Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, June 2, 1997 Volume 33—Number 22 Pages 777–816

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Addresses and Remarks Meetings With Foreign Leaders France, NATO- Founding Act signing European Union leaders-—782 ceremony in Paris—780 France, President Chirac—780 The Netherlands NATO, Secretary General Solana—780 ‘‘Thank you America’’ Celebration in The Netherlands, Prime Minister Kok—782, Rotterdam—794 787, 794 The Hague Russia, President Yeltsin—780 50th anniversary of the Marshall plan— United Kingdom, Prime Minister Blair—796 788 Luncheon hosted by Queen Beatrix—787 Notice Radio address—777 United Kingdom, greeting the British Cabinet Continuation of Emergency With Respect to in London—796 the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia Virginia, Memorial Day ceremony in and Montenegro) and the Bosnian Serbs— Arlington—778 791 Communications to Congress Proclamations Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Small Business Week—810 Montenegro) and the Bosnian Serbs, To Modify Duty-Free Treatment Under the messages—793, 811 Generalized System of Preferences—808 Generalized System of Preferences, message—811 Resignations and Retirements Most-favored-nation trade status for China, message transmitting report—807 Federal Communications Commission, Chairman Reed E. Hundt—781 Communications to Federal Agencies Assistance to Turkey, memorandum—795 Statements by the President Most-favored-nation trade status for China, See also Resignations and Retirements memorandum—807 Megan Kanka trial verdict—808 Interviews With the News Media National economy—782 Exchange with reporters in London, United Supplementary Materials Kingdom—796 News conferences Acts approved by the President—816 May 28 (No. 146) with European Union Checklist of White House press releases—816 leaders in The Hague—782 Digest of other White House May 29 (No. 147) with Prime Minister Blair Announcements—815 of the United Kingdom—796 Nominations submitted to the Senate—815

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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The President’s Radio Address reclaim their lives and their communities. May 24, 1997 But they can’t do it alone. Some have de- pended on the kindness of neighbors they Good morning. This past week, the House didn’t even know. The town of Thompson, and the Senate voted by overwhelming bipar- North Dakota, doubled its population when tisan majorities to endorse an historic, bipar- residents opened their homes and their tisan agreement to balance the Federal budg- churches and took in 1,000 people from et by 2002. This agreement brings us closer flooded Grand Forks, 11 miles away. Private to putting our fiscal house in order, and it citizens became angels, volunteering and do- represents a huge downpayment toward nating everything from essential supplies to America’s future prosperity. evening dresses, so that a flooded high school Already, our economy is the envy of the could still have its prom. One woman quietly world. In the last 4 years, it’s created 12 mil- donated millions of dollars for distribution lion new jobs. We’ve had the highest eco- to victims. nomic growth in a decade, the lowest unem- All that is welcome help. But recovering ployment in 24 years, the lowest inflation in from a large natural disaster takes more; it 30 years, the largest decline in income in- takes the combined resources of our Nation. equality since the 1960’s. The deficit has That was the only way back after the earth- been cut already by 77 percent, thanks to quakes and fires in California, the flooding the historic 1993 budget and economic pack- in the Mississippi Valley and the Pacific age passed by the Congress at that time. Northwest, the tornadoes in the South, the And now, with a balanced budget agree- hurricanes in Florida. Right now, people in ment, our economy can continue to thrive. 33 States need some degree of disaster assist- We’ll balance our books while we protect ance. Just imagine being in their shoes, hav- Medicare and Medicaid, invest in education ing your life’s work swept away, your home and environmental protection, and give our gone, often in an instant. Think of your con- people a tax cut. It’s a balanced budget that’s cern for your family and your home. That’s in balance with our values. why we need quick and effective govern- Now I urge all Members of Congress of mental action, from rescue efforts by the Na- both parties to take the next step, to finish tional Guard to financial and other assistance the job and write this agreement into law. from our Federal agencies. They’ve all done This is a proud moment. Our balanced budg- well by our people, and I am especially proud et agreement shows what we can accomplish of the work of our Federal Emergency Man- when we work together, across party lines, agement Agency, FEMA, and its Director, in the interest of the American people. This James Lee Witt. Now FEMA is a model for is how our Government should work. responding to disasters. When I took office, But today I have to talk about an example it was often criticized; now I think it’s the of how it should not work and how it’s not most often complimented Federal agency. working. Our Government is not working for After I visited North Dakota with the con- our citizens in the Dakotas and Minnesota, gressional delegation, including the Senators who are still waiting for the Congress to act from North Dakota, Kent Conrad and Byron so that they can begin the long road back Dorgan, who join me here today, and saw from the floods that destroyed their homes the impact of the floods last month, I asked and devastated their lives. James Lee Witt to chair a task force of our Tens of thousands of people suffered Federal agencies and come up with a plan losses in these floods. Now they’re trying to for the region’s long-term recovery. Now we 777

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have that plan to deliver help quickly while the help they need and deserve. We have we get maximum results for every Federal to act. dollar spent. I urge Congress to do its part and to do But to get that long-term relief to our peo- it quickly. Disaster doesn‘t take a holiday. ple, we must have action from Congress. I Let’s work together to bring relief to people asked congressional leaders for just that, in who need it—now. an emergency supplemental spending bill, In closing, I want to wish you all a happy the kind that we have had before when we Memorial Day weekend. Drive safely, drive had disasters. Many Members, led by law- slowly, and buckle up. makers from the flooded States, worked hard Thanks for listening. to get a bill to me, but I’m sorry to say, some Members of the majority tried to use this NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:08 p.m. on important bill for different purposes. And May 23 in the Roosevelt Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on May 24. without taking action, Congress left town, and our people were left in the lurch. Hundreds of thousands of our citizens are Remarks at a Memorial Day depending on this aid so they can get on with Ceremony in Arlington, Virginia their lives. Even without action from the May 26, 1997 Congress, we’re doing all we can to get im- mediate help to the victims. FEMA is using Thank you very much. General Foley, all the resources and authority it has to help Chaplain Schwartzman, Mr. Metzler, to the with food, shelter, and emergency services. members of the Cabinet, General But these funds are limited. They will even- Shalikashvili, and the leaders of our Armed tually run out, and they won’t start the job Forces, to Members of Congress, and espe- of long-term recovery. cially to the members of the Armed Forces Unless Congress approves these disaster who are here, the leaders of our veterans or- relief funds, the victims cannot begin their ganizations, all of you who are veterans and long-term recovery; they can’t rebuild homes your families, and all of you who are family and businesses; farmers can’t dig out their members of those who have given their lives fields to plant crops. These people are in dire in the service of our country. need, and Congress has failed to act for My fellow Americans, we gather here them. That is unconscionable. It flies in the today, as we do faithfully every year, to pay face of the spirit of bipartisan cooperation tribute to our country men and women who we saw in our budget negotiations, and it’s fell in the line of duty, who gave their lives not how we treated other Americans when to preserve the liberties upon which our Na- they were in similar dire straits over the last tion was founded and which we have man- 4 years. aged to carry forward for more than 200 years In North Dakota, I saw not only the devas- now. All across America, our grateful Nation tation of the floods, I saw the determination comes together today to honor these men of the people, proud people doing their level and women, some celebrated, others quite best to survive and get on with their lives. unknown, each a patriot and a hero. They don’t expect free rides or handouts, but For many of our schoolchildren who have they do have a right to expect us to do the known no war, today may seem to be little right thing by them, as we have by their fel- more than a day off from school or a welcome low Americans when they were down and start to the summer. But on this day, and out. all that we pause to remember, there are es- The wrath of nature can be random, swift, sential lessons for the young and, indeed, for and unforgiving. That’s where human nature all the rest of us as well: Appreciate the bless- must provide a balance. We should act out ings of freedom; recognize the power and vir- of compassion, as many Americans have, to tue of sacrifice; respect those who gave ev- help the victims. And in Government, we erything on behalf of our common good. must act because that is our duty as Ameri- This day reminds us of what we can cans. We cannot leave the victims without achieve when we pull together as one nation,

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respecting each other with all of our myriad and not have to go back to war again. We differences, but coming together, we can must create the institutions and the under- fight any battle and face any challenge. standings that will advance the security and It reminds us of our duty to honor not only prosperity of the American people for the those we have lost in freedom’s cause but next 50 years. also, through attention and care, the service This great endeavor must begin in Europe. men and women who came back home and Twice in this century—indeed, twice within are now our veterans, as well as the families a period of a few decades—Americans went of those for whom there tragically has never over there and gave their lives in defense of been a final accounting. liberty. Many more stood sentry with our Eu- It reminds us of our obligation to take care ropean allies through the long night of the of those who have taken care of us and those cold war. Today, our generation has been who take care of us today. That means ensur- given a precious chance to redeem that sac- ing that our men and women in uniform have rifice and service, to build an undivided, the best training and equipment and prepa- democratic European continent at peace for ration possible to do their jobs for freedom, the very first time in history. because even in times of peace, we must re- Over the course of this week, beginning main vigilant in a very new and still uncertain this evening, I will travel to Europe to ad- world. vance this goal. Tomorrow, in Paris, Presi- And above all, it reminds us of America’s dent Yeltsin of Russia, my fellow NATO lead- responsibility to remain the world’s leading ers, and I will join an historic signing of the force for peace and prosperity and freedom Founding Act of the NATO–Russia partner- as we enter the 21st century, so that future ship, opening a new era of cooperation in generations of young Americans who wear Europe to bridge the historic divisions there. our uniform will never have to endure the Then I will have the great honor to represent losses in battles that our predecessors did in you in The Netherlands, joining with leaders the 20th century. from all over Europe to celebrate the 50th Behind me, just a few yards from where anniversary of the Marshall plan, the plan we gather today, lies the grave of General that helped Europe to recover its prosperity George Marshall, an heroic soldier in war and secure its liberty. I will challenge Eu- and a visionary statesman for peace after the rope’s people to work together with America Second World War. He built the armies that to complete the work that General Marshall’s enabled freedom to triumph over tyranny in generation began, extending the reach of se- World War II. And after the war, along with curity and prosperity to the new democracies President Truman, Senator Arthur Vanden- in Europe that once were on the other side berg, and others, he inspired America to in the cold war. Finally, I will have a chance make the investments and forge the institu- to meet with the new Prime Minister of tions that built the peace, reached out to Great Britain to celebrate our unique part- former adversaries, spread democracy and nership with our old and close ally. prosperity, and ultimately won the cold war. My fellow Americans, if you look at all the General George Marshall was the very first gray stones here today, you will see that they full-time soldier ever to win the Nobel Prize have not died in vain, when you see what for Peace. A half-century ago, he knew that we enjoy today and that we stand at the pin- in order to be strong at home and safe at nacle of our power, our success, and our in- home, we had to lead the world to a more fluence as a nation. But that means we stand secure and better place. at the pinnacle of our responsibility. Now, at the end of the cold war, when At the end of World War II, General Mar- there appears to be no looming threat on the shall could make that case to America. We horizon, we must rise to Marshall’s challenge fought a bloody war because we did not as- in our day. We must remember the lessons sume that responsibility at the end of World of those who gave their lives in World War War I. Today it is perhaps more difficult be- II and those who worked so hard to make cause we feel no impending threat as we did sure that we would prevail in the cold war from the Communist forces in the cold war.

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But I ask you when you leave this place century, we look toward a new century with today to ask yourself, as an American, what a new Russia and a new NATO, working to- can I do to honor the sacrifices of those we gether in a new Europe of unlimited possibil- honor here today. For what did George Mar- ity. The NATO-Russia Founding Act we have shall dedicate his life? For what did these just signed joins a great nation and history’s people fight and die? And how can we make most successful alliance in common cause for sure that we have a new century in which a long-sought but never before realized goal: we do not repeat the mistakes of the last one? a peaceful, democratic, undivided Europe. I will say, the only way that can happen The United States feels a great deal of is if America refuses to walk away from the gratitude today. The world my predecessors world and its present challenges. We must dreamed of and worked for for 50 years is learn the lessons General Marshall and his finally within reach. I want to thank Presi- generation left us. Their sacrifice and their dent Chirac for his strong leadership in mak- spirit call upon us to seize this moment, to ing this day possible and for hosting us. I shape the peace of the present for future thank President Yeltsin for his courage and generations, to turn the hope we share into vision, for his unbelievable capacity to imag- a history we can all be proud of. ine a future that is different from the past And so on this day when we remember that imprisoned us. those who gave everything for our Nation I thank his Foreign Minister, Mr. and its freedom, let us resolve to honor them Primakov, for his negotiations and good faith by renewing our commitment on the edge to make this day possible. I especially thank of a new century and a new era, to lead the Secretary General Solana for his brilliant and world toward greater peace and security, persistent and always good-natured efforts freedom and prosperity. In doing that, we that made this founding act a reality. will make Americans safer. We will allow our I thank my fellow leaders of the North At- men and women in uniform to stand sentinel lantic Treaty Organization and especially our for our freedom with less risk to their lives. senior leader, Chancellor Kohl, who has May God always bless the American he- worked longer and paid a higher price for roes we honor today. May He bless those the dream of a united Europe than any other fallen and those who still stand at the ready. leader. May He always bless the United States, and For all of us, this is a great day. From now may He always give us the wisdom to do what on, NATO and Russia will consult and co- is right for tomorrow. ordinate and work together. Where we all Thank you, and God bless you all. agree, we will act jointly, as we are in Bosnia where a Russian brigade serves side by side NOTE: The President spoke at 11:30 a.m. in the with NATO troops, giving the Bosnian peo- Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. In ple a chance to build a lasting peace. Deep- his remarks, he referred to Maj. Gen. Robert F. ening our partnership today will make all of Foley, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Military District of Washington; Chaplain Joel R. us stronger and more secure. Schwartzman, USAF; John M. Shalikashvili, The historic change in the relationship be- Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and John Metzler, tween NATO and Russia grows out of a fun- Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery. damental change in how we think about each other and our future. NATO’s member states recognize that the Russian people are build- Remarks at a Signing Ceremony for ing a new Russia, defining their greatness in the NATO-Russia Founding Act in terms of the future as much as the past. Rus- Paris, France sia’s transition to democracy and open mar- May 27, 1997 kets is as difficult as it is dramatic. And its steadfast commitment to freedom and re- President Yeltsin gave me this cane; now form has earned the world’s admiration. he’s giving it to me twice. [Laughter] In turn, we are building a new NATO. It Ladies and gentlemen, on this beautiful will remain the strongest alliance in history, spring day in Paris, in the twilight of the 20th with smaller, more flexible forces, prepared

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to provide for our defense but also trained layed that must no longer be denied. The for peacekeeping. It will work closely with founding act we signed captures the promise other nations that share our hopes and values of this remarkable moment. Now we must and interests through the Partnership For implement it in good faith, so that future Peace. It will be an alliance directed no generations will live in a new time that es- longer against a hostile bloc of nations but capes the 20th century’s darkest moments instead designed to advance the security of and fulfills its most brilliant possibilities. every democracy in Europe, NATO’s old Thank you very much. members, new members, and nonmembers alike. NOTE: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. at the I know that some still see NATO through Elysee Palace, following the signing of the NATO- the prism of the cold war and that especially Russia Founding Act. In his remarks, he referred to President and Minister of Foreign in NATO’s decision to open its doors to Affairs Yevgeniy Primakov of Russia; President Central Europe’s new democracy, they see Jacques Chirac of France; NATO Secretary Gen- a Europe still divided, only differently di- eral Javier Solana; and Chancellor Helmut Kohl vided. But I ask them to look again. For this of Germany. new NATO will work with Russia, not against it. And by reducing rivalry and fear, by strengthening peace and cooperation, by fac- Statement on the Resignation of ing common threats to the security of all de- Reed E. Hundt as Chairman of the mocracies, NATO will promote greater sta- Federal Communications bility in all of Europe, including Russia. And Commission in turn, that will increase the security of Eu- May 27, 1997 rope’s North American partners, the United States and Canada as well. It was with regret that I learned today that We establish this partnership because we Reed Hundt, Chairman of the Federal Com- are determined to create a future in which munications Commission, intends to leave European security is not a zero-sum game, before the end of his term, upon appoint- where NATO’s gain is Russia’s loss and Rus- ment of his successor. sia’s strength is our alliance’s weakness. That Chairman Hundt has been a strong and is old thinking; these are new times. To- visionary leader of the FCC during this his- gether, we must build a new Europe in which toric period in telecommunications policy. every nation is free and every free nation His steadfast commitment to the public in- joins in strengthening the peace and stability terest and to bringing the benefits of com- for all. petition to consumers is evident in his many Half a century ago, on a continent dark- accomplishments during his tenure, includ- ened by the shadow of evil, brave men and ing the successful launching of spectrum auc- women in Russia and the world’s free nations tions and the Commission’s ontime imple- fought a common enemy with uncommon mentation of the Telecommunications Act of valor. Their partnership forged in battle, 1996. His expertise and counsel were indis- strengthened by sacrifice, cemented by pensable in bringing home this year’s World blood, gave hope to millions in the West and Trade Organization agreement on tele- in Russia that the grand alliance would be communications, which will open markets extended in peace. But in victory’s afterglow, abroad as never before. the freedom the Russian people deserved Perhaps most importantly, Chairman was denied them. The dream of peace gave Hundt helped make the FCC an advocate way to the hard reality of cold war, and our for our children. He reinvigorated children’s predecessors lost an opportunity to shape a broadcasting, and he took pathbreaking steps new Europe, whole and free. to ensure that every classroom and library Now we have another chance. Russia has in America will be linked to the information opened itself to freedom. The veil of hostility superhighway. between East and West has lifted. Together Chairman Hundt’s leadership has opened we see a future of partnership too long de- opportunity to businesses here and abroad,

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while ensuring that all Americans share in chemical precursors for drugs. This means the benefits of the telecommunications revo- an important step towards better controlling lution. The Vice President and I are sorry substances that are used for the production to see him go and extend to him thanks on of synthetic drugs. We decided to step up behalf of the American people for his excel- our operation in the fight against drug traf- lent service. ficking in the Caribbean. This included joint studies on maritime cooperation, exchange of information and equipment, and training of Statement on the National Economy police and judicial authorities. May 27, 1997 Negotiations have been concluded for the Today’s conference board release, along E.U. to join the U.S., Japan, and South Korea with the University of Michigan’s release ear- in the Korean Peninsula Energy Develop- lier this month, indicate more good news on ment Organization, KEDO, underlining our the economy. Today’s report shows that global responsibilities and shared commit- Americans are more confident about their ment to strengthen nonproliferation efforts. current and future economic conditions than In the context of the transatlantic market- they have been in 28 years. With consumer place, we will sign an agreement on customs confidence, unemployment, and inflation the cooperation that will facilitate trade and con- best they’ve been in decades, America’s tribute to the fight against fraud and corrup- economy is more than ever the envy of the tion. world. We also reached agreement on veterinary Unemployment is at its lowest level in 24 inspections, thus preventing a trade conflict years, economic growth is the highest it has that might otherwise have arisen on the ex- been in a decade, and inflation is the lowest port of meat products. And furthermore, we since John F. Kennedy was President. We are very close to a common understanding have already cut the deficit 77 percent since with regard to the mutual recognition of 1992, helping spark this remarkable period norms and standards of products, the so- of strong growth and low inflation. The bipar- called mutual recognition agreement. I hope tisan budget agreement—which will balance that we will be able to tie up these discus- the budget for the first time since 1969— sions in a few days’ time. will help to continue this solid economic per- We have implemented the small business formance. initiative which bridges European and Amer- ican small- and medium-sized enterprises by means of linking better business and organiz- The President’s News Conference ing joint events. We agreed on an awards With European Union Leaders in program to encourage democracy in civil so- The Hague, The Netherlands ciety across the continent of Europe. And May 28, 1997 apart from these agreements, we discussed a number of specific foreign policy issues. Prime Minister Kok. Ladies and gentle- We looked back briefly on our historic men, I’m very glad to say that President Clin- meeting in Paris yesterday where we signed ton and President Santer and I have had very the NATO-Russia Founding Act, and we productive and fruitful discussions this morn- looked at some important meetings ahead of ing in the framework of our semiannual us, firstly, the G–7 meeting—or G–8—in E.U.–U.S. summit on the new transatlantic Denver, the special session of the U.N. Gen- agenda, including the transatlantic market- eral Assembly on the environment in New place and a wide range of other issues. We York, and the NATO summit in Madrid, have been making very good progress in im- which is 2 months from now. And I informed plementing the new transatlantic agenda President Clinton yesterday already about since its adoption, now 11⁄2 years ago. the main elements of the upcoming Euro- We achieved a number of concrete results. pean summit in Amsterdam. I’ll mention a few of them. This morning an We have had a brief meeting with rep- agreement will be signed on the control on resentatives of the Transatlantic Business

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Dialogue. They presented us with an interim Marshall plan. In many ways, The Nether- report that provides us with useful building lands sets the model for helping fellow na- blocks and inspiration to explore further pos- tions secure freedom and prosperity. sibilities of liberalizing trade and investment Two hundred years ago, the Dutch ex- flows. tended loans that saved the young United In my view, ladies and gentlemen, this States from bankruptcy. By the end of that summit not only signifies a strong recon- decade, 200 years ago, fully half our national firmation of the close ties between the Unit- debt was owed to you. [Laughter] I trust we ed States and the European Union, it also have paid it since then. [Laughter] In our provides a new impetus to our relationship century, the United States was proud to re- both economically and politically. There is turn the gesture. The Marshall plan, about a lot that binds us and little that divides us. which I’ll have more to say later today, President Clinton has been very clear in re- helped to lay the foundation for an Atlantic confirming the strong American bonds with community of democracies. It planted the Europe. seeds of institutions that reconciled enemies This morning we have carried forward our and brought Western Europe together, from transatlantic partnership, a partnership that NATO to the OECD to the European Union, we will celebrate this afternoon during the today one of our most valued partners. commemoration of the 50th anniversary of The Netherlands, as current president of the Marshall plan. It has been very inspiring, the European Union, once again is leading indeed, to find once again that we share com- the way as the E.U. carries forward its his- mon agendas, common values, and common toric mission: building the union between its goals in preparing the international commu- members and reaching out to expand to nity for the 21st century. Central and Eastern Europe. A more pros- So I am grateful, after the session we had, perous, a more united Europe will not only both for the substantial progress we have be a stronger Europe, it will be a stronger been making and for the atmosphere, the cli- partner for the United States in the 21st cen- mate of cooperation between the United tury. States and the European Union, because we Through our work here, we have taken an- know sometimes there are some minor or other step on the path that began with Gen- major problems we have to solve, but the eral Marshall’s vision, working with the peo- positive agenda—the positive agenda—in ple of Bosnia to help peace take root, rec- order to shape the future together in the ben- ognizing that we must do more to speed up efit of our children and grandchildren, is of the pace of economic reconstruction, in- key importance for the two of us. So I’m crease funding for police training and mon- grateful to President Clinton for his pres- itors, work to ensure successful municipal ence, his contribution, and this is the end elections and to ensure the ultimate effec- of my presentation. tiveness of the War Crimes Tribunal located Thank you very much. here in your nation, in this city. The Dayton President Clinton. Thank you very much, agreement was a good one; we have to make Prime Minister. Let me begin by thanking sure that it works. you and the people of The Netherlands for Under our new transatlantic agenda, the the warm welcome you have given to Hillary, newest offspring of the Marshall spirit, which to me, to our entire delegation, including the was created 18 months ago in Madrid, we’re Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, cooperating on a broad range of common three Members of the United States Con- challenges, bringing down trade barriers, gress who are with me and are sitting there fighting international crime and terrorism on the front row, Senator Smith and Con- and nuclear proliferation and drug traffick- gresswoman Pelosi and Congressman ing. Today we agreed to intensify our co- McHugh. We are all delighted to be here. operation against a new problem that we And I think it is very fitting that our sum- face, the increasing practice of trafficking in mit is taking place in The Netherlands as we women, which recreates, in an entirely dif- commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ferent context, almost a new kind of modern

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day slavery. And we intend to do what we democracy and prosperity as we confront the can to stop it. challenges of the 21st century. I’m pleased that we’re advancing on our Thank you very much. goal of reducing trade barriers. The Prime President Santer. Prime Minister, Mr. Minister has already commented, but I’d like President, ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to point out that just in the last 6 months to note that today’s meeting has seen further we have completed agreements on informa- progress in cementing the relationship be- tion technologies and telecommunications tween the European Union and the United that lower trade barriers on over a trillion States. Our trade and investment partnership dollars in goods and services in a way that is the largest in the world. Our stock of in- will cut the costs of living, increase the pro- vestment in each other’s markets stands at ductivity of business, and create huge num- $650 billion. Annual two-way trade in goods bers of new, good-paying jobs in both Europe and services between us counts for some and the United States. $400 billion. This is a formidable asset, and We’ve made progress on virtually all the we are determined to develop it even further. outstanding issues, in difficult negotiations, We have made good progress since our last on mutual recognition of each other’s stand- meeting in December. We have worked suc- ards and testing requirements. This is very cessfully together in WTO to ensure the con- important, and I can’t add to what the Prime clusion of two major multilateral agreements, Minister has said. We feel we have a break- the information technology and basic tele- through, and we hope it will lead to an agree- communications agreements. We have to- ment in the next few days. That would abol- gether liberalized trade in goods and services ish redundant testing and inspection on a worth approximately a trillion dollars. In the broad range of products worth $40 billion same spirit of joint leadership, we should now in annual trade. work towards a successful conclusion of a fi- I thank the European Union for the work nancial services agreement by the agreed we have done today to strengthen our fights deadline. to keep illegal drugs out of our neighbor- We shall be signing two important agree- hoods by agreeing to control the chemicals ments this morning. The chemical precursor used to make a broad range of these drugs. agreement is designed to curb the diversion This is a terribly important agreement. of chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit And we’ve also agreed to increase our cus- drugs. The customs cooperation agreement toms cooperation to fight fraud, to streamline will facilitate trade and help combat fraud. trade. And again, Mr. Prime Minister and We have also noted good progress in our ne- President Santer, let me thank you for the gotiations on a mutual recognition agreement decision by the E.U. to join in the Korean which will bring enormous trade benefits to Peninsula Energy Development Organiza- both sides. We hope to be able, as the Presi- tion. This will help us to make good on our dent expressed also, to conclude the agree- commitment to freeze and eventually to dis- ment within the next few days. mantle North Korea’s dangerous nuclear These are concrete examples of what we program. set out to achieve when we agreed on our Today we’re also announcing a joint U.S.- new transatlantic agenda in December 1995. E.U. awards program for communities, indi- But the picture of our enhanced cooperation viduals, and nongovernmental organizations and joint action is even richer. Whether on that promote grassroots democracy in foreign policy issues, multilateral trade, ties Central and Eastern Europe. This will help in many areas, social, scientific, educational, to deepen the commitment to freedom as we cultural, as well as in global challenges like work to build an undivided continent. terrorism, we are determined to make fur- Finally, let me say the United States is ther progress under each of those, and we grateful to the leaders of the European will take stock at our next summit at the end Union for making this progress possible, for of the year. building on the legacy that General Marshall Our meeting has taken place against the began, for strengthening our partnership for background of commemorations which I

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consider to be of great significance. This to achieve that goal of a closer European afternoon, we will commemorate the 50th Union? anniversary of the Marshall plan. The United President Clinton. Well, first of all, the States helped Western Europe to get back decision to do that and the mechanics of how on its feet and regenerate after a devastating to do it is a decision that has to be left to war. We Europeans have not forgotten this the members of the Union. The United invaluable support given by the United States position—let me restate it because I States. feel it very strongly, and I tried to clarify it Last month in Rome, we commemorated as soon as I got elected and assumed office— the start, 40 years ago, of the European Eco- is that a more integrated, more closely co- nomic Community. The original community operating Europe with fewer barriers to of six member states decided in 1957 that trade, to communications, to travel, to work- they had to help themselves by rooting out ing together is a good thing for Europe and war among them and by pledging a closer a good thing for the United States and, there- integration and solidarity. The 6 have be- fore, a good thing for the world. come today’s European Union of 15, a strong How to do that, in what order, and by what and dynamic partner of the United States. steps, I think still should be decisions for the And together, we have on many occasions Europeans to make, and I think it would be, shown the way forward. frankly, not appropriate for the United States And yesterday in Paris, with the signing to go much further than I have gone in this. of an agreement between NATO and Russia, I think it’s clear that I support European in- we have entered a new era of hope, of co- tegration, and I’ve wanted to make that clear operation, of peace and security. The United because we not only are not threatened by States has played a crucial role in achieving it, we are excited by it and want to support this result. The European Union is making it. But beyond that, I think it’s up to you its own contribution to the reconstruction of to decide how to do it and on what timetable. Central and Eastern Europe and the former through massive help, some New Marshall Plan for Eastern Europe $160 billion for the period between 1990 and Q. Mr. President, do you support the ini- the end of the century, almost twice what tiative of the Dutch Prime Minister for a was given under the Marshall plan, but its more or less new Marshall plan for Eastern most significant contribution will be the wel- Europe, and do you see a specific role for coming Central and Eastern European coun- the U.S. in this? tries as members of the European Union. President Clinton. Well, we have to- I believe that these reminders show the gether seen in the last few years—I believe essential importance of the relationship be- this is roughly accurate—about $50 billion tween the European Union and the United in various kinds of funds go into the Central States. For each of us and for the world at and Eastern European nations, mostly large, let’s not forget that whenever we have through international financial institutions, to deal with bilateral difficulties, they are in- and nearly that amount now in private invest- evitable in such a vast relationship. We have ment. And I believe it is very important that solved them in the past; we will in the future. we continue this process. Thank you. We can’t simply say to these countries, ‘‘We want you to be for democracy and we Single European Currency want you to have a democracy and we want Q. A question, if I may, for President Clin- you to support economic reform, and good ton. Mr. President, you’ve referred in your luck,’’ because there is an enormous gap be- reference to the 50th anniversary of the Mar- tween the poorest countries on the continent shall plan, the impetus it gave towards the and those that aren’t, and between their in- beginnings of greater European unity. How frastructures and, therefore, their capacity to important, in your view, is the planned move grow. And I think that’s one thing that’s easily to a single European currency to help overlooked. If you compare this time, say, achieve that goal, even foreseen 50 years ago, to 50 years ago—and the Prime Minister

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might want to comment on this—but, yes, example, to have huge infrastructural Europe was in ruins, but Europe had also projects. Infrastructure connects people. been at the pinnacle of the global economy We see that bringing the new countries with lots of people who knew how to rebuild in closer to Europe, to the countries of the economies and lots of people who under- European Union, it is in their and our bene- stood how to put in place the building blocks. fits to make an effort to organize creativity. That was wiped away from a lot of these And on top of what is done, I think new ini- countries in Central and Eastern Europe for tiatives should be taken, but it could be a half a century. terrible mistake to think that this is only a So do I think we need to do more? Yes, new idea. I mean, you are already bringing I do. And am I prepared to support that? it, to a large extent, into pass. Of course, I am. You know, we’d have to get President Clinton. I would just like to into the details, but basically I think the support what the Prime Minister has said. Prime Minister is wise in trying to make sure I believe the numbers I’m about to give you that we don’t just walk away from these na- are right; if they’re wrong, I’ll stand cor- tions with an encouragement toward eco- rected. I think in today’s dollars, in today’s nomic reform and democracy and just as- dollars the value of the Marshall plan invest- sume that everything is going to be all right. ments in Europe were about $88 billion. I We’re going to have to continue to be en- think that’s right. Now, we have seen the gaged. international financial institutions commit Q. A question for President Clinton and about $50 billion already to the former Com- for Mr. Kok. Are there already—can we talk munist countries, plus about $45 billion in about a new Marshall plan for Eastern Eu- private investment. rope? Are there already rough lines? Is there I think that most of what still needs to be any frame? I mean, are we now on a point done is to accelerate the pace of private in- which goes further than general ideas? vestment. And it’s very different in different Prime Minister Kok. Well, could I say, countries. If you look at Poland, for example, perhaps, a few words on this? First of all, I think their growth rate must be about the we should not underestimate what has been highest in Europe now, and about 9 in 10 done and what is done nowadays in the multi- of the retail projects in Poland, retail outlets, lateral institutions. We have the European are already in public hands. Russia has large- Bank of Reconstruction and Development, ly privatized huge chunks of its economy. where not only European countries but also But what I think we have to do is to work the United States participates. We have the with each country and look at, first of all, World Bank and IMF activities. We have a what are the laws, have the laws been lot of E.U. financial and political and eco- changed so that we can float private capital nomic activities giving support to the devel- into these countries and have them develop; opment in the Central and Eastern European secondly, what kinds of public investments— economies. So it would be a mistake to think hopefully, most of them multinational public that until now, never has been done and that investments through the multinational insti- we just create an idea here. That would be tutions—still need to be made before private wrong. investment can work for these countries? But taking the experience of the Marshall But if the question is, do we need to do plan into account 50 years ago—50 years ago more, I think the answer is yes. But then and the period afterwards—we see that per- we have to look at, nation by nation, what haps on top of what is already done, new specifically needs to be done and what they initiatives can be taken also to bring more still need to do. private investment capital to the develop- President Santer. I only would say that ment of the Eastern and Central European the main achievement for the Eastern coun- countries. We are not just for mainly talking tries and Central European countries would about taxpayers’ money; we are also talking be to achieve the enlargement process. These about bringing private capital in order—for countries, there are now 10 applicant coun-

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tries, can also access—have an accession to States, I would like to thank Her Majesty and the European Union. the people of The Netherlands for this deep- As you know, we are working very hard, ly appreciated commemoration. And thank at this moment, precisely on this question. you, Your Majesty, for your very fine state- I think that the enlargement is a main chal- ment. lenge for the European Union to have to face The ties between our two nations are long for the 21st century. It is the first time since and unbroken. When my country was first more than 500 years that the European seeking its independence, The Netherlands Union has an historic chance to reconcile its was one of the first nations to which we own continent with itself in peace and free- turned. John Adams, America’s first envoy to dom. And that would be the great challenge. The Hague and later our second President, And therefore, we have to prepare it. We described the completion of a treaty of have to prepare it through the preexisting friendship with Holland as, quote, ‘‘the strategy which we defined with many Euro- happiest event and the greatest action’’ of his pean agreements. We have to prepare it now life. More than 200 years later, America still also after the IGC conference under the takes pride in our friendship with this good Dutch presidency. And we would put for- land, whose compassion and generosity ward from the European Commission at the throughout the world is far disproportionate 15th or 16th of July under the condition that to its size. the presidency would succeed in Amster- I also express my gratitude to all my fellow dam—and I’m quite confident that it will leaders for being here today. Your presence succeed in Amsterdam—our opinions about is a very great honor to the United States the 10 applicant countries. And therefore, all and a symbol of the age of possibility which elements are welcome to strengthen this in- we now inhabit, thanks in no small measure tensity so that we can deal with the problems to the vision and work of General Marshall of our neighbors. and his contemporaries in the United States Yesterday in Paris, there was a major step and in Europe. on the security level. Now we have to achieve The Marshall plan we celebrate today, as it also on the economic level for the Euro- Her Majesty noted, was open to all of Eu- pean Union. rope. But for half the continent, the dream of recovery was denied. Now, at last, all of NOTE: The President’s 146th news conference Europe’s nations are seeking their rightful began at 11:42 a.m. in the Rolzall Room at places at our transatlantic table. Binnenhof Palace. The President met with Prime Minister Kok, in his capacity as President of the Here in this room are freely elected Presi- European Council, and President Jacques Santer dents, Prime Ministers, and officials from of the European Commission. Following the news every corner of Europe, including Russia. conference, Secretary of State Madeleine We are the trustees of history’s rarest gift, Albright, European Commission Vice President a second chance to complete the job that Leon Brittan, and Foreign Minister Hans van Marshall and his generation began. Our great Mierlo of The Netherlands signed the Agreement opportunity and our enormous obligation is Between the United States and the European to make the most of this precious gift and Community on Customs Cooperation and Mutual together to build an undivided, democratic Assistance in Customs Matters, which was wit- peaceful, prosperous Europe for the very nessed by President Clinton and Prime Minister Kok. A tape was not available for verification of first time in all human history. the content of this news conference. The daunting challenge in Marshall’s time was to repair the damage of a devastating war. Now we face the equally ambitious task Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by of promoting peace, security, and prosperity Queen Beatrix in The Hague for all the people of Europe. May 28, 1997 As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Marshal plan, let us commit ourselves to Your Majesty, Prime Minister Kok, hon- build upon its success for the next 50 years ored colleagues, on behalf of the United and beyond. And let us now join in a toast

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to Her Majesty and the people of The Neth- instead fulfills the brightest promise of the erlands in gratitude for this great and good 21st. day. Here in the citadel of a prosperous, toler- ant Dutch democracy, we can barely imagine NOTE: The President spoke at 1:53 p.m. in the how different Europe was just 50 years ago. Small Ballroom of Noordeinde Palace. The wonderful pictures we saw with the music, helped us to imagine: Some 30,000 dead still lay buried beneath the sea of rubble Remarks at a Ceremony Honoring in Warsaw; 100,000 homes had been de- the 50th Anniversary of the Marshall stroyed in Holland; Germany in ruins; Britain Plan in The Hague facing a desperate shortage of coal and elec- May 28, 1997 tric power; factories crippled all across Eu- rope; trade paralyzed; millions fearing starva- Thank you very much, Mr. Sedee, for shar- tion. ing your wonderful story. I forgive you for Across the Atlantic, the American people stealing the matchbook from the White were eager to return to the lives they had House. [Laughter] In fact, just before we left behind during the war. But they heeded came in, I confess that I had heard he did the call of a remarkable generation of Amer- such a thing, so without theft, I brought him ican leaders, General Marshall, President some cufflinks and some Oval Office candy Truman, Senator Vandenberg, who wanted for his grandchildren today. [Laughter] to work with like-minded leaders in Europe Your Majesty, Prime Minister, fellow to work for Europe’s recovery as they had heads of state and leaders of government, fought for its survival. They knew that, as ministers parliamentarian, Members of Con- never before, Europe’s fate and America’s fu- gress, to the youth leaders from Europe and America, to all of you who had anything to ture were joined. do with or were ever touched by the Marshall The Marshall plan offered a cure, not a plan. And I’d like to say a special word of crutch. It was never a handout; it was always appreciation to two distinguished Americans, a hand up. It said to Europe, ‘‘If you will former Ambassadors General Vernon Wal- put your divisions behind you, if you will ters and Arthur Hartman, who worked on the work together to help yourselves, then Amer- Marshall plan as young men, who have come ica will work with you.’’ here to be with us today. The British Foreign Secretary, Ernest This is a wonderful occasion. We are grate- Bevin, called the Marshall plan a lifeline to ful to the Queen, the Government, and the sinking men, bringing hope where there was people of The Netherlands for hosting us and none. From the Arctic Sea to the Mediterra- for commemorating these 50 years. The nean, European nations grabbed that lifeline, words of Mr. Sedee reach out to us across cooperating as never before on a common the generations, no matter where we come program of recovery. The task was not easy, from or what language we speak. They warn but the hope they shared was more powerful us of what can happen when people turn than their differences. against one another and inspire us with what The first ship set sail from Texas to France we can achieve when we all pull together. with 19,000 tons of wheat. Soon, on any given That is a message that we should emblazon day, a convoy of hope was heading to Europe in our memories. with fuel, raw materials, and equipment. By Just as we honor the great accomplish- the end of the program in 1952, the Marshall ments of 50 years ago, as the Prime Minister plan had pumped $13 billion into Europe’s said so eloquently, we must summon the spir- parched economies. That would be the it of the Marshall plan for the next 50 years equivalent of $88 billion today. It provided and beyond to build a Europe that is demo- the people of Europe with the tools they cratic, at peace, and undivided for the first needed to rebuild their shattered lives. There time in history, a Europe that does not repeat were nets for Norwegian fishermen, wool for the darkest moments of the 20th century but Austrian weavers, tractors for French and

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Italian farmers, machines for Dutch entre- united not by the force of arms but by the preneurs. possibilities of peace. We must remember, For a teenage boy in Germany, Marshall however, that today’s possibilities are not aid was the generous hand that helped lift guarantees. Though walls have come down, his homeland from its ruinous past. He still difficulties persist: in the ongoing struggle of recalls the American trucks driving onto the newly free nations to build vibrant economies schoolyard, bringing soup that warmed and resilient democracies; in the vulner- hearts and hands. That boy grew up to be ability of those who fear change and have a passionate champion of freedom and unity not yet felt its benefits; to the appeals of ex- in Europe and a great and cherished friend treme nationalism, hatred, and division; in of America. He became the first Chancellor the clouded thinking of those who still see of a free and unified Germany. In his good the European landscape as a zero-sum game life and fine work, Helmut Kohl has come in terms of the past; and in the new dangers to symbolize both the substance and the spir- we face and cannot defeat alone, from the it of the Marshall plan. Thank you. spread of weapons of mass destruction to ter- Today we see the success of the Marshall rorism, to organized crime, to environmental plan and the nations it helped to rebuild. But degradation. more, we see it in the relations it helped to Our generation, like the one before us, redefine. The Marshall plan transformed the must choose. Without the threat of cold war, way America related to Europe and, in so without the pain of economic ruin, without doing, transformed the way European na- the fresh memory of World War II’s slaugh- tions related to each other. It planted the ter, it is tempting to pursue our private agen- seeds of institutions that evolved to bind das, to simply sit back and let history unfold. Western Europe together, from the OECD, We must resist that temptation. And instead, the European Union, and NATO. It paved we must set out with resolve to mold the the way for reconciliation of age-old dif- hope of this moment into a history we can ferences. be proud of. Marshall’s vision, as has been noted, em- braced all of Europe. But the reality of his We who follow the example of the genera- time did not. Stalin barred Europe’s Eastern tion we honor today must do just that. Our half, including some of our staunchest allies mission is clear: We must shape the peace, during World War II, from claiming their freedom, and prosperity they made possible seats at the table, shutting them out of Eu- into a common future where all our people rope’s recovery, closing the door on their speak the language of democracy; where they freedom. But the shackled nations never lost have the right to control their lives and the faith, and the West never accepted the per- chance to pursue their dreams; where pros- manence of their fate. And at last, through perity reaches clear across the continent and the efforts of brave men and women deter- states pursue commerce, not conquest; mined to live free lives, the Berlin Wall and where security is the province of all free na- the Iron Curtain fell. tions working together; where no nation in Now, the dawn of new democracies is Europe is ever again excluded against its will lighting the way to a new Europe in a new from joining our alliance of values; and where century, a time in which America and Europe we join together to help the rest of the world must complete the noble journey that Mar- reach the objectives we hold so dear. shall’s generation began and this time with The United States and Europe have em- no one left behind. I salute Prime Minister braced this mission. We’re advancing across Kok for his leadership and the leadership his a map of modern miracles. With support nation is giving to ensure that this time no from America and the European Union, Eu- one will be left behind. [Applause] Thank rope’s newly free nations are laying the cor- you. nerstones of democracy. With the help of the Twenty-first century Europe will be a bet- USIA’s Voice of America, today’s celebration ter Europe, first, because it will be both free is being heard freely by people all across this and undivided; second, because it will be great continent.

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In Prague, where listening to Western Again let me say America salutes the Euro- broadcasts was once a criminal offense, pean Union’s commitment to expand to Radio Free Europe has made a new home Central and Eastern Europe. We support and an independent press is flourishing. In this historic process and believe it should Bucharest, democracy has overcome distrust, move ahead swiftly. A more prosperous Eu- as Romanians and ethnic Hungarians for the rope will be a stronger Europe and also a very first time are joined in a democratic coa- stronger partner for Europe’s North Amer- lition government. Thank you, sir. ican friends in America and Canada. From Vladivostok to Kaliningrad, the peo- Nations that tackle tough reforms deserve ple of Russia went to the polls last summer to know that what they build with freedom, in what all of us who watched it know was they can keep in security. Through NATO, a fully democratic, open, national election. the core of transatlantic security, we can do We must meet the challenge now of mak- for Europe’s East what we did in Europe’s ing sure this surge of democracy endures. West: defend freedom, strengthen democ- The newly free nations must persevere with racy, temper old rivalries, hasten integration, the difficult work of reform. America and and provide a stable climate in which pros- Western Europe must continue with con- perity can grow. crete support for their progress, bolstering We are adapting NATO to take on new judicial systems to fight crime and corruption missions, opening its doors to Europe’s new creating checks and balances against arbi- democracies, bolstering its ties to nonmem- trary power, helping to install the machinery bers through a more robust Partnership For of free and fair elections so that they can Peace, and forging a practical, lasting part- be repeated over and over again, strengthen- nership between NATO and a democratic ing free media and civic groups to promote Russia—all these things designed to make accountability, bringing good government closer to the people so that they can have sure that NATO remains strong, supports the an actual voice in decisions affecting their coming together of Europe, and leads in lives. meeting our new security challenges. We have also helped new democracies Yesterday in Paris, the leaders of NATO transform their broken economies and move and Russia signed the historic founding act from aid to trade and investment. In Warsaw, that will make us all more secure. We will men and women who once stood on line for consult, coordinate, and where both agree, food now share in the fruits of Europe’s fast- act jointly, as we are doing in Bosnia now. est growing economy, where more than 9 of Now, consider the extraordinary milestone 10 retail businesses rests in private hands. this represents. For decades, the fundamen- Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the inter- tal security concern in Europe was the con- national financial institutions have channeled frontation between East and West. For the to the new democracies some $50 billion to first time, a new NATO and a new Russia strengthen the foundations of their market have agreed to work as partners to meet chal- economies. And as markets have emerged, lenges to their common security in a new another $45 billion in private investment has and undivided Europe, where no nation will flowed from places like Boston and London define its greatness in terms of its ability to to help support enterprises from Budapest dominate its neighbors. Now we must meet to L’viv. the challenge of bolstering security across Now, as the new democracies continue to outdated divides, making the NATO partner- scale the mountains of market reform, our ship work with Russia, continuing NATO’s challenge is to help them reap more fully the historic transformation. benefits of prosperity, working to make the In less than 6 weeks, NATO will meet business climate as stable and secure as pos- again in Madrid to invite the first of Europe’s sible, investing in their economies, sharing new democracies to add their strength to the entrepreneurial skills, and opening the doors alliance. The prospect of NATO membership of institutions that enable our community to already has led to greater stability, for aspir- thrive. ing members are deepening reform and re-

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solving the very kinds of disputes that could just as the Marshall plan made the invest- lead to future conflict. ment that helped Holland’s industry revive, The first new members will not be the last. Bert Sedee’s bank is helping Dutch compa- NATO’s doors must and will remain open nies finance investments in Central and East- to all those able to share the responsibilities ern Europe. Just as the American people of membership. We will strengthen the Part- reached out to the people of his homeland, nership For Peace and create a new Euro- Bert Sedee and his colleagues are reaching Atlantic partnership council so that other na- out to the people in Slovenia, Latvia, Bosnia, tions can deepen their cooperation with and beyond. NATO and continue to prepare for member- The youngest members of the Sedee fam- ship. ily are also in our thoughts today, Gustaaf But let us be clear: There are responsibil- Sedee’s grandchildren, Roeland and Sander, ities as well. Enlargement means extending 9 months and 11⁄2. I wonder what they will the most solemn guarantees any nation can say 50 years from today. I hope that they make, a commitment to the security of an- and all the young people listening, those who other. Security and peace are not cheap. New are aware of what is going on and those too and current allies alike must be willing to young to understand it, will be able to say, bear the burden of our ideas and our inter- ‘‘We bequeath to you 50 years of peace, free- ests. dom, and prosperity.’’ I hope that you will Our collective efforts in Bosnia reflect have raised your sons and daughters in a Eu- both the urgency and the promise of our mis- rope whose horizons are wider than its fron- sion. Where terror and tragedy once reigned, tiers. I hope you will be able to tell your NATO troops are standing with 14 partner grandchildren, whose faces most of us will nations, Americans and Russians, Germans not live to see, that this generation rose to and Poles, Norwegians and Bulgarians, all in the challenge to be shapers of the peace. I common cause to bring peace to the heart hope that we will all do this, remembering of Europe. Now we must consolidate that the legacy of George Marshall and envision- hard-won peace, promote political reconcili- ing a future brighter than any, any people ation and economic reconstruction, support have ever lived. the work of the International War Crimes Thank you, and God bless you. Tribunal here in The Hague, and help the Bosnian peace make the promise of the Day- NOTE: The President spoke at 4:49 p.m. in the Hall of Knights at Binnenhof Palace. In his re- ton accord real. marks, he referred to Gustaaf Albert Sedee, who Today I affirm to the people of Europe, represented The Netherlands during a visit to the as General Marshall did 50 years ago: Amer- White House on February 3, 1949. ica stands with you. We have learned the les- sons of history; we will not walk away. No less today than five decades ago, our Notice—Continuation of Emergency destinies are joined. For America, the com- With Respect to the Federal mitment to our common future is not an op- Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and tion, it is a necessity. We are closing the door Montenegro) and the Bosnian Serbs on the 20th century, a century that saw hu- May 28, 1997 manity at its worst and at its most noble. Here, today, let us dedicate ourselves to On May 30, 1992, by Executive Order working together to make the new century 12808, President Bush declared a national a time when partnership between America emergency to deal with the unusual and ex- and Europe lifts the lives of all the people traordinary threat to the national security, of the world. foreign policy, and economy of the United Let us summon the spirit of hope and re- States constituted by the actions and policies newal that the life story of Gustaaf Sedee of the Governments of Serbia and represents. He has a son, Bert, who is a bank Montenegro, blocking all property and inter- executive. Today, he is helping to fulfill the ests in property of those Governments. Presi- legacy his father so movingly described, for dent Bush took additional measures to pro-

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hibit trade and other transactions with the that they control within the Republic of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were subsequently Montenegro) by Executive Orders 12810 and suspended prospectively, effective May 10, 12831, issued on June 5, 1992, and January 1996, also in conformity with the Peace 15, 1993, respectively. On April 25, 1993, I Agreement and the Resolution. Sanctions issued Executive Order 12846, blocking the against both the Federal Republic of Yugo- property and interests in property of all com- slavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the mercial, industrial, or public utility undertak- Bosnian Serbs were subsequently terminated ings or entities organized or located in the by United Nations Security Council Resolu- Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and tion 1074 of October 1, 1996. This termi- Montenegro), and prohibiting trade-related nation, however, did not end the require- transactions by United States persons involv- ment of the Resolution that blocked funds ing those areas of the Republic of Bosnia and and assets that are subject to claims and en- Herzegovina controlled by Bosnian Serb cumbrances remain blocked, until unblocked forces and the United Nations Protected in accordance with applicable law. Areas in the Republic of Croatia. On October In the last year, substantial progress has 25, 1994, because of the actions and policies been achieved to bring about a settlement of the Bosnian Serbs, I expanded the scope of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia ac- of the national emergency by issuing Execu- ceptable to the parties. Elections occurred tive Order 12934 to block the property of in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bosnian Serb forces and the authorities as provided for in the Peace Agreement, and in the territory that they control within the the Bosnian Serb forces have continued to Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well respect the zones of separation as provided as the property of any entity organized or in the Peace Agreement. The ultimate dis- located in, or controlled by any person in, position of the various remaining categories or resident in those areas. of blocked assets is now being addressed, be- On December 27, 1995, I issued Presi- ginning with the unblocking of five Yugoslav dential Determination No. 96–7, directing vessels located in various United States ports the Secretary of the Treasury, inter alia, to effective May 19, 1997. suspend the application of sanctions imposed Until the status of all remaining blocked on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Ser- property is resolved, the Peace Agreement bia and Montenegro) pursuant to the above- implemented, and the terms of the Resolu- referenced Executive orders and to continue tion met, the national emergency declared to block property previously blocked until on May 30, 1992, as expanded in scope on provision is made to address claims or en- October 25, 1994, and the measures adopted cumbrances, including the claims of the pursuant thereto to deal with that emergency other successor states of the former Yugo- must continue beyond May 30, 1997. slavia. This sanctions relief, in conformity Therefore, in accordance with section with United Nations Security Council Reso- 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 lution 1022 of November 22, 1995 (herein- U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national after the ‘‘Resolution’’), was an essential fac- emergency with respect to the Federal tor motivating Serbia and Montenegro’s ac- Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and ceptance of the General Framework Agree- Montenegro) and the Bosnian Serb forces ment for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and those areas of the Republic of Bosnia initialed by the parties in Dayton on Novem- and Herzegovina under the control of the ber 21, 1995, and signed in Paris on Decem- Bosnian Serb forces. This notice shall be ber 14, 1995 (hereinafter the ‘‘Peace Agree- published in the Federal Register and trans- ment’’). The sanctions imposed on the Fed- mitted to the Congress. eral Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) were accordingly suspended William J. Clinton prospectively, effective January 16, 1996. Sanctions imposed on the Bosnian Serb The White House, forces and authorities and on the territory May 28, 1997.

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[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, inafter the ‘‘Peace Agreement’’). The sanc- 11:25 a.m., May 28, 1997] tions imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) were ac- NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal Register on May 29. cordingly suspended prospectively, effective January 16, 1996. Sanctions imposed on the Bosnian Serb forces and authorities and on Message to the Congress on the the territory that they control within the Re- Federal Republic of Yugoslavia public of Bosnia and Herzegovina were sub- (Serbia and Montenegro) and the sequently suspended prospectively, effective Bosnian Serbs May 10, 1996, also in conformity with the May 28, 1997 Peace Agreement and the Resolution. Sanctions against both the Federal Repub- To the Congress of the United States: lic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) Section 202(d) of the National Emer- and the Bosnian Serbs were subsequently gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for terminated by United Nations Security the automatic termination of a national emer- Council Resolution 1074 of October 1, 1996. gency unless, prior to the anniversary date This termination, however, did not end the of its declaration, the President publishes in requirement of the Resolution that blocked the Federal Register and transmits to the funds and assets that are subject to claims Congress a notice stating that the emergency and encumbrances remain blocked, until is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- unblocked in accordance with applicable law. sary date. In accordance with this provision, In the last year, substantial progress has been I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal achieved to bring about a settlement of the Register for publication, stating that the conflict in the former Yugoslavia acceptable emergency declared with respect to the Fed- to the parties. Elections occurred in the Re- eral Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and public of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as pro- Montenegro), as expanded to address the ac- vided for in the Peace Agreement, and the tions and policies of the Bosnian Serb forces Bosnian Serb forces have continued to re- and the authorities in the territory that they spect the zones of separation as provided in control within the Republic of Bosnia and the Peace Agreement. The ultimate disposi- Herzegovina, is to continue in effect beyond tion of the various remaining categories of May 30, 1997. On December 27, 1995, I issued Presi- blocked assets are now being addressed, be- dential Determination No. 96–7, directing ginning with the unblocking of five Yugoslav the Secretary of the Treasury, inter alia, to vessels located in various United States ports suspend the application of sanctions imposed effective May 19, 1997. on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Ser- Until the status of all remaining blocked bia and Montenegro) and to continue to property is resolved, the Peace Agreement block property previously blocked until pro- implemented, and the terms of the Resolu- vision is made to address claims or encum- tion met, this situation continues to pose a brances, including the claims of the other continuing unusual and extraordinary threat successor states of the former Yugoslavia. to the national security, foreign policy inter- This sanctions relief, in conformity with Unit- ests, and the economy of the United States. ed Nations Security Council Resolution 1022 For these reasons, I have determined that of November 22, 1995 (hereinafter the ‘‘Res- it is necessary to maintain in force these olution’’), was an essential factor motivating emergency authorities beyond May 30, 1997. Serbia and Montenegro’s acceptance of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in William J. Clinton Bosnia and Herzegovina initialed by the par- ties in Dayton on November 21, 1995, and The White House, signed in Paris on December 14, 1995 (here- May 28, 1997.

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Remarks at the ‘‘Thank You tinent ravaged by war, gave strength to fragile America’’ Celebration in Rotterdam, democracies, and sparked unparalleled pros- The Netherlands perity. May 28, 1997 Tonight, in honoring those remarkable ac- complishments begun 50 years ago, our pur- Thank you. Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Peper; to His pose must be to summon the spirit of the Royal Highness, the Prince of Orange; Prime Marshall generation to create a structure of Minister and Mrs. Kok. To all of America’s opportunity and freedom and security for the Dutch friends here and my fellow Americans next 50 years and beyond, to give the young who are here tonight, thank you for a won- people here in this crowd tonight, through- derful, wonderful welcome. out Europe, and the rest of the world, as I thank Gustaaf Sedee for his words. You many as we can, the chance to grow up and know, this afternoon at The Hague, he spoke live out their dreams. and introduced me and told the story of The generation we honor tonight fought being a young boy growing up under the and won a war, then built the institutions and Marshall plan. Tonight he spoke and spoke understandings that prevented war’s return. so well. Who knows, I may be remembered Now, closer to the start of a new century as the man who accompanied Gustaaf Sedee than to the end of the cold war, our mission to Rotterdam. [Laughter] He did not explain is to shape the peace they made possible, to you what he told us today, which is that to reach for a long-sought, yet never-realized as a young man, he actually got to go to the goal: a Europe that is undivided, democratic, United States because he won an essay con- and at peace for the first time in all history. test. And each of the nations participating America wishes to join in building a new in the Marshall plan picked a young person Europe because Europe literally built Amer- who won an essay contest to go and tour ica and because our futures are bound to- America and meet the President. He met gether. No nation contributed to our building President Truman on February 4, 1949. And more than did yours. From this great pier, I have secured a copy, an actual copy of the more than a million Dutch men and women newspaper, the New York Herald-Tribune, started their journey to America. As the on that day. And I thought that I would give mayor said, after the first Dutch vessel ar- it to him as an expression of our gratitude rived on our shores in 1609, it was just a for all of you and what you have meant in decade later, from the tiny port of Delft’s friendship to the United States. So here it Haven, that the Pilgrims set sail for Plymouth is. Rock, giving birth to the experiment that be- And Mr. Mayor, thank you for your won- came the United States of America. The val- derful reference to my campaign and my ues of those early settlers became America’s Presidency and my belief and hope in that values: hard work and industry, individual we should never stop thinking about tomor- freedom and tolerance, a willingness to take row. I think you would be a wonderful Am- risks for boundless opportunity, a pride in bassador to the United States. [Laughter] country and community that knows no When President Truman met with the bounds. young visitors from the Marshall plan nations Here in Rotterdam, those values faced years ago, he said he hoped that when they their most terrible test 57 years ago when were as old as he was then, the world would Nazi bombers rained fire on this city, killed know only democracy and peace. Well, today, 900 people, destroyed homes for 25,000 the world knows things other than democracy more, turned downtown Rotterdam into rub- and peace, but we stand closer to that dream ble, as we saw in the marvelous film. Even than at any point in human history. as your buildings burned, you kept your spirit For the first time ever, more than half of going. The American people today know that the people on this Earth live under govern- the strength and courage of the Dutch Re- ments of their own choosing. And here in sistance helped to conquer Hitler and en- Europe, the Marshall plan that President sured your ultimate recovery. And I am espe- Truman launched helped to rebuild a con- cially proud tonight that the allied forces had

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a little help from a remarkable descendant we share into a history we will all be proud of a Dutch farmer by the name of Franklin of. Delano Roosevelt. So, to all of you, the people of Rotterdam Ever since the end of World War II, Rot- and all the Netherlands, let me say that this terdam sails have been turned to the wind. celebration and its simple message, ‘‘Thank You rebuilt this city with daring modern ar- you, America,’’ is a great gift to all of us. chitecture, a reflection of the daring and vi- In turn, I bring you a message from the sion of your people. You transformed Rotter- American people. For all that you have given dam into the biggest and busiest port in the to my country, for all that you give to the world. And when you did it, I might add that world, for the example you set that shines you took that title of biggest port in the world so far beyond your borders, America says, away from a small trading outpost you stum- thank you, and God bless you. bled upon centuries earlier in the New World. [Laughter] It used to be called New NOTE: The President spoke at 8:25 p.m. at Wilhel- Amsterdam, but we forgive you. [Laughter] mina Pier. In his remarks, he referred to Mayor We are proud that the Marshall plan gave Bram Peper of Rotterdam, and his wife Nelie; Rotterdam a new start. Through this port Willem Alexander, the Prince of Orange; and Prime Minister Kok’s wife, Rita. most of the aid flowed to the rest of Europe. Today, the generosity of the Dutch people and your courage and your commitment to build a future better than the past—in all Memorandum on Assistance to of this, the spirit of the Marshall plan lives Turkey on. From Africa to Asia, you do not forget May 23, 1997 those who are hungry in this world, who yearn simply to put food on their table and Presidential Determination No. 97–24 clothes on their backs. From Bosnia to Haiti, your sons and daughters have kept the peace Memorandum for the Secretary of State and helped people turn from conflict and ha- tred to cooperation and community. America Subject: Waiver of Statutory Restrictions to could not hope for a closer ally or a better Permit Assistance to Turkey friend, and the world could not have a better Pursuant to subsection (b) of section 620I example than this great nation, large beyond of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as its numbers in landmass and its influence and amended, I hereby determine that it is in its power of example. the national security interest of the United Two centuries ago, our first Ambassador States that assistance be furnished to Turkey to your nation and our second President, without regard to the restriction in sub- John Adams, said this: ‘‘America has consid- section (a) of section 620I. You are author- ered this nation as her first friend in Europe, ized and directed to transmit this determina- whose history and the great character it ex- tion and justification to the Congress and to hibits in the various arts of peace have been arrange for its publication in the Federal Reg- studied, admired, and imitated by every State ister. in our Union.’’ Well now our Union and your nation have an opportunity to practice those William J. Clinton arts of peace as surely as past generations stood together in world war and cold war. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Together, we can complete the journey 8:45 a.m., June 3, 1997. Marshall’s generation began and bring all of Europe together not by the force of arms NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- but by the possibilities of peace. Together, fice of the Press Secretary on May 29, and it will we have it within our power to turn the hope be published in the Federal Register on June 4.

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Remarks Greeting the British power? You had some missteps at the begin- Cabinet and an Exchange With ning and probably want to share some of that Reporters in London, United advice. [Laughter] Kingdom President Clinton. I think they’re doing very well. I’d like to have a 179-seat majority. May 29, 1997 [Laughter] And I’m not going to give any ad- President Clinton. Thank you very much. vice; I’m going to sit here and take it as long Let me say that, first, I’m very appreciative as they’ll let me do it. [Laughter] of the honor of meeting with the entire Cabi- Prime Minister Blair. And I would like net. And I have watched with enormous in- to make sure that we have a second term terest the energy and vigor with which you in office—[laughter]—so I’ll take his advice, have all taken office and begun your work too. and the optimism with which you pursue it. Thanks very much, guys. You know there I saw you on television last night being opti- will be a press conference, of course, later mistic about peace in Ireland, which is an where you’ll be able to ask questions. article of faith in my life and household, so Q. Mr. Prime Minister, would you care I like that. And I agree that it is good for to share with us some of your thoughts about the United States to have a Britain that is some of the lessons you learned in getting strong in Europe and strong in its relations elected from President Clinton’s playbook, with the United States. political playbook? These last couple of days, not only com- Prime Minister Blair. Well, I’m sure memorating the Marshall plan but asking the we’ll share lots of lessons together. But as people of Europe to think about how we I say, you’ll have an ample opportunity to should organize the next 50 years to try to ask us about them later this afternoon. fulfill the unfulfilled promise of the people Thank you. who envisioned the Marshall plan and sign- ing the agreement between NATO and Rus- NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing sia, are part of the unfolding effort to create Street, prior to a meeting with Prime Minister within Europe a continent that is democratic, Tony Blair of the United Kingdom. undivided, and at peace for the first time ever. Europe has been periodically at peace but never all democratic and certainly never The President’s News Conference undivided. With Prime Minister Tony Blair of And I see that as a way of organizing our- the United Kingdom in London selves to meet the real challenges of the 21st May 29, 1997 century which will cross borders—terrorism, the dealing with racial and religious dif- Prime Minister Blair. Good afternoon, ferences, and trying to minimize the extrem- ladies and gentlemen. The President and I ist hatred that is gripping so much of the have ranged over many subjects in the hours world and the proliferation of weapons of we have had together, and we intend to con- mass destruction and drug trafficking and the tinue those discussions later today. common environmental threats that will be- We’ve discussed Bosnia and our continu- come a bigger part of every government’s ing efforts to work together in addressing one agenda for the next generation. of the most pressing crises on the inter- So this is a very exciting time. And I’m national agenda. We’ve discussed, obviously, glad to be here, and I thank you. Northern Ireland and our determination to Prime Minister Blair. Thank you very do all that we can to bring about the cease- much, Mr. President. fire that will allow all-party talks to proceed Q. Mr. President, you took office after 12 in the best possible climate and that a cease- years of Republican rule in Washington. fire is genuine and credible with all the par- What advice do you have for these Labor ties there. Party members who have just taken office We agreed that NATO is and will remain after so many years of a different party in the cornerstone of Europe’s defense. And I

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was grateful, too, for the President’s expres- dated notion of class war. New times, new sion of continuing support on Hong Kong. challenges, the new political generation must We agreed, too, that Britain does not need meet them. to choose between being strong in Europe So yes, we discussed the pressing issues or being close to the United States of Amer- of diplomacy and statesmanship and peace ica but that by being strong in Europe we in troubled parts of our world. But perhaps will further strengthen our relationships with just as important was our discussion of this the U.S. new agenda for the new world in which we President Clinton will have more to say find ourselves. We agreed that our priority on these and other issues in a moment. But as political leaders must indeed be education, we agreed, too, and have for sometime, that education, education, flexible labor markets, this is a new era which calls for a new genera- welfare reform, partnership with business. tion politics and a new generation leadership. In Europe, in particular, we need to re- This is the generation that prefers reason to duce long-term and youth unemployment, doctrine, that is strong in ideals but indiffer- both of which are unacceptably high. The ent to ideology, whose instinct is to judge U.S. has been more successful in creating government not on grand designs but by jobs, but it too faces new challenges in seek- practical results. This is the generation trying ing to assure opportunity for all its citizens. to take politics to a new plateau, seeking to The United States has the presidency of rise above some of the old divisions of right the G–8 in 1997. In 1998, Britain has the and left. It is what, on my last visit to the presidency both of the European Union and United States to meet the President, I de- the G–8. We have agreed today to a common scribed as the radical center of politics. agenda and a shared determination to iden- The soil is the same, the values of progress, tify what action needs to be taken to tackle justice, of a one nation-country in which am- the problems we all face, to identify what bition for oneself and compassion for others reforms have worked where, what reforms can live easily together. But the horizons are have failed, and how we can learn the lessons new; the focus and agenda are also new. both of success and of failure. We discussed how this is the generation As part of this process, Britain will host that claims education, skills, and technology a G–8 conference of Finance and Social Af- as the instruments of economic prosperity fairs Ministers in the early months of our G– and personal fulfillment, not all battles be- 8 presidency next year, and the Chancellor tween state and market. This is the genera- of the Exchequer will be announcing further tion that believes in international engage- details today. ment, in our nations being stronger by being We have a shared language. We have a open to the world, not in isolationism. This shared outlook on many of the issues that is the generation that knows that it will fall face us. We are determined, too, to share to us to modernize the New Deal and the our ideas, our expertise, and our commit- welfare state, to replace dependency by inde- ment to a new era of cooperation and of un- pendence. This is the generation, too, search- derstanding. ing for a new set of rules to define citizenship Thank you. for the 21st century, intolerant of crime but President Clinton. deeply respectful and tolerant towards those President Clinton. Thank you very much, of different races, colors, class, and creed, Prime Minister. First, let me say it’s an honor prepared to stand up against discrimination and a pleasure to be here today. I’ve looked in all its guises. This is the generation, too, forward to this for a long time. I have read that celebrates the successful entrepreneur countless articles about how Prime Minister but knows that we cannot prosper as a coun- Blair and I have everything in common, and try unless we prosper together, with no I’m still looking for my 179-seat majority. I underclass of the excluded shut out from so- have been all ears in trying to get the advice ciety’s future. It’s a generation that puts about how such a thing might be achieved. merit before privilege, which cares more On a more serious note, let me say that about the environment than about some out- one of the most important and meaningful

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responsibilities of any American President is Union that reaches out to Europe’s newly to carry forward the unique partnership be- free nations. tween the United States and the United We agreed on the importance, as he has Kingdom. Over the last 50 years, our un- already said, of helping the parties in Bosnia breakable alliance has helped to bring our fulfill their commitments under the Dayton people unparalleled peace and prosperity accord and continuing our support for all ele- and security. It’s an alliance based on shared ments of it. values and common aspirations. We discussed Northern Ireland. As all of In the last 4 years, I was privileged to lead you know, when I visited Northern Ireland the United States in pursuing that partner- 18 months ago, I was profoundly moved by ship. I had a good and productive relation- the palpable desire of people in both com- ship with Prime Minister Major, and I am munities for peace. I applaud the Prime Min- very much looking forward to working with ister’s initial efforts in this regard. There is Tony Blair. I have asked him in pursuance a sense of hope and reassurance that has of this to come to Washington as early as been conveyed here. And I know that he is is convenient for both of us, and I expect committed in partnership with the Irish Gov- that there will be an official visit pretty soon. ernment to bring about a lasting resolution And I know that the people of the United to the conflict. States are looking forward to having him The goal of this peace process is inclusive there. talks because they are the ones most likely to succeed. But I have said before, and I’d I have been impressed by the determina- like to say again, that can only succeed if tion of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet there is an unequivocal cease-fire in deed to prepare this nation for the next century, and in word. Again, I urge the IRA to lay to focus on economic growth, to make edu- down their guns for good and for all parties cation the number one priority because, to turn their efforts to building the peace to- without it, you can’t guarantee every person gether. in any country the chance to compete and The concerns we share extend far beyond succeed in the world toward which we’re our borders. Today’s global challenges re- moving. I have been impressed by his under- quire global responses. Indeed, one of the standing that in order for the United King- reasons that we are working so hard to orga- dom to fulfill its historic leadership role in nize NATO in the proper way, to unify Eu- Europe and the rest of the world, the needs rope in the proper way, is so that our nations and concerns of the people here at home will all be prepared to meet the challenges have to be adequately addressed. to our security in the new century which As you know, this corresponds with my cross national lines: terrorism, international own views. Our first task must always be to crime, weapons proliferation, and obviously, expand opportunities for our own citizens, to global environmental degradation. More and expect them to behave in a responsible man- more, we are focusing our attention on these ner, and to recognize that we have to main- challenges. Again, we are going to deepen tain a community in which people’s dif- our cooperation between our two nations and ferences are respected but in which their in the forums in which we’re members. I am shared values are more important. very pleased with the proposal that the Prime We talked about how we could work to- Minister has made to pursue an economic gether to shape a peace for the coming gen- agenda within the Group of Eight, and I in- eration. We reviewed our efforts to complete tend to support that. the work that began 50 years ago with the Let me say, finally, that we discussed Hong Marshall plan: building an undivided, peace- Kong, and I commended the United King- ful Europe for the first time in history, dom to work to implement the word and the through NATO’s enlargement through its spirit of the 1984 agreement. All of us who new partnership with Russia, its new agree- care about the future of Hong Kong have ment with Ukraine; a strengthened Partner- a stake in making sure the agreement is fully ship For Peace; an expanding European met. We will keep faith with the people of

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Hong Kong by monitoring the transition to Let me just give you a serious answer. I make sure that civil liberties are retained, believe that the people—free peoples in the that democratic values and free market prin- world are interested in democratic govern- ciples are maintained. Those are the things ments that work, that have constructive eco- for which the United Kingdom and the Unit- nomic policies, that try to reconcile the im- ed States stand, and those are the things that perative of growth with the imperatives of the agreement guarantees. family and neighborhood and community, This is a hopeful time for the people of that do not accept that fact that our social the United Kingdom and for the people of problems will always worsen and cannot be the United States. It is a hopeful time for made better, that do not promise to do things the world. More people live free and have which responsible citizens must do for them- the chance to live out their dreams than ever selves but which don’t run away from their before in human history. But we face own responsibilities. That’s what I think peo- daunting new challenges, and we have to face ple want. them together. I say repeatedly to the Amer- And I think that requires us to move be- ican people, we may be at the point of our yond—I don’t think that it’s the end of ideol- greatest relative influence in the world after ogy, but I think it’s the end of yesterday’s the cold war, but we can exercise that influ- ideology. And I think the more people see ence only if we acknowledge our inter- the issues framed in terms of attacks of par- dependence on like-mined people with simi- ties on each other and yesterday’s language lar dreams. I feel that very strongly here that seems disconnected to their own con- today with Prime Minister Blair, and I intend cerns, their own hopes, and their own prob- to act upon it. lems, the more faith is lost in politics. The Thank you very much. more people see the political process is rel- Prime Minister Blair. Thank you very evant to their lives and their future, the more much, Mr. President. energy you have. And what I sense in Great Right, gentlemen, questions? Michael. Britain today is an enormous amount of en- ergy. So if you’re asking me to rate the begin- New Generation of Political Leaders ning, I’d say that’s a great thing. It’s a great Q. Mr. President, Michael Brunson of thing when the people of a democracy be- ITN [Independent Television News] as you lieve in its possibilities and are willing to work probably know, during our recent election for them. That is about all you can ask. No here, there was a good deal written on both one has all the answers, but you want people sides of the Atlantic about Mr. Blair being to believe in the possibilities of a nation and the ‘‘Clinton clone,’’ or the ‘‘British Clinton.’’ be willing to work for them. I wonder, now you’re here, how the Amer- Yes, Ron [Ron Fournier, Associated Press] ican original thinks that the British version is shaping up. [Laughter] Northern Ireland Peace Process and Iran President Clinton. Well, I have a couple Q. Sir, you told us this morning that the of reactions to that. First of all, a lot of the Northern Ireland peace process is an article columns that were written about that were of faith in your life. Given that, is there any- not altogether flattering to either one of us, thing more the U.S. can do to nudge the and I had half a mind to call Mr. Blair during process along? And what’s your take on Iran’s the election and offer to attack him in the new President, a moderate cleric who won harshest possible terms, if he thought it in a landslide? might free him of an unwanted yoke. [Laugh- President Clinton. Well, let me say, first ter] And now, I also told you today that there of all, we have a new British Government is one big difference, and that’s the enormous that has taken what I think were wise and parliamentary majority that the Prime Min- judicious steps and made statements that I ister enjoys. So I should be here learning think are clear, unequivocal, and appropriate. from New Labor instead of the other way There is about to be an election in Ireland. around. The United States—I have restated what the

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polestars of our position are today: an un- military doctrine of not stretching your forces equivocal cease-fire; inclusive talks. But I too thin. Both of you are involved in think before I say or do anything more, as downsizing your militaries. How do you do with every peace, this is a peace that has to that and at the same time credibly make a be made by the parties themselves, and we vast new defense commitment that is in- need to let this unfold a little. But we’ll be volved in NATO expansion? there, active and involved, along the way. And the second part of the question for Now, as to Iran, obviously it’s a very inter- President Clinton, there are reports that esting development, and for those of us who NATO enlargement will cost American tax- don’t feel privy to all the details of daily life payers as much as a $150 billion over the in that country, it’s at least a reaffirmation next 5 years. What is your estimate of the of the democratic process there. And it’s in- cost? teresting, and it’s hopeful. But from the point President Clinton. Well, first—and I of view of the United States, what we hope think the Prime Minister and I both should for is a reconciliation with a country that does answer your first question—so let me answer not believe that terrorism is a legitimate ex- the second question very briefly. Our last es- tension of political policies, that would not timate was—or more than an estimate—in use violence to wreck a peace process in the the last defense report we got, the estimate Middle East, and would not be trying to de- was more in the range of $150 to $200 million velop weapons of mass destruction. a year. They are reviewing our defense com- I have never been pleased about the es- mitments now. trangements between the people of the Unit- I should point this out. The cost will be ed States and the people of Iran. And they important because for most European coun- are a very great people, and I hope that the tries, the relative costs will be greater than estrangements can be bridged. But those are for the United States because we’ve already three big hurdles that would have to be done some of the structural things that Euro- cleared, and we’ll just have to hope for the pean countries have to do, most of them. So best. I do not expect that the larger figure is any- Prime Minister Blair. Robin. where close to the ballpark. Secondly, the security umbrella we have Northern Ireland Peace Process is really no longer dependent upon stationing Q. Robin Oakley, BBC. Mr. President, large armies along the Eastern frontier of you’ve appealed again strongly today for the NATO. What kept any NATO nation from IRA to call a cease-fire. How soon after the being attacked, in my judgment, was the larg- calling of an IRA cease-fire would you want er nuclear deterrent that was present during and expect to see Sinn Fein in inclusive talks? the cold war. Now, we are also trying to re- How long a verification process would you duce that, but keep in mind—see the NATO see as being correct? Would this be matter expansion in the context of the following of months or weeks or days? things: There’s an agreement between President Clinton. I don’t believe I NATO and Russia about what our relation- should make a public comment on that at ship is going to be. President Yeltsin just this moment. Tony Blair’s government has agreed to detarget the nuclear missiles just come into office. As I said, I think they’ve against all the NATO countries; we will have taken some very impressive and appropriate an agreement on conventional forces in Eu- steps. There’s about to be an Irish election. rope which will further reduce those forces. I think, at this moment, for the American And after the Russians ratify START II, we President to start specifying that level of de- will move on to START III which will involve tail would be inappropriate. an 80 percent reduction in nuclear forces from their post-cold-war high. Defense Cutbacks and NATO Expansion So, in that context, I think the expansion Q. Mr. President, Gene Gibbons of Reu- of NATO is quite affordable and really ters, this may be a time of new politics, but should be seen not only as a cooperative se- there are some immutable old laws, like the curity guarantee but as a cooperative com-

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mitment to try to deal with the other security tive and to promote not only economic problems of our times, like Bosnia. growth but to have a good society. A success- Prime Minister Blair. I agree very much ful society requires that able-bodied adults with that, and I think what is important is be able to work. Successful families, success- to see NATO enlargement, and indeed, the ful communities, low crime rates all require Joint Council between NATO and Russia, as that able-bodied adults be able to spend their part of building the security and defense of energies a certain number of hours a day at our countries and, indeed, making sure that work, quite apart from the economic consid- the commitments that we have are fully re- erations. alizable. So the question is, how do you do that? Now, we announced just a couple days ago How do you become more flexible? How do a strategic review of our defense, which is you have more entrepreneurs, more flexible foreign policy led. It’s not about downsizing labor markets, and still preserve the social our armed forces, but it is about making cohesion that has made community life sense of the commitments that we have. But strong in Europe, justifiably? I think that NATO enlargement is a very, In the United States, we’ve had enormous very important part of bringing in those success—and I’m grateful for this—in creat- emerging countries in Eastern Europe and ing jobs—and more in the first 4 years of ensuring also, through cooperation with Rus- my term than in any previous 4-year term sia, that we’re doing it in a way that preserves in history—but we’re struggling to come back the security of the world. And I can’t think the other way. We’re struggling to find a way of anything more important than that. So I to give these working families—make sure don’t see these as conflicting objectives. On they can all afford health care for their chil- the contrary, I see them properly imple- dren, make sure they can have some time mented as entirely complementary. off when there is a baby born or a parent Yes, Charles. sick. You know, we’re trying to deal with the arguments from the other way. The United Kingdom’s Economy and the But the imperative of reconciling work and President’s Visit family and providing some social safety net Q. Charles Wright, the Evening Standard. so that the conditions of community can be Mr. President—[inaudible]—want coopera- met while having growth, that is the balance- tion—[inaudible]—with Northern Europe striking that every advanced economy has to there is a conflict—[inaudible]—on the way do. being pushed by the Prime Minister for more And I think what the Prime Minister has flexible labor markets and a call from Brus- said that I thoroughly agree with is, the one sels for more social legislation. Is the Prime option that is unacceptable is denial. That’s Minister right to warn against the dangers the only unacceptable—there is no perfect of this? And secondly, while you’re in Lon- answer. I would be the last person to tell don, you said you wanted to go out and about you that we’ve drawn the perfect balance. a bit. What is it you’re looking forward to We’re better at creating jobs than nearly any- see most? body, but we don’t have quite as much family President Clinton. Well, I’ve already seen security and support as I’d like to see in the part of what I want to see most, which is area of child care and family leave and other the unique and unspeakably beautiful British things. spring. I was so hoping it would be sunny The one thing there is not an option to today. do is to deny that this is an issue anymore. Let me say on the other question, there The United States wants a higher growth rate is not a simple answer. The great challenge in Europe. We don’t feel threatened by it. for Europe—and more for other countries We think it would help us, and we hope you even than for the United Kingdom because can achieve it. your unemployment rate is already lower Prime Minister Blair. If I could just add than some—but the great challenge you face one thing to that—I mean, I think what is is how to create enough jobs to be competi- absolutely essential is to realize this is part

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of the reason for the G–8 initiative that we crimination. But I want to apply those types want to take. We are all facing, as modern, of values in the different world. developed countries, the same challenges. Now, if you take the welfare state, which Work is changing. Industry is changing. We we’re trying to reform now here in Britain live in a new type of world economy. There and which President Clinton has done so are different pressures putting together work much to reform in the United States, we be- and family life. Now, what we’re all trying lieve in the values of that, but 1997 is not to do is to make sure that we can be fully 1947 or 1937. So that’s why the New Deal competitive as we need to be in this new has to be updated for today’s world, the wel- economy while preserving the essential foun- fare state has to be updated for today’s world. dations of a humane and decent society. And in Europe, you’ll find the same issues Now, that is the very goal. That’s why edu- being addressed today. cation and welfare are important. That’s why Q. Mr. Prime Minister, are you the stu- the type of different agenda that I think that dent in this relationship? a different generation of politicians is reach- Prime Minister Blair. Well, I think we ing towards is actually what is necessary not can both learn from each other and develop just here, not just in the United States, but together. I think this is good. But I would all over the developed world. And if we can pay tribute to the way that blazed bring together some of those lessons from the trail in this area. the U.S., from Britain, and from Europe, then we’ll find better ways of going forward President Clinton. Let me say on that in Europe as well as the U.S.A. point, as all of you know—all of the American President Clinton. John [John Donvan, journalists here know—before I became ABC News]. I’ll take both of you, but only President, I was not a Member of our Con- one at a time. gress. I was a Governor for a dozen years. And the Founding Fathers of the United New Generation of Political Leaders States wrote in the ‘‘Federalist Papers’’ that Q. Mr. President, Prime Minister, as they expected the States to be the labora- you’ve said already, a lot has been made of tories of democracy, which is an elegant 18th the notion that the two of you are similar. century way of saying that all Governors My question is—sometimes the press gets a should be students of one another. They story and keeps going with it—are you just should borrow from each other shamelessly. a little bit sick of this story line? How far They should learn from each other without can this thing go? [Laughter] arrogance. President Clinton. Yes, I’m sick of it be- And what I think is—if you get a genera- cause he’s 7 years younger than I am and tion of leaders—and it’s not necessarily de- has no gray hair. [Laughter] So I resent it. termined by age; I consider Prime Minister But there doesn’t seem to be anything I can Kok in the Netherlands in this category, a do about it. little bit older than we are, the young Prime Prime Minister Blair. Look, I think it’s Minister of Portugal, a little younger than we a perfectly healthy thing if we realize that are, a number of others who are thinking in these are common developments the world the same way and trying to move toward the over. I mean, this isn’t just something that’s same place and have a common understand- to do with the United States or to do with ing of the kind of changes that are sweeping Britain. There is a different generation of po- through the world—then we should fairly be litical leaders. I mean, I grew up—was born expected to—in fact, our people ought to de- 10 years after the end of the Second World mand that we do the best we can to learn War. I grew up with Eastern Europe on our from each other and cherish that, celebrate doorstep. I never thought that the politics that, and say that nobody has got all the an- of my type of political aspiration was the poli- swers, but if we can get our countries headed tics I saw in Eastern Europe. But what I took in the right direction, free people usually do from my own political traditions was a belief the right thing if they’re going in the right in community, in justice, in a hatred of dis- direction. Eventually, they figure it out.

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Northern Ireland Peace Process don’t. I’m convinced the Protestants don’t. Q. Ken Reid, Ulster Television in North- And I’m convinced the young are more in- ern Ireland. Prime Minister, what role do you sistent than the old. And to trap people in envisage the President playing in furthering the prison of those past patterns—we talk the peace process? And Mr. President, you about changing economic policy—a far great- were obviously very disappointed when the er tragedy is to move into the wonders of IRA cease-fire collapsed. Do you think the the 21st century with the shackles of what other parties should now move forward with- can only be characterized as almost primitive out Sinn Fein if another cease-fire is not hatred of people because they are of dif- forthcoming? ferent religions than you are. Prime Minister Blair. I’ll answer the first I promised you next; I’m sorry. Then we’ll part of your question, Kenneth. The United go on. Go ahead. I apologize. My memory States has played, and I’ve no doubt will con- is not what it used to be. tinue to play, a helpful role. And we obvi- Q. You’re older now. ously are carrying forward the process. We President Clinton. That’s right. [Laugh- want to make sure that we can get into all- ter] I’ve got a cane. [Laughter] party talks. We’ve laid down the conditions for that, and I know that the United States Centrist Politics is fully behind that. And I think that that is always helpful. Q. John Harris with the Washington Post. I remember, too, the visit that President As a followup to some of the previous ques- Clinton made some 18 months ago, when the tions and answers, Mr. Prime Minister, your huge optimism and hope that he ignited party won election by promising no new taxes there in the province was tangible. And we and by endorsing many of the privatization want that back again. We want that sense. policies of your Conservative predecessors. Peace in Northern Ireland and ensuring that Mr. President, you’ve just signed off on a we get a lasting political settlement that en- budget deal that has tax cuts but basically dures is what the vast majority of people in precludes any large new spending initiatives Northern Ireland want. This is the great over the next several years. Both of these burning frustration of it, that we are so keen compromises have made people within your to make sure that the voice of that majority own parties—a lot of them have great mis- that wants a lasting settlement, that doesn’t givings about them. How can you convince want to do it by anything other than demo- these people that what you’ve described as cratic means, is heard. the radical center is not really just the dead Now, I believe it’s possible that we can center and this new pragmatism isn’t just an- move this process forward, but it’s got to be other name for old-fashioned expediency? done with care. And I’m sure, as they’ve Prime Minister Blair. Well, I think you played a helpful role before, the United can do it very easily, by sharing how it derives States will play a helpful role again. from conviction and principle. What we de- President Clinton. Obviously, I think that cided to do when we created New Labor was Sinn Fein should participate in the talks. And to be honest with people. There were certain I think the IRA should meet what I think things the 1980’s got right, an emphasis on has to be the precondition. You can’t say, enterprise, more flexible labor markets. Fine; ‘‘We’ll talk and shoot; we’ll talk when we’re accepted; they got it right. There should be happy and shoot when we’re not.’’ And every no mileage in trying to undo things that are political process in the world is a struggle basically right. But there were some very fun- for principled compromise, which means damental things that we got wrong, edu- when it’s over, no one is ever 100 percent cation, the creation of a large pool of people happy. of underclass cut off from society’s main- So that is the decision that obviously all stream, a negative isolationist view of foreign of them will have to make. But the people policy—these things we change—over-cen- there do not want to be led in a destructive tralized government. These things we path anymore. I’m convinced the Catholics change.

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And what is different about it, and I think Second, on the budget agreement itself, potentially exciting and radical about it, is to my fellow Democrats—before they criti- that it does try to get past a lot of the divisions cize me, I would ask them to read what the of the past. And you got out there, and you conservative Republicans have said about the talk to people in the street about what con- Republicans for signing off on the budget cerns them—I often think the people are a agreement. One conservative periodical ac- thousand miles ahead of the politicians. They cused the moderate Republicans of being know that what matters to them is to get their Clintonites, which is a fate worse than death schools right, their hospitals right, tackle for them, you know, and then said that, ‘‘I crime in their streets. They know that there guess we’re all new Democrats now.’’ are certain things that Government can’t do Look at what this budget does. You say about jobs and industry but certain things it has no—it leaves no room for big spending; they can do. They want us to do those things. it has the biggest increase in education in Now, I don’t think that’s a dead center, a generation, a big increase in environmental I think that is a radical center. And it’s— protection. It has enough—$17 billion to in- the big changes that we were able to make sure half the kids in America who don’t have in the Labor Party, we made out of principle. health insurance. It was electorally necessary, but it was also Now, beyond that, does it allow for big the right thing to do. If it hadn’t been the spending new programs? No, it doesn’t. If right thing to do, it would never have taken we want to spend any more money, big root in the way that it did. money, in the next 31⁄2 years, what do we Now, sure, whenever you make changes, have to do? We either have to grow the econ- there are people that disagree, and there will omy or we’ve got to raise the money. That’s be those that say we just want to go back- what a balanced budget is for. I support that. wards. Well, the job of political leadership I support that. I want the American people— is to explain to people why that’s not sensible, if I could—we would come closer to solving why you should move forward. our social problems if we can maintain unem- President Clinton. First of all, let me just ployment at or under 5 percent for the next remind you of what it was like when I took 4 years than nearly anything else I could do. office. We had high unemployment, low And I want us to be in a position—as the growth, a country with rising crime, rising progressive party—where we can’t launch a welfare, and increasing social division. We big new program unless we raise the money now have the lowest unemployment rate in for it or grow the economy to fund it. That’s 24 years, the biggest decline in income in- the way we ought to do it. That is the fiscally equality—something the progressive party responsible way to do it. So I am happy with should care about—in over 30 years. We that criticism, and I plead guilty, and the re- have declining crime rates. For every year sults are good. I’ve been President, the crime rate’s gone Prime Minister Blair. I like that. I like down, and our crime bill is fully funded and that very much, indeed. is implementing that. We’ve got the biggest decline in welfare rolls in history. And we Lessons of the U.S. Economy have fought against the divisive forces of Q. Mr. Blair, you talked early on about race, religion, and all the other forces that lessons that you can learn from America, and are used to divide people in a complex society you said that they’ve been better at creating like ours. jobs. I just wondered why you thought they So I think that what we have done is both had been better at creating jobs, what lessons progressive and effective. And yes, we have specifically we could draw from that—their a smaller Government; we have the smallest attitudes to it? Government since the Kennedy administra- Prime Minister Blair. I think there is a tion. But we’re spending more money on very strong commitment to entrepreneurship education, more money on medical research, there, which is very important. They’ve pur- more money on technologies. I think we’re sued, of course, a stable economic manage- doing the right thing. That’s first. ment policy. That is very important. And Bill

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said something there just a moment ago that Third, we have been blessed by having sort I think is very, very important, that the pro- of incubators of the future in computers, in gressive parties today are the parties of fiscal telecommunications, in electronics, increas- responsibility and prudence. You don’t do ingly in biotechnology. That is important. anything for anybody by making a wreckage Fourth, we’ve had a good, stable monetary out of the economy. system. I think the Prime Minister did a good Now, I think these are all things that we thing by—and he’ll be criticized for it the take to heart. And what is interesting to me first time interest rates are raised, but he did is, again, if you look around not just the a good thing, I think, by trying to take the U.S.A. or what we’re doing with New Labor setting of interest rates out of politics, be- here in Britain, but if you look around Eu- cause it will create the feeling of stability and rope, there are center—center-left parties make Britain more attractive for investment. there, again, as the parties of fiscal prudence That’s been a big factor for us. and responsibility. And what you can do is And finally, we’ve had good Government make changes within the budget. policies, which were: reduce the deficit, ex- You see, the questioner a moment ago was pand trade, invest in people. So I think all saying, ‘‘Well, you know, you’re not going for those things, together, will give you a job cre- big tax increases and all the rest of it’’—but ation policy. people have had large tax increases. You Prime Minister Blair. We’ll take one know, state expenditure has grown to a very more each, shall we? President Clinton. Yes. large extent. Why has it grown? Well, it’s Q. Thank you. That was shameless. Ann grown here because you’ve got massive wel- McFeatters with Scripps-Howard. fare bills that you’re paying out, often with The President. That’s good. people who would like the chance to get back into the labor market if we have the imagina- Bosnia tion and vision to try and give them the Q. Mr. President, you have promised to chance to do so, so that they’re not any longer withdraw our troops from Bosnia a year from reliant on state benefits but are standing on now. And yet the British Prime Minister’s their own two feet, raising their family in Foreign Secretary says if you do that, the some type of decent set of circumstances. British will withdraw their troops, too, and So I think that these elements of job cre- that could lead to renewed fighting. Is there ation, of economic management, of creating a dispute between Secretary of State Albright the type of enterprises and industries of the and Defense Secretary Cohen, and are you future, they’re interlinked. And we see those going to keep your commitment to with- links very, very clearly, indeed. draw? President Clinton. If I could just say one President Clinton. Well, when we—first thing. I would like to give credit where I of all, when we adopted the second mission, think credit is due, which is not primarily the SFOR mission, after our first full year to me in this. And I think we have been suc- in Bosnia, we cut all the forces in half and cessful in creating jobs for several reasons. stayed; we said we expected that mission to One is, we maintained, earlier than a lot last about a year and a half. I still accept of other countries, a reasonably open econ- that. omy, not perfectly open but reasonably open, Here is the problem, the basic issue. I so that we suffered a lot of painful restructur- think we would all admit that a lot of the ing in the 1980’s due to competition. But as elements of the Bosnian peace process, the a result of that, both our business managers Dayton process, are not going as fast as they and our working people have dramatically should. We have just completed a com- improved their productivity—first. prehensive review of our policy. We’ve iden- Second, America is a relatively easy place tified a number of things we want to do bet- to start a small business, and we get a lot ter. The Prime Minister and I talked about, of our new jobs from starting small busi- for example, the police training and the nesses. placement of police there.

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If you look at what our military people do economic program with only Democrats, but today, since we are not presently today ac- the Democrats basically got credit for being tively involved, for example, in escorting and divided in their support of me when the facts protecting refugee returnees, a lot of that are that they have supported me more could be done by civilian police, if we were strongly than they supported the last three on schedule. We’re not on schedule. We’re Democratic Presidents before me. But our not on schedule in the economic implemen- friends on the other side were opposed in tation. We’re trying to put—very hard, all of even more unified fashion. our allies—we’re trying to put together a So the things that happened to us were team that will get us back up and going. so unique, I hope, to the American political And so I would agree, to this extent, with system—I wouldn’t wish them on anyone the Prime Minister, which is that I don’t else—that I don’t really think it’s very in- think we ought to be talking about how we’re structive for me to give advice. going to leave. I think we ought to be talking Prime Minister Blair. If I could, I just about what we’re going to tomorrow and next say one final thing to you. I think when you week and next month. And if we work like heard President Clinton speak about the crazy in the next 13 months, do I believe record that he has achieved in Government we can fulfill our mission and that they can earlier, I think that is the reason why he was go forward? Yes, I do. But I think we’re going reelected. And the important thing is that to have to make some very tough decisions. that record stands as testimony to the leader- We can’t play around with this. We can’t just ship that he gave. sort of hang around and then disappear in We’ll have one last question then, shall a year and expect the Dayton process to go we? forward. We have a lot of work to do in the President Clinton. My only advice on next year. And so what I want to do is stop that would be to try to keep people focused talking about what date we’re leaving on and on the policies and the consequences and start talking about we’re going to do on the that we should all be willing to work on that only date that matters, which is tomorrow. basis, because real people out there who have Prime Minister Blair. I agree with that to get up every day and wonder how they’re very strongly, indeed. going to feed and educate their children and Last question. whether they’re safe in their neighborhoods and what the future is going to be like for The President’s Advice for Prime Minister their kids, they want to know that we’re at Blair the task. And so my only advice would be Q. President Clinton, I know you’re reluc- to maintain the same level of concentration tant to offer advise to our Prime Minister, in the administration that was shown by all but could I tempt you? You became—I want of Labor in the campaign, that relaxing con- to be polite—rather unpopular during your centration is fatal in this business. It’s an im- first term after a brief honeymoon. Which portant thing, and it’s complicated. You got mistakes do you think you made that our to concentrate all the time. Prime Minister could avoid? Prime Minister Blair. Well, he did one Representative Richard A. Gephardt thing very right, which was to win again, and Q. Mr. President—I’m sorry, Rita Braver I hope I repeat that. [Laughter.] with CBS News—bearing in mind your com- President Clinton. Well, for one thing, ments on the budget, I was wondering if you it was a brief honeymoon; it lasted about 35 had been listening to your own minority lead- seconds. [Laughter] So, again, I don’t know er. He is against you on the budget. He is that I have any advice to offer. I think that against you on MFN. He is against you on the errors that we made, or at least the politi- expansion of NATO on a fast track. And I cal decisions we made that caused us prob- wondered if you could explain maybe wheth- lems, are fairly well-known. er you think it’s you or he who represents Also, keep in mind, we have a different the hearts and minds of the Democratic system than you do. I had to pass my first Party and whether maybe you think it’s time

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for a new minority leader, or maybe you don’t Memorandum on Most-Favored- really want that Democratic majority you Nation Trade Status for China talked about at the beginning of the news May 29, 1997 conference. Presidential Determination No. 97–25 President Clinton. No, I think—for one thing, I think—you know, I disagree with him Memorandum for the Secretary of State about the budget and MFN for China, and Subject: Determination Under Subsection we’ve had some trade differences since I 402(d)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as came here; otherwise, he’s supported me on Amended—Continuation of Waiver just about everything. I would point out, Authority however, that well over 60 percent of the Pursuant to the authority vested in me Democratic caucus in the House voted for under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, the budget agreement and that 82 percent Public Law 93–618, 88 Stat. 1978 of the Democratic caucus in the Senate voted (hereinunder ‘‘the Act’’), I determine, pursu- for it. We had a higher percentage of Demo- ant to subsection 402(d)(1) of the Act, 19 crats than Republicans voting for it in the U.S.C. 2432(d)(1), that the further extension Senate, a higher percentage of Republicans of the waiver authority granted by subsection than Democrats voting for it in the House, 402(c) of the Act will substantially promote and a two-to-one majority overall. the objectives of section 402 of the Act. I further determine that continuation of the waiver applicable to the People’s Republic So that’s something—the American people of China will substantially promote the objec- ought to feel comfortable—we had an over- tives of section 402 of the Act. whelming bipartisan agreement. Individual You are authorized and directed to publish people will have differences on individual is- this determination in the Federal Register. sues. They’ll see the world in different ways. William J. Clinton But I think I did the right thing, and I think we’re going to—I think the country will be NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- immensely benefited by it. And I think every- fice of the Press Secretary on May 30. body that voted for it, in retrospect, will be happy and those who didn’t vote for it will Message to the Congress on Most- be pleased that what they thought was wrong with it, wasn’t. That’s what I think will hap- Favored-Nation Trade Status for pen. China May 30, 1997 Prime Minister Blair. Okay, thank you To the Congress of the United States: very much indeed, ladies and gentlemen. I hereby transmit the document referred And thank you, in particular, to President to in subsection 402(d)(1) of the Trade Act Clinton. of 1974, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’), with respect to the continuation of a waiver of application of subsections (a) and (b) of section 402 of President Clinton. Thank you. the Act to the People’s Republic of China. This document constitutes my recommenda- NOTE: The President’s 147th news conference tions to continue in effect this waiver for a began at 3:05 p.m., in the Winter Garden at 10 further 12-month period and includes my de- Downing Street. termination that continuation of the waiver

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currently in effect for the People’s Republic tation on the preferential treatment afforded of China will substantially promote the objec- under the GSP to eligible products. tives of section 402 of the Act, and my rea- 4. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(C) of the sons for such determination. 1974 Act, a country that is no longer treated William J. Clinton as a beneficiary developing country with re- spect to an eligible article may be redesig- The White House, nated as a beneficiary developing country May 29, 1997. with respect to such article if imports of such article from such country did not exceed the NOTE: This message was released by the Office competitive need limitation in section of the Press Secretary on May 30. 503(c)(2)(A) during the preceding calendar year. Statement on the Verdict in the 5. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(F) of the Megan Kanka Trial 1974 Act, the President may disregard the May 30, 1997 competitive need limitation provided in sec- tion 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) with respect to any el- This has been a terrible tragedy for the igible article if the aggregate appraised value Kanka family and their community. Megan’s of the imports of such article into the United family took their pain and helped guide the States during the preceding calendar year Nation to adopt legislation that is going to does not exceed the applicable amount set protect other children from those who would forth in section 503(c)(2)(F)(ii). harm them. We owe the Kanka family not 6. Further, pursuant to subsection 503(d) only our sympathy but a debt of gratitude of the 1974 Act, the President may waive the as well. application of the competitive need limita- tion in section 503(c)(2)(A) with respect to any eligible article of any beneficiary devel- Proclamation 7007—To Modify oping country. Duty-Free Treatment Under the 7. Pursuant to section 503(a)(1)(B) of the Generalized System of Preferences 1974 Act, the President may designate arti- May 30, 1997 cles as eligible articles only for countries des- ignated as least-developed beneficiary devel- By the President of the United States oping countries under section 502(a)(2), if of America the President determines that such articles are not import-sensitive in the context of im- A Proclamation ports from such least-developed beneficiary 1. Pursuant to sections 501, 503(a)(1)(A), developing countries. and 503(c)(1) of title V of the Trade Act of 8. Pursuant to sections 501, 503(a)(1)(A), 1974 (‘‘the 1974 Act’’), 19 U.S.C. 2461–2466, and 503(c)(1) of the 1974 Act, I have deter- as amended, the President may designate or mined, after taking into account information withdraw designation of specified articles and advice received from the United States provided for in the Harmonized Tariff International Trade Commission under sec- Schedule of the United States (HTS) as eligi- tion 503(a)(1)(A), to designate additional arti- ble for preferential tariff treatment under the cles as eligible articles for purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) GSP. In order to do so, it is necessary to when imported from designated beneficiary subdivide and amend the nomenclature of developing countries. existing provisions of the HTS. 2. Pursuant to sections 501 and 502 of the 9. Pursuant to sections 501 and 502 of the 1974 Act, the President is authorized to des- 1974 Act, and having due regard for the eligi- ignate countries as beneficiary developing bility criteria set forth therein, I have deter- countries for purposes of the GSP. mined that it is appropriate to designate 3. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(A) of the Cambodia as a beneficiary developing coun- 1974 Act, some beneficiary developing coun- try and a least-developed beneficiary devel- tries are subject to the competitive need limi- oping country for purposes of the GSP.

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10. Pursuant to sections 503(c)(2)(A) of the the Constitution and the laws of the United 1974 Act, I have determined that certain States of America, including but not limited beneficiary countries should no longer re- to title V and section 604 of the 1974 Act, ceive preferential tariff treatment under the do proclaim that: GSP with respect to certain eligible articles (1) In order to provide that Cambodia is imported in quantities that exceed the appli- designated as a beneficiary developing coun- cable competitive need limitation. try and a least-developed beneficiary devel- 11. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(C) of the oping country for purposes of the GSP, that 1974 Act, I have determined that certain one or more countries that have not been countries should be redesignated as bene- treated as beneficiary developing countries ficiary developing countries with respect to with respect to one or more eligible articles certain eligible articles that had been im- should be redesignated as beneficiary devel- ported previously in quantities that exceeded oping countries with respect to such article the competitive need limitation of section or articles for purposes of the GSP, and that 503(c)(2)(A). one or more countries should no longer be 12. Pursuant to section 503(c)(2)(F) of the treated as beneficiary developing countries 1974 Act, I have determined that the com- with respect to an eligible article for pur- petitive need limitation provided in section poses of the GSP, general note 4 to the HTS 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(II) should be waived with re- is modified as provided in section A of Annex spect to certain eligible articles. I to this proclamation. 13. Pursuant to section 503(d) of the 1974 (2) In order to designate certain articles Act, I have determined that the competitive as eligible articles for purposes of the GSP need limitation of section 503(c)(2)(A) when imported from beneficiary developing should be waived with respect to certain eli- countries, the HTS is modified as provided gible articles from certain beneficiary devel- in section B of Annex I to this proclamation. oping countries. I have received the advice (3) (a) In order to designate an article as of the United States International Trade an eligible article for purposes of the GSP Commission on whether any industries in the when imported from any beneficiary devel- United States are likely to be adversely af- oping country other than India, the Rates of fected by such waivers and I have deter- Duty 1-Special subcolumn for the HTS sub- mined, based on that advice and on the con- heading enumerated in section C(1)(a) of siderations described in sections 501 and Annex I to this proclamation is modified as 502(c), that such waivers are in the national provided in such Annex section. economic interest of the United States. In (b) In order to designate an article as an order to grant one of those waivers, it is nec- eligible article for purposes of the GSP when essary to subdivide and amend the nomen- imported from any beneficiary developing clature of existing provisions of the HTS. country, the Rates of Duty 1-Special subcol- 14. Pursuant to section 503(a)(1)(B) of the umn for the HTS subheading enumerated in 1974 Act, I have determined to designate section C(1)(b) of Annex I to this proclama- certain articles as eligible articles under the tion is modified as provided in such Annex GSP only for least-developed beneficiary de- section. veloping countries. (c) In order to restore preferential tariff 15. Section 604 of the 1974 Act, 19 U.S.C. treatment under the GSP to a country that 2483, as amended, authorizes the President has been excluded from the benefits of the to embody in the HTS the substance of the GSP for an eligible article, the Rates of Duty relevant provisions of that Act, and of other 1-Special subcolumn for each of the HTS acts affecting import treatment, and actions subheadings enumerated in section C(1)(c) thereunder, including the removal, modifica- of Annex I to this proclamation is modified tion, continuance, or imposition of any rate as provided in such Annex section. of duty or other import restriction. (d) In order to provide that one or more Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, countries should no longer be treated as a President of the United States of America, beneficiary developing country with respect acting under the authority vested in me by to an eligible article for purposes of the GSP,

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the Rates of Duty 1-Special subcolumn for [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, each of the HTS provisions enumerated in 2:21 p.m., May 30, 1997]

section C(2) of Annex I to this proclamation NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the is modified as provided in such Annex sec- Federal Register on June 3. tion. (4) In order to designate certain articles as eligible articles for purposes of the GSP Proclamation 7008—Small Business only when imported from designated least- Week, 1997 developed beneficiary developing countries, May 30, 1997 the HTS is modified as provided in Annex II to this proclamation. By the President of the United States (5) A waiver of the application of section of America 503(c)(2)(A) of the 1974 Act shall apply to A Proclamation the eligible articles in the HTS subheadings and to the beneficiary developing countries America was built on the enterprise of our set forth in Annex III to this proclamation. people—on their ideas, their energy, their (6) In order to provide for the continuation willingness to take risks, and their willingness of previously proclaimed staged reductions to pursue their dreams. Throughout the dec- in the Rates of Duty 1-General subcolumn, ades, men and women of independence, op- for goods that fall in the HTS subheadings timism, and determination have come to our modified by section B(1) of Annex I to this shores, confident in the knowledge that in America they could build a life for them- proclamation and that are entered, or with- selves and their families through their own drawn from warehouse for consumption, on initiative, creating and developing businesses or after the dates specified in Annex IV to in every field of endeavor. this proclamation, the rate of duty in the The success of the small business commu- HTS set forth in such subcolumn for each nity has been a hallmark of our free enter- of the HTS subheadings enumerated in prise system, helping to drive the engine of Annex IV to this proclamation is deleted and America’s economy as we compete in the the rate of duty provided in such Annex is global marketplace. The invaluable contribu- inserted in lieu thereof. tions of small business owners to the strength (7) Any provisions of previous proclama- of our economy are reflected in some ex- tions and Executive orders that are inconsist- traordinary statistics. The recent record ent with the actions taken in this proclama- growth of the small business community has tion are superseded to the extent of such in- resulted in 840,000 new employer firms over consistency. the past year—the highest number ever, and (8) (a) The modifications made by Annexes a 2-percent increase over the last record set I, II, and IV to this proclamation shall be in 1995. Small businesses employ 53 percent effective with respect to articles entered, or of America’s private work force, account for withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, 47 percent of all sales in the country, and on or after the dates set forth in such An- generate more than half of our private gross nexes. domestic product; and industries dominated (b) The action taken in Annex III to this by small business produced almost 1.5 mil- proclamation shall be effective on May 31, lion new jobs in the last year alone. 1997. Our challenge now is to help America’s In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set small business community build on this phe- my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year nomenal record of success. My Administra- of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- tion is committed to giving small business seven, and of the Independence of the Unit- men and women the opportunity to realize ed States of America the two hundred and their dreams. The Small Business Adminis- twenty-first. tration has a portfolio guaranteeing over $27 billion in loans to 185,000 small businesses William J. Clinton that otherwise would not have access to such

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capital. We are encouraging microenterprise Message to the Congress on the through the Department of Treasury’s Com- Generalized System of Preferences munity Development Financial Institution May 30, 1997 Fund, an initiative that makes it easier for prospective entrepreneurs to obtain the To the Congress of the United States: training and financing they need to start their The Generalized System of Preferences own businesses. Working in partnership with (GSP) program offers duty-free treatment to State governments, we are striving to help specified products that are imported from modernize our Nation’s small and medium- designated developing countries. The pro- sized manufacturers and removing regulatory gram is authorized by title V of the Trade barriers to the adoption of new technologies Act of 1974, as amended. in such fields as telemedicine, building and Pursuant to title V, I have determined that construction, and environmental tech- Cambodia should be designated as a least de- nologies. We have also developed a National veloped beneficiary developing country Export Strategy to help America’s small and under the GSP program because it has taken medium-sized businesses realize their export steps to improve worker rights and the pro- potential and compete effectively in the glob- tection of intellectual property. I have also al marketplace. determined, as a result of the 1995 Annual As we observe Small Business Week, I join Review of petitions for changes that three all Americans in saluting the men and women products should be added to the GSP list of who have embraced the opportunities our eligible products and that the competitive country offers, whose hard work is transform- need limits on 22 products should be waived. ing their communities, and whose energy and As a result of a review of 1996 imports of initiative are building our country into the GSP products, I have determined that de kind of Nation we want to be in the 21st minimis limits on 79 products be waived and century. 11 products, whose imports no longer exceed Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, the program’s competitive need limits, President of the United States of America, should be redesignated as GSP eligible. Fi- by virtue of the authority vested in me by nally as a result of certain provisions of the the Constitution and laws of the United legislation enacted in August 1996 reauthor- States, do hereby proclaim June 1 through izing GSP, I am granting GSP eligibility to June 7, 1997, as Small Business Week. I call an additional 1,783 articles not previously in- upon government officials and all the people cluded under GSP, provided that they are of the United States to observe this week imported directly from the least developed with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and beneficiary developing countries. programs that celebrate the achievements of This notice is submitted in accordance small business owners and encourage the de- with the requirements of title V of the Trade velopment of new enterprises. Act of 1974. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set William J. Clinton my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year The White House, of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- May 30, 1997. seven, and of the Independence of the Unit- ed States of America the two hundred and Message to the Congress on the twenty-first. Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the William J. Clinton Bosnian Serbs May 30, 1997 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 3, 1997] To the Congress of the United States: On May 30, 1992, by Executive Order NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the 12808, President Bush declared a national Federal Register on June 4. emergency to deal with the unusual and ex-

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traordinary threat to the national security, 1022, directed the Secretary of the Treasury, foreign policy, and economy of the United inter alia, to suspend the application of sanc- States constituted by the actions and policies tions imposed on the FRY (S&M) pursuant of the Governments of Serbia and to the above-referenced Executive orders Montenegro, blocking all property and inter- and to continue to block property previously ests in property of those Governments. Presi- blocked until provision is made to address dent Bush took additional measures to pro- claims or encumbrances, including the claims hibit trade and other transactions with the of the other successor states of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Yugoslavia. This sanctions relief was an es- Montenegro) by Executive Orders 12810 and sential factor motivating Serbia and 12831, issued on June 5, 1992, and January Montenegro’s acceptance of the General 15, 1993, respectively. Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia On April 25, 1993, I issued Executive and Herzegovina initialed by the parties in Order 12846, blocking the property and in- Dayton on November 21, 1995 (the ‘‘Peace terests in property of all commercial, indus- Agreement’’) and signed in Paris on Decem- trial, or public utility undertakings or entities ber 14, 1995. The sanctions imposed on the organized or located in the Federal Republic FRY (S&M) and on the United Nations Pro- of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) (the tected Areas in the Republic of Croatia were ‘‘FRY (S&M)’’), and prohibiting trade-relat- accordingly suspended prospectively, effec- ed transactions by United States persons in- tive January 16, 1996. Sanctions imposed on volving those areas of the Republic of Bosnia the Bosnian Serb forces and authorities and and Herzegovina controlled by the Bosnian on the territory that they control within the Serb forces and the United Nations Pro- Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina were tected Areas in the Republic of Croatia. On subsequently suspended prospectively, effec- October 24, 1994, because of the actions and tive May 10, 1996, in conformity with policies of the Bosnian Serbs, I expanded the UNSCR 1022. On October 1, 1996, the Unit- scope of the national emergency by issuance ed Nations passed UNSCR 1074, terminating of Executive Order 12934 to block the prop- U.N. sanctions against the FRY (S&M) and erty of the Bosnian Serb forces and the au- the Bosnian Serbs in light of the elections thorities in the territory that they control that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the Republic of Bosnia and on September 14, 1996. UNSCR 1074, how- Herzegovina, as well as the property of any ever, reaffirms the provisions of UNSCR entity organized or located in, or controlled 1022 with respect to the release of blocked by any person in, or resident in, those areas. assets, as set forth above. On November 22, 1995, the United Na- The present report is submitted pursuant tions Security Council passed (‘‘Resolution to 50 U.S.C. 1641(c) and 1703(c) and covers 1022’’), immediately and indefinitely sus- the period from November 30, 1996, through pending economic sanctions against the FRY May 29, 1997. It discusses Administration ac- (S&M). Sanctions were subsequently lifted tions and expenses directly related to the ex- by the United Nations Security Council pur- ercise of powers and authorities conferred by suant to Resolution 1074 on October 1, 1996. the declaration of a national emergency in Resolution 1022, however, continues to pro- Executive Order 12808 as expanded with re- vide for the release of funds and assets pre- spect to the Bosnian Serbs in Executive viously blocked pursuant to sanctions against Order 12934, and against the FRY (S&M) the FRY (S&M), provided that such funds contained in Executive Orders 12810, 12831, and assets that are subject to claims and en- and 12846. cumbrances, or that are the property of per- sons deemed insolvent, remain blocked until The declaration of the national emergency ‘‘released in accordance with applicable law.’’ on May 30, 1992, was made pursuant to the This provision was implemented in the Unit- authority vested in the President by the Con- ed States on December 27, 1995, by Presi- stitution and laws of the United States, in- dential Determination No. 96–7. The Deter- cluding the International Emergency Eco- mination, in conformity with Resolution nomic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.),

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the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. to be acting for or on behalf of the Govern- 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3 of ment of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia the United States Code. The emergency dec- (Serbia and Montenegro). These assets were laration was reported to the Congress on May blocked on the basis of these persons’ activi- 30, 1992, pursuant to section 204(b) of the ties in support of the FRY (S&M)—activities International Emergency Economic Powers no longer prohibited—not because the Gov- Act (50 U.S.C. 1703(b)) and the expansion ernment of the FRY (S&M) or entities lo- of that national emergency under the same cated in or controlled from the FRY (S&M) authorities was reported to the Congress on had any interest in those assets (61 FR 64289, October 25, 1994. The additional sanctions December 4, 1996). A copy of the amend- set forth in related Executive orders were im- ment is attached to this report. posed pursuant to the authority vested in the On April 18, 1997, the Regulations were President by the Constitution and laws of the amended by adding a new section 585.528, United States, including the statutes cited authorizing all transactions after 30 days with above, section 1114 of the Federal Aviation respect to the following vessels that remained Act (49 U.S.C. App. 1514), and section 5 of blocked pursuant to the Regulations, effec- the United Nations Participation Act (22 tive at 10:00 a.m. local time in the location U.S.C. 287c). of the vessel on May 19, 1997: the M/V 2. The Office of Foreign Assets Control Moslavina, M/V Zeta, M/V Lovcen, M/V (OFAC), acting under authority delegated by Durmitor and M/V Bar (a/k/a M/V Inviken) the Secretary of the Treasury, implemented (62 FR 19672, April 23, 1997). During the the sanctions imposed under the foregoing 30-day period, United States persons were statutes in the Federal Republic of Yugo- authorized to negotiate settlements of their slavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Bosnian outstanding claims with respect to the vessels Serb-Controlled Areas of the Republic of with the vessels’ owners or agents and were Bosnia and Herzegovina Sanctions Regula- generally licensed to seek and obtain judicial tions, 31 C.F.R. Part 585 (the ‘‘Regulations’’). warrants of maritime arrest. If claims re- To implement Presidential Determination mained unresolved 10 days prior to the ves- No. 967, the Regulations were amended to sels’ unblocking (May 8, 1997), service of the authorize prospectively all transactions with warrants could be effected at that time respect to the FRY (S&M) otherwise prohib- through the United States Marshal’s Office ited (61 FR 1282, January 19, 1996). Property in the district where the vessel was located and interests in property of the FRY (S&M) to ensure that United States creditors of a previously blocked within the jurisdiction of vessel had the opportunity to assert their the United States remain blocked, in con- claims. Appendix C to 31 CFR, chapter V, formity with the Peace Agreement and containing the names of vessels blocked pur- UNSCR 1022, until provision is made to ad- suant to the various economic sanctions pro- dress claims or encumbrances, including the grams administered by OFAC (61 FR 32936, claims of the other successor states of the June 26, 1996), was also amended to remove former Yugoslavia. these vessels from the list effective May 19, On May 10, 1996, OFAC amended the 1997. A copy of the amendment is attached Regulations to authorize prospectively all to this report. transactions with respect to the Bosnian 3. Over the past year, the Departments of Serbs otherwise prohibited, except with re- State and the Treasury have worked closely spect to property previously blocked (61 FR with European Union member states and 24696, May 16, 1996). On December 4, other U.N. member nations to implement 1996, OFAC amended Appendices A and B the provisions of UNSCR 1022. In the Unit- to 31 C.F.R. chapter V, containing the names ed States, retention of blocking authority of entities and individuals in alphabetical pursuant to the extension of a national emer- order and by location that are subject to the gency provides a framework for administra- various economic sanctions programs admin- tion of an orderly claims settlement. This ac- istered by OFAC, to remove the entries for cords with past policy and practice with re- individuals and entities that were determined spect to the suspension of sanctions regimes.

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4. During this reporting period, OFAC is- ment of the Treasury (particularly in OFAC sued seven specific licenses regarding trans- and its Chief Counsel’s Office, and the Unit- actions pertaining to the FRY (S&M) or as- ed States Customs Service), the Department sets it owns or controls. Specific licenses have of State, the National Security Council, and been issued (1) to authorize the unblocking the Department of Commerce. of certain funds and other financial assets previously blocked; (2) for the payment of 7. In the last year and a half, substantial crews’ wages, vessel maintenance, and emer- progress has been achieved to bring about gency supplies for FRY (S&M)-controlled a settlement of the conflict in the former ships blocked in the United States; and (3) Yugoslavia acceptable to the parties. UNSCR to authorize performance of certain trans- 1074 terminates sanctions in view of the first actions under pre-sanctions contracts. free and fair elections to occur in the Repub- lic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as provided During the past 6 months, OFAC has con- for in the Peace Agreement. In reaffirming tinued to oversee the maintenance of Resolution 1022, however, UNSCR 1074 blocked accounts and records with respect contemplates the continued blocking of as- to: (1) liquidated tangible assets and person- sets potentially subject to conflicting claims alty of the 15 blocked United States subsidi- and encumbrances until provision is made to aries of entities organized in the FRY (S&M); address them under applicable law, including (2) the blocked personalty, files, and records claims of the other successor states of the of the two Serbian banking institutions in former Yugoslavia. New York previously placed in secure stor- age; (3) remaining tangible property, includ- The resolution of the crisis and conflict in ing real estate; and (4) the 5 Yugoslav-owned the former Yugoslavia that has resulted from vessels recently unblocked in the United the actions and policies of the Government States. of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), and of the Bosnian Serb 5. Despite the prospective authorization of forces and the authorities in the territory that transactions with the FRY (S&M), OFAC has they control, will not be complete until such continued to work closely with the United time as the Peace Agreement is implemented States Customs Service and other cooperat- and the terms of UNSCR 1022 have been ing agencies to investigate alleged violations met. Therefore, I have continued for another that occurred while sanctions were in force. year the national emergency declared on May 30, 1992, as expanded in scope on Octo- Since my last report, OFAC has collected ber 25, 1994, and will continue to enforce six civil monetary penalties totaling nearly the measures adopted pursuant thereto. $39,000 for violations of the sanctions. These violations included prohibited imports, ex- I shall continue to exercise the powers at ports, contract dealings, and payments to the my disposal with respect to the measures Government of the FRY (S&M), persons in against the Government of the Federal Re- the FRY (S&M), or to blocked entities owned public of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Mon- or controlled by the FRY (S&M). tenegro), and the Bosnian Serb forces, civil authorities, and entities, as long as these 6. The expenses incurred by the Federal measures are appropriate, and will continue Government in the 6-month period from No- to report periodically to the Congress on sig- vember 30, 1996, through May 29, 1997, that nificant developments pursuant to 50 U.S.C. are directly attributable to the declaration of 1703(c). a national emergency with respect to the FRY (S&M) and the Bosnian Serb forces and William J. Clinton authorities are estimated at approximately $400,000, most of which represents wage and salary costs for Federal personnel. Personnel The White House, costs were largely centered in the Depart- May 30, 1997.

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Digest of Other Howard of Australia at the White House on White House Announcements June 27.

May 29 The following list includes the President’s public In the morning, the President and Hillary schedule and other items of general interest an- Clinton traveled to London, United King- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. dom. Later, the President met with Prime Minister Tony Blair in the White Room at 10 Downing Street. May 26 In the afternoon, the President and Hillary In the morning, the President traveled to Clinton visited the U.S. Ambassador’s Resi- Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, dence where the President addressed the VA, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of Embassy staff. In the evening, they returned the Unknowns. In the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. to Washington, DC. The President announced the nomination In the evening, the President and Hillary of Paul Simon to serve as a member of the Clinton traveled to Paris, France, arriving the National Institute for Literacy Advisory following morning. Board. May 27 In the morning, the President met with May 30 President Jacques Chirac of France in Presi- The President announced his intention to dent Chirac’s office at Elysee Palace. nominate James Franklin Collins as Ambas- In the afternoon, the President attended sador to Russia. a luncheon hosted by President Chirac in the The White House announced that Chelsea State Dining Room of the Palace. Clinton will graduate from the Sidwell In the evening, the President met with Friends School in Washington, DC, on June President Boris Yeltsin of Russia in the Sam- 6. uel Bernard Room at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence. Later, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Amsterdam, The Nether- lands. The President announced the nomination Nominations of Bonnie R. Cohen as Under Secretary for Management at the State Department. Submitted to the Senate May 28 In the afternoon, the President and Hillary The following list does not include promotions of Clinton took a brief walking tour of a shop- members of the Uniformed Services, nominations ping district in The Hague. In the evening, to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- they took a walking tour of downtown Delft, eign Service officers. a Dutch city dating back to the 15th century. The President announced his intention to nominate Susan Rice as the Assistant Sec- Submitted May 23 1 retary for African Affairs at the State Depart- ment. Bonnie R. Cohen, The President announced the appoint- of the District of Columbia, to be an Under ment of Christopher J. Queram as a member Secretary of State, vice Richard Menifee of the Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Moose. Industry. The White House announced that the 1 This nomination was not received in time for President will meet with Prime Minister John publication in the appropriate issue.

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Checklist Announcement by the U.S. and the Euro- of White House Press Releases pean Union on steps to address common problems

The following list contains releases of the Office Released May 29 of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Other White House Announcements. retary Mike McCurry and Deputy National Security Adviser James Steinberg

Released May 27 Released May 30 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry retary Mike McCurry Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- Transcript of a press briefing by Vice Presi- curity Adviser Samuel Berger on the Presi- dent Al Gore, Treasury Secretary Robert dent’s visit to Paris, France Rubin, National Economic Adviser Gene Transcript of a press briefing by President Sperling, Council of Economic Advisers Jacques Chirac of France, President Boris Chair Janet Yellen, and Director of the Of- Yeltsin of Russia, and NATO Secretary Gen- fice of Management and Budget Franklin eral Javier Solana at a signing ceremony for Raines on the national economy the NATO-Russia Founding Act in Paris, Fact sheet: Charter on a Distinctive NATO- France Ukraine Partnership Fact sheet: NATO-Russia Founding Act Released May 28 Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry on the upcoming visit of Prime Minister John Acts Approved Howard of Australia by the President Transcript of a press briefing by Deputy Na- tional Security Adviser James Steinberg, As- sistant to the President for International and NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Economic Policy Daniel Tarullo, and Press received by the Office of the Federal Register Secretary Mike McCurry during the period covered by this issue.

VerDate 01-JUL-97 13:37 Aug 11, 1997 Jkt 173998 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\TEMP\P22MY4.030 p22my4 United States Government BULK RATE Printing Office Postage and Fees Paid U.S. Government Printing Office PERMIT G-26 SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS Washington, D.C. 20402

OFFICIAL BUSINESS Penalty for private use, $300

777

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