US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Polish President visits the United States
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Statement on the occasion of President Walesa's visit
to the White House; Washington, DC
Date: Mar 20, 19913/20/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Poland\
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
President Bush: To all our Polish and American friends here today,
a poet once wrote: "Let me address you in the name of millions."
Today, I address you in the name of millions who convey their
admiration and love: the people of the United States.
Two years ago, Lech Walesa became only the second private
citizen from abroad to address a joint session of the Congress. And
he impressed us then with his commitment to goodness, his passion
0for the hard-fought necessity we call democracy. Today, he returns
as his nation's first democratically elected president.
You have led by principle and example. You created a
solidarity of spirit that inspired millions of Poles to risk their
lives in steel mills, shipyards, tenements, and towns. And after
winning the fight for independence, you instilled the sense of
tolerance essential for letting democracy set down roots in an
unsettled world. No wonder your countrymen sing to you: Sto Lat-
May he live 100 years.
But you also understand that the cause of freedom cannot end
at your own borders, and you proved it during the war in the Persian
Gulf. You joined us in demonstrating to the entire world that we
cannot permit aggression to stand. You taught your countrymen that
the answer to tyranny is "international solidarity." And in the
process, you helped shape a new world order.
That order, of course, began in Europe with the end of the Cold
War and the emergence of a continent whole and free. You played a
key role in helping Central and Eastern Europe join the
commonwealth of freedom. You have worked hard to build a
prosperous land upon tyranny's ruins.
This is not an easy task. In your New Year's Eve message, you
talked of reform-political reform, you've called for fully free
parliamentary elections; intellectual reform, that can help man
begin the hard work of freedom; spiritual reform, honoring the one
through whom all things are possible; and finally, you've spoken of
economic reform, upon which so much depends. In your address to
Congress, you said: "We are not expecting philanthropy. But we
would like to see our country treated as a partner and friend."
Today, we rededicate ourselves to the success of free
democracy in Poland and throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
Last week, the Paris Club agreed to cut Poland's official debt burden
by at least 50%. The United States worked long and hard to achieve
that unprecedented agreement, and we encourage other creditors to
join us in going beyond that 50% level. We certainly shall. We will
reduce your indebtedness to us by a full 70%, a portion of which
will help Poland fund a new foundation for the environment.
I am pleased to tell you that I've asked the Congress to
increase next year's grant assistance to these new democracies to
$470 million, half again last year's request. And since the real
engine of progress is not aid, but trade, I am pleased to announce
two new economic initiatives designed to help the nations of
Central
and Eastern Europe proceed along the path to growth and prosperity.
The American Business Initiative and the Trade Enhancement
Initiative will encourage businesses to invest in your future. In
addition, [US ] Commerce Secretary Robert Mosbacher will lead an
investment mission to Poland this summer, letting US businesses
see the great opportunity the new Poland offers.
So, as you can see, we want your economic transformation to
succeed, your new democracy to flourish. And we call on other
nations to follow our example.
For 2 centuries, the love of liberty has linked our lands.
General Kosciusczko was a friend to our Founding Fathers, just as
you and His Holiness Pope John Paul II are our steadfast friends
today. Our nations and heroes have long fought together to defend
the rights of man. This historic commitment forms the core of the
Joint Declaration of Principles that we will sign later today.
Two hundred years ago, gallant Polish freedom fighters
praised these principles when they sang: "Poland is not lost while
Poles still live." Today we rejoice. Poland is not lost, but has once
again been found because men like you still live.
God bless you, your beloved land, and our United States of
America.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Polish President Visits the United States
Walesa
Description: Washington, DC
Date: Mar 20, 19913/20/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Poland\
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
President Walesa of Poland
Remarks upon his arrival at the White House
President Walesa (through an interpreter): Thank you for such a
nice welcome. Thank you for your friendly words. I am happy that I
stepped again on the hospitable American land.
I come as the president of a sovereign and democratic
Republic of Poland. The country which was the first to challenge
communism and today is building a system of freedom, democracy,
and free enterprise.
It is not a coincidence that it is America which is the target
of one of my first trips in my presidential term of office. The
United States has, for over 200 years, been exemplifying to the
world how to build a system of freedom.
The United States led the free world defending values of
democracy and humanism. Your determination and your civilization
bloom were the hope of Poles opposing alien domination. It was
America, in the name of the international community, that restored,
recently, peace and justice in the Persian Gulf.
Poland is not a world superpower; its actions do not have a
global dimension. But it was Poland first in Central Europe to step
upon the path of freedom. Poland is the country which paves the
way for other nations liberating themselves from communism.
Poland also took upon itself the burden of leading in the
structuring of a market economy. We use[d] in the past the
assistance of the United States of America-political, economic,
and, first of all, moral.
Today, a major part of our debt burden was reduced. Your
personal involvement in this cause has, for Poland, a historical
dimension. It gives us new, great possibilities. For this help, I
most cordially thank the great American nation.
The changes in Poland are not completed yet. The political
victory of solidarity should be reflected in economic success. Our
success is important not only to us, it is needed for Europe because
it is a condition of order and stability. It is needed by the whole
free world, for it extends its boundaries by the central region of the
continent. It extends the zone of democracy and security.
The relations between the Republic of Poland and the United
States have today reached their peak after the war. One could even
say that they reached their peak in the whole of history. Our
countries are linked by common values and the same ideals. We are
linked by friendly collaboration on the international arena. I would
like this to be followed by a development of mutually advantageous
economic cooperation. Free Poland is becoming a country of new
economic opportunities. It is worth[while] to broaden the
cooperation with it, to trade and to invest. I invite you to this
cooperation, for it is going to be advantageous to both sides.
I know that you're a sincere friend of Poland. I'm grateful to
you for your extremely goodwill[ed] interest in our problems. Our
talks shall contribute to the strengthening of cooperation and the
friendship of our nations.
God bless you, Mr. President. God bless America.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Polish President Visits the United States
Baker, Walesa
Source: Secretary Baker and President Walesa
Description: Remarks at a working luncheon, Washington, DC
Date: Mar 20, 19913/20/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Poland\
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
Secretary Baker: Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a
pleasure to welcome a familiar visitor to the State Department
today, particularly pleasant to welcome him in his capacity as
President of Poland.
We have had a very productive and, of course, friendly working
luncheon with President Walesa and his colleagues. I'm particularly
pleased also to welcome my colleague, the Foreign Minister of
Poland, to the State Department today-a man with whom we work
very closely in connection with the remarkable events taking place
in Europe over the course of the past year and a half or so: the
unification of Germany and other questions involving changes in the
faces of the countries of Central Europe.
We pointed out to the President that Poland is extraordinarily
important to the United States of America. It is very, very
important to us that Poland succeeds in its efforts to move toward
political pluralism and to free market economics. It is important
that it succeeds as an example of democratization and a free
market, and the United States wants to do everything we can to
assist and assure that success. That's one reason that we have
pushed as hard as we have for official debt reduction for Poland's
official debt and why the United States has taken the position that
it is willing to reduce 70% of the principal amount of the debt that
Poland owes to the United States so that, overall, there can be debt
reduction in the neighborhood of 51% or 52% by those countries
holding Poland's debt.
We will continue to be active in international forums to
generate additional assistance to Poland, and we will continue to
submit to the Congress requests for substantial aid and assistance
directly from the United States.
Mr. President, Mr. Foreign Minister, it is indeed a pleasure to
have you here today.
President Walesa (through an interpreter): Taking advantage
of the place where I can be heard by a broader audience, I would like
to say the following: I am proud that fate has made me-has allowed
me-to thank America for all the good that has so far met Poland. I
must say that the reforms taking place in post-communist Europe
are encountering special understanding here. I must say that our
problems and troubles are very well understood both by the
President and by Mr. Secretary. I trust that this understanding will
help the reforms which are now encountering problems. Of course,
today's problems are that we are expecting more participation in
doing business. In all the post-communist countries, and
particularly in Poland, there is big business to do. And the
understanding on the part of today's leadership of the United States
does face up to the challenge.
I wish to say that at this time we are ashamed to extend our
hand as it used to be in the past. The whole American nation does a
great lot for all the world in all respects. These actions should be
supported, and one should know how to thank all. A grateful Poland
will support the actions of the United States.
Once more, I thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, for your help
in these great and difficult reforms. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: US Assistance to Poland
Date: Mar 20, 19913/20/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Poland
Subject: Trade/Economics, Development/Relief Aid,
Democratization, Environment, Science/Technology,
Media/Telecommunications
[TEXT]
Fact sheet released by the White House, March 20, 1991.
In 1990, Poland adopted and implemented a comprehensive program
of economic reforms more extensive than that of any other country
in Central and Eastern Europe. The new government of President
Lech Walesa is taking important steps to further the development of
a market economy by speeding up both the pace of reform in general
and particularly the process of privatization.
Responding to requests for assistance from the Polish
government, the US government provided over $300 million in grant
assistance in 1990 and offered substantial credits from the Export-
Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The
United States has begun projects in agriculture, privatization,
technical training, labor training, concentrated ventures in clean
fossil fuels, and air and water quality in the Krakow region.
All of these activities will continue in 1991, but US technical
assistance will expand considerably as we begin new efforts to help
restructure the Polish economy. The United States will also
substantially increase the amount of funds available for equity
investment through the Polish-American Enterprise Fund and will
initiate new programs to encourage US private sector investment in
Poland.
Assistance Activities
Democratic Initiatives
.
US programs in this area will provide:
equipment and training for the national legislature, focusing
primarily on the establishment of parliamentary procedures and the
development of effective research and information systems;
training for local and regional legislatures, city and regional
managers, and other local public administrators in the basic skills
of governance and administration; and support for independent
media, including the establishment of a media resource center in
Poland.
Food Aid.
In 1990, the United States provided
over $90 millionin food aid to Poland. This assistance was intended
to help stem Poland's declining standard of living and ease the
budget crunch by improving the efficiency of private agriculture.
Thanks in part to the effect of the market on supplies, major food
aid will not be needed in 1991.
Stabilization Fund
. The United States
provided $200 million to the Polish stabilization fund in 1990 as
part of a multi-donor hard currency reserve fund to support
transformation of the economy. The fund made limited
convertibility of the Polish zloty possible by
creating a reserve to be used by the Polish government if additional
foreign exchange is needed. Poland has not had to draw on the fund
to date, and has earned substantial interest which may be used in
support of its economic programs.
The Polish-American Enterprise Fund
. The
fund, which will be capitalized at $240 million, received $35
million in FY 1990 and will be given an additional $69 million in FY
1991. This privately managed investment fund can take equity or
debt positions in new businesses or recently privatized firms,
leveraging private capital and often facilitating joint ventures. For
instance, the fund is already financing private banking, new housing
construction, and agribusinesses.
Environment and Energy.
US programs
carried out by the US Agency for International Development, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Energy will
provide equipment and technical assistance for clean fossil fuels,
technical assistance for air and water quality, and technical
assistance to redress decades of environmental degradation. The
United States is also providing assistance in improving energy
efficiency.
Labor Market Transition.
The US Department
of Labor is providing help in the development of unemployment
insurance, job re-training, the creation of regional unemployment
centers, and other "safety-net" mechanisms to assist those most
disadvantaged during the transition to a market economy. The
AFL/CIO is helping to strengthen trade unions and retrain the labor
force.
Peace Corps
. Approximately 100 Peace Corps
volunteers are in Poland teaching English, working on environmental
projects, and assisting with small businesses.
Trade and Development Program (TDP).
TDP
is financing more than $4 million in feasibility studies,
consultancies, and training programs for major development
projects with large export potential for the US private sector.
International Financial Institutions
. The
United States, as lead shareholder, has encouraged the World Bank
(IBRD) to support Eastern Europe's redevelopment strongly. The
bank already has plans to lend $9 billion to countries of the region.
We have also led the way in obtaining an additional $7.5 billion in
funding to Eastern Europe by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
USAID Private Sector Development
USAID is launching several new activities which will focus on the
development of the private sector in Poland. Some of these
projects are:
Privatization and Enterprise Restructuring
will provide
technical assistance to prepare state-owned enterprises for
privatization, help private firms operate more efficiently, and help
government agencies implement the policies, laws, and regulations
necessary to privatization.
The American Business and Private Sector
Development
Initiative will stimulate the transfer of US
technology and the flow of US capital to Eastern Europe by
promoting business opportunities in the region for US firms.
The Competition Policies, Laws, and Regulations
Project
provides technical assistance in rewriting laws
and regulations on taxation, antitrust, and the ownership and
transfer of private property.
Financial Services
. USAID will assist in the
critical development of a competitive banking industry and help
create new financial institutions.
Management Training and Economics Education
will help develop the technical, management, and
economics skills necessary to operate a market-oriented economy.
Housing.
USAID will provide technical
assistance for development of housing markets and a competitive
construction industry.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
. The United
States is helping develop a true cooperative system and create the
framework for more privatization.
In the Humanitarian sector
, we are assisting
with the improvement of health care and the creation of an
improved social safety net.
In addition, the Citizens Democracy Corps, a private voluntary
organization created with the assistance of a US government
grant, is helping to mobilize the resources of the private sector to
assist in the Polish transition. CDC Chairman Drew Lewis is
directing a major effort to modernize the Polish transportation and
distribution system. Hundreds of private US organizations are
mounting programs in Poland as well.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Country Profile: Poland
Date: Mar 20, 19913/20/91
Category: Country Data
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Poland
Subject: History, Trade/Economics, United Nations
[TEXT]
Official Name: Republic of Poland
Geography
Area: 312,680 sq. km. (about 120,725 sq. mi.); about the size of
New Mexico.
Cities (1988): Capital-Warsaw (pop. 1.7 million). Other cities-Lodz
(851,500), Krakow (743,700), Wroclaw (637,400), Poznan
(586,500),
Gdansk (461,000).
Terrain: Flat plain, except mountains along southern border.
Climate: Temperate continental.
People
Nationality: Noun-Pole(s). Adjective-Polish.
Population (1990): 37.8 million.
Annual growth rate: Negligible.
Ethnic groups: Polish 98.7%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Byelorussian 0.5%,
Jewish 0.05%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Eastern Orthodox, Uniate, Protestant 5%.
Language: Polish.
Education: Years compulsory-8. Attendance-97%. Literacy-98%.
Health (1989): Infant mortality rate-13/1,000. Life expectancy-
males 68 yrs., females 77 yrs.
Work force (1988): 17 million. Agriculture-28.5%. Industry and
construction-36.5%. Trade, community services, transport,
communications-18.2%. Government and other-16.8%.
Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: 1918.
Constitution: October 1990 (as amended).
Branches: Executive-chief of state (president). Legislative-
bicameral National Assembly (lower house)-Sejm, upper house-
Senate). Judicial-Supreme Court, provincial and local courts.
Administrative subdivisions: 49 provinces (voivodships).
Political parties: Almost all freely elected seats in the present
parliament are held by members who were supported by Citizens
Committees organized by Solidarity before the June 1989 elections.
These Sejm deputies and senators formed the Citizens
Parliamentary Club (OKP). As plans are made for parliamentary
elections in which all seats will be freely contested, many new
parties are emerging.
Suffrage: Universal over age 18.
National holiday: Constitution Day, May 3.
Flag: Two equal-sized horizontal bands of white (upper) and red (lower).
Economy
Growth rate (1989 est.): -1.6%
Per capita GNP: $4,565 (purchasing power parity estimate).
Inflation rate (1990): 4.9%. (November 1990; equals 60% annually).
Natural resources: Coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead,
salt.
Agriculture: Products-grains, sugar beets, potatoes, livestock,
oilseed.
Industry: Types-machine-building, iron and steel, extractive
industries, chemicals, ship-building, food-processing, glass
beverages, textiles.
Trade (1989 est.): Exports-$28.5 billion: machinery and equipment,
coal, minerals, metals. Imports-$24.4 billion: machinery and
equipment, fuels, minerals, metals, agricultural and forestry
products.
Membership in International Organizations
UN and several specialized agencies, including the International
Monetary Fund (IMF); the World Bank (IBRD); General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT); Conference on Security and Cooperation in
Europe (CSCE).
Government and Politics
Poland has the largest population in Eastern Europe (37.8 million).
The government was communist from 1947-89, when, after 9 years
of strikes and struggle, the labor union Solidarity, led by
electrician Lech Walesa, helped form a government led and
dominated by non-communists. In January 1990, the Polish United
Workers' (Communist) Party dissolved itself, creating in its place
the new party of Social Democracy of the Republic of Poland. Most
of the property of the former Communist Party was turned over to
the state.
Local elections in May 1990 were entirely free. Candidates
supported by Solidarity's citizens committees won most of the
races they contested. In October 1990, the constitution was
amended to allow election of the president by general suffrage and
curtail the term of President Wojciech Jaruzelski. In December
1990, Lech Walesa became the first popularly elected president of
Poland.
The present government structure reflects compromises made
in an agreement between the former communists and the opposition.
The bicameral legislature (the National Assembly) comprises the
460-member Sejm (lower house) and the 100-member Senate (upper
house). The president nominates a prime minister who, together
with his cabinet members, must be approved by the Sejm. A new
constitution is being drafted, and a new parliament will be elected
in 1991, probably in October.
Judicial proceedings are carried out through a Supreme Court
and provincial and local courts.
The Economy
Poland is undergoing a profound transformation as the government
rapidly introduces a free-market system to replace the centrally
planned economy of the communists. During 1990, economic reform
stopped hyper-inflation, stabilized the currency, brought an end to
chronic shortages of consumer goods, and produced a sizable trade
surplus. At the same time, however, the economy suffered a recession,
with sharp declines in industrial production and real incomes and
steadily increasing unemployment. The United States and other Western
countries have been supporting the growth of a free-enterprise economy
by providing direct economic aid, restructuring the debt, rescheduling
payments, and encouraging private investment in Poland.
Poland is a member of the International Monetary Fund and the
World Bank, has applied to join the Council of Europe, has a trade
and cooperation agreement with the European Community (EC), and
wants to join the EC by 1995.
Foreign Trade and Debt
Poland had a current account surplus of
more than $1.8 billion for the first three quarters of 1990, but its
trade balance suffered during the fourth quarter because of rising
oil prices and other factors. Oil deliveries from Iraq (made to
offset Iraq's $500 million debt to Poland) stopped in August 1990 in
keeping with UN sanctions, while at the same time Soviet deliveries
fell below projected levels. With the unification of Germany in
October 1990, traditional Polish trade ties with East Germany, one
of Poland's major trading partners, were disrupted.
Poland's external debt exceeds $46 billion, and its debt-
service ratio (the ratio of hard debt-service obligations to hard-
currency earnings) is one of the world's highest, even after
successive reschedulings by Poland's commercial and official
creditors. Scheduled debt-service payments in 1989 amounted to
$5.2 billion (equivalent to about 60% of the value of total exports in
hard currency), but only about $1.5 billion was paid. Most of
Poland's foreign debt (about $33 billion) is owed to Paris Club
governments (official bilateral creditors including the United
States), which extended to Poland a rescheduling agreement in
1990. The fifth rescheduling since 1981, the 1990 agreement
included a temporary moratorium on debt-service payments.
At a March 15, 1991, meeting, Paris Club members agreed to a
minimum 50% reduction of the Polish debt they hold (individual
creditors can offer a larger reduction if they choose). They also
agreed to a restructuring of Polish debt that will reduce interest
payments due over the next 3 years by 80%.
Defense
Poland is reducing armaments to levels agreed upon in the
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, signed in Paris in
November 1990. About 50,000 Soviet troops remain in Poland under
Polish-Soviet agreements, mainly to provide logistical support to
Soviet troops stationed on the territory of the former East Germany.
Negotiations are underway on their withdrawal and on terms for the
transit through Poland of Soviet forces being withdrawn from
Germany.
Foreign Relations
Poland is developing a new, independent foreign
policy, while strengthening friendly ties to the United States and
other Western countries. Poland now has a permanent observer at
NATO headquarters and is pursuing associate status in the European
Community. Poland took part in the Two-Plus-Four meetings
concerning the borders of unified Germany. A Polish-German border
treaty confirming existing frontiers was signed in November 1990
and awaits ratification by Germany.
US-Polish Relations
The birth of the Solidarity labor movement in
1980 raised US hopes that progress would be made in Poland's
foreign relations as well as in its domestic development. US policy
throughout the Solidarity period had two goals:
-- To encourage greater respect for human rights and individual
freedom; and
-- To avoid interference in Poland's internal affairs.
Toward this end, for example, the US government provided
$765 million of agricultural assistance during 1981. The United
States responded to grad-ual human rights improvement in Poland in
1983-84 by easing sanctions. After an amnesty for political
prisoners was declared in September 1986, the United States began
a re-engagement that led to the lifting of sanctions in February
1987, when President Reagan restored Poland's most-favored-
nation tariff status. In 1988, the United States and Poland upgraded
their diplomatic relations and exchanged ambassadors.
President Bush, who visited Poland as vice president in 1987,
paid a state visit in July 1989, shortly after the parliamentary
elections in which Solidarity candidates scored an overwhelming
victory.
After Walesa's visit to the United States in November 1989,
Congress passed the Support for East European Democracy (SEED)
Act, which authorized a $928 million assistance program for Poland
and Hungary. Key provisions of the act were a $200 million
contribution to the $1 billion international fund to stabilize
Poland's currency and a $240 million grant to create an enterprise
fund to promote development of Poland's private sector.
The Polish-American Enterprise Fund supports training and
technical assistance, primarily in Polish-owned companies, Polish-
American joint ventures, and occasionally in subsidiaries or
affiliates of US companies with business operations in Poland. The
fund focuses on small and medium-sized companies. These and
other SEED programs were designed to support the Polish
government's economic-reform program and the country's rapid
transition to a free-market economy.
During Mazowiecki's visit to Washington in March 1990, the
United States and Poland concluded a business and economic
agreement to promote closer economic and trade ties. The Senate
has ratified the agreement, which is awaiting action by the Sejm.
Poland is reorienting its political and economic relations to
pursue an independent foreign policy and to develop a competitive
free-market economy. As it does so, the close cooperation that
exists in US-Polish relations is expected to continue. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Re-establishment of US-Albanian Relations
Seitz, Kapllani
Source: Raymond G. H. Seitz, Assistant Secretary for
European and Canadian Affairs, and Albanian Foreign Minister
Muhamet Kapllani
Description: Remarks at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of
Understanding re-establishing diplomatic relations between
the United States and Albania, Washington, DC
Date: Mar 15, 19913/15/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Albania
Subject: Democratization, Trade/Economics, CSCE
[TEXT]
(For text of the memorandum, see Dispatch Vol. 2, No. 11, p. 198)
Assistant Secretary Seitz: I welcome you, Foreign Minister
[Kapllani], to Washington and to the Department of State for this
historic occasion. Today, after a lapse of 52 years, the United
States and Albania are re-establishing diplomatic relations with
the hope of building friendly and fruitful ties between our two
peoples.
The relationship between our countries goes back to the early
years of this century, when President [Woodrow] Wilson extended
American support for the young Albanian state. That relationship
was never forgotten by the many thousands of Americans of Albanian
origin, some of whom are in this room, who kept contact with their
homeland over all these years.
Despite differences in political systems, the common
interests of our two countries have not altered since President
Wilson's time. Both of our countries share an interest in a world in
which all states, large and small, can live together without fear.
We recognize Albania's independence and territorial integrity
within its present borders. We welcome the aspirations of the
Albanian people to join the Helsinki process and look forward to the
day when Albania will be a full participant in the Conference on
Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).
Today, Albania stands on the threshold of a new future. The
Albanian people have made clear their hopes for a more democratic
and prosperous country. The United States supports and encourages
the process of political and economic reform which has begun in
Albania. This process will mark an important step forward when
multi-party elections are held at the end of this month. We are
pleased that Americans will be among foreign groups who will
observe them. It will be important to the CSCE community of
nations and to the world that these elections are both free and fair.
We understand the great social and economic hardships now
confronting Albania. We believe that these difficulties can be
overcome if all Albanian political parties and citizens pursue their
goals through peaceful, democratic dialogue.
The United States hopes to enter into a constructive and
productive relationship with Albania on the basis of mutual
interests. We intend to send a delegation to Albania in the near
future to expand contact with the Albanian government and people
and to begin preparations for establishing a diplomatic mission.
Along with other countries and international organizations, the
United States is prepared to support the efforts of the Albanian
government and people to pursue economic and political reforms.
Our ability to help will be linked to Albania's own commitment to
reform and to its government's respect for fundamental human
rights. We will also encourage private American organizations and
individuals to make their own contributions to this process.
I would like to thank all of the many people who made this day
possible. Among them are a number of distinguished Americans of
Albanian origin in this room today who contributed immensely of
their time and efforts to forge a new relationship between our two
countries.
Mr. Foreign Minister, welcome again to the United States. We
now begin to build a better future for both of our peoples.
Foreign Minister Kapllani: It is a great privilege and honor to
have been charged by my government to sign the document on the
re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Albania and the
United States. We are at a very important ceremony. I call it a
historic moment, a big day. It is a big day, for today we are filling
a gap which has been felt for too long between us. We are creating
the favorable conditions to make up for lost time. This is not
simply a symbolic moment of putting a signature in a document. It
is a milestone on the road of our relations-a turning point in these
relations which we do hope, or I'd rather say, are convinced, will
witness successful developments.
Albania is living one of the most exciting periods in its
history of post-World War II. It is going through a radical
democratic process which covers the political field, the
superstructure, the economic field, the infrastructure, and all
fields of life. We are committed to this process, because it
responds to the present and long-term interests of the Albanian
people to make Albania a truly-and a productive member of the
family of the European nations. Albania believes in the CSCE
process. The CSCE process has shown that security in the world of
today is not simply a security of arms -military security, political
security- it is at the same time, if not more than military,
economic security-and economic security means
economic development.
We in Albania have many difficulties: We are facing economic
difficulties, facing difficulties which have to do with political
reforms, but these are difficulties which are leading us to a better
future. That is why it is worth exerting all our efforts to meet this
challenge of the time. We are fully confident that the Albanian
people, along with the other European nations, along with this great
country and nation with whom we are today re-establishing
diplomatic relations, Albania will march ahead on the road of
democracy in the interests of its own people, in the interests of
peace and security in the Balkans and beyond. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Problems and Opportunities in the Middle East
Kelly
Source: John H. Kelly, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern
and South Asian Affairs
Description: Opening statement before the Subcommittee on Europe and
the Middle East of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,
Washington, DC
Date: Mar 20, 19913/20/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Country: Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman
Subject: Security Assistance and Sales, Human Rights,
Terrorism, Mideast Peace Process
[TEXT]
I am pleased to appear before this committee today as you consider
foreign assistance legislation for FY 1992.
On March 6, in his address to the Congress, the President
identified four challenges which must be met if we are to build a
framework for peace in the Middle East:
-- Creation of shared security arrangements in the region;
-- Control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction;
-- An end to the Arab-Israeli conflict; and
-- Regional economic cooperation and development.
I accompanied Secretary Baker on his visit to the Middle East
to begin the process of trying to meet these challenges.
Secretary Baker's Trip
In his conversations in the Middle East, Secretary Baker discussed
various mechanisms which could help to guarantee against a
repetition of Iraq's aggression against other Gulf states. The
Damascus declaration, issued on March 6 [1991] by the foreign
ministers of Syria, Egypt, and the six Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC]
states, noted agreement on creation of an Arab peace force-
including troops from Egypt and Syria-which would be stationed in
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Secretary Baker consulted with a number of our coalition
partners concerning how to win the peace now that we have won the
war. We currently are developing those key elements of a UN
resolution which would establish a cease-fire, among other issues.
We shortly will be consulting with the other members of the
Security Council concerning this resolution.
We expect that the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation
Council will also be taking steps among themselves to improve
their
capability for cooperative self-defense. In addition, we discussed
potential future arrangements for a US role in the Gulf. We included
a continued-and perhaps enhanced-American naval presence,
maintaining the US naval presence which has existed in the Gulf
since 1949. We are also exploring what might be done to increase
our air defense presence in the region. President Bush has stated
publicly that we seek no permanent ground force presence in the
Gulf region. We discussed the potential pre-positioning of military
materials and equipment in the region which would be available for
US forces in a future emergency. We also discussed combined
training exercises which would improve our ability to work
together with the states in the region, building on the successful
experiences of Operation Desert Storm.
All of those governments we consulted agreed on the need to
eliminate weapons of mass destruction in Iraqi hands-whether or
not Saddam Hussein remains in power. We will be working with our
coalition partners on ways to address Iraqi weapons of mass
destruction. All the officials with whom we met also agreed on the
need to address the issue of weapons of mass destruction on a
region-wide basis.
Secretary Baker discussed, in each meeting, the Arab-Israeli
dispute. We talked of the potential benefit of an approach on two
tracks: one at the state-to-state level between Israel and its Arab
neighbors and the second between Israel and Palestinians. The
Secretary's discussions led to no instant decisions by the parties to
the conflict. We did hear, from all those with whom we met, a new
openness to consider fresh steps to address the Arab-Israeli
dispute. We will be in contact with all parties in the days and
weeks ahead to see if we can advance the process.
Our principles remain the same: the goal of a comprehensive
settlement achieved through direct negotiations based on UN
Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, including the principles
of territory for peace, security for Israel, and the legitimate
political rights of Palestinians.
We do not underestimate the difficulty of the task which
confronts all of us who seek to advance the cause of peace. We do
believe that there are new opportunities in the aftermath of the
unprecedented international cooperation which led to the liberation
of Kuwait.
Secretary Baker discussed, in each meeting, the question of
economic cooperation in the Middle East region. On a preliminary
basis there was general agreement that this issue needs to be
addressed. Again, there were no decisions reached by the parties
consulted, but there was agreement that there is a need to enhance
the basis of economic cooperation among the states. We noted that
the GCC summit in December [1990] adopted a special program for
the creation of a new development fund. It may be that this GCC
fund can provide the base for expanded international cooperation for
countries inside and outside the region.
US Policy Toward Iraq
As the President has made clear, we believe that Iraq requires
special vigilance. Iraq must not have access to the instruments of
war. Moreover, Iraq has acknowledged its liabilities for damage
resulting from its invasion of Kuwait. The international community
will have to decide on appropriate reparations and the conditions
for the lifting of economic sanctions.
We believe the Iraqi people should decide Saddam Hussein's
fate. The current strife derives from his disastrous policies.
Clearly, the international community's relations with Iraq will be
significantly affected by the resolution of this issue. As Secretary
Baker has noted, we are not providing arms to Iraqi opposition
groups, and we believe other states should refrain from interfering
in Iraq's internal affairs. We support Iraq's territorial integrity as
do other members of the coalition.
Foreign Assistance
Let me turn to the considerations which underlie our foreign
assistance requests for Egypt and other Arab states in the Middle
East.
Economic and military assistance remain significant tools in
our efforts to bring stability to the region. These assistance
programs validated themselves during the recent crisis, as our
multi-year assistance to Egypt and other Arab and Muslim states-
such as Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, and Bangladesh-was repaid with
dividends in the constitution of united will that defeated Iraq's
aggression. I know that assistance to Israel and the occupied
territories was covered in your previous two hearings with Deputy
Assistant Secretary [Daniel C.] Kurtzer. [see Dispatch, Vol. 2, No.
10.]
Egypt
Egypt played a vital role in shaping Arab reaction to the Iraqi
invasion of Kuwait and informing and maintaining the coalition.
Egypt deployed two divisions and a ranger battalion to Saudi Arabia
and granted the coalition facilities in Egypt. With equipment
obtained through US security assistance, Egypt participated
actively and valiantly in the liberation of Kuwait. Egypt will
continue to be a key partner both in securing stability in the Gulf
and in pursuing peace in the broader Middle East region.
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait had an adverse economic impact on
Egypt, as it forced about 500,000 Egyptian workers to return home,
thereby drastically cutting remittances to the Egyptian economy.
Suez Canal receipts were reduced, and a virtual cut-off of tourism
further devastated Egypt's sources of foreign exchange. US
forgiveness of Egypt's foreign military sales (FMS) debt,
forgiveness
of debt by some other countries, and aid from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
other Gulf states, and Europe softened, but did not offset, this
economic damage. For 1992, we are requesting $1.3 billion in FMF
[foreign military funds] and $815 million in ESF [economic support
funds] for Egypt.
Lebanon
Lebanon has been in a state of turmoil for 16 years. Now, for
almost 6 months, there has been no fighting in Lebanon. The
Lebanese armed forces have consolidated their control over most of
greater Beirut, and have opened up the "Green Line" that for so long
divided Christians and Muslims in East and West Beirut. The army
has also begun to deploy into parts of south Lebanon, which
government forces have not entered for 12 years.
This progress in large measure is due to the Taif agreement,
which we continue to support as the best formula for achieving a
Lebanon truly united, sovereign, independent, and in control of all
its territory. The agreement provides a basis for other major goals
such as the withdrawal of all non-Lebanese forces from Lebanon and
the dissolution of all armed militias. We believe that Lebanon now
has an unprecedented opportunity to achieve these goals through the
extension of the authority of President Hrawi and the government
throughout Lebanon.
Lebanon still faces formidable problems. The fighting has
stopped, but political differences are not yet settled. The army is
extending its authority, but it remains under-equipped and poorly
trained. The Gulf crisis caused an exodus from the Gulf of
expatriate Lebanese workers, which deprived Lebanon's fragile
economy of vital worker remittances.
In FY 1990, we provided a total of about $28 million in
assistance to Lebanon, mainly in the form of PL 480 Title II food aid
[Food for Peace]; we also provided aid in the form of ESF,
developmental assistance, and American Schools and Hospitals
Abroad funds.
We expect to maintain total assistance to Lebanon at
approximately the same level in 1992. We are requesting $2 million
in ESF for Lebanon; as in previous years, ESF will be expended
largely for humanitarian and relief purposes. We are examining the
possibility of redefining the focus of our aid to Lebanon from
humanitarian assistance to development and for FY 1992 are
requesting $4 million in developmental assistance.
Oman
The United States enjoys access to Omani military facilities under
the terms of an agreement signed in 1980; that agreement was
renewed in December [1990] for an additional 10 years. Access to
these facilities proved essential for allied military operations
several public references to our serious disappointment with
Jordan's political position.
Jordan
Jordan generally observed the sanctions against Iraq, with serious
consequences for Jordan's economy. Moreover, we have not been
able to substantiate any of the allegations of Jordanian military
assistance to Iraq since August 2. We continue to believe that
Jordan can play an important role in attaining stability in the area
and in moving towards resolution of the Arab-Israeli dispute. We
believe that we must maintain the flexibility to respond to possible
Jordanian efforts to improve relations and to play a constructive
role in the region. Therefore, we are requesting $25 million in FMF
and $30 million in ESF assistance in FY 1992 in the hope and
expectation that, with the defeat of Saddam Hussein, the Jordanian
government will adopt policies which will enable us to re-establish
our previously friendly relationship. For the present, our overall aid
program for Jordan remains under review.
Iran
We have no quarrel with the way Iran conducted itself in the Gulf
crisis. It obviously has pursued its own interests, but it has acted
throughout the crisis in a generally responsible manner. It
condemned the Iraqi invasion, insisted on immediate and
unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and generally
enforced economic sanctions. It has cooperated with international
agencies on war refugees. It pledged that Iraqi aircraft which fled
to Iran would not be returned to Iraq during the war, consistent
with Iran's obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 678. In
our view, no Iraqi civilian or military aircraft should be returned to
Iraq unless authorized by the UN Security Council.
We have consistently made clear to the Iranians that the US is
prepared to improve bilateral relations with Iran and that we are
willing to engage in direct contacts with authoritative officials of
the government of Iran. However, we also have made it clear to the
Iranians that real improvement in our bilateral relationship depends
upon a cessation of Iranian support for terrorism and positive
Iranian action to free the hostages now held in Lebanon by groups
supported by Iran. We believe that Iran should not expect the
benefit of normal relations with the international community until
it acts responsibly on these key issues. We continue to maintain an
indirect dialogue with Iran through the Swiss, who serve as our
protecting power in Tehran. We also deal directly on legal and
financial matters at the Claims Tribunal in The Hague.
Hostages
In conclusion, let me say that in his conversations in the Middle
East, Secretary Baker underlined the need for movement on the
hostage issue. We continue to press the question and to look for
ways to secure their safe and quick release. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Secretary Baker's Remarks on Middle East Trip
Baker
Source: Secretary Baker
Description: Opening remarks from a news conference in Moscow
Date: Mar 16, 19913/16/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Subject: Mideast Peace Process
[TEXT]
The main purpose of this trip was to consult on ways to create a
different basis of peace and stability in the Middle East. We hoped
that there would be a positive response to our ideas. There was,
and we found a broad consensus on the four parts of our approach. We
found broad support for our ideas on security, a consensus that now
was the time to try and move on arms control and the peace process.
The Soviets were responsive, and I think that there is a basis for
us to continue to work together. I will be giving the President
additional briefings on my talks when we get back, having sent him
detailed reports each day as we go along. Now that we have broad
agreement on some of our concepts, we will begin to follow up on
specifics. In my opinion, we have laid a necessary foundation for
doing this and, while I think we have to recognize that we've got a
long ways to go, I am pleased that the foundation has jelled as
quickly as it has....(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: North American Free Trade Agreement
Date: Mar 25, 19913/25/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: North America
Country: Mexico, Canada, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, North America Free Trade
[TEXT]
On February 5, 1991, President Bush announced that the
governments of the United States, Canada, and Mexico are preparing
to negotiate a historic free trade and investment agreement. The
United States and Canada have a similar bilateral free trade
agreement (FTA), which was signed in 1988. The trilateral
negotiations will give us an opportunity to build upon the US-Canada
agreement. The proposed North American agreement would be a
catalyst for economic growth and development. The United States,
Canada, and Mexico would all obtain significant benefits from
increased trade, investment, and jobs. A North American free trade
area encompassing all three countries would constitute the world's
largest market, with annual production of $6 trillion and more than
360 million people.
Goals
The negotiations seek a broad agreement to eliminate restrictions
on the flow of goods, services, and investment among the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. US objectives include:
-- Reduction of tariffs to zero over a period of years (the
period is 10 years in the US-Canada FTA);
-- Elimination (as far as possible) of non-tariff barriers on
goods and services;
-- Ensuring an open investment climate; and
-- Full protection of intellectual property rights (patents,
copyrights, and trademarks).
Expanded Trade With Mexico
Mexico is our third largest trade partner with bilateral commerce
of $52 billion in 1989 and an estimated $59 billion in 1990. An FTA
would lead to expanded trade with Mexico and the creation of
additional jobs for US workers. It would give US exporters
unrestricted access to a Mexican market of 86 million people, which
may reach 100 million by the year 2000. Mexico purchases more
than two-thirds of its imports from the United States. Traditional
US competitive advantages-geographic, cultural , and historic
links-in this important market would be further enhanced by an FTA.
As the Mexican economy grows, a substantial part of the
increased income-as much as 15%-is spent on US goods and
services. Strong Mexican growth is expected because of President
Salinas' economic reforms. Mexico's middle class is increasing as a
percentage of the total population; this means more consumers for
American products.
The United States benefits from expanded trade. For each
additional $1 billion in real net exports, about 25,000 new US jobs
are created. About two-thirds of US economic growth in 1988 was
attributed to trade. Increased exports have helped the US economy
expand out of recessions.
Investment Opportunities in Mexico
The United States is the source for 65% ($25 billion) of foreign
direct investment in Mexico. Therefore, the US government has a
strong interest in encouraging favorable conditions for new and
expanded investments in Mexico. US firms investing there tend to
use US suppliers and US designing and managerial talent. Overall US
and Mexican competitiveness in international markets would be
enhanced by the opportunities offered by an FTA.
In May 1989, President Salinas expanded foreign ownership
(in many cases up to as much as 100%) in sectors accounting for
nearly two-thirds of Mexico's economic output. He also streamlined
the approval process for foreign investments. An FTA would further
enhance the investment climate facing US firms in Mexico.
An open trade and investment climate will foster further
partnerships and alliances in industrial agriculture and service
sectors. These partnerships can take advantage of the
complementary strengths of our two economies. The result will be
that we will both be more competitive against third country
competition in our own markets and abroad-and that translates into
more jobs and investment in the US, Canada, and Mexico alike.
US Foreign Policy Benefits
Mexico is a close neighbor and friend, and an FTA would strengthen
our good relationship. Mexico's example of market-oriented
economic reform is a significant role model for other developing
countries. It also is important as the cornerstone of a
comprehensive Western Hemisphere policy. A North American FTA
would give further substance to President Bush's long-range vision
of a hemisphere-wide free trade area.
North American Free Trade Agreement
Following is a joint statement issued by the United States, Canada,
and Mexico on February 5, 1991.
The President of the United States, George Bush; the President of
the United Mexican States, Carlos Salinas de Gortari; and the Prime
Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney, announced today their intention
to pursue a North American free trade agreement creating one of the
world's largest liberalized markets.
Following consultations among their ministers responsible for
international trade, the three leaders concluded that a North
American free trade agreement would foster sustained economic
growth through expanded trade and investment in a market
comprising over 360 million people and $6 trillion in output. In so
doing, the agreement would help all three countries meet the
economic challenges they will face over the next decade.
Accordingly, the three leaders have agreed that their trade
ministers should proceed as soon as possible, in accordance with
each country's domestic procedures, with trilateral negotiations
aimed at a comprehensive North American free trade agreement.
The goal would be to progressively eliminate obstacles to the flow
of goods and services and to investment, provide for the protection
of intellectual property rights, and establish a fair and expeditious
dispute settlement mechanism.
Steps Toward an FTA
June 1990. Presidents Bush and Salinas announce their
mutual goal of a comprehensive FTA.
August 1990. President Salinas formally requests
negotiations.
September 1990. The Canadian government formally requests
participation in the negotiations. President Bush notifies the US
Congress of US intent to enter into negotiations with Mexico. In the
same letter, he notifies the Congress of Canada's interest in
participating in the negotiations and US intent to consult
trilaterally about the prospect of Canadian participation.
(Following notification, the House Ways and Means and Senate
Finance Committees have 60 legislative days during
which they can disallow the use of "fast track" procedures. Under
these procedures, Congress can only approve without amendments or
reject the bill implementing an FTA.)
February 1991. President Bush notifies the US Congress of
US intent to enter into negotiations with Canada. Congress does not
deny fast track authority for negotiations with Mexico.
Spring 1991. Formal negotiations begin after the expiration
of the 60-day requirements and are expected to conclude in 1992.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: US-USSR Joint Statement on El Salvador
Tutwiler
Source: Statement; Department Spokesman Margaret
Tutwiler
Description: Washington, DC
Date: Mar 16, 19913/16/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Central America
Country: El Salvador, USSR (former), United States
Subject: International Law, Terrorism
[TEXT]
The US Department of State and the Soviet Foreign Ministry today
issued the following joint statement on El Salvador.
The negotiations which have taken place during the last
several months-under the mediation of the UN Secretary General
[Javier Perez de Cuellar]-between the government of El Salvador and
the FMLN [Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front], although not
yet successful in producing final comprehensive accords for
restoring peace to the country, nevertheless, offer hope that both
sides involved in the conflict recognize the uselessness of reliance
on military force and the necessity of searching for political means
to overcome the differences between them. Both the government
and the FMLN have narrowed their differences on important issues
defined by the Caracas and Geneva agreements.
The Foreign Minister and Secretary of State reiterated their
conviction that only through political means, worked out over the
negotiating table, will it be possible to reach mutually acceptable
decisions which would help resolve the crisis in El Salvador. They
reaffirmed their willingness to offer full assistance to support the
speedy achievement of a successful negotiation. They again
emphasized the importance of the UN Secretary General's mediation
efforts and affirmed their hope that the "friends of the Secretary
General" (Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia) can play an active
role in support of the negotiations.
The ministers noted especially, in this regard, the importance
of the Salvadoran legislative and municipal elections of March 10,
1991, for the normalization of conditions in that country and in
Central America, and noted the determination of the majority of
Salvadorans not to engage in violent activities during this period.
They expressed the hope that the elections, which have been held,
will accelerate the process of national reconciliation in El Salvador
and will strengthen those forces seeking to end the conflict through
negotiations.
The USSR and the United States called on both parties to
accelerate the process of negotiations. They noted the importance
of reaching political agreements leading to a cease-fire and
reaffirmed that a negotiated political settlement in El Salvador,
which respects the political rights and security of all Salvadorans,
also will contribute to progress in democratization, development,
and regional disarmament throughout Central America.
(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: The United States Enters The Global Community, 1895-1913
Date: Mar 25, 19913/25/91
Category: Features
Country: United States
Subject: History
[TEXT]
The following was prepared by the Offices of the Historian and of
Public Communication.
At the turn of the century, the unprecedented US involvement in
international affairs and the assumption of complex diplomatic
tasks around the world inaugurated a period of growth and change
for the Department of State and for the emergence of modern
diplomatic and consular services.
Under President William McKinley (1897-1900) and his
successors, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, the
United States played a leading role in the momentous international
developments that characterized the period from the turn of the
century to the eve of World War I. The Spanish-American War
freed Cuba from colonial rule in 1898, and the Treaty of Paris
(1900) which ended the conflict, left the United States with other
remnants of Spain's colonial empire, including Puerto Rico, the
Philippine Islands, and Guam.
At the end of the Spanish-American War, President McKinley
recalled John Hay, who was serving as American Ambassador in
London, to succeed William Day as Secretary of State. Secretary
Hay was the primary architect of America's new assertiveness in
international affairs. He directed-in close concert with McKinley's
successor, Theodore Roosevelt-the diplomatic arrangements for a
canal across Central America, culminating in the establishment of
an independent Panama and the creation of a Panama Canal Zone
under US control.
The construction of the canal demonstrated American
industrial might and its growing economic and political interest in
Central America and the Caribbean. In his annual message to
Congress in December 1904, Roosevelt enunciated his "corollary" to
the Monroe Doctrine, when he asserted the right and duty of the
United States to intervene in the affairs of other nations in the
hemisphere in order to assure the domestic stability essential for
their economic and political development. Roosevelt saw the United
States as the hemisphere's policeman, a policeman who "spoke
softly but carried a big stick."
Secretary Hay's personal leadership was even more apparent
in the expanding US role in the Far East. His "Open Door" policy in
China clearly signaled to other nations that the political and
economic future of China could not be decided without the full
participation of the United States. The US role in handling the
Boxer Rebellion in 1901 gave Hay an opportunity to enunciate
America's position against any dismemberment of China.
Hay's policies were carried on after his death in office by his
successor, Elihu Root. Root ably handled the new complex colonial
responsibilities of the United States and was notably successful in
defining and expanding inter-American friendship and mutual
respect. He was the first Secretary of State to travel to the area
and was a powerful promoter of the Pan-American Union.
This robust foreign policy was only one side of the growing
involvement of the United States in world affairs. The peaceful
settlement of disputes remained a fundamental principle of
American foreign affairs and received renewed emphasis in the
first years of the 20th century. Americans believed that their
spirit of justice and fair play could be an antidote to the dangerous
suspicions and rivalries of the Old World.
The United States played active roles in both the First and
Second Hague Peace Conferences (1900 and 1907) where diplomats
from many nations explored alternatives to war in the settlement
of disputes. Secretary Root campaigned for a permanent
international court to settle disputes, and Secretaries Hay and Root
worked to establish arbitration agreements with other nations.
The United States also participated in major international
efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts. President Roosevelt was
particularly successful in bringing Russian and Japanese
negotiators to peace talks in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the
summer of 1905, exerting his influence to end the war between the
two countries.
The Department Reorganizes
To meet the growing challenges of international diplomacy, it was
necessary to reform and reorganize the Department of State. By the
turn of the century, persistent complaints about the quality of
assistance abroad to American travelers and businesses led to
demands for the reform of the consular service. President McKinley
took the first step in 1895 by ordering written and oral
examinations for prospective appointees to most consular posts,
but significant reform did not begin until 1906 when merit was
firmly fixed as the criterion for promotion.
In 1909, under Secretary Philander Knox, the Department was
reorganized and four geographical divisions were established to
cover Latin America, the Far East, Western Europe, and the Near
East. Experienced diplomats were brought back from posts abroad
to direct these new divisions. This marked the beginning of the
policy of regularly rotating officers between overseas posts and
assignments in Washington, DC.
Reform of the diplomatic service itself also began to gain
momentum. Professionalization of the service was sought in order
to exempt recruitment, tenure, and promotion from political
control. Efforts were made to open the service to a wider
representation of persons with specialized skills.
Intrepid Consuls Abroad
In the absence of a full-fledged diplomatic service, consuls at the
turn of the century sometimes found themselves at the center of
major international hot spots. American consuls in Cuba in the
1890s reported on the deplorable conditions that led to the revolt
against Spanish rule, and the reporting of Consul General Fitzhugh
Lee was a key link in the chain of events that led to the dispatch of
the battleship Maine to Havana harbor. Oscar Williams, Consul at
Manila, cabled valuable military information on the situation in the
Philippines to Admiral Dewey and paved the way for the Admiral's
victory over the Spanish battle fleet in Manila Bay. And Willard
Straight, Vice Consul at Seoul, Korea, in 1905 and Consul General in
Mukden, Manchuria, until 1909, formulated a plan for a consortium
of international bankers to provide urgently needed loans to the
Chinese government that would allow it to resist dismemberment at
the hands of imperialist powers.
Key Events
1900: Treaty of Paris ending the Spanish-American War gave the US
Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, expanding US power in the
Pacific.
1901: Secretary Hay enunciates the Open Door policy of the United
States and warns other powers against dismembering China.
1903: Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty conveyed the Panama Canal zone to
the United States.
1904: President Theodore Roosevelt announces his corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine.
Secretaries of State, 1985-1913.
Richard Olney: 1895-97
John Sherman:1897-98
William Rufus Day: 1898
John Hay: 1898-1905
Elihu Root: 1905-09
Robert Bacon : 1909
Philander Chase Knox: 1909-13
(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 12, March 25, 1991
Title: Focus on Central and Eastern Europe
Date: Mar 25, 19913/25/91
Category: Focus on Emerging Democracies
Region: E/C Europe
Subject: Development/Relief Aid, Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Summary of Initiatives
White House Conference on Management Training and Market
Economics Education
The importance that the Bush Administration attaches to economic
development in Central and Eastern Europe was underscored again on
February 27, 1991: as US and coalition forces battled the Iraqi
army in the Gulf, President Bush attended a White House conference
seeking private-sector support for the education and training
needed to make the emerging Central and East European market
economies work. The President told the attendees:
"Historic events in Central and Eastern Europe-I called it the
Revolution of '89 and its aftermath-have, indeed, inspired us all.
These countries are committed to free societies and free-market
economies. And we have been strong supporters of economic reform
in Central and Eastern Europe through major bilateral commitments
and supportive stabilization programs, enterprise funds for the
private sectors of Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, and
improved trade and investment relations. . . . But Central and East
Europeans cry out for one thing that the federal government- our
federal government-alone certainly cannot offer, and that is private
investment and practical free-market expertise and involvement
from Americans. . . . Universities, businesses, foundations,
government- all have something to contribute."
More than 200 corporate executives, university presidents and
deans, philanthropists, and representatives from non-profit
organizations attended the conference. Also attending were
Yugoslav Vice President Pregl, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister
Pirinski, and ministers from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and
Romania.
As a result of the meeting, some business schools are now
offering scholarships for Central and East Europeans for a full
school year and for shorter advanced management courses.
International Media Fund
The International Media Fund, created in 1990, was the product of
Secretary Baker's call for a nongovernmental organization to foster
independent media in Central and Eastern Europe. Among other
projects, the fund draws on US media organizations and individual
journalists, editors, and others to help independent broadcasting
and print media in the Central and East European region.
In January, the Media Fund hosted a seminar held at the
Gannett Foundation. More than 25 US organizations were
represented. In many cases, news organizations can provide free
training, tuition, and room and board to Central and East Europeans
but lack funds for international travel.
For additional information about the International Media Fund,
call its Executive Director, Mr. Aurelius Fernandez, at 202-296-9787.
Central and East European Law Initiative
The American Bar Association's Central and East European Law
Initiative (CEELI) sent a delegation to Bulgaria January 28-February
1 to discuss that country's draft laws on judicial restructuring.
The discussions were co-sponsored by the Bulgarian Ministry of
Justice and included representatives from the Constitutional
Drafting Committee of the newly elected Grand National Assembly,
the Office of the President of Bulgaria, the Central Committee of
the Bulgarian Bar Association, the Union Lawyers of Bulgaria, and
the Ministry of Justice, plus faculty and students of Sofia
University, judges, and practicing lawyers and prosecutors.
The discussions provided the CEELI delegation with the
opportunity to address general concepts about instituting an
independent judiciary and to comment on the many provisions
contemplated in Bulgaria's new laws on the judiciary. The
discussions were so successful that CEELI was asked to send
another delegation in March to discuss separation of powers, with
special emphasis on the office of the president. CEELI also has been
asked to comment on drafts of the proposed constitution, a land-use
law, and legislation on commercial transactions, anti-trust, and
foreign investment.
A CEELI working group has reviewed Romania's draft
constitution and will go to Bucharest in March to discuss it. CEELI
is trying to include opposition and nongovernmental representatives
in CEELI projects in Romania.
CEELI conducted a workshop in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, on the
independence of the judiciary February 4-8. The workshop brought
together US, West European, and Yugoslav law experts, plus
observers from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. In an
unusual display of common Yugoslav interest, more than 35 judges,
law professors, lawyers, and government representatives came
from the national federation and each of Yugoslavia's six republics
and autonomous provinces to attend the workshop, which was
developed in cooperation with the Yugoslav Federal Ministry of
Justice and Slovenia's Ministry of Justice. A workshop report will
be published and distributed. It will summarize the discussions and
recommendations and will serve as the basis for follow-up
consultations.
A major objective of the Ljubljana and other CEELI workshops
is to expand the discussions beyond the issues and boundaries of the
host country. In the case of the Ljubljana workshop, the
experiences and insights of the observers from other Central and
East European countries contributed to the discussions. Moreover,
Dr. Jan Pelikan, a Czechoslovakian Supreme Court justice, brought
his country's draft law on judicial restructuring for review by the
CEELI delegation.
A CEELI workshop addressing issues affecting local
governments and municipalities is scheduled for April in Poland.
For additional information, call CEELI's Executive Director,
Mark Ellis, at 202-331-2619 (fax: 202-457-1163).
International Book Bank Opens
The International Book Bank, which provides a computerized
clearinghouse for donated books for Central and Eastern Europe and
elsewhere, officially opened its doors in Baltimore, Maryland, on
February 28. First Lady Barbara Bush helped celebrate the opening.
For more information about the bank, call 301-633-2929.
National Forum Foundation
Fifteen young professionals from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and
Poland are taking part in a January-April internship sponsored by
the National Forum Foundation and partly funded by a grant from the
US Information Agency (USIA). The 15 are leaders in the fields of
business, law, politics, and the media. This is the fourth such group
sponsored by the National Forum Foundation.
Teaching English
In February, USIA's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
approved a $218,042 grant to the Center for Applied Linguistics to
provide for the recruitment, placement, and support of 40 English-
as-a-foreign-language fellows. The fellows will be placed in
universities and pedagogical institutions in the six Central and East
European countries in consultation with local education officials.
Their assignments will be for 1 year.
Private-Sector Initiatives
The Citizens Democracy Corps is a national non-profit organization
that encourages cooperation between US citizens and organizations
and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Soviet
Union. Its December newsletter contained the following examples
of private-sector initiatives:
Agriculture
. Three residents of Mackay, Idaho,
decided to renovate horse- and tractor-drawn potato planters and
harvesters that were no longer being used in Idaho and donate them
to Poland. High school students renovated the equipment in their
high school shop. With the help of the Morrison Knudson Company,
the Polish-American Congress, and a Polish steamship line, four
planters were shipped to Poland last spring in time for the planting
season.
For more information, contact Ms. Kristen Thompson,
President, Idaho Poland Project, Inc., P.O. Box 146, Mackay, ID 83251
(tel: 208-343-2454).
Law Books
. Robert Bradspies of California found
out that law books were needed in Central and Eastern Europe. He
and volunteers then contacted more than 660 law firms, publishers,
and libraries for contributions of books. The first planeload of
books was delivered to Prague, Czechoslovakia, last November-just
in time for the first in a series of legal seminars being held there
by the American Bar Association's Central and East European Law
Initiative. The books were used as reference materials for the
seminar.
For additional information, contact Robert Bradspies, Chief
Operating Officer, Project Booklift, POB 25925, Los Angeles, CA
91025 (tel: 213-216-1108) or Mark Ellis, American Bar
Association, Suite 450 South, 1800
M St., NW, Washington, DC 20036-5886 (tel: 202-331-2619).
Bulgaria
Book Program Successful. USIA reached agreement in February with
three Bulgarian publishers to translate and print eight titles in
1991. As many as 15 additional publishing agreements could be
concluded by the end of September, bringing the projected total of
books in production under this Bulgarian program to 23. The titles
selected emphasize entrepreneurship, market economics, and
democratic theory.
Czechoslovakia
Fulbright Commission Established. A cultural agreement between
the United States and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic was
signed on January 14, marking the establishment of the second
Fulbright Commission in Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary was
the first).
Independent Media. Thanks to a USIA/TV-donated satellite antenna,
an independent Czech station is now broadcasting a wide range of
USIA/TV-produced and -acquired programs.
Hungary
Center for Parliamentary Management. Since its official
inauguration last fall, the US government-supported Center for
Parliamentary Management in Budapest has conducted training,
provided information, and reached out to involve Hungarians in
activities that support the parliament. The center is off to a good
start and complements Rep. Martin Frost's (D-Texas) task force on
assistance to the democratically elected parliaments of Central and
Eastern Europe.
Small-Business Development
. When the Hungarian
Foundation for Small-Enterprise Economic Development was founded
more than a year ago, no foreign organization was willing to support
it. USIA then stepped in to offer a support package that included a
long-term academic specialist grant, a one-country international-
visitor program, and, under the Fulbright program, an Alexander
Hamilton lecturer on entrepreneurship. Today, the fledgling
foundation is Hungary's premier institution in small-business
development.
Poland
Union Pacific Helps. Union Pacific Railroad was one of the first US
companies to offer private aid to the new democracies of Central
and Eastern Europe. A three-member Union Pacific team visited
Warsaw in December to advise the Ministry of Transportation on key
transportation, technology, and distribution issues.
Krakow and Rochester Are Sister Cities
. As the
Sister City relationship grows between Krakow and Rochester, New
York, Rochester has provided medical and technical assistance,
hosted an intern from Krakow, and invited Krakow to plan a program
of additional municipal cooperation.
For information about starting a Sister Cities program, call the
national office of Sister Cities International at 703-836-3535.
Romania
Western Assistance. The 24 Western industrialized countries
called the Group of 24 agreed in January to bring Romania into the
economic aid program that helps Central and East European
countries. On January 31, the Department of State's press
spokesman made the following statement:
In recent weeks, a consensus emerged among the G-24 in favor of
permitting economic assistance for Romania. The US notes that
Romania has made progress on G-24 eligibility criteria. We,
therefore, did not object to the G-24 consensus. We still have
concerns about developments in Romania, including
democratization, independent media, and treatment of minorities.
We continue to encourage Romania to work toward creation of a
democratic system with full protection for civil and human rights,
and a market economy. In this fiscal year, the US will provide
Romania technical assistance to suppport democratic institutions
and organizations, protection of human rights and the rule of law,
and independent media, as well as humanitarian food aid and
assistance to Romanian children.
World Vision Helps Orphans
In response to the
severe health-service crisis and training needs in Romania, the
Romanian government in 1990 invited World Vision to develop the
Romanian Orphans' Social and Educational Services (ROSES) Project.
This project, which is only one component of World Vision's overall
Romanian focus, provides direct professional care for up to 15,000
orphans via teams of child-development specialists and counseling,
training, and assistance to Romanian professionals,
paraprofessionals, and volunteers.
The interrelated disciplines involved are development
pediatrics, occupational therapy, pediatric nursing, speech
pathology, physical therapy, child psychology, early childhood
education, and social work.
World Vision is currently operational in five of nine targeted
locations and expects to become operational in the other four by
this summer. Twenty of the 28 specialized medical positions have
been filled with people from Austria, Australia, Canada,
Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The
remaining eight positions will be filled as the final four project
locations become operational.
The ROSES grant budget totals $1,356,920, of which World
Vision will receive $608,000 from the US Agency for International
Development during fiscal years 1991-92. World Vision estimates
that it also will receive an additional $4 million in donations.
To volunteer, to donate money or goods, or to obtain additional
information, call or write World Vision, 919 West Huntington Drive,
Monrovia, California 91016 (telephone: CA: 818-357-7979;
Washington, DC: 202-547-3743).
Romanians Learning English
. A USIA book exhibit in
Bucharest that offered English-language study materials for sale in
Romanian currency drew such big crowds that hundreds of people
had to be turned away each day. Meanwhile, USIA's library in
Bucharest continues to draw huge crowds and set a new attendance
record of more than 9,300 patrons during a recent week.
Articles Welcome
If your organization wants to publicize its activities in Central and
Eastern Europe, seek more volunteers or donations, or suggest ways
that US individuals and businesses can help the new democracies,
please send short articles (maximum length two 8"x11" pages single
spaced) to Tony Allitto, PA/PC - Room 6808, US Department of
State, Washington, DC 20520-6810 (fax: 202-647-6738). (###)