Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents 1992-01-27: Vol 28 Iss 4

45 Pages·10.7 MB·English

Weekly Compilation of
Presidential
Documents
Monday, January 27, 1992
Volume 28—Number 4
Pages 133-163
Contents
Addresses and Remarks White House Office, Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison and Intergovernmental
Citizens Democracy Corps—141
Affairs—152
Environmental policy—149
Head Start Center, Catonsville, MD—133 Communications to Congress
International Conference on Humanitarian
Iraq, report on exports, transmittal—160
Assistance to the Former U.S.S.R.—138
Spain-U.S. legal assistance treaty, transmittal—
Japan-U.S. Computer Trade Agreement
145
signing ceremony—143
U.S.-U.S.S.R. Standing Consultative
March for Life rally—143
Commission, report transmittal—145
National Association of Home Builders,
teleconference—156 Communications to Federal Agencies
National Association of Wholesaler-
Humanitarian assistance, transportation to the
Distributors—146
former U.S.S.R., memorandum—135
Senior Executive Service awards
presentation—148 Interviews With the News Media
Women’s World Cup Soccer champions—150
News conference, January 22 (No. 119)—135
Young Astronauts Council—152
Statements Other Than Presidential
Announcements
Death of Rose Bowen—134
Points of Light daily recognition program— Deputy Chief of Staff to the President,
160 appointment—159
Drug summit in San Antonio, TX—145
Appointments and Nominations
Supplementary Materials
See also Statements Other Than Presidential
Transportation Department, Secretary—135 Acts approved by the President—163
Treasury Department Checklist of White House press releases—162
Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy—160 Digest of other White House
Internal Revenue Service, Commissioner— announcements—161
160 Nominations submitted to the Senate—162
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
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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.
Week Ending Friday, January 24, 1992
Remarks at a Head Start Center in struck once again by the immense impor-
Catonsville, Maryland tance that he placed on quality education.
He called it “the passport to a better life.”
January 21, 1992
And he was right. We face a great challenge
Maryanne Anderson, thank you so very today in making America a country that will
much, not just you but everybody that has lead not only in the 1990's but in the 21st
given us this very warm welcome. May I sa- century, lead, the leadership in education.
lute our Secretary of Education who is with This mission involves many things. And
us. Were you introduced before I walked in next week when I deliver a State of the Union
here? Lamar, stand up, come on: Lamar Al- Message, you'll see that we’ve been doing
exander, the Secretary of Education for the some hard thinking about how to fulfill this
United States. Lou Sullivan, right here, is the uniquely American destiny. And one of the
Secretary of HHS. And most of you know keys is to make sure that this generation of
him by his works, but Lou, I guess you were young Americans, like these young people
greeted. here today, are prepared to lead.
And may I single out Congressman Helen And in a word, that demands educational
Bentley, who flew over with us on Marine excellence. As many of you know, we've
One. Here she is, over here. And I would launched a comprehensive strategy to radi-
be remiss if Id idn’t especially single out my cally transform, radically transform, Ameri-
friend, your Governor, Don Schaefer. ca’s schools. And yes, we've set high goals.
We have these national education goals, And the first goal is this, and I mentioned
and then we have a group of Governors, non- it earlier: By the year 2000, every American
partisan, come together, all of them as a mat- child must start school ready to learn.
ter of fact, to endorse them. And to imple- Many children need a head start, and
ment these goals we have a program that we're going to make sure they get it. Today
Lamar is working so hard on—Lou helping, I’m pleased to announce that we’re taking
I’m trying to help—called America 2000. a large step toward meeting that first crucial
And I think you and Maryland can take pride goal. In the budget that I’ll submit later this
that your Governor was the first one on and month, I will ask Congress for a $600-million
has been an early advocate of goal one, or increase in Head Start, the largest increase
the whole program, first one on board, and ever.
secondly, a very early advocate of Head Start And we've fought for increases the last 3
and this early learning concept. So I appre- years, but this one is the largest ever. It’s
ciate, Governor, your taking the time to come the third straight one, as a matter of fact.
here in that spirit. Increasing funding for Head Start has been
And I salute the parents, without whom a priority with me, with Dr. Sullivan, with
this program cannot work to its fulfillment, Secretary Alexander and others for a long,
parents, parental involvement. And we saw long time, certainly for the teachers, the
that, and I salute the parents not only here dedicated teachers that we’ve seen here
but out there, who are doing so much to get today.
these kids ready to learn. And in 1989, just a little review here, we
Last Friday, I had the privilege of visiting increased funding over 1988 levels, as well
the living memorial to Dr. Martin Luther as in 1990, and then again in 1991. And these
King in Atlanta, went down there with funds will allow every eligible 4-year-old
Coretta Scott King. And contemplating the child whose parents want them to participate
legacy that Dr. King left for us all, I was to have the Head Start experience before
133
134 Jan. 21 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
starting school, every eligible 4-year-old. And of these serve to reinvigorate those family
when Congress approves my request, and I’m values that are the true key to a happy,
confident they will go along, we will have wholesome, and productive life.
more than doubled the program’s funding Head Start works. It’s not perfect. We're
over the past 3 years. committed to making a good program better.
Of course, in education as in other fields, Over the past 3 years we’ve made sure these
Government is just one part of the larger so- increased funds best serve the needs of fami-
lution. Real progress in America comes from lies. We’ve made family service centers part
strong families and communities, from com- of Head Start to provide substance abuse
mitted individuals binding together in com- counseling, job training for parents who need
mon purpose, whether it’s a church con- them. And we've encouraged every Head
gregation opening a day care center in its Start program to offer adult literacy classes
neighborhood or parents taking a little extra for Head Start parents.
time to read to their children. But our greatest challenge lies in ensuring
No Government program alone can guar- that when children leave Head Start ready
antee that children start school ready to to learn, they enter an educational system
learn. No Government program can take the where they can learn. We’re helping with the
place of parents and of communities that Head Start. Let’s make sure that they cross
nurture the children who otherwise might the finish line too, prepared to be the leaders
have been left far behind. But in Head Start of the next century.
we found a Government program that works, I really was very pleased to be here today.
that works to strengthen communities and And I’m honored that I’ve had a chance to
families for the future. see firsthand the work that the teachers, the
Time has proved that Head Start brings parents, the community is doing to support
out the best in us. And last year, more than this worthwhile program. It is an example for
800,000 Americans gave of themselves by the rest of our Nation. So, thank all of you.
volunteering in a Head Start program. That And let me say in conclusion, thanks for
is an amazing figure. You can see it right here the kids. I learned an awful lot about bathtub
at the Emily Harris Head Start Program toys—{laughter|—about how to work the
where the entire staff, including volunteers, telephone. One guy knows, several of them
make sure their young pupils get the skills know their own phone numbers; preparation
that will stand them in good stead for the to go to the dentist; a lot of things that I'd
rest of their lives. They learn about getting forgotten. [Laughter] So, it’s been a good
along; they learn about sharing with others, day.
about independence, about self-confidence. Thank you all very, very much.
Every parent here knows that Head Start
is really more than education. It provides hot Note: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. at
meals, ensures that children receive immuni- the Emily Harris Head Start Center. In his
zations and access to needed social services, remarks, he referred to Maryanne Anderson,
health and dental care. Dr. Sullivan, whose Baltimore County Head Start director.
Department does such a splendid job in ad-
ministering Head Start, knows from personal
experience the importance of nurturing the
body as well as mind. Statement by Press Secreta
And most of all, Head Start is about family. Fitzwater on the Death of Rose
Head Start couldn’t be the success it’s been Bowen
without the direct involvement of parents. January 21, 1992
Governing councils give parents the oppor-
tunity to set the program’s direction. Head The President and Mrs. Bush extend their
Start brings parents right into the classroom sympathies to former Secretary of Health
and into the learning process. And they at- and Human Services Otis Bowen upon the
tend child care workshops, and they learn death of his wife, Rose. As a member of the
how to prepare well-balanced meals. And all Cabinet in the Reagan administration, Sec-
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Jan. 22 135
retary and Mrs. Bowen became close friends The President’s News Conference
of the Bush family. President Bush spoke January 22, 1992
with Secretary Bowen today to express his
sympathies.
Secretary of Transportation
The President. Let me just say that I am
nominating Andy Card, Andrew H. Card, Jr.,
to be the Secretary of Transportation. His
Memorandum on Transportation of
distinguished career and Government service
Humanitarian Assistance to the
at both the State and the national level give
Former Soviet Union
him the unique background for serving the
January 21, 1992 Nation’s transportation interests. He’s a
friend of many years who started his career
Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense
as a legislator in the Massachusetts House
Subject: Transportation of Humanitarian of Representatives. I have valued that experi-
Assistance to the Former Soviet Union ence often in the last 3 years here in Wash-
ington.
Pursuant to the laws of the United States,
As Deputy Chief of Staff, he has offered
including section 109 of the “Dire Emer-
wise and loyal counsel on legislation, on man-
gency Supplemental Appropriations and
agement of Federal programs, and on inter-
Transfers for Relief From the Effects of Nat-
governmental relations. Scores of people
ural Disasters, for Other Urgent Needs, and
from all walks of life know him as the White
for Incremental Cost of ‘Operation Desert
House manager who will listen to their con-
Shield/Desert Storm’ Act of 1992” (Public
cerns and get things done. That’s true here.
Law 102-229):
That’s true on Capitol Hill.
1. I designate as emergency requirements,
And I also want to express my appreciation
pursuant to the terms of the Balanced Budg- once again to Sam Skinner for his expert and
et and Emergency Deficit Control Act of dedicated stewardship over at that Depart-
1985, as amended, the full amount for which ment, culminating in the landmark Transpor-
section 109 provides. tation Act. He was known over there for his
2. Effective upon satisfaction of applicable foresight and innovation, and he’s brought
congressional notification requirements, I di- that same energy, distinctive energy, to the
rect the Secretary of Defense to transfer White House.
funds under section 109 as it incorporates Our Nation’s transportation system faces
by reference section 301(b) of H.R. 3807 as many important challenges in the years
passed the Senate on November 25, 1991. ahead. And a vast new highway system is tak-
ing shape under the Surface Transportation
3. The authorities and duties of the Presi-
Act that was just signed into law. Whether
dent under section 301 of H.R. 3807 as
it be in aviation, railroads, mass transit, ship-
passed the Senate on November 25, 1991,
ping, or the Coast Guard, I know that nelly
and referred to in section 109 (except the
Card’s leadership will be an important ingre-
designation of emergency relating to funding
dient in providing the most effective trans-
addressed in paragraph 1 and the direction
portation system possible.
addressed in paragraph 2) are hereby dele-
I look forward to having him in this impor-
gated to the Secretary of Defense.
tant position on the administration team, look
You are directed to publish this memoran-
forward to having him as a valued counselor
dum in the Federal Register.
and member of the President’s Cabinet. And
George Bush he will do a first-rate job at Transportation,
just as his predecessor did.
Note: This memorandum was released by the Thank you very much. Andy, do you want
Office of the Press Secretary on January 22. equal time here?
136 Jan. 22 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
Mr. Card. I’m honored and quite privi- Q. Why not?
leged to be part of the President’s team, and The President. But I think the State of
I’m flattered that he would choose me to be the Union will give us a strong opportunity
part of his Cabinet. I look forward to working to get it across. Because we’re in a political
with the other members of the Cabinet, with season, Ann [Ann Compton, ABC News].
the rest of the Bush administration, and I And I point out what we've done in various
want to carry on the fine tradition that Sec- areas: the benefits of a transportation bill,
retary Skinner brought to the Department what we're doing in terms of a brand new
of Transportation. education program. And it’s pretty hard
Mr. President, I’m proud to be part of the when you're out there getting hammered by
team. Thank you. the—the only way for the opposition to win
The President. We're scooting over to the in the political season is to tear down the
State Department for an event. But maybe President. The American people see that.
I should take a question or two. I know you're So, what I’ve got to do is get out and above
all interested in this appointment. all that by this State of the Union and then
following up vigorously, which we will do.
State of the Union Message
Japan-U.S. Trade Agreements
Q. Mr. President, are you going to go for
a middle income tax cut? And are you going Q. Mr. President, there’s concerns from
to cut the Pentagon budget by $50 billion? the comments from Prime Minister
And are you going to break the budget agree- Miyazawa and other industrials in Tokyo that
ment? there may be some backsliding in Japan on
agreements they made during your trip.
The President. Helen [Helen Thomas,
What is your reaction?
United Press International], you have 6 days
The President. I was pleased with the cor-
to wait for answers to all those questions. So,
rection or the comments coming out of Japan
I’m not going to now start taking specifics
yesterday. I was not pleased with the state-
on the State of the Union. I’m confident that
ments that challenged the ability of American
what we suggest will be widely received,
workers. I have full confidence in the Amer-
well-received by the American people. |
ican workers’ competence, their ability. I do
think we're transcending politics. So, I’m
think that our products have to be competi-
confident what I propose will have strong
tive, and there’s no question about that. But
— from all elements on the Republican
we've got the best workers in the world. So,
side
when I saw a statement challenging that, I
Q. How about the conservatives?
was upset.
The President. strong support there.
But I was also pleased when I saw a reaffir-
And I think we're going to have a very good
mation of these goals that were established,
package. But we’re going to eschew some of
and we'll have more to say on that, on a com-
the pure political approaches. We're going
puter agreement that has had strong support,
to try to do something that will stimulate the
and I’ve seen very little coverage on that. It’s
economy and avoid these things that may
a very good agreement. And the Japanese
have strong primary political appeal but
have every intention of fulfilling that agree-
would hurt the economy in the long run by
ment.
shooting interest rates up. So, just stayed
So, you know, I hope they don’t judge
tuned, and !’ll give you all the answers to
American policy by some of the outrageous
that one.
statements I’ve seen against them. And I
Q. Can I follow that on a nonspecific
won't judge Japanese policy by some of the
The President. Yes, you can.
outrageous statements I’ve seen against us.
Q. Do you agree with those who say, even
You need a steady hand here. You need to
from among your own party, that you really
build on the progress we’ve made.
don’t have a message you've presented so
far? Economic Growth Initiatives
The President. No, I don’t agree with Q. Mr. President, you used much the same
them. words that you used this morning, eschewing
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Jan. 22
a political approach, avoiding something that White House Staff
would send interest rates shooting up Q. Staff shakeup.
The President. Right. The President. Well, anytime you have a
Q. earlier this, or last year, in saying new Chief of Staff, I tell him, “Hey, take
you would oppose a broad, general tax cut. a look at the structure here; see what we can
Can we construe from your comments today do to do a better job.” We’re moving into
that you will oppose a middle class a very complicated and difficult year. And
The President. You just have to wait and I have full confidence in the people around
see. And I'll stay with what I’ve said here us, but whether there will be some structural
in terms of definition of our approach. And changes that will facilitate one end or another
I think it will be well-received. And what it of our responsibilities, let’s wait and see.
will do is to target growth ofj obs in this econ-
Aid to the Commonwealth of Independent
omy. And I saw last year one program, I for-
States
get which it was, on the Democratic side that
was just kind of a broadly—do away with the Q. Mr. President, on the CIS conference
constraints on spending. People are tired of you're about to host, a number of European
all this Government spending. They want to countries are complaining that the U.S. is not
see the caps on the spending held. That pro- in a good position to lead this because this
gram would have done away with the caps, country lags behind the rest of the world in
give everybody a tax cut, and the interest aid for the Soviet Union. The French, in par-
rates shot up the very next day. ticular, have been outspoken. Do you feel
they have a point, and do you anticipate add-
So, our proposal will try to avoid that kind
ing more to the U.S. contribution?
of politically popular approach, but will focus
The President. Look, it’s always been a
on those things that will encourage jobs, in-
hallmark of U.S. foreign policy, and I think
vestment, savings, whatever.
oft he heartbeat of this country, that if people
Q. Mr. President, you talked a few minutes
are hurting, health reasons, famine, food rea-
ago about political opponents tearing apart
sons, that the United States is willing to help.
the Presidency.
So, I would anticipate our stepping up and
The President. The President.
trying to do as much as we possibly can. We
Q. The President.
have already made significant contributions.
The President. To some degree the Presi-
And I’m very proud that we have. That’s the
dency, the President.
heartbeat of our country, trying to help peo-
Q. But Republican conservatives are tear- ple, home and abroad.
ing apart your economic advisers. They're
And so I would expect that we'll do some
saying they haven’t been bold enough. There more. But what we’re doing now over at State
are reports that you’re considering some kind is making sure everybody understands what
of staff shakeup. First of all, have the propos- really has been done. And yes, I’ve seen some
als not been bold enough? Are you going to comments out of the EC, for example, that
become more bold in that approach? And they've done more. I don’t think it’s a ques-
do you have a shakeup in the works? tion of who’s doing the most. It’s a question
The President. One, I feel confident that of each country in there doing its best. And
we'll have strong support in our party. I’m very proud that there’s such fine attend-
There’s some, one or two out on a real fringe ance for this coordinating conference here.
running around up there that might find it And we will do our level-best to help.
difficult to support me for political reasons. We've got enormous problems here that
I mean, we all know we're in a political sea- need attention, but we’re not going to change
son. But I think the broad numbers of Re- the view that when people are hurting the
publicans in the House and in the Senate United States ought not to help. And we do
will be supportive when they see what this have a big stake in this, in the success of
package is. the democracies in the Commonwealth.
What was the second part? We've got an enormous stake.
138 Jan. 22 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
And isn’t it better to send some money do you think it is that you'll actually get co-
to help people who are hungry or perhaps operation from Congress?
need medical attention than it is to be ever The President. 1 think the American peo-
increasing your nuclear weapons, one against ple want action. I think they'd like to think
the other? We’re living in an exciting age that even in an election year we can lay poli-
where this country has much less to fear from tics aside long enough to get something done
nuclear weapons. And I am very proud that to help the American people. And yes, the
we have made a real contribution to that. Democrats control both Houses of the Con-
So, we'll do what we can. But we have and gress. And I think the American people see
I think everyone around the world has re- that there’s blame to be shared all around
stricted funds on all of this. So, I think we'll on all of this.
have a good answer over there. But I will make the strong view that, “Hey,
Q. Do you feel Americans don’t under- this is a tough one, but let’s try to get some-
stand the need? thing done that’s going to get this country
The President. No, I think Americans do back to work, that’s going to create jobs.”
understand the need, particularly, I hope, the And we'll see. That’s the approach I'll take.
way I’ve explained it here. And I think in And I will resist and fight against things that
Congress most people seem to. They under- won’t do that, that will make the situation
stand we have a big stake in the peaceful, worse. And I'll fight very hard for things that
democratic evolution of the Commonwealth. I think will make it better.
I think it’s an enormous stake. And whether And indeed, looking back over my shoul-
it’s popular politically or not, I mean, we've der, I just wish that the growth initiatives that
got to continue to conduct ourself as the I’ve been proposing for 3 years had been
United States of America and not knuckle passed by the Congress. And so, I will now
under to every political charge from right or challenge the Congress and ask the American
left. I mean, it’s in a funny time now, as we people’s support for a sound package. It
all know. And I’m going to keep a steady won't do everything I'd like to see get done,
hand on this and do our very best. And we’ve I’m sure, but I think in that spirit, maybe
got a good program. we can get something accomplished.
The last one. Q. You'll set a deadline, sir?
Q. Mr. Burbulis, who’s the Deputy Prime The President. You wait now and see
Minister, this morning in an op-ed piece in about this message.
the Washington Post is asking for signifi-
cantly more money, specifically $6 billion for Note: The President’s 119th news conference
a type of stabilization program and another began at 8:40 a.m. in the Briefing Room at
$6 billion for food and medicine. What is the White House. Gennadiy Burbulis is First
your reaction to that? Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Fed-
The President. I’ve just given my answer eration. A tape was not available for ver-
here, I can’t comment. One, I didn’t see his ification of the content of this news con-
comment. And secondly, we are in touch ference.
with the Soviet, the Russian leadership and
the leadership of the Republics at the highest
level. And I'll take a look at what he says,
but I can’t comment on a story I haven’t seen. Remarks at the International
But I gave the answers to what we want to Conference on Humanitarian
try to do here. Assistance to the Former U.S.S.R.
Q. You’ve promised a dramatic economic January 22, 1992
growth plan in your State of the Union, but
the Democrats are already planning their I would first start off by saying I got bawled
own growth plan. The Democratic can- out by the Secretary of State for being late.
didates have already planned a press con- And my position is: I’m not late; you guys
ference the night of your speech. How likely are early.
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / Jan. 22 139
But I just want to give a warm welcome country’s economic system and liberate its
to the United States and to Washington, our people from political oppression. And in
capital, to the many distinguished guests in Central Asia, the same stories as President
this room today who include foreign min- Nazarbayev, President Akayev, are leading
isters and senior officials from 47 countries, the fight for reform there. A new day has
the United Nations, major international fi- dawned throughout the Commonwealth of
nancial institutions, and other major inter- Independent States, with hope for a fun-
national organizations. damental transformation in the way people
We come together this morning as part- live and work and think.
ners at a historic time, a turning point in our As we begin a new year and chart our
century and, I think, in modern history. Our course for the rest of this decade, let us bring
mission is to respond together to the dra- equal commitment to the challenge of help-
matic revolution that swept away Soviet com- ing to build and sustain democracy and eco-
munism and left in its place 12 new nations nomic freedom in the former U'S.S.R., just
moving to establish their place in the world as we did to winning the cold war. Let us
and struggling with the critical task of feed- help the people throughout the Independent
ing, clothing, and housing their peoples this States to make the leap from communism
winter, this spring, and beyond. to democracy, from command economies to
Before you discuss these issues in depth free markets, from authoritarianism to lib-
over the next 2 days, I wanted to take a mo- erty. And then let us pull together to win
ment to reflect on the meaning of these the peace in this post-cold-war era.
events in the former Soviet Union for those We should not underestimate the enor-
of us in North America, in Europe, the Mid- mity of this challenge and the difficulty of
dle East, Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Pa- unraveling economic dislocations resulting
cific, in all corners of the globe. from over 70 years of Communist economics.
For nearly 50 years, throughout most of Ultimate success or failure rests squarely
the adult lives of almost everyone in this with the efforts and wisdom of the peoples
room, mankind endured a dangerous global of Russia and the Ukraine and the Caucasus
conflict, the cold war. It divided continents in Central Asia. The battle is really theirs to
and peoples and held all countries hostage win. But they cannot win it alone. These 12
to the possibility of nuclear annihilation. The new countries will need the hard work, cre-
free world rose up against that threat posed ativity, and good will of all of our countries
by Soviet expansionism in the decades after from every continent.
the Second World War. We spent hundreds And that is why we meet today, to assure
of billions of dollars and sacrificed precious that our commitment and assistance will be
lives and national resources in that great up to the task, well-conceived and efficiently
struggle. executed. And we meet to demonstrate to
With the revolution in Eastern Europe in the peoples in these new States that the
1989 and in the Soviet Union in 1991, that international community cares about them
mortal threat has withered. And with the dis- and supports their hard struggle to build new
solution of the Soviet Union itself just last societies on the ruins of communism.
month, we find ourselves at the entryway to So, let us join together to give these people
a new world, a world of hope for a lasting a reason to hope. Let us commit ourselves
peace and growing prosperity. this morning to work in full partnership as
Led by a courageous President, Boris we proceed.
Yeltsin, reformers have come to power in the First, we must continue to act resolutely
enormous Russian Federation. Ukraine has this winter, this spring, and then throughout
won independence, and the government of 1992 to meet the critical emergency needs
President Leonid Kravchuk holds out the of these States: Food and medical supplies
promise of a new political and economic and energy and shelter. The shortages now
order. In Armenia, a former prisoner of con- evident throughout the 12 States will not
science, President Ter-Petrosian, has led an soon disappear and will require sustained at-
extraordinary national effort to transform his tention, our sustained attention.
140 Jan. 22 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
Second, we must also meet the challenge It is especially satisfying to see here today
of promoting economic growth and develop- our friends from Central and Eastern Europe
ment of new free-market institutions through as the pioneers in discarding communism
a collective international effort to provide and embracing democracy. You are here as
technical assistance. Our work will be criti- symbols of success. And though you still face
cally important to help the new States con- problems yourselves, the world applauds
struct banking and taxation systems, to pro- your willingness to help freedom elsewhere.
vide a healthier environment, to promote the The challenges before us require efforts
rule of law, and yes, nuclear safety. not just from Europe but from other regions
In short, we must support those who are and countries as well. Japan has made impor-
standing up for reform and freedom. We tant contributions, commitments, and will be
should stimulate concrete investments and critical to this effort. And now other nations
expanded trade. President Boris Yeltsin’s in the Far East and the Middle East and
courageous economic reforms deserve our Latin America should commit their expertise,
support, as do efforts in the other States to their resources to assure the success of re-
introduce economic change. form.
And I can assure you today that the United
Our success or failure will hinge on our
States, which for so long has led the struggle
ability to work effectively together on this
to contain communism, is also contributing
common cause. The challenge is too great
its share so that democracy is its permanent
for any one nation or group of nations. It
replacement. For over 40 years, we have led
is a global challenge requiring the efforts and
in the reconstruction and defense of the free
commitment of nations from all over the
world. And now that the torch of liberty has
world. And your presence here, a truly re-
sparked freedom among our former adver-
markable presence, is vivid testimony that
saries, the greatest good of our long labor
this is and must be a global coalition. Nothing
is at last visible.
else can work.
The U.S. cannot and will not falter at the
As we come together during these 2 days
moment that these new States are struggling
and then certainly in the months ahead, let
to embrace the very ideals that America was
us do so constructively, in the spirit of part-
founded to foster and preserve. Accordingly,
nership, avoiding sterile debates over which
as a further U.S. contribution to this urgent
one of us has done the most or the least and worldwide effort, I am proposing that the
which should lead our response to this his-
Congress approve over $600 million for new
toric challenge. technical assistance and humanitarian efforts.
All of us have a role and obligation to ful- In addition to the assistance already an-
fill. And many of us have already undertaken nounced, this will bring to over $5 billion
concrete actions to help. The European the level of various forms of U.S. assistance
Community has shouldered a major and gen- to these people in their time of need.
erous share of the burden. Its prompt actions In closing, I would like to reiterate the im-
over several years to provide humanitarian portance of seizing this moment to commit
support were vitally important, and its com- ourselves individually and collectively to an
mitment to a vigorous technical assistance opportunity that may not come our way again
program is far-reaching and most welcomed. in our lifetimes. The prospect that our
Germany alone has assumed enormous re- former adversaries may become our friends
sponsibility in providing military housing and and our partners, this is in the national inter-
in channeling credits to the former U.S.S.R. est of every country represented around this
and now to the Federation, to the Russian table and those countries that are not rep-
Federation. Other EC governments have resented around this table.
made important contributions. The Atlantic By coordinating our efforts toward com-
alliance stands ready to help with the knowl- mon goals, we have a chance to reshape the
edge that the peoples of the former U.S.S.R. world for our children and for generations
are moving toward the same values that have to come. And if we do not, we risk the rever-
sustained NATO since its birth. sal of the historic leap to freedom made by