though it’s dried out, it may or Ms. Acosta. In El Porvenir. may not be suitable for crops now. And a President Aleman. And that’s exactly lot of trees will have to be replanted to guard where the mudslide went through? against further flooding. Ms. Acosta. When it came through, it was So I think we in the United States have a terrible noise of helicopters. My husband to try to get some financial help to the Presi- went out, and he shouted at me, ‘‘Sweet- dent to do that. And then you will have to heart, run.’’ And I grabbed my little girl, and work together to identify the land where the I ran out. But when I ran out, the house people can farm again; and then the houses had been destroyed, and I was dragged by can be built.

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You were explaining that to me, on the Mr. Santeliz. Yes. way out, what you have done—find the land. President Aleman. We have to sit down [President Aleman agreed and said his coun- and talk with them so we can convince them. try needs to dig deeper channels to avoid fu- Mr. Santeliz. I think what we need to do ture flooding. He inquired about a nearby there is sit down, as I was saying, to see what ‘‘co-op,’’ a cooperative farm, and suggested points they propose, see what they want to help be given to individuals like Ms. Acosta do. and Juan Pablo and work be found for them. President Aleman. And what about Juan He then asked Ms. Acosta if none of her chil- Pablo’s brothers? Have they already been ad- dren survived.] mitted? Mr. Santeliz. No, they’re in the same situ- Ms. Acosta. I had four. ation. President Aleman. All of them little? Ms. Acosta. The oldest was 13. My little President Aleman. So you’re like squat- girl was 7—13, 12, 10, and 7. ters? President Clinton. And how old are you? Mr. Santeliz. No, I’m not there. I was Ms. Acosta. I’m 29. given a parcel, it’s 12x20, by an organization President Clinton. You’re still young. from the U.S., as well—in Washington. An President Aleman. So you became a Evangelical church gave us a little plot of mother when you were 16? land, about 6 blocks of—— President Clinton. What about you, Juan President Clinton. World Vision, was it Pablo? Do you want to say anything to us? World Vision? Do you want to say anything to your Presi- Mr. Santeliz. It’s managed by the Evan- dent about this terrible thing? gelical Conference of the Assembly of God Juan Pablo. I lost my whole family, and in Washington. I miss them—my mama and my papa. So since we didn’t have anything, we said, President Aleman. Where are you living, ‘‘Okay, give me a little plot of land where Juan Pablo? With his brother? I can go.’’ And that’s where I am. The only Juan Pablo. Yes. thing is that we’re all so very much reduced Mr. Santeliz. Yes, he lives at the co-op right now and we’re under so little plots of there with his brother. land. President Aleman. How many people are President Clinton. How much land did in that co-op? Fifty people, they said? And the average family farm before the hurricane all these new people are coming in? You said and the mudslide? that there are 2,500 people in a block. Will they accept them there? Mr. Santeliz. About 5 or 6 blocks—what they call blocks, which are actually more like [Mr. Santeliz stated his opinion that everyone hectares. involved—governmental and international President Clinton. Ten acres? So the av- organizations and survivors—needs to sit erage family had 10 acres? down together and visualize solutions, dis- President Aleman. Per family, that’s what cover alternatives. President Aleman said all each family had. the co-ops in the El Porvenir sector were de- President Clinton. And then this block, stroyed, but a co-op in Posoltega, with 50 you say, with the 50 families, they have an people farming about 2,000 acres, survived. average of 25 hectares? He noted the trouble was convincing the 50 to accept 300 survivors from El Porvenir and President Aleman. It’s like, 100 acres per offer them 3 or 4 hectares per family to cul- family—this particular group. tivate. Mr. Santeliz interjected that he under- President Clinton. So they could actually stood the land has been rented to people with sell it out? money.] President Aleman. And what they’re doing is, they’re renting out the land that President Aleman. The co-ops, them- they’re not farming themselves. selves, are doing that?

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President Clinton. So it’s your proposal of the most remarkable achievements by any for the Government to buy this land on be- athlete in any sport. half of the other people, if they will accept He stood tall off the field as well. In 1943 them? he volunteered for the Army and swapped President Aleman. That would be the his Yankee paycheck for $50-a-month pri- ideal situation. The problem is that the co- vate’s salary. He and the foundation he start- op with those 50 people—and it’s very, very ed gave mightily to help poor children ben- good land; they know that land, very fertile efit from the world’s best medical care. And land. This co-op got it back in the Sandinista he was an incredibly devoted father, grand- days. So I don’t think they’re going to want father, and great-grandfather. to give it up. They’re not going to give it I have no doubt that when future genera- to anyone or sell it. tions look back at the best of America in the They prefer it, as he was saying, to rent 20th century, they will think of the ‘‘Yankee it, to lease it, because it’s better business for Clipper’’ and all that he achieved. Hillary and them. We’ll see what measures can be taken. I extend our thoughts and prayers to his fam- And the discussions we’re trying to hold— ily. we’ll see how we can change this. Because the other problem we have, Mr. President, is there’s land, but not in this area, not on Statement on the Kennedy-Murray the Pacific side. Amendment to Proposed Education President Clinton. Too far away? President Aleman. This has been tradi- Flexibility Partnership Legislation tionally farm land. But we’ll see what solution March 8, 1999 we find. Faith in God. Juan Pablo, you have to go and study now. The Republican leadership continues to Do you promise you’re going to study? block a vote on an amendment to finish the Juan Pablo. Yes. job of hiring 100,000 teachers to reduce class President Aleman. Are you going to size. Communities across the country need study? You promise? to know that Congress will live up to the bi- Juan Pablo. Yes. partisan commitment we made last fall to President Clinton. You can learn a lot fund this effort. The American people expect and pray to God to take care of your mother us to work together to improve the education and father. And they will know and be very of our students. I call on the Republican proud of you. leadership to allow an up-or-down vote on more teachers and smaller classes. NOTE: The roundtable began at 3:45 p.m. in the auditorium at the Cotton Research Center. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks. Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting the Report on Conventional Armed Forces in Statement on the Death Europe Treaty Compliance of Joe DiMaggio March 8, 1999 March 8, 1999 Today America lost one of the century’s Dear lllll: most beloved heroes, Joe DiMaggio. This son In accordance with Condition (5)(C) of the of Italian immigrants gave every American resolution of advice and consent to ratifica- something to believe in. He became the very tion of the Document Agreed Among the symbol of American grace, power, and skill. States Parties to the Treaty on Conventional A brilliant individual performer, he led his Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) of Novem- magnificent Yankees to the World Series 10 ber 19, 1990, adopted by the Senate of the out of his 13 years. His electrifying 56-game United States on May 14, 1997, enclosed is hitting streak, unequaled to this day, is one the Report on CFE Compliance.

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The Report is provided in both a classified were a part of it, I thank you for your cour- and unclassified version. age, your confidence, your compassion. Sincerely, I believe the United States must do more. I have asked Congress for $956 million to William J. Clinton support the reconstruction effort in Central America. We expect almost a third of that NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives; to come to Honduras to improve public Richard A. Gephardt, House minority leader; and health, to build homes and schools, to rebuild Jesse Helms, chairman, and Joseph R. Biden, Jr., roads so farmers can move their produce to ranking member, Senate Committee on Foreign market, and to prepare for future hurricanes. Relations. It will also forgive and defer Honduran debt, and it will be targeted to local communities to make sure the people who need it get the Remarks to the Community at the assistance. Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras I would also like to announce $56 million March 9, 1999 to expand our New Horizons program which brings civilian guardsmen and reservists to President Flores, Colonel Ramirez, Gen- the region for 2 weeks of training and relief eral Wilhelm, Colonel Rosner, members of work. the Honduran and American militaries, to Mr. President, I know Hondurans are de- the people of Honduras, the American dele- termined not just to rebuild but actually to gation and Members of Congress who came create something better out of this tragedy: here with me, ladies and gentleman. Yester- day in Nicaragua, today in Honduras, we see to build a reconstruction that protects the that this disaster has taught us that what hap- environment so that people are not exposed pens to one in the Americas affects us all. to unnecessary risks in the next storm; to It reminds us that in good times and bad, build a reconstruction that ensures that those todos somos Americanos. who suffered most participate fully and ben- Mr. President, I thank you for your kind efit equally; to build a reconstruction that words about the First Lady. I spoke with Hil- consolidates democracy by engaging local lary last night, and she asked me to give you government, NGO’s, and the private sector. her best. She remembers so well her trip I would like to especially thank the mem- here, and she wishes you well. bers of our Armed Forces for their hard work Mr. President, as our military leaders to advance these goals, for their enthusiasm know, at this Honduran air base, our Armed and good cheer, even when you have to sleep Forces trained together for this sort of dis- in hootches in Tent City—[laughter]—for aster just a few months before the storm. your cooperation between the services and When the real test came, they passed with between our U.S. personnel and our Hon- flying colors. duran hosts. You have shown the people of This long runway, turned into a lifeline, Central America the true colors of our men connected the countries all over the world. and women in uniform. Over 47 million pounds of supplies came Today I am proud to announce the award through here. Helicopters performed daring of Humanitarian Service Medals to all those rescues and delivered food; engineers remembers of the U.S. Armed Forces who paired roads; medical teams gave treatment served in support of the relief effort in Cen- and comfort; relief workers provided clean tral America. And to announce that I have water, built schools and shelters, and re- just presented to Colonel Rosner a Joint stored faith in the future that nearly washed Meritorious Unit Award to JTF Bravo for its away. sustained commitment to our mission in this Operation Fuerte Apoyo turned into one region. Congratulations on a job well done. of the largest humanitarian missions per- Later today I will see the Juan Molina formed by the United States military since Bridge in Tegucigalpa. It was built jointly the Berlin airlift 50 years ago. To all who with U.S. assistance and Honduran efforts.

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I can’t think of a better symbol of JTF Bra- riod of reconstruction should be seen as the vo’s efforts or our cooperation, building opportunity to build something even better bridges between people and nations in Cen- than what was here before. And furthermore, tral America, with Central America itself the I believe that if all elements of a society are bridge between North and South America. properly involved and feel fairly treated, that In this tragedy’s aftermath, Hondurans the country’s social fabric, sense of commu- and Americans have given new meaning to nity, will be stronger than it was before the the words written by Juan Molina in his disaster occurred. poem ‘‘Eagles and Condors’’: Pueblos Many of you have paid a very high price Americanos en este contiente debemos ser for what has occurred, and the losses have hermanos. been staggering. But I think the—I have Not far from here is Comayagua, the old been quite impressed by what has already capital of Honduras, built because it was near been done and by the attitude of the people. the center of Central America and of the en- What the United States is interested in is tire New World. That city boasts a clock said how we can best be an effective partner with to be the oldest in the Americas, made by you from our end. And so I’m quite inter- Spanish-Moors in the 12th century. When ested in your perspective on that, as well as that clock began ticking, about 900 years ago, anything you would like to tell me about your the world was a smaller place in every way. present activities. Now that clock is ticking away the final hours I’d also like to introduce—this is Congress- and days of the 20th century, headed toward man Xavier Becerra, who came here before a new millennium. But one thing remains as with the First Lady and has just finished a true today as the day the clock was built: We term as the head of the Congressional His- humans still have the urge to chart a new panic Caucus. He is from California. And I course for the future and the obligation to am delighted to have him back with me. And make it a better one for our children. Congressman Reyes from Texas is also here Thanks to your work here, a new and bet- with us. ter world truly lies within our grasp. Thank Moderator. We have our Archbishop— you, and God bless you. perhaps he can kick off the discussion.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:45 a.m. in Hang- [Archbishop Oscar Rodriguez began the dis- er 1 at the Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. In cussion by thanking President Clinton, the his remarks, he referred to President Carlos Ro- people, and the churches in the U.S. for their berto Flores of Honduras; Col. Alberto Ramirez- assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Mathia, Honduran Base Commander; Gen. Mitch. He asked that the President support Charles E. Wilhelm, USMC, Commander in efforts to expand trade by allowing NAFTA Chief, U.S. Southern Command; and Col. Elliot parity, cease deportation of Hondurans, and J. Rosner, USA, Commander, Joint Task Force support Central American efforts within the Bravo. G–7 for multilateral debt relief.] Moderator. And this is the mayor of Remarks in a Roundtable Discussion Tegucigalpa. I think you know about the acci- on Hurricane Mitch Reconstruction dent she had in the helicopter. And after Efforts in Tegucigalpa, Honduras that, she took his job, and here we have her March 9, 1999 now. Mayor Vilma de Castellanos stated that 30 President Clinton. Thank you, Mr. Presi- [ percent of the city was destroyed and briefly dent, for your remarks and for the extended mentioned the impact of loss of life and dam- visit we have already had today about these age to the economic and social infrastructure matters. of the city. She closed by presenting the Presi- I wanted to have the opportunity today to dent with the key to the city. hear from a broad cross-section of citizens ] of this country, and so I will be extremely Moderator. And now we have Mario brief. I agree with the President that this pe- Canawati, who is president of the Chamber

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of Commerce and Industry of San Pedro Sula needed to be a central part of the reconstruc- and Corte´s. tion agenda.] [Mr. Canawati thanked the Government and Moderator. And Mariano Flanos now, people of the U.S. for support during the cri- from Save the Children. sis and reconstruction. He noted that Central [Mr. Flanos stated that Save the Children America is one of the most important trade supported over 50,000 people with different partners of the U.S. and that the U.S. has kinds of financing from the people and Gov- been instrumental in Honduran economic ernment of the United States, especially from and democratic development through the USAID, and had also benefited from the sup- Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). He cited port of human resources from U.S. organiza- the textile and apparel industry as one which tions in Honduras for areas that went far be- had been excluded from the CBI and that yond reconstruction and infrastructure.] the revenue it generated compared unfavor- Moderator. And now, Ricardo Maduro, a ably with Mexico. He said the only alter- businessman. native to creating permanent jobs and sustained economic growth was through the im- [Mr. Maduro, president of a private edu- plementation of a trade field that allowed cation foundation, stated that the Honduran Honduran exports to compete under the same infrastructure in education was substantially conditions as NAFTA products.] damaged by Hurricane Mitch and indicated the worst effect had been to reduce the capac- Moderator. And perhaps Jacqueline ity, public and private, to invest in education. Foglia from the Honduran American Cham- He described the education levels in the coun- ber of Commerce would like to speak. try and stated that to move forward they [Ms. Foglia stated that Hurricane Mitch af- need to use nontraditional methods such as fected agricultural more than other sectors radio and television to reach students. He ex- of the economy. She noted that the garment pressed the market-driven need for more industry and tourism sectors were not highly computers in education and teaching English affected, and these might provide the motor as a second language. A spokesman for the for economic reconstruction. She went on to Flores administration said the Government outline steps that the Honduran American was attempting to reach an early agreement Chamber of Commerce was taking to ad- with the International Monetary Fund for bi- vance reconstruction efforts with the Associa- lateral and multilateral debt relief. He indi- tion of American Chambers of Commerce of cated the Government was working to de- Latin America, in Washington, DC, which velop a reconstruction master plan with a included working toward a U.S. legislative consultative group in Stockholm, Sweden, reconstruction package which would include while simultaneously strengthening the the Caribbean Basin Trade Enhancement mechanisms of financing transparency Measure which would, through greater ac- through international auditing. Representa- cess to U.S. markets, allow for a faster eco- tive Xavier Becerra made brief remarks com- nomic recovery, job creation, and overall eco- mending the Hondurans for the improve- nomic benefits for Honduras.] ments made since his visit in November, 1998. He pledged to work hard in Congress Moderator. And now, Jorge Quinones, to provide as much support for the region director of the Vida Foundation. as possible.] [Mr. Quinones thanked the President and the President Clinton. First of all, I would U.S. Agency for International Development like to thank you all for your presentations (USAID) for its help in Honduran environ- and for making them quite specific and to mental projects. He stated that in the after- the point. I would like to respond to a num- math of the hurricane, reforestation and sus- ber of the points that were made. First of tainable management of water basins were all, I have sent legislation to the Congress, the most formidable challenges in reconstruc- just last week before I came here, asking for tion. He added that environmental education greater liberalization of trade for the Central

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American and Caribbean nations to move any money tomorrow because they’ll think closer toward parity with NAFTA in Mexico. all of that will be forgiven, too.’’ I have—it does not go as far in everything Well, in the aftermath of the worst natural that I’m sure a lot of you would do, but it disaster in centuries here, it seems to me that does as much as we believe we can pass in argument just doesn’t hold water here. It the Congress. might be true in the case of an Asian country I was profoundly disappointed last year that had a bad banking system and got in that we did not pass the trade-opening initia- an economic problem for local reasons, but tive. And of course, after the hurricane it seems to me, insofar as the present predic- struck, I was even more disappointed. I think ament of Central America is a direct result now, ironically because of the hurricane, we of the hurricane, that argument has no stand- may have a better chance to pass a bill. And ing. I will do everything I can to that end. So I will do the best I can. But again, I With regard to debt relief, part of the would urge all of you to stay on that because package that I have proposed to the Congress relieving the government of the financial in aid, as opposed to trade, about a $955 mil- burden of the payments will free up a lot lion package, a part of it involves the debt of money for education and other things as deferral and outright debt forgiveness, both well. of which would give very much needed debt On the deportation, I think you know, relief not only to Honduras but to the other Archbishop Rodriguez, because you spoke in Central American nations. If the Congress a way that indicated you did, I have done will go along with me and pass this, it will what I could to minimize the impact of some give me the standing to argue more forcefully of our immigration laws, not only on to the other nations and to the international Hondurans but on all the people of Central organizations that they must follow suit. America. I, frankly, believe I have done all I think, clearly, Honduras should be given I can do under the law. Now, because there relief under the highly indebted countries was such hardship here, so much devastation, initiative that the United States has done a I was able to provide some greater consider- lot to create. I believe we should do more. ation for the Hondurans that have come to I think the fact that the Holy Father has the United States. made this a year in which he’s calling for But I think it would be a mistake to sort people to do more debt relief will, frankly, of openly encourage more people to come, be enormously helpful, and I told him that in violation of our laws and quotas, because when I was in St. Louis recently. And I would there is—I have gone to the limit of what urge you to communicate this to the Vatican, I can now do. And I think it is far more im- that if there could be more of this, like sort portant for us to concentrate on getting this of a constant reminder, it would be highly aid package passed, getting the debt relief, effective, even perhaps establishing some getting the trade relief, getting the renewal sort of priority saying you ought to do at least of the economy here going. Central America and then something in Afri- Let me just mention three other issues ca and something in Asia to give hope to the very quickly. One of you mentioned the need people on those continents, something like for more loans for small business and micro- that. businesses. We have our USAID Director But I think on a thing like this it’s not here with me, Mr. Atwood. I think the enough to say it one time. We have to keep United States funded 2 million microenter- working. But I think Central America has a prise loans last year through AID around the special claim here, Honduras, Nicaragua, the world. My wife is—probably talked about other countries as well, because one of the that when she was here. This is a passion arguments I always hear, even in my own of hers and has been for about 15 years now. country, about debt forgiveness is, ‘‘Well, And we have found, in our own country, look, you know if you’’—and the former when we have a natural disaster—you know, banker here understands this—‘‘if you for- we had a flood, a 500 year flood in the Mis- give it all, well, then nobody will want to loan sissippi River 5 years ago, and one of the

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most important funds that we have is the you continue to use its resources at an fund that provides for special credit for small unsustainable rate—that is, at a greater rate businesses who otherwise could not get it. than they can be replaced—and do not be- So I don’t know whether there’s anything lieve you can grow an economy unless you special, Mr. President, we could do to help, increase, year-in and year-out, the amount for the small- and micro-enterprises or to try of fuel and energy you are using that contrib- to establish even a broader and more ade- utes to greenhouse gases, coal, and oil, for quate international fund for such things in example. the face of disasters. But we always find, even Now, all the evidence is against that propo- in America, which has a very sophisticated sition, but old ideas die hard. And I do be- banking system, that they are the first casual- lieve that because economies have—[inaudi- ties of natural disasters that wreck the econo- ble]—if for no other reason, and because of mies of whole communities. So if we could some of the stunning examples already set help you in that, I would be happy to. by the preservation of the biosphere or by There are just two other things that were the energy patterns adopted in Costa Rica, mentioned. With regard to the environment, for example, that Central America may be I think that—you said, sir, that you felt that in a unique position to get lots of investment the disaster would have been even worse had to prove to the rest of the world that we don’t it not been for some of the environmental have to destroy the environment to grow the practices here in Honduras. Yesterday, when economy. And so I would be happy to exert I was in Nicaragua, there was no question some extra efforts to help you get some in- that it was worse in the places where there vestments in that regard, but again, I think had been vast deforestation and nothing to the specifics are important. protect the people from the mudslides. And For example, I’ll just say one thing. The you have a lot of serious—the President was telling me today, you have a lot of serious last time I was in Costa Rica, I noticed they decisions to make about, you know, how to were driving—the buses they were using, the replenish the soil which has been destroyed, school buses they were using, the transpor- where the topsoil has been carried away, or tation buses they were using—were powered perhaps the nutrients have been washed by electricity or natural gas, and they were away and the crops won’t grow anymore. all made by a company in Vice President I will do whatever I can. In this aid pack- Gore’s home State. And there are lots of age, we have some significant amount of things—if we knew what the strategy was money for environmental investments. But here and what the priorities were, there I will do whatever I can to be particularly might be a lot of things we could do to be helpful there. I think it would be—not only helpful. with the United States but with others as The last thing I’d like to say is, I want to well—I think the more we know about the endorse what was said earlier by you, Mr. specific plans and strategies, the better off Maduro, about education. And I would be we will be. happy for us to have a long-term partnership But if you look at our hemisphere, our re- on that, but again, I don’t feel that I know gion here, it’s perfectly obvious that the enough to know what your immediate prior- countries that have done the best job of pre- ities are. The United States has had some serving their natural environment are going success in working with countries in various to be the strongest economically, also, over parts of the world in helping to increase more the long run. And yet, one of the greatest rapidly the number of children going to battles we face in the world today, in this school. larger struggle over climate change, which And of course, as you pointed out, there’s may or may not have had anything to do with no point in increasing the number of children Hurricane Mitch—we don’t know. No one going to school unless you have a place for knows for sure. But the larger battle is that them to go to school, a teacher to teach them, in most countries, most decisionmakers do and materials with which they learn. But I not believe you can grow an economy unless do not believe that you can come anywhere

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close to doing what you want to do in Hon- dience of nongovernmental organizations, duras if it takes you a decade to add one labor unions, private enterprise, and reli- more year to the average schooling. And gious groups. With regard to Archbishop there may be a way—I’m going to talk about Rodriguez’ remarks on immigration, Presi- this a little bit tomorrow—but this is a year dent Flores said his government did not want in which a lot of countries are trying to pass to promote emigration to the United States. this international convention against child Regarding those who went in earlier days, labor, which the church has been solemnly he asked that they receive the same treatment supportive of, and which I strongly support. other Central American countries’ nationals But I think it would be interesting to see receive by law.] whether we could marry the commitment of President Clinton. Well, I think you countries to support the convention against know that I strongly believe in that. I think child labor with a commitment of the ad- that the present American immigration law vanced countries that are pushing to help to and how it treats people that were in our dramatically increase investment in those country as of some time ago is an inexcusable countries in education, so that you’re saying remnant of the cold war and wrong. I haven’t not just that you don’t want the children in said anything to you I haven’t said at home. the factory but you do want them in the I think that—people came to the United school. States because they felt oppressed and are And there may be a way that we could entitled to stay in our country because they dramatically accelerate the rate, the average came here, it shouldn’t matter whether they schooling here. Now, I have all these people felt the oppression from the left or the right. from my administration here, plus Lieuten- I mean, if it’s a rational category, people ant Governor MacKay, former Lieutenant should be treated the same regardless of Governor of Florida, who now will be my what the facts are. But the real issue is that new Special Envoy to Latin America, and all the countries in Central America should Mr. Atwood and the others are all here, so— be treated the same insofar as whatever the and your Ambassadors. He’s our Ambas- objective facts were that brought the people sador, but I think he’s really your Ambas- to our country. So if people should come sador. [Laughter] But we will follow up on home, then they should be treated the same; this. if people should be able to stay, they should On the environment and on education, the be treated the same. That’s what I believe. more specific you can be about what you want us to do, the more we can be helpful, [President Flores said he was optimistic I think. On all these areas, I will do my best. about Honduras’ recuperation from Hurri- The last thing I’d like to say is I’d like to cane Mitch but expressed concern that the thank the gentleman from Save the Children. difficulties it presented could undermine the My wife and I have been involved with Save democracy which they had fought so hard the Children for more than 20 years, long to attain. He said the challenge would be to before we ever thought we would be in na- show the Honduran people that the system tional political life. And as soon as this hurri- works for them. He concluded by thanking cane occurred, she gave some money from the President for coming.] her foundation to Save the Children through President Clinton. Thank you. Let me operations here. So I thank you for what just say one thing as we break up. I have you’re doing. The organization has done heard this—and one of the reasons I am great work in our home area as well, and grateful that we have Members of our Con- I thank all of you. gress here is that we have these bills up This was a very good set of presentations, there; they can be addressed now. I think and you gave me a lot to go home and work there is an overwhelming understanding in on. both parties in the Congress that we have [President Carlos Roberto Flores of Hon- to pass the aid bill, and I think the only thing duras expressed his appreciation to the Presi- that we have to do is to make sure that polit- dent and noted the representation in the au- ical considerations in America, that have

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nothing to do with Central America, things Nation’s culture and the creativity of our art- that are back home don’t in any way hold ists. Whether seeing a classic theatrical pro- up the consideration of either piece of legis- duction in Connecticut or an art exhibition lation, and so we will work hard on it. in Arizona, whether listening to a symphony Thank you. in Iowa or participating in a fine arts training Oh, I have to get my key to the city. If program for inner-city students in Louisiana, I wear this to dinner tonight, I’ll get a dis- Americans who benefit from Arts Endow- count. [Laughter] ment grants have experienced the power and Thank you. joy of the arts in their lives. Arts Endowment grants in 1997 sup- NOTE: The roundtable began at 2:52 p.m. in the ported: conference room at the Central Bank. In his re- • marks, the President referred to Pope John Paul projects in theater, dance, music, visual II. A portion of these remarks could not be arts, and the other artistic disciplines, verified because the tape was incomplete. demonstrating that our diversity is an asset—and helping us to interpret the past, understand each other in the Statement on the Kennedy-Murray present, and envision the future; Amendment to Proposed Education • folk and traditional arts programs, Flexibility Partnership Legislation which strengthen and showcase our rich March 9, 1999 cultural heritage; and • arts education, which helps improve our For the second day in a row, the Repub- children’s skills and enhances their lives lican leadership has continued its efforts to with the richness of the arts. stand in the way of voting on an amendment The arts challenge our imaginations, nour- to finish the job of hiring 100,000 teachers ish our spirits, and help to sustain our democ- to reduce class size. Communities across the racy. We are a Nation of creators and country need to know that Congress will live innovators. As this report illustrates, the up to the bipartisan commitment we made NEA continues to celebrate America’s artis- last fall to fund this effort. The American tic achievements and makes the arts more people expect us to work together to improve accessible to the American people. the education of our students. I call on the Republican leadership to allow an up-or- William J. Clinton down vote on more teachers and smaller classes, and I call on every Senator to support The White House, the Murray-Kennedy measure to reduce March 9, 1999. class size and hire well-prepared teachers across the Nation. Message to the Congress Message to the Congress Transmitting the Trade Policy Transmitting the Report of the Agenda and a Report on the Trade National Endowment for the Arts Agreements Program March 9, 1999 March 9, 1999 To the Congress of the United States: It is my pleasure to transmit herewith the To the Congress of the United States: Annual Report of the National Endowment As required by section 163 of the Trade for the Arts for Fiscal Year 1997. Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2213), The Arts Endowment awards more than I transmit herewith the 1999 Trade Policy one thousand grants each year to nonprofit Agenda and the 1998 Annual Report on the arts organizations for projects that bring the Trade Agreements Program. This report in- arts to millions of Americans. Once again, cludes the Annual Report on the World this year’s grants reflect the diversity of our Trade Organization, as required by section

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124 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act The message I have heard from all kinds (19 U.S.C. 3534). of people is that it is not enough now simply William J. Clinton to fix things which were destroyed and move on; that, together we must build a better life The White House, for future generations, restoring people’s March 9, 1999. lives and livelihoods as soon as possible, in a way that strengthens freedom and peace Remarks to the Legislative Assembly and the rule of law over the long run. of El Salvador in San Salvador No one can forget that just a few years March 10, 1999 ago, the people of Central America were suffering from a legion of manmade disasters To the president of the Legislative Assem- far more cruel than anything nature can be- bly, thank you very much for your welcome stow on us. There was a time not long ago and your fine comments. To the president when many in this region believed they could of the Supreme Court, the leaders and mem- only defend their point of view at the point bers of the Assembly; to the other leaders of a gun, a time when civil war and repression from Central America who are here; mem- claimed tens of thousands of lives and cast bers of the diplomatic corps; other distin- many thousands more into exile, a time when guished public officials from El Salvador; farmers were pushed off their land and chil- members of the American delegation. Mr. dren were torn from their parents, a time President, I noticed you said you would offi- which provoked, in the United States, bitter cially certify the results of the recent Presi- divisions about our role in your region. dential elections today, so I don’t want to You have worked hard here in El Salvador jump the gun, but apparently, the President- to shed light on that dark and painful period. elect is here. And I’m delighted to see him Now, all of us as friends and partners, can as well. and must join in building a common future, I have come to Central America with grati- determined to remember the past but never tude for our partnership, gratitude for the to repeat it. warm reception that my wife received when I hope the people of Central America now she came here recently, and later the wife see the United States in a new way, as a part- of our Vice President, with a distinguished ner, a friend, a colleague in the process of delegation of Members of Congress, heads strengthening democracy, in reconstruction, of our Federal agencies, members of the in reclaiming your rightful future. White House staff, my new Special Envoy The wars are over. Every country in Cen- to Latin America, former Lieutenant Gov- tral America now is governed by elected lead- ernor of Florida, Buddy MacKay, and others. ers accountable to their people. What once For 2 days now, we have been seeing and was a no-win contest for power has turned speaking with many different kinds of people into a win-win contest for better schools, in Nicaragua and Honduras, now in El Sal- safer streets, and economic opportunity. A vador, about efforts to recover and rebuild battlefield of ideology has been transformed in the wake of Hurricane Mitch. We have into a marketplace of ideas. Decades of met people who have lost everything but struggle have brought a victory for democ- hope. I have been moved and humbled by racy, the only revolution of our time that has their refusal to be defeated in the face of not betrayed its principles. the deaths of their children, their husbands, In so many other parts of the world things their wives, their parents, the loss of all are different. Nations still short-change source of income. schools and hospitals to pay for arms in the I am very proud and grateful that the vain pursuit of weapons of mass destruc- United States, through our soldiers, our aid tion—not in Central America and certainly workers, and our Peace Corps volunteers, not in El Salvador. In so many other places our private donations, have had the oppor- in the world financial turmoil has under- tunity to work alongside the people of Cen- mined confidence in open markets and soci- tral America in the rebuilding process. eties—not in Central America and certainly

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not in El Salvador. In so many other places First, we need to keep in mind the extent people still try to resolve ethnic, religious, of the challenge just before us, the hurricane- and political tensions by the force of arms damaged infrastructure that will cost $8.5 bil- rather than the force of argument—not in lion to repair. Hope cannot be restored by Central America. And no nation has traveled aid alone. We also must expand trade and a greater distance to overcome deeper investment to restore growth. I have asked wounds in shorter time than El Salvador. You our Congress for funds totaling over $950 reached another plateau through your elec- million to help restore Central America. tions on Sunday. On Friday I sent to Congress a new pro- A hurricane can transform villages full of posal for an enhanced Caribbean Basin Ini- life into valleys of rubble and death. But it tiative that would provide for Central Amer- will not wash away the foundations of good ica and the Caribbean even greater benefits government and goodwill the people of Cen- than the proposal I made last year before tral America have laid. It cannot, it will not, the hurricane. It would eliminate our tariffs take away from you the power to shape your on all textiles assembled here from U.S. fab- own destiny. ric, as well as on all textile handicrafts. It All the Central American leaders with would allow us, also, to treat all nontextile whom I have visited have told me that if re- imports from Central America exactly as we construction is managed in the right way, if treat such imports from Mexico under it clearly benefits all segments of society in NAFTA. The only requirement is that all na- a transparent way, if it carves out new roles tions must meet their obligations under the for local government and voluntary organiza- World Trade Organization and participate in tions, if it reflects the necessity of protecting the effort to create a free-trade area of the the environment, then this region will Americas. emerge in stronger shape than before the Now, if our Congress agrees, clearly this storm. will help people in Central America find jobs, You are striving to build true democracies market their exports, stand on their feet. It in which all people have a stake and human will bring us closer to a day when goods move rights are respected; to build more equitable freely from Alaska to the tip of South Amer- societies that have conquered not only the ica with benefits to all nations. bitter divide between right and left but the In every country, including the United embittering divide between poverty and States, the progress of open markets is met wealth; to build safer communities in which by some skepticism and resentment. But look people can live in peace and have faith in at the facts. Hundreds of millions of people police and judicial institutions; to build a on every continent have risen from poverty more integrated community of the Americas because finally they had the chance to in which boarders are open to travel and produce goods and services for buyers be- trade but closed to deadly traffic in drugs yond the borders of their nation. This will and guns and human beings. continue if we continue to tear down barriers The United States will work with you to that shut off countries from their customers. realize that vision from relief to reconstruc- Exports have been the main engine of your tion to renewal. It is the right thing to do. country’s growth the last few years. They Clearly, it is in America’s interests. Years ago, have helped the United States, too. Our ex- we learned that when Central America suf- panding trade with Latin America clearly has fers, we suffer, too. In the last 10 years, we lifted our own growth and limited the impact have learned how very much we benefit on us of the global financial crisis. when Central America prospers in peace. As we build a free-trade area of the Amer- Our exports to Central America and trade icas, however, we must remember that trade between us have more than tripled in this has to work for ordinary citizens everywhere, decade of reconciliation and hope. But to to contribute both to wealth and fairness. We keep rising together, we have much more to must build a trading system that upholds the do. rights of workers and consumers, so that

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competition is a race to the top, not the bot- own backyard but throughout the world. We tom. We must conclude a treaty to ban abu- can do this together, and we can do it without sive child labor everywhere in the world this forgoing economic growth. Each year we are year. developing cleaner technologies and cleaner But I know it is not enough to keep chil- sources of energy. dren out of work. We must get them into For example, here in Central America you school in every nation. Today I am pleased have an abundance of geothermal energy in to announce that the United States will pro- hot springs just waiting to be tapped. We vide over $8 million in new funding to help simply must face the fact—all of us—that in the children of America start school and stay this new information age, nations need not, in school. indeed, nations cannot continue to grow their I must say, as I drove along the streets economies by clinging to the industrial age of San Salvador today—first, to see the Presi- energy practices and land management prac- dent and then to come here—I was very tices and water management practices of the moved by the friendly faces of people waving past. We can do better. And if we do, we to me. But the most touching of all were the will create more jobs and grow our econo- children that stood out in front of their mies faster, whether it is in Central America schools in their uniforms with their little or the United States. And it is a critical lesson signs and their smiling faces. And I could for the leaders of every nation to teach the only think that our obligation is to give all people. the children of this region the chance to Each time—[applause]—it’s okay if you stand in those lines, in those uniforms, and hesitate on that; my Congress is not sure I’m learn what they need to know to prosper in right, either. [Laughter] But I am. I can only the century ahead. tell you this from our own experience. Each We must also protect our environment. It time the United States has set higher envi- is essential to the wealth of our nations and ronmental standards, our businesses have the health of our people. One of the central created the technologies to meet them, and lessons of this hurricane is that we have to we have actually had more jobs and faster protect the environment to protect people. growth as a result. Of course, this has to be It was the deforested hillsides, for example, done in a sensible way. It matters how it is that experienced the deadliest mudslides. In done, but it can be done. places that retained their trees, lives were Healthy market economies, in the end, saved. cannot resist change, they must adapt to Now, we cannot stop hurricanes or earth- change. Like protecting the environment, quakes or storms, but we can minimize the protecting our people from drugs and crime damage they do so that every act of God is is a challenge we must meet together. We not a disaster of biblical proportions. We can have come far in the last few years in building reforest watersheds and preserve wetlands. a common understanding of the drug prob- We can grow crops in a way that preserves lem. The United States has recognized that instead of spends the fertility of our soil. We we have a fundamental responsibility to re- can build more safely for the future. We in duce demand for drugs. The nations of Cen- the United States are providing computer tral America have recognized that drugs can- software and aerial imagery to Central Amer- not pass through a society without leaving ica to tell you where flooding and mudslides addiction and crime in their wake. So we are are most likely to occur during the next fighting the scourge together today for the storm, where roads and infrastructures must sake of all our children. be rebuilt to last. We also have to join forces to fight the But we also can do more. We must join proliferation of small arms to criminal gangs. together to stop the warming of our planet. For all the deadly advanced weapons tech- Otherwise, there will only be more of the nology in the world today, the weapon most storms, floods, droughts, and record-break- responsible for the most death and destruc- ing temperatures that have caused so much tion is not a missile or a bomb but the rifle. misery in the last few years, not only in our In too many parts of the world it is easier

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and cheaper to buy a gun or a grenade than rules and who wait for their turn to come to buy a schoolbook or a life-saving drug. No to the United States. Therefore, we must en- country suffered more in Central America’s force our laws, but we will do so with justice civil wars than El Salvador. Today, no coun- and fairness. I believe fairness means treating try suffers more from the weapons and gangs people equitably, whatever their country of left over from the war than El Salvador. This origin. assembly here can help to meet this chal- Now, during the 1980’s, many Central lenge by expanding our extradition agree- Americans fled oppression by both the right ment and preventing criminals from escaping and the left. Some were hurt by soldiers, punishment by flight across borders. some harmed by rebels. All whose lives were But America must also do our part to meet shattered have a right to sympathy, safety, this threat to us all. We will continue to help and justice. Many who have been in the you to train police forces that can fight gangs United States for a long time have estab- and gunrunners while respecting human lished deep roots in our communities. At my rights. We have tightened our laws to prevent request, following the Central American Americans from making arms deals abroad summit in Costa Rica 2 years ago, our Con- that would be illegal at home, beefed up congress passed legislation to help them. But it trols on our southern border, and stepped did so by establishing different treatment up prosecution of smugglers. Together we among groups of Central Americans, de- helped to negotiate an OAS convention that pending upon where they were from. I will criminalizes the unregulated manufacture do everything I possibly can to overcome that and sale of firearms, mandates strong export different treatment. controls, and requires all firearms to be And I will work with our Congress to write marked so they can be traced from one end laws that are more evenhanded. Our treat- of our hemisphere to the other. ment of people from Central America should I am determined to try to extend that con- reflect what they suffered, rather than who vention to the entire world by the year 2000, caused the suffering. This is wrong, and we and I hope I can count on your support for should change it. that endeavor. Now, if we can do these Now, it is important for all of us to stop things, if we can create jobs, lift people out looking backward and start thinking forward of poverty, protect our environment, build about the future we want to build for our safer communities, we also will diminish the children. More than half the people of your pressure that causes so many people in this nation today are under the age of 20. The hemisphere to leave their homes in search same is true in Guatemala and Nicaragua and of a better life. Legal migration from Central across Central America. These young people America has enriched the United States with no adult memories of war will not be greatly. It has made us a stronger, a more defined by the need to take sides in a bitter vital, a more enterprising, a more diverse so- struggle between two ideological extremes. ciety. But poverty and the yearning for a bet- Instead, they will come of age in the 21st ter future have also brought many illegal mi- century with the unquestioned right to grants to our Nation. choose their leaders and shape their des- As the President said, people do not leave tinies. Now they will use that right, I believe, their families and their homes and risk a dan- to demand of their representatives better gerous journey for the uncertain prospects education, good jobs, fair justice, clean water, of life in a strange land willingly. Most illegal safe streets. They will want the things that immigrants are not, by nature, lawbreakers. will give them the tools to live their own Most are simply looking for the chance to dreams, that can help them to give value and live in dignity and provide for their children. meaning to their lives. Nevertheless, we must continue to discour- I believe we have a solemn obligation to age illegal immigration, for it undermines the make democracy deliver for them so they will control of our borders, which every nation see a bright future, a future that is their fu- is entitled to pursue. And even more, it pun- ture here in Central America. Juntos para ishes hardworking people who play by the un mejor futuro. Se lo debemos a los

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fallecidos; se lo debemos a nuestros hijos. We Thank you very much. owe it to the fallen; we owe it to our children. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much, NOTE: The President spoke at 4:15 p.m. in the and God bless you. courtyard at the National Palace of Culture. In his remarks, he referred to President Alvaro Arzu of Guatemala. A tape was not available for NOTE: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. in the verification of the content of these remarks. Legislative Assembly Hall. In his remarks, he referred to the President of the Legislative Assem- bly, Juan Duch; Supreme Court President Remarks in a Roundtable Discussion Eduardo Tenorio; and President-elect Francisco Flores and President Armando Calderon Sol of on Peace Efforts in Guatemala City El Salvador. A portion of these remarks could not March 10, 1999 be verified because the tape was incomplete. President Clinton. Thank you very much. Mr. President, first let me say how much I Remarks on Arrival in Guatemala appreciate this opportunity that has been City, Guatemala provided for me to meet with citizens of your March 10, 1999 country to hear about the progress of the peace process and the challenges ahead. Be- Mr. President, representatives of the Gua- cause of the involvement of the United temalan Government, and people, we thank States, I think it is imperative, as we begin, you for your warm welcome. I am honored for me just to say a few words about the re- to have the chance to be greeted here, in port of the Historical Clarification Commis- a place that recalls both Guatemala’s cultural sion. heritage and its past of conflicts and pain. The commission’s work and the support And I am especially grateful for the chance it has received from the government shows to meet you today, at a time when Guatemala how far Guatemala has traveled in over- is building a future of democracy, reconcili- coming that painful period. I have profound ation, and peace. You have ended a cruel war. respect for the victims and the families who You have given your people—all your peo- had courage to testify and for the courage ple—a chance to shape their destiny and to of a nation for coming to terms with its past stand on their own. You have faced the past and moving forward. with candor and found the courage to move For the United States, it is important that forward. You are teaching the world that no I state clearly that support for military forces conflict is so bitter, no gulf is so wide that or intelligence units which engage in violent it cannot be overcome by the power of the and widespread repression of the kind de- government and by people of goodwill. scribed in the report was wrong, and the In a few moments, I will have the oppor- United States must not repeat that mistake. tunity to discuss, with a broad range of Gua- We must, and we will, instead, continue to temalan citizens, the progress of peace in support the peace and reconciliation process your country. I will reaffirm America’s com- in Guatemala. As many of you know, we pro- mitment to shed light on the dark events of vided one and a half million dollars in sup- the past, so that they are never repeated, and port for the commission. We classified over to help you implement the peace accords in 4,000 documents at the commission’s re- a way that ensures that the human rights of quest. Now we will encourage the translation the Guatemalan people are always respected. of the report into indigenous languages, and Tomorrow I will meet with President Arzu, its wide dissemination. Consistent with the and we will join with the leaders of Central commission’s recommendations, we also will America in a summit in Antigua to continue continue our support of development pro- our efforts to build in this hemisphere a com- grams in those communities which suffered munity of true democracies in which all our most from violence and repression. This year, nations finally can prosper together. That is we plan to provide an additional $25 million our common goal. Lo lograremos como socios to support the peace accords through aid to y como amigos. the justice sector, to education, to literary

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training, to the generation of income, and to United States should be heavily involved, citizen participation in government. particularly in light of our past. We have a You have come a long way, as President heavy responsibility to Guatemala and, in- Arzu just said, in forging a consensus in sup- deed, to all of Central America to do more port of democracy and human rights and in in this area. finding a way to discuss your differences I have asked the Congress of the United openly and peaceably. I applaud the difficult States to pass an aid package, tied to what but essential effort you have undertaken. happened in the hurricane, of something Beyond the commission issues, I would over $950 million. A lot of it is designed just also hope to discuss other matters critical to to support the rebuilding that has to be done, peace and to development and reconciliation, and that is important. But there is quite a including economic liberalization, market lot of money for education and economic de- opening measures, increased trade and in- velopment and, to go to another point you vestment—all of which are crucial to the made, for the efforts to institutionalize the overall well-being of the people of Guate- rule of law, both for commercial and eco- mala. Now that you have chosen democracy nomic reasons and for human rights reasons. and peace, it is imperative that the United This is an area in which I think those who States be a good partner in making sure that have and those who have not, in Guatemala it works for all your people. and throughout Central America, have a And again, Mr. President, I’d like to thank common interest, because the rule of law is you and the government and the people of essential to get more investment and more Guatemala for the road you have taken and economic opportunity and to protect the for making me feel welcome today. Thank investments that exist. It is also essential to you, sir. establish, in an orderly way, human rights and the institutions of justice. At this point, the discussion continued. [ ] So, Mr. Atwood, our AID Director, is President Clinton. Well, first of all I here, and he can talk more about that with would like to say how very impressed I was you. But we have worked quite hard to put by the presentations. And I would like to say together a package that I hope will be help- a few things at the end, but for now, I was ful. And I will be prepared, over the next asked a couple of questions, so I would like couple of years, to try to do more. to respond. On the question of trade, I sent last Friday First, I was asked about possible opportu- to the Congress another bill to try to provide nities, greater opportunities, for women and more parity between our trading relation- young girls and children, generally. I think ships with Mexico and Canada and our trad- that the model which has worked best ing relationships with Central America and throughout the world for economic em- the Caribbean. And I believe we have a rea- powerment for women has been the whole— sonable chance to pass that bill this year. And particularly rural women and indigenous if we do, it obviously will lead to more oppor- populations—has been the whole concept of tunities for the sale of Guatemalan products microcredit, as I’m sure my wife talked about in the United States, and more jobs, there- quite extensively when she was here. fore, for the people here. I will work very But I think even more important is getting hard to pass it. schooling going and providing—you know, I was asked about the immigration issue, I’m involved in this effort to try to end child and I would like to speak briefly about that. labor that’s abusive, worldwide. But it’s not I gave a more extended statement today to as—it’s also important to get the children the National Assembly of El Salvador, but into schools—all kinds of children—includ- I will briefly say what I said there. ing the children of indigenous people, and I think it’s important for every country to girls as well as boys, for a longer period of enforce its immigration laws and try to pro- time. This is a big problem not just in Latin tect its borders. We have very generous legal America; it’s a huge problem in Asia; it’s a immigration laws, and we have many, many huge problem in Africa. But I think the immigrants from Central America making a

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major contribution, positive contribution, to for me, over and above what has been men- the United States. On the other hand, most tioned? of the illegal immigrants from Guatemala and The discussion continued. other Central American countries are not [ ] lawbreakers by nature; they’re people who President Clinton. Well, I think it is in are seeking a better life. It’s hard to leave the nature of such meetings that you only your family and your home and take the risks scratch the surface of what needs to be done inherent in coming to a strange land without and what the possibilities are. I will say again, the approval of the law. And people do it I intend to go back home and do my best because they want a better opportunity for to pass the aid package, to pass the trade themselves and their families. parity bill, and to get improvements in the I think there are two things that should immigration difficulties. Within the aid pack- be noted as we do try to enforce our immi- age, we will be able to support education ini- gration laws. The first is that we have to be tiatives and economic power initiatives like sensitive and act with justice and understand the women’s credit program that President the impact of recent events. The second is Arzu mentioned. that the present American law is completely I think it is important that, after I leave unfair in that it treats different—people from Central America, the United States develop different countries in Central America dif- with every country the most specific possible ferently. And it is a vestige of our, sort of— plan for what it is you want to achieve that kind of, our cold war mentality and how we we can help you achieve, whether it is in were involved here. dealing with the specific problems of the I can do two things about that. The first widows and orphans; the need for the edu- is to try to change the law. And we will ag- cation of the children; the need for the eco- gressively work to try to change the law to nomic empowerment of women; the need for get parity, equal treatment for all people greater efforts with indigenous groups; the from Central America without regard to the need to go further in the search for human political past and whether the difficulties of rights, the rule of law; how to come to terms the past were seen as coming from the right with the issues related in the commission re- or the left. I think that’s irrelevant. We port. should treat all countries the same. And I guess what I would like to leave you The second is to use, to the maximum ex- with is my commitment that I am willing to tent possible, whatever flexibility I have continue to push, Mr. President, to have under present law to achieve the same goal. these sorts of specific commitments on the I will do that. But in the end, the problem part of the United States so we know we have cannot be fixed—the immigration problem a good roadmap for where we’re going into cannot be completely fixed until there is a the future, and you know what you can exchange in the law so that all countries would pect of our partnership. And of course, to- be treated the same under the law. And I morrow, we’ll have a greater chance to talk will actively seek that this year. about what we can do regionally when you Anyway, I think that responds to the ques- get all the Presidents together. tions that were asked of me. If I were to I would like to just leave you with this one ask a question—if I could ask one question, thought. For all of your terrible suffering and I would like to say that, one of you said that the continuing difficulties you face, please do we needed a dignification program, with pri- not underestimate how far you have come ority given to the widows and orphans. And and what you have done. It is my responsi- I would like to know whether you have spe- bility as President of the United States to cific suggestions over and above the pro- travel the world to deal with all of these prob- grams I have already mentioned for what the lems that I see cropping up in other places. United States could do to be helpful to deal You know this, but I would like to just say, with the large number of orphaned children the last few years have brought a floodtide and widows you have? What else could we of changes in the way people work and live, do? What specific suggestions do you have and

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in the political and social and economic rela- So I urge you to not get discouraged, and tionships of people—the end of the cold war, I urge you to—I have tried very hard to the growth of the global market, the explo- change the historic relationship between the sion in information technology—it has United States and Central America, to be a changed everything. And all over the world, genuine partner and to think about the future people are searching for a new balance. in different terms. And we won’t solve all Most of these changes are good, but there the problems today or tomorrow, but I think are—not all of them are good. And they all we have to say we are on a different track. present people everywhere with dilemmas. We have turned a real corner. And I came There is the question of integration versus here as much as anything else just to express disintegration. And I’ll give you—you have my respect for you and to ask you not to it in Guatemala. You want—how do you get too discouraged. balance the need for the nation to be sov- You think about Europe as being a very ereign with the legitimate rights of individ- rich continent, but look at these problems uals and groups? How do you balance the we’re having in Kosovo and Bosnia, where need for the nation to be sovereign with the they haven’t been able to, in Kosovo, do what need to have greater cooperation with other you have decided to do. They still think they countries? How do you balance the need to can shoot their way out of their difficulties. develop your economy with the imperative And we’re hoping and praying they will take of preserving your natural resources? How a different decision in the next few days. do you balance the need for security and So I thank you for talking to me, and be- order with the imperative of individual rights fore me, to my wife when she came here, to privacy and liberty and the rule of law, and for all the work you are doing. But I for both commercial and human reasons? just want you to know that I am committed All of these challenges you face are being to changing our relationship over the long faced by other people elsewhere. In South run in all these areas we have mentioned. Africa, for example, to go back to what many And I will do my best to make sure that we of you talked about, they had this Truth and have the kind of partnership that will make Reconciliation Commission, which perhaps both our countries stronger and address the went a little further than your report. And specific concerns you have outlined today. I thought that they—we think they’re making Thank you very much. real progress there. But in the last week, four different political leaders have been killed. In central Africa, where there was tribal NOTE: The roundtable began at 4:45 p.m. at the Reception Hall in the National Palace of Culture. slaughter in Rwanda and Burundi, I met with In his remarks, the President referred to President indigenous peoples. I met a woman whose Alvaro Arzu of Guatemala. husband and six children were all killed, and she woke up and for some miracle reason she didn’t die from the wounds she sustained. And she, like the woman here, is devoting Radio Remarks on Proposed Airline her life to this reconciliation. And I thought Passenger Protection Legislation we were making progress, and just last week March 10, 1999 the majority tribe killed a bunch of Ameri- cans and other people. Our country’s airlines serve millions of So I say, as awful as this is for you and Americans a year, but as more planes are tak- as frustrating as it is, it is astonishing how ing off, so are passenger complaints. That’s much has been done in Guatemala and in why I’m proposing a new law requiring all the other countries of Central America, and airlines to spell out how they will address the direction you have taken. For all the eco- problems such as delays, overbooking, and nomic frustrations you face, you’re doing bet- missing baggage. This airline passenger pro- ter than many much larger countries in Asia tection act has overwhelming bipartisan sup- and in Latin America, because you’ve shown port. With its passage, we can make the best greater discipline and innovation. airline system in the world even better.

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NOTE: The President’s remarks were recorded at Notice—Continuation of Iran approximately 4:15 p.m. on March 5 in the Oval Emergency Office at the White House for later broadcast. These remarks were also made available on the March 10, 1999 White House Press Radio Actuality Line. On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, I declared a national emergency with respect to Iran pursuant to the International Statement on the Kennedy-Murray Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. Amendment to Proposed Education 1701–1706) to deal with the threat to the na- Flexibility Partnership Legislation tional security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the ac- March 10, 1999 tions and policies of the Government of Iran, I am pleased that the Senate leadership including its support for international ter- rorism, efforts to undermine the Middle East has finally agreed to allow an up-or-down peace process, and acquisition of weapons of vote on an amendment to hire 100,000 teach- mass destruction and the means to deliver ers to reduce class size in the early grades. them. On May 6, 1995, I issued Executive Last year, with bipartisan support, Congress Order 12959 imposing more comprehensive enacted a downpayment on this class size ini- sanctions to further respond to this threat, tiative, and school districts across the country and on August 19, 1997, I issued Executive will soon receive funds to begin hiring teach- Order 13059 consolidating and clarifying ers. It is now time for Congress to finish the these previous orders. The last notice of con- job by making a long-term commitment to tinuation was published in the Federal Reg- class size reduction. I call on every Senator ister on March 6, 1998. to vote for the Murray-Kennedy amendment Because the actions and policies of the to bring every class in the early grades down Government of Iran continue to threaten the to a national average of 18. national security, foreign policy, and econ- I will vigorously oppose any Republican omy of the United States, the national emer- amendments to undermine the bipartisan gency declared on March 15, 1995, must con- agreement we reached last year on class size tinue in effect beyond March 15, 1999. by diverting those funds to other uses, in- Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) cluding special education. While we should of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. increase funding for special education—as 1622(d)), I am continuing the national emer- we have done in past years and as my budget gency with respect to Iran. Because the recommends continuing to do in the fu- emergency declared by Executive Order ture—we should not take this money from 12957 constitutes an emergency separate the recently enacted class size initiative. We from that declared on November 14, 1979, should not pit our children against one an- by Executive Order 12170, this renewal is other or change the rules now on our critical distinct from the emergency renewal of No- efforts to reduce class size. Smaller classes vember 1998. This notice shall be published Federal Register will help all students do better and will re- in the and transmitted to the Congress. duce the need for special education services by helping teachers identify and assist as William J. Clinton early as possible children who have learning problems. I call on every Member of Con- The White House, gress to reject these efforts to tear down what March 10, 1999. we accomplished last year, and call on them instead to build on that significant bipartisan [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, achievement. 8:45 a.m., March 11, 1999]

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NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal Opening Remarks at the Central Register on March 12. America Summit in Antigua, Guatemala Message to the Congress on March 11, 1999 Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran President Arzu, President Aleman, Presi- March 10, 1999 dent Flores, President Calderon Sol, Presi- dent Rodriguez, President Fernandez, Prime To the Congress of the United States: Minister Musa. First, President Arzu, let me Section 202(d) of the National Emer- thank you, your government, and the people gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for of Guatemala and especially the people of the automatic termination of a national emer- Antigua for the wonderful welcome and hos- gency unless, prior to the anniversary date pitality I have received here. of its declaration, the President publishes in When Hillary came back from her trip to the Federal Register and transmits to the Central America last November, she told me Congress a notice stating that the emergency about the devastation she had seen in four is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- nations, but she also said, ‘‘At the end of the sary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that trip, you have to go to Antigua.’’ the national emergency declared with re- You know, this is the first time the Presi- spect to Iran on March 15, 1995, pursuant dent of the United States has been anywhere to the International Emergency Economic in Guatemala outside of the airport in Guate- Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701–1706) is to con- mala City. President Johnson visited there 30 tinue in effect beyond March 15, 1999, to years ago. This visit is long overdue. More the Federal Register for publication. This importantly, this moment in history is long emergency is separate from that declared on overdue. November 14, 1979, in connection with the I came to the Presidency in 1993 deter- Iranian hostage crisis and therefore requires mined to establish a new partnership with separate renewal of emergency authorities. the peoples of Latin America and especially The last notice of continuation was published to reach out to our neighbors in Central in the Federal Register on March 6, 1998. America. At long last, Guatemala and all its The factors that led me to declare a na- neighbors have a chance to prosper in free- tional emergency with respect to Iran on dom and peace, in a hemisphere united by March 15, 1995, have not been resolved. The shared values. actions and policies of the Government of We have come together in this old capital Iran, including support for international ter- to find new solutions. The damage the hurri- rorism, its efforts to undermine the Middle canes left, some of which I have seen, of East peace process, and its acquisition of course, has increased the urgency of our de- weapons of mass destruction and the means liberations and our action. We are deter- to deliver them, continue to threaten the na- mined to respond to this calamity so that tional security, foreign policy, and economy what was destroyed will be built back better of the United States. Accordingly, I have de- than ever. We commit today to build a com- termined that it is necessary to maintain in force the broad programs I have authorized mon future here in Antigua, a city that knows pursuant to the March 15, 1995, declaration a great deal about rebuilding. of emergency. Our challenge is to consolidate the remarkable achievements of Central America William J. Clinton in the last decade, to build on them, and to The White House, accelerate them. I am committed to lowering March 10, 1999. trade barriers between us, both to speed recovery and to build a free-trade area in this NOTE: An original was not available for verification of the content of this message.

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region that will benefit all the citizens of all Closing Remarks at the Central the countries. America Summit in Antigua and I am committed to a common struggle an Exchange With Reporters against violence and drug trafficking and drug abuse, to shared responsibility for the March 11, 1999 care of our environment, for the education The President. Good afternoon. Presi- of our children, for the health of our people. dent Aleman, thank you for your words and I am committed to justice and to institutions your leadership. President Arzu, thank you which will maintain it. I am committed to so much for bringing us to this magnificent fair immigration laws, fairly enforced, and es- place and for hosting this very valuable meet- pecially to the principle that we should treat ing. To all my fellow leaders of the Americas, people from Central America equitably, I thank you for the examples you are setting whatever their country of origin, and recog- within your countries and by working to- nize the special circumstances of those na- gether. tions that Hurricane Mitch hit hardest. As we see here in Guatemala and, indeed, Our new partnership has made quite a bit in all the nations represented in this extraor- of progress since our last summit in Costa dinary region, they are blessed with natural Rica. We still face daunting challenges. But and with man-made monuments of ancient now we face them with a unique sense of grace and spectacular beauty. Now the peo- solidarity and a common commitment to ple have built a new monument—also spec- freedom, to democracy, to open markets, and tacular and, hopefully, just as enduring—the to meeting the demands of our people for monument of peace. better schools, safer streets, wider opportunities. Kosovo Even before the United States was created, a North American poet, Anne Brad- Because of developments in Washington street, complained about the harshness of and in Europe, I hope my fellow leaders will our weather. But she added, ‘‘If we had no forgive me if I take my only opportunity winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.’’ today to appear before the press to say some- Well, Central America has had a long and thing about another area in which we are difficult season, aggravated by the recent working for peace—in Kosovo, where a seri- hurricanes, but we can truly rejoice that the ous civil conflict has been occurring and springtime of renewal and rebuilding is here. where much bloodshed might still occur. The Sun shines on us today, in Guatemala Today our House of Representatives in and throughout this region. For all the prob- Washington is debating a resolution on the lems that people face, we must never forget potential deployment of American troops. I how far they have traveled, and we must hope the House will act in a way that sup- never lose sight of the path that leads to a ports our efforts to achieve a strong peace brighter tomorrow. We must go on that path agreement. I have and will continue to work together, to build a new American century closely with the Congress as we seek to bring for all the people of the Americas. peace to Kosovo. As I have repeatedly said, Thank you very much. a final decision on whether we would send our troops as part of a peace force depends upon the achievement of a genuine agree- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:36 a.m. in the ment, on an immediate cease-fire, on rapid courtyard at the Casa Santo Domingo. In his re- withdrawal of most Serbian security forces, marks, he referred to summit participants Presi- and demilitarization of the insurgents. dent Alvaro Arzu of Guatemala, President Both sides must agree to a NATO force. Arnoldo Aleman of Nicaragua, President Carlos Roberto Flores of Honduras, President Armando Europe’s troops must make up the great ma- Calderon Sol of El Salvador, President Miguel jority of the forces. And we must have a Angel Rodriguez of Costa Rica, President Leonel NATO strategy that includes a clear plan for Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, and Prime bringing our forces home. If, and only if, Minister Said Musa of Belize. these conditions are met, I strongly believe

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United States forces should contribute to se- and what people were doing. But no descrip- curing the peace in Kosovo. We have a strong tion can adequately replace the personal ex- stake in bringing peace there, just as we have periences of what I have seen. a strong stake in peace in Central America. In Honduras and Nicaragua, I met people If we don’t end the conflict now, it will who were devastated, but undaunted, deter- spread; and when it does, we will not be able mined to rebuild in a way that reinforces the to avoid participating in stopping it; and transformation of this region. In El Salvador, when we do, it will come at far greater risk and today in Guatemala, I have been privi- and far greater cost. leged to see two nations that have found the courage to face a painful past and move for- Central America Summit ward to build a truly hopeful future. Now, let me talk a moment about what At this summit I have seen Central Amer- we have met about today, how to turn this ica’s leaders working together for the future. region of peace and shared values into a re- And I have tried to demonstrate that for the gion of joint endeavors and common future, beyond the service of my Presidency, progress. I have made it clear that the United America must be a partner and a friend, not States supports greater debt relief, and I out- only because it is the right thing to do, but lined my proposal for that; that we support because it is in our interest to do so. more open trade to create jobs and oppor- We have never been closer to realizing the tunity through an enhanced initiative of the dream of a hemispheric community based on Caribbean Basin, the countries of Central genuine respect and genuine partnership. America and the Caribbean, and eventually Something great has happened here in Cen- through a free-trade area of the Americas. tral America in the last decade. As we move We also discussed other economic issues: out of the past and away from the damage what can be done to increase investment in of the hurricanes, we do so in a way that tourism, what can be done in the environ- we are determined to see this area emerge ment. Our United States Agency for Inter- from adversity, in a way that places all of us national Development, I am pleased to say, on higher ground. I am proud to have been will contribute another $25 million to sup- given the chance to be a part of it. port CONCAUSA, the agreement we signed Thank you very much. in 1994 in Costa Rica to promote environmental cooperation among us. This contribu- Global Strategy for Central America tion will help the people of Central America Q. Good afternoon to all the Presidents. to protect their forests and coastlands, to re- My question is for the President of the duce industrial pollution, to fight climate United States, Mr. Clinton. What do you change. think of the statement by President Alvaro We talked a lot about immigration, as you Arzu with regard to the need to have a global might imagine. I reaffirmed my intention to strategy, a long-term strategy for the Central support our immigration laws fairly and justly American region? but to work strongly for the elimination of The President. I think he’s right about any disparities in our law so that they treat that. One of the things that I pointed out Central Americans equitably, whatever their in our morning meeting is that Central country of origin. America, for all of its economic difficulties, We also spoke today about the danger of basically is being well managed. And I be- gangs and guns and drugs. In many ways, lieve that if there were a way for all these they represent the final stage of Central leaders together to demonstrate to the world America’s internal conflicts. We talked about that they are determined to avoid the kinds what we could do together to combat them. of financial problems and economic prob- Let me just say in closing that this has been lems, for example, that have caused such a very moving trip for me, personally. When trouble in Asia and, frankly, caused difficul- my wife came here a few months ago, in the ties for all developing economies—caused aftermath of the hurricane, she came home the interest rates for funds even in Central and talked to me a lot about what she saw America to go up—if there were a way for

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this region to say as a region, look, we know side to say no to it. So I thought it was pre- what caused those problems there; we’re not mature. I don’t object to Congress expressing going to do that here; this is a good place its opinion on anything. That’s their job. to invest—then I believe not just the United Secondly, every President has reserved the States but people in Europe, people in South right to both receive the advice and consent America, people in Asia would be far more and support or endure the opposition of Con- likely to invest here, to bring Central Amer- gress, but not to give up the constitutional ica not just into a better partnership with the responsibility to deploy United States forces United States but with all the world in a way in peacetime. And I think that my prede- that would lift the lives of people here. cessors were right about that. So I agree with President Arzu that there It’s not that—what I apologized for has should be a global strategy. But I believe that nothing to do with the fact that there was because we’re neighbors, for the foreseeable a difference between the policy of the admin- future, for the next 50 years, our major eco- istration and the Congress in previous years, nomic relationship should be one with another. And that imposes special responsibil- going back for decades, and including admin- ities on the United States, but it also gives istrations of both parties. It is that the policy us a lot of opportunities. of the executive branch was wrong. And what The President said to me, and I’d like to we’re doing here is in the open; it’s not a say to my fellow Americans not only here secret. but those who might be listening to this press What was your other question? Oh, the conference or who will hear the reports of exit strategy. Well, the exit strategy should it, that our trade with Central America far be defined by the missions. You will be able outstrips our trade with countries that are to see that we have an exit strategy if we much, much larger than the combined popu- define the missions properly—just as in Bos- lation of Central America. And it has an enor- nia we defined the missions and we have cut, mous potential to benefit not just the people I think, reduced our troop strength by more of this region but the people of the United than 70 percent now. And we continue to States, as well. bring them down. I’m in a sort of a double bind here, you U.S. Congress and Kosovo/Apologies for know. We tried in Bosnia to give a date cer- Past Administrations tain for when we thought we could withdraw, Q. For President Clinton. Mr. President, based on what the Pentagon said they be- particularly given that part of your reason for lieved would happen in cooperation with our being down here is to express your regret other agencies. We turned out to be wrong. and apologies for what past White Houses Then people said, ‘‘Well, maybe the Presi- have done over the objections of Congress, dent misled us about how long we would stay can you please explain why it is that your there.’’ administration has been so adamant about So we decided in Kosovo the right thing Congress not registering its opinion on the situation in Kosovo, and what exactly is your to do was to say what the benchmarks of the exit strategy if U.S. troops are sent over mission would be, and the Congress has to there? approve money every year for such things so The President. Well, first of all, Congress they would be able every year to see whether has a right to express its opinion on anything we were meeting the benchmarks, but we it likes. I have two things to say about it. wouldn’t mislead them about knowing in ad- One is, it’s premature. I do not believe that— vance exactly how long it would take. So until we know that we have maximized the when we did it that way, then people said, chances for both sides to say yes to the peace ‘‘Well, we’re making an open-ended commit- agreement—it’s not at all clear that they ment.’’ That’s not true. I don’t intend to will—I do not believe that the Congress make an open-ended commitment; I think should take any action that will, in effect, pre- that would be wrong. empt the peace process or encourage either

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Guatemalan Peace Process ing at this issue there are two questions that Q. Question for the President of the need to be looked at separately. One is, did United States, Bill Clinton. What is your per- we respond in an appropriate, timely, and sonal opinion of the peace process of Guate- aggressive way to indications of espionage? mala? The second is, is our policy toward China The President. Well, first of all, I think of engagement the right one? the fact that you had elections and that peo- Now, the answer to the first question is, ple are free to speak their minds, that I met I believe the record is clear that we did re- with an elected Vice President of Guatemala, spond in an appropriate way. In 1996 we who is a representative of the indigenous were notified that there was some indication population, yesterday, that the differences of a breach of security at one of the energy are freely expressed, and that according to labs and that the appropriate agencies were President Arzu, you have a free and some- investigating. The appropriate congressional times contentious and critical press—I’d say committees were notified at the same time. that’s all healthy. Since then, they have received at least 16 I also think this commission report was a briefings on this issue. brave thing to do. And I think you know that Now, in 1997, in July, we were notified the United States supports the peace process, that the scope of the potential espionage including the effort to find the truth, even might be very broad and might be directly if it’s not that favorable to the United States. related to lax security at the energy labs. At We contributed a million and a half dollars that time, we moved quickly and decisively to the work of the commission; we declas- not only with the continuing FBI investiga- sified 4,000 documents at the request of the tion and with the CIA review but also with commission. So I basically support what you an intense review of the counterintelligence are trying to do, strongly. capacities of our energy department labs. No nation can tell another exactly how to As a result of that, in February of ’98, I come to terms with its past and to move into signed a Presidential directive to dramatically the future. And the answer will necessarily improve the counterintelligence capacities of be different from nation to nation. What the lab. In April of ’98 we set up a counter- South Africa did, what Chile did, what El intelligence office by the energy labs, headed Salvador did will not necessarily work in Gua- by a 35-year FBI veteran with a record of temala. Neither will what you do necessarily dealing with espionage. We doubled the work for some other country. The main thing counterintelligence budget. We raised the is, is there an honest effort being made to standards for foreign visitors to the labs; we bring about reconciliation and the rule of law said foreign scientists had to be accompanied and human rights and genuine freedom? And to the labs. I think we began to polygraph I don’t think there is any question that Gua- DOE employees at some point. Only two temala has been moving in the right direc- agencies, DOE and the CIA, have their em- tion. And for that, all of us who believe in ployees subject to polygraphs. freedom and human rights can be grateful. Simultaneous with that, in terms of technology controls, we subject China to the Chinese Nuclear Espionage/Calls for tightest restrictions of technology transfer NSC Director’s Resignation that we have on any country that is not on Q. President Clinton, did your administra- an embargo list for the United States. So I tion ignore evidence of nuclear espionage by think the record is that we acted aggressively. the Chinese in order to further your policy I think Mr. Berger acted appropriately, and of engagement? And what do you have to therefore, I would not release him or ask for say to Republicans calling for Sandy Berger’s his resignation. I just don’t think there’s any resignation? evidence to support that. The President. Well, first of all, we did Now, let me say, the second question— not ignore evidence. Quite the contrary; we and this affects the welfare of everybody else acted on it. Let me say for the benefit of in the world, if you realize how China is all the press, both American and others, look- growing, both economically and the size of

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their population; this affects the welfare of Central American Immigrants every person in Central America—whether Q. I have a question for President Clinton. the United States and China are at odds in What are the commitments that the U.S. has a conflict or have a constructive relationship acquired with Central America with regard that has honest disagreements, where nobody to the migratory problem? is under any illusions that the facts are dif- The President. Well, as you know, for one ferent than they are. thing, I stayed all the deportations for all the I would argue that our efforts to have an countries affected by the hurricanes. I had honest and open policy with China, so that to lift the stay for all the countries, other than they don’t think that we have made a decision Honduras and Nicaragua, because under our in advance to try to contain and limit them law a temporary stay because of the collapse, in their economic growth and their develop- in effect, of the national infrastructure of a ment as a nation, has paid dividends. I do country due to natural disaster, is very spe- not believe that China would have signed the cific in our law. Chemical Weapons Convention, the Com- The fundamental problem with American prehensive Test Ban Treaty; I do not believe law is that, essentially, with regard to people they would have practiced the restraint they who have been in the United States a long have practiced in the transfer of various dan- time, is that we treat people from different gerous materials to countries like Iran and Central American countries differently based Pakistan if we had not been constructively on the source of the oppression of human engaged with them. rights, rather than whether people had hard- I do not believe that we would have had ships that caused them to come to the United the level of cooperation in Korea in trying States. to limit North Korea’s ability to develop nu- The commitment I made was twofold: clear capacity that we have had. I do not be- One, that within the law—and I brought lieve we would have had the cooperation we Doris Meissner, our Immigration Commis- have had in trying to limit the impact of the sioner here with me—that within the law, Asian financial crisis, which has plunged tens I would do all I could to avoid a disruptive of millions of people from the middle class return to people because of the law that I into poverty in Asia, and represents the big- think we all admit is unfair; but that in the gest short-term threat to democracy and to end, to fix the problem entirely, we would stability in Asia. I do not believe those things require legislative change. And I would seek would have occurred if we had not had an that from the Congress, and I believe there open, candid, honest relationship with China, is support from Members of both parties for aware of all the facts. that sort of change. Keep in mind, this is about a case that de- Now, beyond that, I recognize that most veloped in the mid-eighties. We have known of the people who might still want to come about China’s nuclear capacity and their ca- to the United States, particularly in the after- pacity to pose a strategic threat and, more math of the hurricanes, are not by nature or less, what the dimensions of that were lawbreakers. They’re people looking for a since the 1980’s. And this raises the question better life for themselves and for their fami- of whether some espionage in the eighties lies. But we have to enforce our immigration was somehow related to that capacity. We laws. And if we don’t, it’s not fair not only have investigated it; we continue to inves- to people in other parts of the world but to tigate it. We have dramatically increased our other Central Americans. There are thou- counterintelligence. I believe we have taken sands and thousands of Central Americans all appropriate steps. who have registered to come to our country I do not believe that that evidence justifies under the laws that exist now in a lawful way. an isolated no-contact relationship with There is no reason that people who line up China when we have gotten the benefits not like that and try to do it should be deprived only to ourselves but to the rest of the world of their legal right to come to the United of our engagement policy. States as a result of a reaction in our country

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because of the large flow of illegal immi- point of view of the Kosovars, avoids a bloody grants. war and gives them a chance to establish the So I made a commitment to try to be as mechanisms of self-government without reasonable as possible under the existing law, foreclosing or guaranteeing a future of inde- but I have to uphold the law. I made a com- pendence, to see how they do in the next mitment to try to change the law to treat 3 years. all people from all Central American coun- It seems to me that a present war is the tries the same. And finally, let me say, I be- worst of all circumstances. Now, if the pros- lieve the most important commitment that pect of the agreement were totally destroyed I made is the commitment on debt relief, by an outright military offensive, I would be to pass our aid package to help the recon- the first to argue that our NATO allies have struction effort—which is a genuine emer- to take action and take action now. But the gency—to try to expand trade, to try to de- situation is, frankly—even though you’re ab- velop the economy. solutely right; there have been some actions In the end, economic development at by the Serbs—the situation is sufficiently home will stem the flood of illegal immigra- murky and the present status of the peace tion—genuine opportunities for people— agreement and whether either side can bring more than anything else we can do. So those itself to agree is sufficiently shaky, that all were the commitments that I made. the NATO allies at this moment on this day believe that we should devote all of our ener- NATO and Kosovo gies trying to get the agreement. Q. President Clinton, you’ve said often But I can speak for myself and, I believe, that NATO is prepared to act if the Serbs at least for most of my NATO allies, that if attacked ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Vio- this thing come apart at the seams, we still lence is now on the rise. Why isn’t NATO have a commitment. And I’m determined to responding, and what are you doing to keep honor our commitment. the peace talks from collapsing there? NOTE: The President spoke at 4:07 p.m. in the The President. Well, as you know, Sen- Casa Santo Domingo, Convention Center. In his ator Dole has just come back from Kosovo, remarks, he referred to President Arnoldo Aleman also I think quite frustrated. The real prob- of Nicaragua; President Alvaro Arzu and Vice lem, of course is—I don’t want this to be President Luis Alberto Flores of Guatemala; misinterpreted—there is no, in my view, former Senator Bob Dole; and President Slobodan moral equivalence between what has been Milosevic of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia done by the Serbs and what has been done (Serbia and Montenegro). The President also re- by the Kosovar Albanians to try to secure the ferred to the Joint Central American-United autonomy which was unlawfully striped from States Declaration (CONCAUSA) and Presi- them a decade ago. But it is clear that in dential Decision Directive (PDD–61). this interim period, when they went home from Rambouillet and they’re arguing about Declaration of Antigua whether they should take this peace agree- March 11, 1999 ment, there are a lot of tensions and crosscur- rents. We, the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Sal- The consensus among our NATO allies vador, the United States of America, Guate- now is that in the next few days we should mala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Domini- be doing everything we possibly can to get can Republic, and the Prime Minister of these people on both sides to realize that this Belize, meeting in Antigua, Guatemala, on is—it is crazy for them to go to war, to kill March 11, 1999, welcome the special oppor- each other, to compromise their children’s tunity afforded by this meeting to secure a future, when they have an agreement which, prosperous future for our peoples after the from the point of view of Mr. Milosevic, only devastation wrought by Hurricanes Mitch requires him to do what the law requires him and Georges. to do anyway—to respect the autonomy of Hurricane Mitch was the worst disaster in the Kosovar Albanians—which, from the the history of our Hemisphere, killing nearly

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10,000 people, affecting at least 6 million democracy, the free market, respect for others, and causing property damage totaling human rights and fundamental freedoms, the approximately $6 billion. Aware of the enor- effective rule of law, the campaign against mous impact on our countries of this disaster, international crime, and our commitment to we are meeting to combine efforts to rebuild environmental protection. and transform the region in such a way as Based on these values, the Presidents of to bring swifter development that will ensure Costa Rica, El Salvador, the United States the prosperity of all our citizens. of America, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and For the first time in the history of our re- the Vice President of Guatemala, met in gion, all our countries are enjoying peace, Washington, D.C., on December 11, 1998, stability, democracy, and freedom. Pre- to agree on mechanisms to rebuild and trans- serving these achievements requires decisive, form the region, and at that time received forward-looking action in order to avoid jeop- encouraging support and solidarity from the ardizing the stability of our countries people and the Government of the United achieved through great sacrifice and to stay States of America. on the course of progress. Aware that our efforts should be com- In a spirit of solidarity, the Central Amer- plemented by long-term support from finan- ican Presidents gathered for a special, emer- cial institutions, the Presidents of Costa Rica, gency meeting in Comalapa, El Salvador, on El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and November 9, 1998, to appeal to the inter- the Vice President of Guatemala, met in national community for solidarity and to Washington, D.C., on December 10–11, adopt joint decisions on how best to coordi- 1998, to report to the international commu- nate our efforts to help one another in the nity, at the Consultative Group convened by task of rebuilding and transformation. the Inter-American Development Bank, on Despite the tragedy we face, we recognize that the current situation also offers a unique the magnitude of the damage and to establish opportunity to reconstruct our economies, mechanisms for effective coordination with transform our societies, and lay the economic donors, thereby ensuring the resources nec- foundation for sustained growth to prepare essary to begin the difficult task of rebuilding our nations to meet the challenges of the and transforming our countries. twenty-first century. With our own efforts We agree that the effective, lasting trans- and with the staunch, sustained support of formation of the region means enhancing de- the international community, we will over- mocracy; promoting sustained economic come the challenges ahead. growth as the best antidote for poverty; The Central American nations and the Do- strengthening the rule of law and national minican Republic deeply appreciate the reconciliation; ensuring the full effectiveness strong show of support, generosity, and soli- of human rights; strengthening judicial sys- darity to our peoples, and the valuable co- tems and good governance; fostering trans- operation and emergency assistance provided parency; combating international crime; ap- by the international community. We take this proaching in a humane manner the issue of opportunity to express particular gratitude migration; expanding trade and investment for the speedy, timely response of the people opportunities; supporting debt relief and fi- and the Government of the United States of nancial cooperation; and implementing a America. The President of the United States program of sustainable development that in- of America reiterates his commitment to con- cludes natural disaster prevention. tribute efforts to transform and rebuild Cen- The Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, tral America and the Dominican Republic. Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, and the Prime Minister Reconstruction and Transformation of Belize, reaffirm our determination to We welcome the opportunity this Summit achieve the rapid rebuilding and trans- offers to intensify the frank dialogue we formation of our countries with a view to es- began in San Jose. We reaffirm the values tablishing prosperous societies with equal op- we share as peoples and nations, based on portunity for all.

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We agree to underscore the importance multilateral initiatives, in order to obtain the of obtaining, during this initial rebuilding maximum additional resources needed on an phase, non-reimbursable funds and con- urgent and concessionary basis at the May cessionary lines of credit to finance programs 1999 meeting of the Consultative Group in in those areas most essential for economic, Stockholm, Sweden. That meeting will be a agricultural, and industrial recovery and for pivotal event in donor coordination and in the reintegration of the people affected into confirming pledges of resources for the re- the productive life of our countries. To that construction and transformation of the re- end, the Presidents of Central America and gion. The Presidents of Central America and the Dominican Republic and the Prime Min- the Dominican Republic and the Prime Min- ister of Belize express appreciation for the ister of Belize expressed their appreciation request for special funds for rebuilding Cen- for the determination by the United States tral America that President Clinton sent to of America to increase substantially bilateral his Congress, and again call upon the inter- aid programs for the reconstruction of their national community and international finan- countries. cial institutions to lend their firm support to the efforts to rebuild Central America. Trade and Investment Debt Relief and Financial Cooperation We recognize that the formulation of a The Presidents of Central America and the comprehensive program of reconstruction Dominican Republic and the Prime Minister and economic recovery for the region in the of Belize welcome the commitment by the wake of Hurricanes Mitch and Georges President of the United States of America would be incomplete without the consider- to provide debt relief to Nicaragua and Hon- ation of trade and investment as essential duras, whose economies were especially dev- components for economic development, re- astated by Hurricane Mitch. Debt relief is gional integration, and prosperity. It is critical to building a sustainable path to de- through commercial opportunities generated velopment for these countries as they work by better and more secure markets that sus- to rebuild and transform their economies. tainable development, long-term political The Presidents of Central America and the and economic stability, and, therefore, wide- Dominican Republic and the Prime Minister spread human development in the region can of Belize view with approval the support pro- be achieved. We recognize that creating in- vided by the United States of America within centives for increased trade and investment the Paris Club to extend a moratorium on will be advanced by our adherence to com- debt servicing for Honduras and Nicaragua mitments agreed upon in multilateral trade over the next two to three years, which will negotiations such as in the World Trade Or- free up vital resources for reconstruction and ganization. transformation efforts. The President of the Two-way trade between the United States United States of America reiterated his com- of America and its neighbors in Central mitment to play a leadership role in pro- America and the Caribbean has grown rap- viding comprehensive external debt reduc- idly in this decade and has been highly bene- tion for Honduras and Nicaragua under the ficial for both sides. This reflects the contin- Paris Club and consideration of eligibility ued success and relevance of the Caribbean under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Basin Initiative (CBI) in promoting greater (HIPC) initiative. In addition, the President trade flows and investment and generating of the United States has requested authority employment in the United States of America for a $25 million contribution to the Central as well as in the region. Free market econo- America emergency trust fund in order to mies and private sector participation are es- help pay debt service to the international fi- sential to rebuilding our countries, consoli- nancial institutions. dating democracy, and promoting closer eco- The President of the United States of nomic relations. As we approach the new mil- America expressed his determination to sup- lennium, we are determined to rededicate port and contribute to both bilateral and our commitment to open markets and to

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strengthen even more this mutually bene- ica and the Dominican Republic have caused ficial relationship. suffering for their population and have fur- We are aware of the importance of ther complicated social and economic condi- strengthening relationships that have devel- tions for an adequate reintegration of their oped in the areas of textiles and clothing, not repatriated citizens. In this regard, the Presi- only because of the enormous benefits for dents of the Central American countries and the United States of America and the nations the Dominican Republic and the Prime Min- of the Caribbean Basin, but also as a way ister of Belize express appreciation for the of ensuring our mutual competitiveness in temporary measures already taken by the the context of the world market as we ap- Government of the United States of America proach the year 2005. aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of re- President Clinton expressed his deter- patriations to the region, and we reaffirm our mination to work actively with the United commitment to maintaining dialogue at the States Congress to enhance the Caribbean highest level with a view to finding humane Basin Initiative in a manner that responds and permanent solutions to the problems of effectively to the needs of the countries of migration. the region. These enhancements should help Taking into account the origins, manifesta- prepare for the creation of a region of shared tions, and social, economic, and political ef- prosperity among Central America, the Do- fects of migration, and bearing in mind the minican Republic, and the United States of interdependence of our countries, the Gov- America. ernment of the United States of America will We welcome President Clinton’s commit- consider initiatives to address the disparities ment to send the Bilateral Investment Trea- created by the Nicaraguan Adjustment and ties with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nica- Central American Relief Act (NACARA). We ragua to the United States Senate for ratifica- recognize that migrants contribute to the de- tion. These treaties send a positive signal of velopment and prosperity of their region of the region’s openness to foreign investment origin and of their new country of residence and its determination to protect property rights and to forge a partnership with busi- and also recognize that, in order for these ness to rebuild and transform the economies benefits to be realized, migration should be victimized by Hurricane Mitch. orderly. We will also cooperate to address The leaders praised the excellent begin- disorderly emigration and its consequences. ning to the negotiations for the Free Trade We affirm our belief that long-term recon- Area of the Americas (FTAA). The govern- struction, investment, trade, and assistance ments of the United States of America, the should include joint efforts to create sustain- Central American countries, and the Domin- able employment opportunities that would ican Republic affirmed their commitment to provide alternatives to the need for future work together to achieve concrete progress emigration. in the FTAA negotiations, including by im- We recognize the difficulties some repatri- plementing a series of business facilitation ated citizens face as they reintegrate into measures. For this purpose, the governments their countries of origin and the socio- will consult on cooperative efforts they can economic implications this may entail for undertake to help the countries of the region their countries. For this reason, we will pay to advance in this direction. In this regard, special attention to the matter and will ex- we highlight transparency as an important plore and encourage the adoption of new and element of the FTAA process. We, therefore, comprehensive cooperative measures to en- look forward to the ongoing work of the sure that they are treated appropriately, such Committee of Government Representatives as the signing of prisoner transfer treaties on the Participation of Civil Society. and memoranda of understanding on deportation procedures, to facilitate the reintegra- Migration tion of repatriated persons, with special em- We recognize that the effects of Hurri- phasis on their well-being and on respect for canes Mitch and Georges on Central Amer- their dignity and human rights.

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We reiterate that illicit trafficking in per- We will work together to restore and cre- sons is an affront to human dignity and reaf- ate greater opportunities for the population firm our commitment to increase coopera- affected by the hurricanes and to meet their tion in order to combat and punish this needs with alacrity in order to prevent re- abominable practice. We commend the gional security from being threatened by the adoption of new laws in several countries establishment of criminal networks. We will against illicit trafficking in persons and urge continue enhancing cooperation among our other countries to implement similar meas- countries in the campaign against drug traf- ures. Our governments will continue multi- ficking and organized crime. lateral cooperation in the Regional Con- We reaffirm our determination to bolster ference on Migration and in other fora in mutual legal assistance and information shar- order to exchange information and coordi- ing arrangements that will deny safe haven nate actions on migration matters in our to criminals. We support the modernization countries. We will seek to establish mecha- of extradition treaties and their vigorous ap- nisms to share information and mutually col- plication, within the legal framework of each laborate to stop the organized smuggling of country, to prevent impunity and to ensure persons. that criminals are severely punished, in accordance with the severity of the crime com- Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Human mitted. We will continue to modernize our Rights laws against drug trafficking and money laun- We applaud the achievement in the region dering and jointly seek opportunities to assist of peace with harmony, mutual cooperation, one another, through education, training, and full respect for human rights. The end and technical support to prevent drug abuse. of internal conflicts in Central America has For these purposes, we are intensifying our opened the way to reconciliation and the es- efforts to execute the plan of action devel- tablishment of just, equitable societies that oped from the San Jose Summit. provide better opportunities for our peoples. At this time of challenge and renewal, we Sustainable Development reaffirm our commitment to continue the process of profound transformation, meeting The economic reconstruction of Central the needs of our pluralistic democracies, America and the Dominican Republic must based on strict respect for human rights, the address basic priorities such as reducing pov- effectiveness of the rule of law, mutual re- erty, ensuring human development, and sat- spect, the strengthening of local govern- isfying basic human needs with a sustainable ments, and a more equitable and management of natural resources. The re- participatory civil society. We will continue gion’s sustainable development depends on doing our utmost to achieve economic well- overcoming obstacles such as imbalances in being and the comprehensive development patterns of production, consumption, and of our countries, and to preserve social peace, human settlement; accelerated population progress, and stability. We will also continue growth; and high levels of poverty. observing and promoting the rights of work- We have before us an unprecedented op- ers, including the elimination of any exploita- portunity to rebuild the region and create tive forms of child labor, in accordance with jobs through domestic and foreign invest- our respective Constitutions and with the ment. We also have the opportunity of invest- Conventions of the International Labor Or- ing wisely, using sustainably our natural re- ganization, as respectively ratified by our gov- sources to ensure the well-being of present ernments. In addition, working together and future generations. within the Summit of the Americas process We recognize that global climate change and the Organization of American States, we has the potential to cause more frequent and will endeavor to strengthen democracy and severe natural disasters and thus recognize to increase prosperity throughout the Hemi- sphere.

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the need for all Parties to meet their respon- Statement on Selection of the sibilities under the United Nations Frame- Director of the National Institutes of work Convention on Climate Change. Indus- Health Vaccine Research Center trialized countries should reduce their emissions and developing countries should par- March 11, 1999 ticipate meaningfully in global efforts to address climate change. I am very pleased to join Secretary of We underscore the continuing leadership Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, of Central America in advancing implemen- National Institutes of Health Director Har- tation of the Framework Convention on Cli- old Varmus, and my AIDS policy office direc- mate Change and in the evolution of the tor, Sandra Thurman, in welcoming Dr. Gary Clean Development Mechanism for imple- Nabel as the first Director of the new Vac- mentation of climate-friendly projects, in- cine Research Center at the NIH. Dr. cluding clean energy development and the Nabel’s long and distinguished career as a enhancement of carbon sinks. Building on research scientist will be an incredible asset the commitment of the San Jose Declaration, in our efforts to find preventative vaccines. we recognize the importance of the actions The first order of business for Dr. Nabel that are being developed in Central America will be the effort to develop a vaccine for with the participation of our private sectors, HIV. This is a top priority of our AIDS re- especially those that will permit the conces- search efforts. Here in the United States, sion of credits and other initiatives that will over 40,000 people are newly infected with mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. HIV every year. Across the world, the rate Recognizing the impact of climatic dis- is nearly 6 million people per year. These turbances in the region, we agree that key components in the mitigation of disasters and are lives in jeopardy. Though we have made in sustainable development include im- remarkable progress in treating HIV and proved management of watersheds, reforest- AIDS, there is still no cure. So our best hope ation, preservation of coastal wetlands, and of bringing an end to the AIDS pandemic efforts to prevent soil erosion through im- is to find a safe and effective vaccine. proved farming practices. It is, therefore, im- I have issued a challenge to the scientific portant to strengthen mechanisms of co- community to find an AIDS vaccine within operation in the areas of natural disaster pre- the decade. We are making important strides vention and mitigation through education, towards that critical goal and the leadership training, institutional strengthening, and the of Dr. Nabel will help us progress even more. transfer of technology. Dr. Varmus and his team of expert research- We, the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Sal- ers at the NIH, working in collaboration with vador, the United States of America, Hon- scientists from across the globe, have pro- duras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Re- duced remarkable results in reducing AIDS public, and the Prime Minister of Belize, ex- mortality here and in many other developed press our sincere gratitude for the hospitality nations. Their improved understanding of shown to us by the people and Government how HIV works will be invaluable in the ef- of Guatemala during our sojourn in this his- fort to find a vaccine to prevent infection in toric city. the first place. The human tragedy of AIDS throughout NOTE: The joint statement was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary but was not the world must move all of us to action. The issued as a White House press release. An original search for a vaccine for HIV must continue was not available for verification of the content to be a global priority because millions of of this joint statement. precious lives hang in the balance.

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Statement on the Kennedy-Murray Proclamation 7173—National Older Amendment to Proposed Education Workers Employment Week, 1999 Flexibility Partnership Legislation March 11, 1999 March 11, 1999 By the President of the United States of America I have long supported the ed-flex concept, and I was pleased when the congressional A Proclamation leadership decided to take up this bill as one One of our Nation’s most valuable but of its first matters of business. Today, how- least appreciated assets is its workers aged ever, the Senate used this bill to undermine 55 and older. Older Americans bring to the one of our most important educational workplace sound judgment, broad knowl- achievements—an initiative to hire 100,000 edge and experience, proven problem-solv- well-prepared teachers to reduce class size ing abilities, and a strong work ethic. Despite in the early grades to a national average of their often impressive qualifications, how- 18. The Senate not only voted down an ever, older men and women who attempt to amendment to ensure long-term funding for change jobs or seek new careers frequently this initiative but passed an amendment that encounter difficulties. Some employers mis- would allow local school districts to com- takenly fear that older workers lack the skills pletely opt out of class size reduction. I will and flexibility to learn new technologies and work hard for the elimination of this amend- procedures; others think that they no longer ment in conference. We should be working have the energy and motivation to compete together to make continued progress on obvi- in today’s fast-paced and stressful work envi- ous national needs such as reducing class ronment; still others are unwilling to pay size—not attempting to tear down the bipar- older workers the salaries they deserve and prefer instead to hire younger, less experi- tisan work we did last year to address this enced employees at lower rates. Such em- problem. ployers are short-sighted. Americans are living longer, healthier, more active lives. In the next century, as our economy continues to expand and the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, Statement on House Action To older citizens will become an increasingly Support Use of United States vital resource. If our Nation is to thrive in Armed Forces in Kosovo the 21st century, we must encourage businesses to recognize the rich potential of older March 11, 1999 workers, to make the most of their knowl- edge, skills, and experience, and to retain I am pleased with the House vote which qualified older employees in the workforce. demonstrates the broad, bipartisan support We must also remain vigilant in protecting for our efforts to bring peace to Kosovo. This the rights and well-being of older Americans. vote sends a clear message to both parties Laws such as the Age Discrimination Act, the that it is time now to sign an agreement that Older Americans Act, and the Age Discrimi- stops the fighting in Kosovo and creates real nation in Employment Act protect older self-government for the Kosovar people. The workers from age bias and discrimination and vote confirms the strong commitment of the help assure their fair treatment in the work- United States to continue our efforts to pro- place. In addition, the Department of Labor vide the leadership necessary to bring about and the Department of Health and Human a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Services, through such efforts as the Senior

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Community Service Employment Program thing that when you dry off will always be and the programs of the Administration on a good memory for you. Aging, assist older workers who give their I’d like to say just briefly to all the children time and energy to contribute to our Nation’s that are here, you know, I’m coming home economy. because we’re going to dedicate the house As we observe this special week, let us re- that I lived in for the first 4 years of my life. member with appreciation the many invalu- And a lot of what I learned that was good able contributions older workers make to our that I took with me for the rest of my life country’s progress and prosperity, and let us I learned back then. And I want every one resolve to give older Americans an equal op- of you to believe that people from Rosston portunity to participate in the workplace. and Chidester and all the other small places Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, around here—doesn’t matter where you President of the United States, by virtue of came from in life, it matters what you do the authority vested in me by the Constitu- with your life. tion and laws of the United States, do hereby So make the most of your schools and have proclaim March 14 through March 20, 1999, a wonderful time. And again, you’ll never as National Older Workers Employment know how much I appreciate you being here. Week. I urge employers across the Nation I was stunned when I saw the crowd out to recognize the energy and ability of older here, and I knew what the weather was. I workers, and I encourage public officials re- always say that the people here stuck with sponsible for job placement, training, and re- me through rain or shine, and now it is lit- lated services to intensify their efforts erally true. throughout the year to help older workers Thank you, and God bless you. find suitable jobs and training. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set NOTE: The President spoke at 12:15 p.m. on the my hand this eleventh day of March, in the tarmac at Hope Municipal Airport. year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- ty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred Remarks at the Dedication and twenty-third. Ceremony for the Clinton William J. Clinton Birthplace in Hope March 12, 1999 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:55 a.m., March 12, 1999] Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My friend Tilmon Ross, thank you NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 15. for the prayer. And Joe, thank you for the introduction. I have to say that I’m here with mixed feel- Remarks on Arrival in Hope, ings. This is the coldest March the 12th in Arkansas the last 100 years in Hope, Arkansas. [Laugh- March 12, 1999 ter] You have totally destroyed the case I have been making for global warming for the I must say, I did not expect to see you last 5 years. [Laughter] here when I heard it was cold and rainy, and You know, we were out at the airport and I am very grateful to you for coming. I want the Congressman, the State officials, the to thank all the Federal and State and local judge, the country officials, the city board, officials who came out to say hello to me everybody came out there, and it was worse there at the airport. there than it is here, believe it or not. It was I’m delighted to be here. I want to just raining a whole lot harder; the wind was get out and shake hands with all of you and blowing. And there must have been 600 peo- say again how very much I appreciate you ple out there—all those school kids—I’m coming out. I hope none of the kids get sick sure I made a lot of money for the hospitals standing in this rain, and I hope it’s some- in the area. [Laughter] There will be people

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being treated for flu for 3 or 4 weeks after old place. Last time I was here before you this. started working on it was in 1990, and I But I was very moved. And in a funny way, thought when I walked through the front the rain makes this day more poignant for door it would come down around my ears. me. I’d like to thank the young people who And I cannot tell you how moved I am by sang from the Hope and Yerger Choirs. I this. want to thank my good friends who are here It’s cold and it’s windy and it’s rainy and from the State Legislature, and Jimmie Lou I won’t keep you long, but I would like to Fisher, Mark Pryor, and Gus Wingfield and say a few things that I worked on last night Charlie Daniels, our State officials who and this morning. A poet once wrote, ‘‘The came. I don’t know if Congressman Dickey accent of one’s birthplace lingers in the mind is still here—he was at the airport—I thank and in the heart, as it does in one’s speech.’’ him. I thank all the people who had anything Well, so many accents of Hope linger in my to do with this, the people on the foundation mind and my heart. and those who gave their money and time, We’re not far from the site of the old saw- those who gave memorabilia and memories. mill where my grandfather worked as a night I’d like to thank all the members of my watchman and where, as a little boy, I used family who are here. I’d like to say a special to go and spend the night with him, climbing word of appreciation because my brother and the sawdust pile and sleep in the back seat sister-in-law and my little nephew came all of his car. We’re just minutes—I just drove the way from California to be with us today, by it—from the place on which his little gro- and they’re over there. And I’m glad they’re cery store stood, where I used to look up here. at the countertop and wish I could reach the I would like to thank all the people from jar of Jackson’s cookies. Arkansas who came down here and who have I still remember that my grandfather was been a part of my administration, but I have the first person who taught me by his exam- to single out my good friend Mack McLarty. ple to treat all people, without regard to their He and Donna Kay came down and, as all race, the same. And also, without regard to of you know, he’s been an integral part of their income, because he gave food to people every good thing that’s happened since I’ve without regard to whether they had a dime been President. And I want to thank him and in their pockets. thank them for coming down with me today. We’re not far from Miss Mary Purkins’ And I’d like to thank—a lot of people from kindergarten where I went with my friends Arkansas came, but I’d like to say a special Mack McLarty, Joe Purvis, Vince Foster, word of thanks to Bob Nash, because I’m George Wright, and maybe some more peo- going to Texarkana when I leave here and ple who are here today, and where I broke he’s from there. Thank you, Bob. He also my leg in the first of many major mistakes has the worst job in the White House, be- I was to make in my life, jumping rope in cause he supervises my appointments, which my cowboy boots. [Laughter] means when I appoint somebody I write And we’re not far from Rose Hill Ceme- them a letter and they’re happy; and when tery, where my beloved mother, my grand- I disappoint them, which is about a 10:1 ratio, parents, and my father, whom I knew only Bob has to tell them. [Laughter] in my dreams and my mother’s memory, lie I want to thank Beckie Moore and Joe now in eternal rest. Purvis and my longtime friend Rose Crane In this house, I learned to walk and talk; for all the work they’ve done and along with I learned to pray; I learned to read; I learned the foundation board. The three of them just to count from the playing cards my grand- gave me a tour of the house. I saw the old parents tacked up on the kitchen windows pictures and the toys and everything, and I’m which are directly behind us now. just stunned by the work that has been done. Though I was only 4 when I left this place, There are so many more people I’d like it still holds very, very vivid memories for to thank—Brent Thompson, the architect; me, and I just relived a lot of them walking Stan Jackson—all of you who rescued this through the house. I remember we watched

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the house burn right across the street there, to towns like Lamar, Missouri, to see the where the trucks are. I remember throwing birthplace of Harry Truman—it’s a small a pocketknife into the ground in that white frame house, just 20 by 28 feet—why backyard I shared with my friend Vince Fos- they go to Stonewall, Texas, to see the two- ter. I remember hurrying down the stairs on story farmhouse where Lyndon Johnson was Christmas morning and dragging my little born. toys across the living room floor; waiting out- We visit these places not because great side on that sidewalk for my grandmother events happened there, but because everyday to walk home from work. events happened there. Not because they’re I remember watching the old telephone grand, but precisely because they are ordi- when it rang, always hoping that it was moth- nary—the modest homes of modest people. er calling from New Orleans, where she went We make them into landmarks because they to study anesthesia after my father died. And remind us that America’s greatness can be I still miss her every day. She would love found not only in its large centers of wealth what you have done here—the fact that you and culture and power but also in its small preserved her mother’s rosebush and that towns, where children learn from their fami- her birthday club planted one of her bushes lies and neighbors the rhythms and rituals here. And I want to especially thank my good of daily life. They learn about home and friends Elias and Jody Ghanem for this gar- work, about love and loss, about success and den which they have made possible to be failure, about endurance, and the power and planted in her memory. Thank you, and God dignity of their dreams. bless you. I want to close with a story. Back when In that wonderful video that my friends I was Governor, whenever I would come to Harry and Linda Thomason made when I ran Hope, I’d always drop by and visit with my for President in 1992, I talked about how I Uncle Buddy and Aunt Ollie. They helped used to fly all over this country, look out to raise me, and I loved them a lot. After across the vast landscape of America, and they had been married well over 50 years, think about how far I had come from this my aunt developed Alzheimer’s, and she had little woodframe house. Well, believe it or to be moved to that nursing facility that’s not, I still think about that no matter where connected to the hospital. I travel. One night, I stopped by to see my Uncle I said back then something I want to say Buddy when he was living alone and going again. In many ways, I know that all I am to see his wife, when most of the time she or ever will be came from here—a place and didn’t really know who he was anymore. Our a time where nobody locked their doors at talk was like so many we had over the years; night, everybody showed up for a parade on it was full of his country wisdom and full of Main Street, kids like me could dream of be- funny jokes, and he was laughing and making coming part of something bigger than them- me laugh. But when I got up to go, for the selves. Of course, Hope wasn’t perfect; it was first and only time in our long, long relation- part of the segregated South, and it’s had its ship, he grabbed my arm, and I turned fair share of flaws. And as Mack and I were around and I saw tears in his eyes. And I reminiscing this morning, it had a gossip or said to my uncle, ‘‘This is really hard, isn’t two. But in those long-ago days just after it?’’ And he said these words I will remember World War II, we were raised to believe in till the day I die. He said, ‘‘Yeah, it is. But two great qualities that I have tried to bring I signed on for the whole load, and most of back to America: a sense of personal opti- it’s been pretty good.’’ mism and a sense of community, of belong- Now, in this town, from my family and ing, of being responsible for the welfare of friends, that’s what I learned—to sign on for others, as well as yourself. the whole load. Though far from perfect, I I believed then, and I believe now, the have tried to do just that for my family and places we come from say a lot about us. And friends, for our beloved State and Nation. places like this say a lot about America, Mr. If I had not learned that lesson here 50 years Mayor. That’s why people take family trips ago, we wouldn’t be here today.

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And so to my family and friends I say, freedom that America promised. They gave thank you for love and loyalty and the lessons us Presidents and patriots, judges and jour- of a lifetime; thank you for being there for nalists, social reformers, peacekeepers, art- me through this whole wonderful ride. To ists, labor leaders, and educators. From their these young people I say, dream your dreams grand literary tradition to their deep religious and know that you can best fulfill them if faith, Irish Americans and their descendants your neighbors get to live their dreams, too. have enriched every facet of American his- Because of these gifts I can say with even tory. But this celebration is a time to look greater conviction what I said to America to the future as well as to the past. Today back in 1992, I still believe in a place called as we pay tribute to Saint Patrick and his Hope. example of faith and determination, we re- Thank you, and God bless you. joice that the faith and determination of the Irish people have brought about the promise NOTE: The President spoke at 1:30 p.m. in front of peace in Northern Ireland and the resolve of his birthplace home. In his remarks, he referred to Mayor Dennis Ramsey of Hope; Hempstead to approach differences not with weapons, County Judge Wallace Martin; Joe Purvis, chair- but with words. Americans are a vital part man, and Beckie Moore, executive director, Clin- of the process in Northern Ireland by virtue ton Birthplace Foundation; State Treasurer of our shared heritage and shared goal of last- Jimmie Lou Fisher; State Attorney General Mark ing peace and a better future for all God’s L. Pryor; State Auditor Gus Wingfield; Commis- children. By lending our hearts, minds, and sioner of State Lands Charlie Daniels; Roger Clin- prayers to the work of peace, we can best ton and his wife, Molly, and their son, Tyler; fulfill our obligation to the generations of former Special Envoy to the Americas Thomas Irish men and women who have given so F. (Mack) McLarty and his wife, Donna; and ar- much to our Nation’s life and history. chitects Brent Thompson and Stan Jackson. Best wishes to all for a wonderful celebration. Message on the Observance of Saint Bill Clinton Patrick’s Day, 1999 March 12, 1999 NOTE: A original was not available for verification of the content of this message. Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. Each year on this special day dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, I am proud to join millions of Americans in re- membering our Irish heritage. We remember Digest of Other with pride our ancestors who stood on Ire- White House Announcements land’s western shores, yearning for the promise of America. Fleeing famine and injustice, they longed for a new world of opportunities. The following list includes the President’s public Millions of these courageous men and schedule and other items of general interest an- women set sail from Ireland to seek the nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. promise of America. They gave to their new homeland their strength and spirit, sinew and determination, eloquence and wit. In return, March 8 America offered them the opportunity for a In the morning, the President traveled to better life, the chance to rise above poverty Managua, Nicaragua, and later, he traveled and discrimination, and a future where they to Posoltega, Nicaragua. could live out their dreams. In the afternoon, the President toured the The Irish who came to America endured area damaged by mudslides and participated many hardships, but they prospered and in a plaque dedication ceremony in memory helped to build our country with innumer- of the victims. able physical and intellectual contributions. Later, the President traveled to San Sal- Irish Americans seized the opportunity of vador, El Salvador.

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March 9 Kennard, and G. Mario Moreno to serve as In the morning, the President traveled to members of the Board of Trustees of the Comayagua, Honduras. American Folklife Center. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where he was briefed by U.S. military personnel on the construction of the Juan Molina Bridge. Later, he returned to San Salvador. Nominations Submitted to the Senate March 10 In the morning, the President met with President Armando Calderon Sol of El Sal- The following list does not include promotions of vador in the Presidential Office at Casa members of the Uniformed Services, nominations Presidencial. to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- eign Service officers. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Guatemala City, Guatemala, and in the evening, he traveled to Antigua, Guatemala. Submitted March 8 The President announced his intention to appoint Ann Lewis as Counselor to the Presi- Julio M. Fuentes, dent and Loretta Ucelli as Assistant to the of New Jersey, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for President and Communications Director. the Third Circuit, vice Robert E. Cowen, re- The President declared a major disaster in tired. New York and ordered Federal aid to supple- ment State and local recovery efforts in the Robert A. Katzmann, area struck by near record snow on March of New York, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for 3–6. the Second Circuit, vice Jon O. Newman, re- The White House announced that the tired. President sent the Congress a request for $15 million in FY 1999 supplemental funding for M. James Lorenz, the Department of the Interior. of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of California, vice Rudi March 11 M. Brewster, retired. In the morning, the President met with Central American leaders in Casa Santo Do- W. Allen Pepper, Jr., mingo. of Mississippi, to be U.S. District Judge for In the afternoon, the President returned the Northern District of Mississippi, vice to Guatemala City, and in the evening, he L.T. Senter, Jr., retired. returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to Karen E. Schreier, appoint Amanda Aguirre, Jeffrey Brandon, of South Dakota, to be U.S. District Judge Carlos Rene Gonzales, Rosemarie Marshall for the District of South Dakota, vice Richard Johnson, Laurance N. Nickey, and Paul Villas H. Battey, retired. as members of the U.S. section of the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission. March 12 In the morning, the President traveled to Checklist Hope, AR, and in the afternoon, he traveled of White House Press Releases to Texarkana, TX. In the evening, the President attended a The following list contains releases of the Office dinner for Representative Max Sandlin at the of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as A–Bar Ranch. items nor covered by entries in the Digest of The President announced the appoint- Other White House Announcements. ment of Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, William E.

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Released March 6 Released March 10 Statement by the Press Secretary: Murder of Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- Americans by Colombian Rebels curity Adviser Samuel Berger, Acting Assist- ant Secretary of State Peter Romero, Immi- Released March 8 gration and Naturalization Service Commis- sioner Doris Meissner, and Press Secretary Fact sheet: U.S. Immediate Relief Efforts Al- Joe Lockhart on the President’s visit to Gua- ready Undertaken in Response to Hurricane temala Mitch Statement by the Press Secretary on submis- Transcript of remarks by Peace Corps Direc- sion of a supplemental appropriation for the tor Mark Gearan on Peace Corps activities Department of the Interior in Central America Announcement of nomination for U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas Released March 9 Announcement of nomination for U.S. attor- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- ney for the Southern District of California retary Joe Lockhart Released March 11 Transcript of a press briefing by Army Sec- Fact sheet: President Clinton Highlights U.S. retary Louis Caldera and Commander in Support for Regional Cooperation at Antigua Chief of U.S. Southern Command Charles Summit Wilhelm on the U.S. military efforts in response to Hurricane Mitch Transcript of remarks by Vice President Al Gore regarding the Kennedy-Murray ed-flex amendment Acts Approved by the President Statement by the Press Secretary: Medal of Freedom for George Mitchell NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Fact sheet: President Clinton Outlines Cen- received by the Office of the Federal Register tral America Reconstruction Assistance during the period covered by this issue.

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