US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: The State Department: On the Front Lines of US Interests
Abroad
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Remarks to Department of State employees, Washington,
DC
Date: Mar 27, 19913/27/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Subject: State Department, Democratization
[TEXT]
Thank you all very much for that warm reception. I really wanted to
come over here, and I really wanted to say thank you, and I wanted
to address our foreign policy professionals and all those who
support them. You are, indeed, the men and women on the front lines
of American interests, both in war and in peace. And this recent
situation [Gulf crisis] was no exception.
Dwight Eisenhower once marveled at freedom's power to
assemble "lightness against the dark." Well, I think that all of you
showed that rather eloquently in this Gulf situation, indeed, in our
victory in the Persian Gulf. You acted for right, against wrong.
I don't know how each and every person here was motivated,
but for me, very early on it became a clear choice of good versus
evil, of right versus wrong. And when that happens it makes it
easier to make some of the decisions.
You spoke here, various officers, for dignity against
oppression. And I salute you--I salute you on behalf of every
American and all the freedom-loving peoples of the world.
We do stand for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and no
one tried harder to resolve the Gulf conflict peacefully than our
Secretary of State Jim Baker and the entire State Department.
You know, from August 1990 to January 15 of 1991--166
days--you conducted non-stop discussions in the hopes of reversing
aggression, in the hopes of this peaceful settlement. Secretary of
State Baker had more than 200 meetings with foreign dignitaries;
10 diplomatic missions; 6 congressional appearances. [The Bureau
of] International Organizations and [US Ambassador to the UN] Tom
Pickering, operating up in New York, put into effect--helped put into
effect--12 UN resolutions. And over 103,000 miles traveled, on the
Secretary's part, to talk with members of the UN, the Arab League,
and the European Community.
Every American staff [member], every consulate, every bureau,
and every department here and abroad facilitated these missions.
The American people will always remember the courage of Embassy
Baghdad and Embassy Kuwait. You were called upon, those that
served there, to do your duty, and you did so.
You worked closely with our allies, this department did--an
extraordinary coalition. I really believe that when history writes
the final chapter on all of this, this coalition-- some might say
disparate coalition--is going to be one of the highlights of what
happened in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Indeed, I think all of your work inspired the American people.
And you brought new respect, frankly--and deserved respect, in my
view--to men and women for whom diplomacy is not merely a
profession but a mission.
During all of this, I recall several important meetings at the
White House where I drew on the experience of, among others,
Assistant Secretary [for Near East and South Asian Affairs John H.]
Kelly, Ambassador [to Iraq April] Glaspie; [I] met also with the
returning officers from Embassy Kuwait and Embassy [Baghdad]--
Ambassador [Nathaniel] Howell and Mr. [Joseph] Wilson [charg„] later
on; and so many others that just did a wonderful job.
That mission, your mission, of course, deals with the entire
world, not only the Middle East. It's a mission you carried out even
as war raged in the Persian Gulf. We forget that at a time all of
this was going on, just by way of example, there were some very
harrowing problems still remaining, I might add, in Liberia. And you
look at other trouble spots in the world and things were going on,
and those officers and those supporters of the missions there get
very little credit for that.
But you kept the foreign policy moving forward. You put out
the fires, and you did a great job, even though not as much in the
focus as those embassies in Kuwait and Baghdad.
So you are dealing with the entire world. It went on, all that
important work went on, even as war raged in the Persian Gulf. And
then you--along with the finest soldiers and sailors and airmen and
Marines and Coast Guardsmen that any nation has ever known--
helped light the lamp of liberty. Now, I'd like to see us use that, and
I know many here are already actively involved in this, in
illuminating a new world order.
I know that your jobs often are not comfortable or safe. The
scroll--there's a scroll outside that I've seen that tells the tale.
Far too many Foreign Service officers have made the supreme
sacrifice for this nation and the values it holds dear. And every day
you guard this nation's freedom.
In coming weeks, we'll be working together to shape this
order--and in trying to bring peace, lasting peace, to the Middle
East and every corner of the globe. We're talking about Lebanon;
we're talking about the Palestine- Israel situation; we're talking
about security and stability in the Gulf itself. And our efforts are
going to be critical to the solution of the problems in those three
areas and so many others.
But for now, let me simply leave you with a word of thanks,
I'd say, on behalf of the entire coalition--and in memory of those
who gave what Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of
devotion."
So thank you all very, very much. I am very proud of you. I
expect there are some times you wonder whether we know you exist
way over 4 or 5 blocks away at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And
there are probably some times you wish we didn't know you existed.
You can interpret that any way you want.
But I've had the privilege since 1971, when I was the
permanent representative of the United States to the United
Nations, to work closely with many people, some--many--of whom
are here today. Not so many old guys left, but quite a few. And it's
been a joy, and it's been an honor, and I support you. I just came
over to say thanks. Thank you very much. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: GATT and the Uruguay Round
Date: Apr 1, 19914/1/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Since the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was
established in 1947, a vastly more complex trading system has
evolved. Now more than one-third (about $1 trillion) of world trade
is inadequately covered by international trade rules. In 1986, the
eighth round of GATT was launched in Uruguay as the most
ambitious trade negotiations ever. More than 100 countries
currently participate in talks which aim to strengthen and expand
the global trading system. Unlike previous GATT rounds, developing
countries play an active role in every aspect of the negotiations.
The US government led the call for the far-reaching agenda of
the Uruguay Round. Congress established US negotiating objectives
for the Uruguay Round in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness
Act of August 1988. Trade issues include the opening of world
markets and establishment of international rules of fair play in
areas vital to US competitiveness--services, investment,
agriculture, and intellectual property.
The negotiations comprise four categories:
-- Market access (tariffs and non-tariff measures, natural
resource based products, tropical products, and textiles);
-- New areas of services, trade-related intellectual property
rights, and trade-related investment measures;
-- Agriculture; and
-- GATT rules (dispute settlement, safeguards, balance-of-
payments reform, and the non-tariff measure codes, including
subsidies and anti-dumping).
Unlike previous GATT negotiating rounds, developing countries
are active participants in every aspect of the negotiations.
US Objectives
The Administration is committed to ensuring that the Uruguay
Round results in agreements that truly meet US objectives. This
resolve was demonstrated at Brussels in December 1990 when the
United States and other nations decided that it was better to end
the ministerial meeting without result rather than to lower
ambitions and accept minimal Uruguay Round agreements. The
negotiations formally resumed in all areas on February 26, 1991,
when a framework to negotiate agricultural reform was reached.
The pace of the negotiations will depend on how quickly an
agreement on agriculture is reached.
The United States will not accept an inadequate agreement
and will continue to negotiate to obtain a satisfactory result since
a successful Uruguay Round would bring substantial benefits to the
United States and other countries.
Benefits to the US Economy
Since the Uruguay Round was launched in 1986, export expansion has
been responsible for 40% of total growth in US GNP. In 1990, export
growth accounted for 88% of US GNP growth. An open multilateral
trading system is the best guarantee that expansion of these export
opportunities continues into the next century, and the Uruguay
Round is the most important initiative to expand them.
Specifically, a successful Uruguay Round would bring such benefits
to the US economy as:
-- Lower tariff and non-tariff barriers to manufactured
products and other goods, which could increase world output by $5
trillion, and US output by more than $1 trillion over the next 10
years--equivalent to an additional $16,000 for every American
family of four;
-- Rules to protect the intellectual property of US
entrepreneurs, who lose $60 billion annually through the theft and
counterfeiting of their ideas;
-- New markets for US services firms, which export $115
billion annually and generate 90% of new US jobs;
-- An agreement opening world markets to investment, which
helps generate $240 billion, or two-thirds of total US exports in
goods;
-- Fair competition and open markets in agriculture, creating
new opportunities for American farmers, who lead the world with
more than $40 billion in annual exports;
-- The full participation of developing countries in the global
trading system, which could increase US exports by $200 billion
over the next 10 years; and
-- Strengthened rules on dispute settlement, anti-dumping,
subsidies, and trade remedy provisions that should provide
predictability and certainty in access to foreign markets and to
ensure fair trade at home.
Failure to extend fast-track authority will end the Uruguay
Round negotiations and increase worldwide pressures to raise trade
and investment barriers. A sufficiently sharp movement away from
open markets could contribute to a global recession, as it did in the
1930s.
Although the ultimate outcome of the Uruguay Round cannot be
guaranteed, continued negotiations may lead to a successful round,
which is overwhelmingly in the United States' long-term economic
interest. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: Export Growth and Fast-Track
Date: Jan 7, 19911/7/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: North America
Country: Mexico, Canada, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Export expansion has been a vital source of economic growth for the
US economy in recent years. Since 1986, US merchandise exports
have expanded by nearly 75%, rising from $246 billion in 1986
(constant 1982 dollars) to $424 billion in 1990. This $178 billion
expansion in exports accounted for more than 40% of the 4-year
growth in US GNP. In 1990, merchandise exports expanded by 8.6%
($33 billion) and accounted for 88% of US GNP.
Export growth boosts the economy by spurring investment in
the manufacturing and other export sectors. While the economy
expanded by only 0.9% last year, investment in producers' durable
equipment rose nearly three times faster (2.4%) than the rate of
economic growth, stimulated in part by export expansion.
Such expansion should help moderate the current economic
downturn and hasten the recovery. The current outlook for a
relatively short, shallow recession hinges in part on sustained
export growth. To add one percentage point to GNP growth, US
exports of goods and services only need to grow by 6.6% this year.
Last year, goods and services exports grew by 6.2%.
This year's export outlook is good since moderation of the
dollar exchange rate over the last year has increased the price
competitiveness of US goods and services in many foreign markets;
demand growth is expected to be stronger abroad than at home in
the period ahead; and American firms and workers in the export
sector have enhanced their international competitiveness in recent
years. Manufactured exports have grown extremely rapidly since
1986, and manufacturing as a share of US GNP (in constant dollars)
reached a post-World War II record high of 23% in 1988 (the most
recent data).
During the 1980s, US efforts to resist the imposition of new
barriers against American producers and to further open foreign
markets to US exports have created a favorable overseas
environment for US export expansion.
Export Growth Vital to Economic Expansion
From a 1987 peak of $152 billion, the US merchandise trade deficit
fell to $101 billion last year. The trade deficit is likely to continue
to decline as the federal budget deficit is reduced and domestic
saving strengthened. These adjustments at home and abroad not
only should lower the US trade deficit but also sustain the potential
for strong US export expansion. To do so, the United States must be
in a position to successfully complete the Uruguay Round and to
negotiate freer trade for the Western Hemisphere. Strong export
growth will be vital if the reduction of the trade deficit is to take
place in the context of healthy US economic expansion.
It is estimated that a successful completion of the Uruguay
Round could increase US GNP by as much as $1.1 trillion over 10
years (1989 purchasing power). That translates into an average
income gain of $16,000 for a family of four over the same period.
Fast-Track--Key to Continued Growth
The current economic environment is generally favorable to US
export expansion but failure to renew fast-track authority would be
the death knell for Administration efforts to successfully complete
the Uruguay Round and to negotiate a North American Free Trade
Agreement with Mexico and Canada. Under fast-track procedures,
Congress can only approve without amendments or reject the bill
implementing the free-trade agreement. US export potential would
suffer if the Administration cannot negotiate broad foreign-
market-opening agreements.
A failure of the Uruguay Round might lead to increased
pressure to raise trade and investment barriers around the world.
Just as falling barriers over the last four decades have stimulated
growth in trade and living standards, increasing barriers could
reduce trade and economic growth. A sufficiently sharp movement
away from open markets could contribute to a global recession.
(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: Country Profile: Namibia
Date: Apr 1, 19914/1/91
Category: Country Data
Region: Subsaharan Africa
Country: Namibia
Subject: History, Trade/Economics,
International Organizations
[TEXT]
Official Name: Republic of Namibia
Geography
Area: 823,145 sq. km. (320,827 sq. mi.); the size of Texas and
Louisiana combined.
Cities: Capital--Windhoek (pop. 160,000, est. 1990). Other cities--
Tsumeb, Keetmanshoop, Oranjemund, Otjiwarongo, Luderitz, Swakopmund.
Terrain: Varies from coastal desert to semiarid mountains and plateau.
Climate: Subtropical.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Namibian(s).
Population (1990 est.): 1.5 million.
Annual growth rate (1990 est.): 3%.
Ethnic groups: Black 87%; white 6%; mixed race 7%.
Religions: Predominantly Christian; also indigenous beliefs.
Languages: English is the official language of Namibia; Afrikaans,
German, and various indigenous dialects also are spoken.
Education: Years compulsory--to age 16. Attendance--(1983)
whites, nearly 100%; others, 16%. Literacy--whites (1989), nearly
100%; others, 30%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--
72/1,000. Life expectancy--57 yrs. male; 62 yrs. female.
Work force (est. 200,000 in 1990): Agriculture, forestry, and
fishing--20%. Community services--19%. Mining--5%. Government--
21%. Manufacturing--5%. Construction--5%. Transportation,
communications, and utilities--5%. Commerce and finance--18%.
Government
Type: Republic as of March 21, 1990.
Branches: Executive--president (elected for a 5-year term).
Legislative--National Assembly (72 members); a second house, the
National Council, will be established within the first 5 years of
independence.
Judicial--Supreme Court, the High Court, and lower courts.
Subdivisions: 14 administrative regions.
Major political parties: South West Africa People's Organization
(SWAPO), Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), United Democratic
Front of Namibia (UDF), and Action Christian National (ACN).
Suffrage: Universal adult.
Central government budget: $1 billion.
Flag: Rectangular with a diagonal red band in middle; upper left zone
is blue with gold sun with 12 straight rays; lower zone is green.
Economy
GDP (1989): $2 billion.
Annual growth rate: 2%.
Per capita GDP: $1,400.
Natural resources: Diamonds, copper, uranium, lead, tin, zinc, salt,
vanadium, fisheries, and wildlife.
Agriculture (11% of GDP in 1989): Products--beef, karakul (sheep)
pelts, wool, other meat, fish.
Mining: 29% of GDP in 1989; manufacturing, mainly food processing (5%).
Trade: Exports (1989)--$1 billion: diamonds, copper, lead, uranium,
beef, cattle, fish, karakul pelts. Imports (1989)--$900 million:
foodstuffs, construction material, manufactured goods. Major
partners--South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Germany, UK, US.
Fiscal year: April 1-March 31. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: US Expands Orderly Departure for Vietnamese Refugees
Date: Apr 1, 19914/1/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Vietnam
Subject: Refugees
[TEXT]
On April 1, 1991, the United States will implement an expansion of
the Orderly Departure Program (ODP) for refugees and immigrants
from Vietnam. US officials will be stepping up monthly interviews
from 7,500 to 10,000. During the summer, monthly departures will
increase from 6,000 to 8,000 persons.
This will speed the processing of pending cases and promote
legal emigration as a safe and predictable alternative to boat
departures, which remain a highly uncertain and dangerous route to
possible resettlement. Boat people who survive perils at sea, such
as sinking and pirates, are confined in restrictive camps for
indefinite periods awaiting screening decisions as to their claims
to refugee status. Those found not to be bona fide refugees will not
be resettled.
Background
The ODP affords the Vietnamese a safe and legal means of leaving
their country for resettlement. The program comprises three
groups: Vietnamese immigrants and public interest parolees,
refugees, and Amerasian immigrants. The United States is the
largest participant in the ODP, resettling more than two-thirds of
all applicants within its borders. In fiscal year 1990, the figure
was more than 45,000.
Goals of US Expansion
The ODP expansion is expected to:
-- Clear the present backlog of current immigrant visa cases
by the end of 1991 and reduce the time it takes for eligible
applicants to be interviewed and sent on their way;
-- Accelerate the resettlement of former reeducation
detainees;
-- Complete Amerasian interviews by mid-1992; and
-- Give applicants a clear sense of how soon ODP will
consider their cases.
The goal of 10,000 persons a month will nearly double the
rate of 1 year ago. The increase is possible because the large
immigrant caseload will allow us to use both annual immigration
numbers and refugee admission ceilings.
Acceleration by US Agencies
The Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) have contributed to the acceleration by clarifying our
policies, procedures, and interagency relationships in the ODP.
Priorities have been clarified and ODP has been separated into two
distinct tracks:
-- An immigration track for those seeking to be reunited with
relatives already resettled in the United States; and
-- A refugee track for those who suffered persecution
because of close association with the US in Vietnam prior to 1975.
Vietnamese Cooperation
The Vietnamese, particularly during the past year, have cooperated
in facilitating interviews and granting exit permission. This
cooperation must continue for ODP expansion to succeed.
Vietnamese Immigrants and Parolees
By the end of 1991, the United States intends to interview all
25,000 current immigrant visa petition beneficiaries who are on
Vietnamese family reunification lists received through August
1990. In addition, it will interview those not yet received but on
the Vietnamese lists by the end of 1992. It will continue to
interview non-current immigrant visa applicants as well--if they
are unmarried and part of an immediate family that also includes at
least one current visa beneficiary. Provided the applicants are
otherwise admissible, INS will offer public interest parole to these
individuals, who are primarily adult siblings of US citizens applying
with their parents.
Refugees
INS will continue to interview former political prisoners for
refugee status in accordance with the US-Vietnamese Special
Released Reeducation Center Detainees Resettlement Program and
Technical Annex. Refugee interviews will also be granted to former
US government employees in Vietnam, with priority given to those
with 5 years or more of service. Spouses and minor children of
refugees in the US will continue to be processed as refugees. On an
exceptional basis, refugee interviews will also be granted in other
compelling cases.
Amerasian Immigrants
Amerasian immigrants will continue to be processed and receive
refugee benefits in accordance with the "Amerasian Homecoming"
amendment. Additional family members not eligible under the
legislation will await normal current immigrant visa processing,
except in cases of dependency such as physical or mental
impairment where the remaining family members would be unable
to support themselves. Under recent amendments to the legislation,
married Amerasians may now be accompanied by their mothers,
stepfathers, and half-siblings under age 21, in addition to their
spouses and children. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: Country Profile: Vietnam
Date: Apr 1, 19914/1/91
Category: Country Data
Region: East Asia
Country: Vietnam
Subject: History, Trade/Economics,
International Organizations
[TEXT]
Official Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Geography
Area: 329,700 sq. km. (127,330 sq. mi.); larger than Virginia, North
Carolina, and South Carolina combined.
Cities: Capital--Hanoi (3 million); Other cities--Ho Chi Minh City
(formerly Saigon) (4 million); Haiphong (1.5 million).
Terrain: Varies from mountainous to coastal delta.
Climate: tropical monsoon.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Vietnamese (sing. and pl.).
Population (1989 census): 64 million.
Annual growth rate (1989 census): 2%. Ethnic groups: Vietnamese
(85%-90%), Chinese, Muong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, mountain groups.
Religions: Buddhism, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (Roman Catholic
and Protestant), animism, Islam.
Languages: Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, Khmer, mountain
area languages.
Literacy (1989): 80%.
Health (1989): Birth rate--33/1000. Infant mortality rate--
51/1000. Life expectancy--62 yrs. male, 66 yrs. female.
Government
Type: Communist people's republic. Independence: Sept. 2, 1945.
Reunification: July 2, 1976.
Constitution: Dec. 18, 1980.
Branches: Executive--Council of Ministers; State Council
(Collective Chief of State); "People's Committees" governing in
local jurisdictions. Legislative--National Assembly; locally,
people's councils. Judicial--Supreme People's Court.
Administrative subdivisions: 40 provinces, 3 municipalities under
central government control, one special zone.
Political party: Vietnamese Communist Party, formerly (1951-76)
Vietnam Worker's Party, itself the successor of the Indochinese
Communist Party founded in 1930.
Suffrage: Universal over 18.
Central government budget: Revenues $3 billion; expenditures $4
billion, including $500 million in capital expenditures (1987).
Defense: Current figures not available; 45% of central government
budget (1987 est.).
Flag: Red with large yellow star centered.
Economy
GDP: $14 billion (1988).
Real growth rate: 6% (1988).
Per capita income: $200 (1987).
Inflation rate: 75% (1989 est.).
Natural resources: Phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate,
offshore oil deposits, forests, rubber, marine products.
Agriculture (40% of GDP; 38% of export earnings): Products--rice,
rubber, fruit, vegetables, corn, manioc, sugar cane, coffee, fish.
Cultivated land--less than 7 million hectares per year. Land use--
30% arable; 60% forest and woodland; 10% other.
Industry (27% of GDP; 34% of total exports): Food processing,
textiles, cement, chemical fertilizers, steel, and electric power.
Trade (1988): Exports--$880 million: primarily agricultural and
handicraft products, seafood, rubber, wood flooring, coffee, coal.
Major partners--USSR (60%). Eastern Europe, Japan, France,
Singapore, Hong Kong. Imports--$2 billion: petroleum, steel
products, transport-related equipment, chemicals, fertilizers,
medicines, raw cotton. Major partners--USSR (74%), Eastern
Europe, Japan.
Fiscal year: Calendar year.
Membership in International Organizations
UN and some of its specialized agencies--Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD), International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), UN Development Program
(UNDP), UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO), International Maritime
Organization (IMO), World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO)--Asian Development Bank (ADB), Colombo Plan, Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, INTELSAT, Mekong
Committee, Nonaligned Movement.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: Women and US Foreign Policy
Date: Apr 1, 19914/1/91
Category: Features
Region: North America
Country: United States
Subject: Human Rights, State Department,
Democratization
[TEXT]
"It is important for women to be a part of the foreign policy
process. . . but there is not a 'women's agenda'. . . we can only
succeed if women do not let themselves be diverted from the
mainstream issues."
Those are the views of Deputy Assistant Secretary for
European and Canadian Affairs, Avis T. Bohlen, who spoke at a State
Department briefing marking Women's History Month. Ms. Bohlen is
responsible for managing America's complex political, economic,
and military relationship with NATO. At one time, she was the only
American woman to hold a key position in the arms control field.
Former Assistant Secretary for European and Canadian Affairs,
Rozanne Ridgway, decried the practice of encouraging women to
focus on "women's issues," such as population control and human
rights. Ambassador Ridgway, who is now president of the Atlantic
Council, said that it is important for women like Deputy Assistant
Secretary Bohlen to take charge of the "central issues of war and
peace, arms and armies."
Ms. Bohlen and Ambassador Ridgway were among several
speakers to brief about 300 women from around the country who
attended a series of briefings sponsored by the Department's
Bureau of Public Affairs in March.
Women Leaders Challenge Traditional Roles
"There is a heightened awareness of what the State Department
deals with on a daily basis," said Martha Farmar, National Director
of the Foundation for Women Resources which sponsored more than
100 women in a "Leadership America" forum briefing on March 4.
"Women have a tremendously wide sphere of influence," she said;
"For them to be able to go back to their constituents and cite a
State Department briefing not only empowers the women but
enables them to share the latest information where it will count
the most."
For participant Linda Chezem, an Indiana Court of Appeals
judge, women's input into US foreign affairs can help counter the
status quo. "Male-dominated policy-making typically doesn't have a
firm focus on women," said Chezem, who has studied emerging legal
systems in the Third World and Eastern Europe. She added, "The
more people are informed about the foreign policy agenda, the more
support officials have to make good foreign policy. In the end, we
all benefit."
First-hand knowledge of foreign cultures and traditions also
can be put to good use in policy-making, helping
to abolish stereotypes. Margarita Colmenares, National President of
the Hispanic Society of Professional Engineers, was interested in
the proposed North American Free Trade Agreement and other issues
concerning Central and South America. "As Hispanics, we have a
unique expertise and knowledge," she said. "I believe there's a gut
feeling on both sides that the agreement is a really necessary step
if we are to compete in the world community--whether we like it
or not."
The March briefings were held off-the-record to promote a
frank exchange between participants and officials. For Phyllis
Davis-Williams, president of her own rehabilitation service for the
disabled in Michigan, the frank dialogue on foreign affairs was an
"eye opener." "It made me stop and focus on foreign policy's impact
on domestic life," she said. "The fact is, the world is getting
smaller." Ms. Davis-Williams said she would use knowledge gleaned
from the briefings to interpret foreign affairs in educational and
community forums back home.
Role in Mainstream Issues
Deputy Assistant Secretary Bohlen and Ambassador Ridgway briefed
about 100 women at the Department on March 15 in a session co-
sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
They cautioned against reading too much into their own professional
successes, noting
that women continue to be under-represented in the senior foreign
policy ranks.
However, Ms. Bohlen said the "good news" is that the US
government is "way out in front" in promoting the interests of
American women. "We set an example to the rest of the world," she
said; "I feel very proud of that when I go abroad."
Women now comprise almost 50% of incoming Foreign Service
classes, which average about 150 people. By comparison, in
Ambassador Ridgway's 1957 entering class, there were only 6
women--and Ms. Ridgway was the only one who enjoyed a full
career. Ambassador Ridgway concluded that women in the Foreign
Service can "make an enormous contribution to creating the kind of
international environment in which we can all pursue prosperity,
ideas, and knowledge." -- by Deborah Guido O'Grady, Dispatch
Staff
Public Outreach Services
An array of organizations representing the American political
spectrum regularly engage Department foreign policy-makers in
Washington and at events around the country.
"Briefings are an important communications link between the
Department and American opinion leaders," explains Carol Lancaster
Milano, Director of the Office of Public Liaison. She and her 22-
member staff coordinate more than 1,200 events --briefings,
conferences, and speaking trips--every year.
Ms. Milano stresses, however, that "you don't have to belong
to an organization to express a view on foreign policy." She
encourages the public to call or write the Public Information
Service at 202-647-6575, Room 5819, US Department of State,
Washington, DC 20520-6810. Organizations wishing to explore options
for State Department events should contact the Public Liaison Office
for Washington Programs at 202-647-1710 or for Regional Programs at
202-647-2176. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 13, April 1, 1991
Title: Country Profile: Netherlands
Date: Apr 1, 19914/1/91
Category: Country Data
Region: Europe
Country: Netherlands
Subject: History, International Organizations,
Trade/Economics, Democratization, Military Affairs
[TEXT]
OFFICIAL NAME: REPUBLIC OF NETHERLANDS
Geography
Area: 41,473 sq. km. (16,464 sq. mi.). Cities: Capital-- Amsterdam
(pop. 687,450). Others--The Hague, seat of government, (pop.
449,350); Rotterdam, principal port (pop. 558,850); Utrecht (pop.
231,750).
Terrain: Coastal lowland.
Climate: Northern maritime.
People
Nationality: Noun--Dutchmen and Dutchwomen. Adjective--Dutch.
Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Dutch; largest minority communities
are Moroccans, Turks, Surinamese, and Indonesians.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, nonaffiliated, and other.
Language: Dutch.
Education: Years compulsory--10. Attendance--nearly 100%.
Literacy--98%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--6/1,000. Life expectancy--76 yrs.
(males, 73 yrs.; females, 79 yrs.).
Work force (1985): 6 million. Agriculture--1.4%. Trade--17%.
Industry--30%. Services--45%.
Government
Type: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch.
Constitution: 1814 and 1848.
Branches: Executive--monarch (chief of state), prime minister
(head of government), Cabinet. Legislative--bicameral parliament
(First and Second Chambers). Judicial--Supreme Court.
Subdivisions: 12 provinces.
Political parties: Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Labor Party
(PvdA), Liberal Party (VVD), Democrats '66 (D'66), other minor
parties.
Suffrage: Universal over 18.
Defense (1989): 3% of GNP.
Flag: Three horizontal stripes: red, white, and blue.
Economy
GNP (1989): $224 billion.
GNP per capita (1988): $15,000.
Per Capita Income (1989): $13,424; 1988, $13,800.
Inflation (1989): 1%.
Unemployment (1989): 6%.
Gov't deficit/GNP (1989): 5%.
Natural resources: Natural gas.
Agriculture (4% of Net National Income (NNI)): Products--dairy,
poultry, meat, flower bulbs, cut flowers, vegetables/fruits, sugar
beets, potatoes, wheat, barley, oats.
Industry (19% of NNI): Types--steel, metal products, electronics,
bulk chemicals, natural gas, petroleum products, transport equipment.
Trade (1989): Exports--$103 billion: mineral fuels, chemical
products, machinery and transport equipment, foodstuffs. Imports-
-$104 billion: mineral fuels and crude petroleum, machinery,
chemical products, foodstuffs. Major trade partners--FRG, Belgium,
Luxembourg, France, UK, US.
Foreign Development aid: 1.5% of NNI, (1990 est.: $3 billion).
Membership in International Organizations
UN, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), European Community
(EC), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD), International Energy Agency (IEA), International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA), European Monetary System, BENELUX Economic
Union, European Space Agency (ESA), INTELSAT, Western European
Union, and others.
GOVERNMENT
The present constitution dates from 1848 and has been amended
several times. The first-level administrative divisions are the 12
provinces, each governed by a locally elected provincial council and
a provincial executive appointed by members of the provincial
council. The province is formally headed by a queen's commissioner
appointed by the crown.
The government is based on the principles of ministerial
responsibility and parliamentary government. It is composed of
three institutions: the crown, the States General, and the courts.
The Crown. The queen is the titular head of state. Her
function is largely ceremonial, but she does have some influence
deriving from the traditional veneration of the House of Orange
(from which Dutch monarchs for more than three centuries have
been chosen), the personal qualities of the queen, and her power to
appoint the formateur, who forms the Council of Ministers
following elections.
The Council of Ministers plans and implements government
policy. Most ministers also head government ministries, although
ministers without portfolio exist. The ministers, collectively and
individually, are responsible to the States General (parliament).
Unlike the British system, Dutch ministers cannot simultaneously
be members of parliament.
The Council of State, a constitutionally established advisory
body to the government, consists of members of the royal family
and crown-appointed members generally having political,
commercial, diplomatic, or military experience. The Council of
State must be consulted by the cabinet on proposed legislation
before a law is submitted to parliament. The Council of State also
serves as a channel of appeal for citizens against executive branch
decisions.
The States General. The Dutch parliament consists of two
houses, the First Chamber and the Second Chamber. Historically,
Dutch governments have been based on the support of a majority in
both houses of parliament.
The Second Chamber is by far the more important of the two
houses. It alone has the right to initiate legislation and amend bills
submitted by the Council of Ministers and shares with the First
Chamber the right to question ministers and state secretaries.
The Second Chamber consists of 150 members, directly
elected for a 4-year term (unless the government falls prematurely)
on the basis of a nationwide system of proportional representation.
This system means that members represent the whole country,
rather than individual districts as in the United States, and are
normally elected on a party slate, not on a personal basis. The
electoral system makes a coalition government almost inevitable.
Elections for the Second Chamber were held in September 1989.
New elections are not constitutionally required until 1993.
The First Chamber is composed of 75 members elected for 4-
year terms by the 12 provincial legislatures. It cannot initiate or
amend legislation, but its approval of bills passed by the Second
Chamber is required before bills become law. The First Chamber
generally meets only once a week, and its members usually have
other full-time jobs. The last First Chamber was constructed as a
result of provincial assembly elections in June 1987; the chamber
will next be revised following such elections in March 1991.
The Courts. The judiciary comprises 62 cantonal courts, 19
district courts, five courts of appeal, and a supreme court which
has 24 justices. All judicial appointments are made by the crown.
Judges are nominally appointed for life but, in fact, are retired at
age 70.
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
From the end of World War II until December 1958, The Netherlands
was governed by a series of coalitions built on a Labor-Catholic
base. Since 1958, governments have been formed primarily from a
center-right coalition of the Christian Democrats and the Liberals.
The social democratic-oriented Labor Party generally has been in
opposition, except between 1973-77 and briefly from April 1965 to
October 1966, and from September 1981 to May 1982. The Labor
Party is part of the present coalition.
The current government, formed in November 1989, is a
center-left coalition of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and
Liberal (VVD) parties headed by Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers of the
CDA. The government has the support of 103 of the 150 members of
the Second Chamber who represent 10 political parties. The four
largest parties hold 137 of the 150 seats. They are:
-- The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), which was formed
from a merger of the Catholic People's Party and two Protestant
parties, the Anti-Revolutionary Party and the Christian- Historical
Union. The merger process, begun in the early 1970s to attempt to
stem the tide of losses suffered by religiously based parties, was
completed in 1980. The CDA occupies the political center among
the major Dutch political parties. It supports free enterprise and
NATO membership and holds to the principle that government
activity should supplement but not supplant communal action by
citizens. On the political spectrum, the CDA sees its philosophy as
standing between the "individualism" of the Liberals and the
"statism" of the Labor Party. The CDA won 54 seats in 1989
parliamentary elections. This equaled the party's strong showing in
the 1986 elections.
-- The Labor Party (PvdA), a European social democratic
party, which is left of center. Labor has 49 seats in the current
Second Chamber, which makes it the second largest party after the
CDA. The party joined the CDA to form the present government,
after having spent most of the past 11 years in opposition. Labor's
program is based on greater social, political, and economic equality
for all citizens, although in recent years the party has begun to
debate the role of central government in that process. The PvdA
supports Dutch NATO membership but has been critical of some
alliance policies, particularly regarding nuclear weapons. Although
called the "Labor Party," it has no formal links to trade unions.
-- The Liberal Party (VVD), which is "liberal" in the European,
rather than American, sense of the word. It thus attaches great
importance to private enterprise and the freedom of the individual
in political, social, and economic affairs. The VVD is generally seen
as the most conservative of the major parties and solidly supports
most NATO policies. The VVD was the junior partner in two
governing coalitions with the CDA from 1982-89, but is now in
opposition with 22 seats in the Second Chamber.
-- The Democrats '66 (D'66), largest of the "small" parties in
the Dutch parliament. The electoral fortunes of D'66 have fluctuated
widely since the party's founding in 1966. The 12 seats it currently
holds are slightly above the historical average of the party's
showing over the last 20 years. D'66 is a center-left party,
generally portrayed as between the CDA and PvdA, with its
strongest support among young, urban, professional voters. D'66 is
currently an opposition party.
ECONOMY
The Dutch economy is based on private enterprise. Although the
government has little direct ownership or participation, it heavily
influences the economy, with more than 45% of the gross national
product (GNP) involved in its operations and social programs
(including transfer payments). The government plays a significant
economic role through the many permit requirements and
regulations pertaining to almost every aspect of economic activity.
Services, which account for more than half of the national
income, are primarily in transport and financial areas such as
banking and insurance. Industrial activity provides about 22% of the
national income and is dominated by the metalworking, oil-refining,
chemical, and food-processing industries. Construction amounts to
about 9% of the national income. Agriculture and fishing, although
visible and traditional Dutch activities, account for slightly more
than 4%.
Foreign trade heavily influences the open Dutch economy, with
exports accounting for 66% of GNP. The Netherlands finds a liberal
commercial policy advantageous and participates in the European
Community (EC), the Benelux Economic Union, and the European
Monetary System. It firmly supports the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and multilateral trade negotiations to
establish freer and expanded world trade.
The recent political developments in Eastern Europe are not
expected to have significant effects on the Dutch economy during
the next few years because the Dutch level of trade and investment
in those countries is very low.
In 1959, the vast Slochteren gasfield in Groningen Province
began production and is now one of the world's largest producing
natural gasfields. In addition, The Netherlands also discovered gas
on the North Sea's continental shelf. At present, total proven
natural gas reserves (mainland and North Sea) amount to 1.2 trillion
cubic meters. The reserves of other Dutch gasfields, including the
Dutch North Sea sector, total about 24% of those of Slochteren.
Current gas production is running annually at about 72 billion cubic
meters, roughly half of which is exported to EC member countries.
General government revenues from natural gas totaled about $8.7
billion in 1986 and accounted for more than 14% of total
government revenue, dropping to $2.9 billion in 1989 (4% of
revenue).
Dutch economic growth has improved after several years of
lackluster performance. The annual growth rate in 1989 was 4.2%,
while inflation remained at 1%. Corporate investment has been
high. Currently, The Netherlands' balance-of-payments account
shows a strong surplus.
The CDA/VVD coalition under Prime Minister Lubbers has
agreed on the broad outlines of its economic policy for the 1990-94
period, leaving the basic goals of the previous government intact
but changing its emphasis. The new policies will boost public
spending on the environment by
$3 billion and on education, housing, social security, and health by
$1 billion over the next 4 years. Defense spending will grow by just
0.6% in 1990 and 1991 and will be frozen in 1992 and 1993. In
total, the new policy measures will increase public spending by
more than $2 billion per year by 1994.
Environmental Policy. Awareness of the environment plays a
major role in Dutch life. In 1988, The Netherlands spent 1.3% of its
GNP on environmental protection--almost twice as much per
capita as in the United States. The Dutch Ministry of Environmental
Affairs has released an ambitious and expensive--$3 billion--
environmental plan for 1990-94. Under this plan, Dutch industry
will be required to double its spending on environmental protection.
By 1994, industry will have to spend an extra
$1 billion each year to meet stricter pollution control guidelines.
In November 1989, Prime Minister Lubbers presented his
government's proposals to the States General. The Dutch goal is to
make production and consumption compatible with the conditions of
sustainable development within one generation. In June 1990, a
supplement to the environmental plan was submitted, including
plans for a reduction in CO2 emissions by 2000.
To finance this program, a CO2 levy has been introduced,
which is expected to generate $75 million in 1990. This will be
spent on anti-acidification measures ($20 million), energy
conservation ($30 million), and promotion of public transport ($25
million).
DEFENSE
The defense structure of The Netherlands comprises the Ministry of
Defense and the various branches of the armed forces. Political
responsibility for the defense of The Netherlands lies with the
minister of defense and the state secretary for defense. The Dutch,
as members of NATO, are engaged in arms control negotiations with
members of the Warsaw Pact which will affect the size and
equipment of the participants' conventional military forces.
The Royal Netherlands Army Forces (RNAF) has a total
peacetime personnel strength of about 123,000 military and
civilians. The Royal Netherlands Navy is composed of escort ships,
submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, a mine
countermeasure force, and a Marine Corps, as well as the necessary
supporting elements. Priority has been given to anti-submarine
warfare, with emphasis on air defense and surface warfare. The
weapons systems of the Royal Netherlands Air Force are primarily
fighter aircraft and surface-to-air guided weapons.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Netherlands abandoned its policy of neutrality after World War
II, and joined the NATO alliance as the best means to ensure
security and promote national interests. Post-war Netherlands
governments have followed an active, engaged foreign policy in
many areas of the world.
In addition to pursuit of national interests, Dutch foreign
policy in recent years has been rooted in several important
principles, which include the promotion of peace and security in
Europe, support for Third World development, and respect for
international law and human rights.
The Netherlands seeks to advance many of its objectives
through multilateral cooperation. It was a founding member of the
European Community, has long based its security policy upon
membership in NATO, and is one of five nations to sign the Schengen
Accord abolishing border controls between itself and Belgium,
Luxembourg, France, and Germany.
Economic and trade policy is closely coordinated through the
European Community and, to a lesser extent, other international
bodies, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development, GATT, and the International Monetary Fund.
Other foreign policy interests generally take into account
consultations within European Political Cooperation, the political
consultation process of the EC. The Netherlands also is a member of
the Benelux group (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). Finally, The
Netherlands is an active and responsible participant in the United
Nations and its affiliated organizations.
The Netherlands is a strong proponent of North-South
cooperation and maintains an impressive development assistance
program. Aid commitments are fixed by law at 1.5% of net national
income, although actual disbursements have not always reached
that level. For 1990, the development assistance program will give
special attention to four transnational problems: poverty,
population, environment, and debt. The Netherlands has had a long-
term development relationship with 10 "program" countries
(Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Yemen, Pakistan, Sudan,
Sri Lanka, Tanzania) and three geographic regions (the Sahel,
Southern Africa, and Central America). It also contributes large
amounts of aid through multilateral channels, especially the UN
Development Program, International Development Association, and
EC programs. A large portion of Dutch aid funds are channeled
through private ("co-financing") organizations that have almost
total autonomy in choice of projects. The Dutch are members of the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) which
was formed recently to finance economic reforms in Eastern Europe.
US-DUTCH RELATIONS
Our partnership with The Netherlands is our oldest continuous
relationship and dates back to the American revolution. Our
excellent bilateral relations are based on close historical and
cultural ties and a common dedication to individual freedom and
human rights. An outward-looking nation, The Netherlands shares
with the United States a commitment to an open market and free
trade.
In May 1989, Prime Minister Lubbers was in Washington on a
private visit and met with President Bush, and 2 months later,
President Bush became the first American President to visit The
Netherlands while in office. The President went to The Netherlands
as a guest of Queen Beatrix and spoke in the church in Leiden used
by the Pilgrims before many of them sailed to America. The United
States and The Netherlands often have similar positions on issues
affecting NATO, regional problems, trade, and economic cooperation
which enable them to work together both bilaterally and in the