US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: Democracy's Season
Baker
Source: Secretary Baker
Description: Address before the CSCE Meeting on the Human Dimension,
Moscow
Date: Sep 11, 19919/11/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Eurasia, E/C Europe
Country: Yugoslavia (former), USSR (former)
Subject: Democratization, CSCE, Regional/Civil Unrest,
Human Rights
[TEXT]
When, a little over 1 year ago, I addressed the Copenhagen CSCE
[Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe] meeting, I looked
around and saw the changing face of Europe. Arrayed at the table
were delegates from a reforming Soviet Union, from two Germanies
only a few months shy of unification, and from the new Central and
East European democracies.
In the intervening months, the transformation of Europe has
continued without pause.
The difficult task of consolidating democracy and
establishing
market economies had advanced across Central and Eastern Europe.
Germany is united, and Albania is open. Latvia, Lithuania, and
Estonia, deprived of their independence by force half a century ago,
have at last taken their rightful place among us.
But not all of the changes in Europe have been so peaceful.
We
remain deeply saddened and concerned by the tragic bloodshed in
Yugoslavia. To those who would persist in the threat or use of
force, we say: There is no honor in it; no lasting gain, no future.
You cannot achieve prosperity and security for your people by force.
You can only reap a whirlwind of misery, turmoil, and loss.
I wish to make it clear to all parties--and most of all to the
Serbian leadership and the Yugoslav Federal Army--that with every
use of aggressive force they further isolate themselves from the
new Europe and raise the costs to their own people of an already
severe economic crisis. We doubt the peoples of Yugoslavia truly
wish to pay the high price of political and economic exile. We join
other members of CSCE in reiterating our strong support for the
European Community's continuing efforts to bring about a genuine
cease-fire and political settlement. We urge all parties to reach
out of the abyss of violence into which they have descended and
grasp hold of this opportunity for peace. The rest of Europe is
moving forward to political and economic freedom.
Guidelines for Democratic Action
No one is moving forward more vigorously than the peoples of the
Soviet Union. For the peoples of this land, this is truly democracy's
season. And, with you, the American people rejoice in its coming.
Here in Moscow, we breathe the warm wind of new-won freedoms.
But we know that difficult winter months are ahead, and spring is
distant.
The peoples of this vast land face tremendous challenges
ahead in the coming weeks and months. But for the first time, after
decades of totalitarianism and central planning, each and every
citizen knows now that the hard choices are genuinely his or hers to
make. Each Soviet citizen now has an unprecedented opportunity to
gain control of his or her own destiny. And how the men and women
of this country choose to meet the challenges ahead will surely
test--and reveal--the strength of their commitment to democratic
values. The scope, depth, and consequences of the decisions that
the citizens of this country are now making are indeed
unprecedented. But in shaping their democratic future, they are not
without guidelines for action, or standards of accountability.
At this time of change in all aspects of Soviet national life,
we should take this opportunity to address all Soviet citizens and
their leaders. My message is simple: The courage you showed in
August must be continued and consolidated now in enduring political
and economic freedom. As you work to build democracy and free
markets, the West will stand with you. The path ahead is charted by
enduring principles, universal democratic principles that can help
you meet the challenge of change peacefully and legitimately.
In particular, I'd urge you to follow five fundamental
principles.
One, it's important that you determine the future of this
country peacefully, consistent with democratic values and
practices and the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. If, indeed,
your ultimate objective is a thriving democracy, you can do nothing
less. Intimidation, illegality, and violence are not handmaidens of
democracy, they are the harbingers of despotism. Just as you faced
down tanks, see these evils of intolerance squarely for what they
are.
Two, we urge all to respect existing borders, internal and
external; any change of borders should only occur legitimately by
peaceful and consensual means, consistent with CSCE principles.
The agreements recently achieved by some republics underscore
this principle. The alternative is spiraling instability. Autarky,
score-settling and the threat or use of force for territorial gain
cannot be legitimate elements of the new Euro-Atlantic community.
European history is replete with too many examples of how such
irresponsible behavior has led to immense suffering on this
continent.
Three, we urge support for democracy and the rule of law. We
support peaceful change only through orderly democratic processes,
especially elections. As Dr. [Andrei] Sakharov so often said:
Democratic means are the only way to achieve democratic ends.
CSCE's Office for Free Elections, which we hope soon will become
an Office for Democratic Institutions, can be constructive in this
effort.
Four, we urge you to safeguard human rights, based on full
respect for the individual and including the equal treatment of
minorities. In a thriving, pluralistic society--and certainly in any
multinational system--every citizen at one time or another, and
with regard to one issue or another, finds himself or herself in the
minority. As Thomas Jefferson put it in his Inaugural Address over
200 years ago: "Though the will of the majority is in all cases to
prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; the minority
possess their equal right, which equal laws must protect, and to
violate would be oppression." Consistent with commitments made
in Copenhagen, and Geneva, leaders at all levels of government must
forthrightly condemn and combat racial and ethnic hatred, anti-
semitism, xenophobia and discrimination, as well as persecution
on religious and ideological grounds.
Five, we urge you to respect international law and
obligations,
especially adherence to the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act and
the Charter of Paris. This will best prepare you to join in the
democratic commonwealth of nations. The right to participate in
this commonwealth is not a function of power or geography. It is a
function of values--shared values.
These five principles embody those shared democratic values.
They represent the path to a new future, to full membership in the
democratic commonwealth. That's why today, here in Moscow, I'd
like to repeat the request I made a week ago: I urge all leaders--at
all levels of government--to voice their support for these
principles. And I'd urge all the members of CSCE to voice their
support, too.
CSCE has no divisions of tanks. It has instead the moral
authority that flows from principles like these. But as we saw on
the streets of this city, 3 weeks ago, at critical moments people
armed with principles have overwhelmed tanks.
Clearly, these principles are not just guides to action but
also
standards of accountability. Those who follow these principles
should know they are building the only sure basis for our support
and assistance--a common bond held solid by enduring values.
Those who fail to heed these principles, who irresponsibly trample
on the rights of others while neglecting their own obligations need
to know something, too: They risk [losing] positive relations and
support from the outside when their actions undercut the basic
principles upon which democracy and the CSCE are built.
Moscow Meeting on the Human Dimension
Let me turn now to the agenda of this meeting. This Moscow
meeting is no occasion to indulge in euphoric self-congratulation.
Those very people who successfully defied and defeated the coup
know only too well that respect for human rights, the rule of law,
and democratic processes have yet to be consolidated here in the
Soviet Union. There can be no clearer indication of how deeply this
is understood than the fact that one of the very first acts of the
Extraordinary Congress of People's Deputies was the passage of a
declaration on human rights and freedoms-- the first such
declaration in the history of the Soviet Union.
Elsewhere, in Central and Eastern Europe, democracy's hard
work continues. Here, too, turning CSCE's human dimension
commitments into reality remains a major challenge for citizens
and their governments alike.
For two centuries, we Americans have placed the highest
priority on translating our own Bill of Rights into daily practice and
we know well that fine intentions and noble words on parchment--
while a splendid beginning--do not a democracy make. Democracy
derives its life from the citizen. Similarly, the CSCE process is
only as meaningful as the positive impact it can have on the lives of
our peoples.
That is why my government considers it vitally important
that
we make full use of the opportunity presented by the Moscow
meeting for a thorough review of implementation.
In particular, we'd like to see this meeting endorse the
proposal I made in June in my speech in Berlin to broaden the Office
of Free Elections into an Office for Democratic Institutions. We
would also like to see adoption of our proposal to strengthen the
human dimensions mechanism to allow CSCE to better help resolve
human rights issues, including those involving national minorities.
Our approach includes provision for a mediation function, giving
CSCE greater ability and flexibility to deal with increasingly
pressing problems.
In Berlin in June, I also proposed CSCE involvement to help
move toward defense conversion efforts and to cope with potential
migration problems in Europe. I hope we can discuss these
proposals and move forward with concrete action in these areas.
We recognize that there is no set formula for putting
democratic principles into practice that can serve for all times, all
places, all peoples, and all circumstances. But it is in the
thoughtful and determined search for solutions by citizens and their
elected leaders that democracies gain maturity and legitimacy in
the eyes of their citizens and the international community.
Heroes for Our Time
That is a search that began here in earnest 3 weeks ago. It is a
search for which we all need to express words of deep appreciation
to absent friends of human rights and of this process. In her "Poem
Without a Hero," the great Russian poet Anna Akhmatova traced the
momentous events of her age as she was fated to live them through
revolution, civil war, the Terror, and foreign invasion. The poem
opens on the eve of World War I, in 1913, the first year of what
Akhmatova called "not the calendar, but the real 20th century"-- a
century of upheaval and human tragedy on an unprecedented scale.
The poem ends, as it only could have, on a somber note.
Sadly, Akhmatova did not live long enough to see democracy's
season arrive in her long-suffering native land. Nor did countless
millions for whom her poetry bears witness the human suffering
and the nobility of the human spirit. It came too late for the 11
Helsinki monitors who perished in Soviet prison camps, or in
foreign exile, and who, before their deaths, were made to suffer
long years of persecution for defending human rights. It came too
late as well for Sakharov, and for the three young men who gave
their lives just last month defending the people's democratic
principles against tanks. All these courageous men and women
hastened democracy's arrival. These are the true heroes of our
time.
So, I believe that it is only fitting that I close these remarks
today urging that our work here in Moscow be worthy of their hopes,
their courage, and their sacrifices. Together, we can make a
meaningful contribution to the consolidation of democracy for the
peoples of the Soviet Union and throughout Europe. By our efforts,
we can help make 1991 the first real year of the 21st century--a
century that we hope will give rise to a new Europe, a new
Atlanticism, and a new world order based on human and democratic
values, thriving market economies, and peaceful international
relations. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Boucher
Source: State Department Deputy Spokesman Richard
Boucher
Description: Washington, DC
Date: Sep 10, 19919/10/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Subject: Human Rights, United Nations, International Law
[TEXT]
In keeping with his commitment to a new world order based upon
respect for international law and human rights, President Bush has
urged the Senate to renew its consideration of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with a view to providing
advice and consent to ratification.
In letters addressed August 8 to the Chairman and ranking
minority member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the
President stressed that "US ratification of the Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights at this moment in history would underscore our
national commitment to fostering democratic values through
international law." He noted that US ratification would also
strengthen our ability to influence the development of appropriate
human rights principles in the international community and provide
an additional and effective tool in our efforts to improve respect
for fundamental freedoms in many problem countries around the
world.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was
adopted by unanimous vote of the United Nations General Assembly
on December 16, 1966. The Covenant amplifies the basic civil and
political rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights in 1948. At present, 95 states are parties to the Covenant,
including all of the UN members of Western Europe. The Covenant
was signed by President Carter in 1977 and was transmitted to the
Senate in 1978.
The Covenant articulates the essential freedoms people must
enjoy in a democratic society, including the fundamental principles
incorporated in our own Bill of Rights. Among the basic human
rights guaranteed by the Covenant are the rights of the individual to
life, liberty and security of the person; to freedom from slavery,
torture and arbitrary arrest; to fair trial and equality before the
law; to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; to freedom of
opinion, information and assembly; to vote and to participate in
government; and other related rights. The Covenant provides for
enjoyment of these rights without discrimination.
The Covenant establishes an implementing organ, the Human
Rights Committee, composed of 18 individual experts. The
Committee functions to oversee compliance by the States parties
with their obligation to respect and ensure observance of the rights
recognized in the Covenant. It does so primarily by considering
reports from States Parties and, where appropriate, considering
complaints by one State Party against another.
In his recent letters, President Bush promised assistance to
the Senate Committee on Foreign relations in acting on the Covenant
without delay. "Subject to a few essential reservations and
understandings, it is entirely consonant with the fundamental
principles incorporated in our own Bill of Rights," he said.
The Department of State, in consultation with other
concerned departments of the United States government as well as
interested parties on the Hill and in the private sector, will be
developing the necessary reservations, understandings, and
declarations, which the Administration will propose for approval by
the Senate as part of its advice and consent to ratification of the
Covenant. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: New Opportunities in US-Soviet Relations
Baker, Gorbachev
Source: Secretary Baker, Soviet President Gorbachev
Description: Opening statements at a news conference, Moscow, USSR
Date: Sep 11, 19919/11/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Eurasia, North America
Country: USSR (former), United States
Subject: Arms Control, Democratization,
Mideast Peace Process, Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
President Gorbachev:
Good afternoon. As we have
promised, we are reporting to you about our talks. Let me say a
couple of words, then Secretary Baker will say a couple of words,
and then we'll respond to a few questions.
Naturally, we have discussed with the Secretary of State the
situation that the Soviet Union, and the entire international
community, has just had to go through. I thanked Secretary Baker
for the very clear and firm position adopted by President Bush and
by Secretary Baker during the coup, and for the solidarity of the
American people with democratic forces in the Soviet Union and the
President of the Soviet Union. And I reported to the Secretary our
analysis of the situation and the lessons that we have learned from
the situation.
We had a discussion that centered basically around two
things. One is our cooperation--our economic cooperation--under
new conditions, and we discussed a number of very specific points
in that regard. In that very substantive discussion, we have decided
that in his new situation with new circumstances [that] we will
develop new forms of cooperation to make that coordination
effective and to synchronize our efforts.
The other area that we focused on was foreign policy and,
specifically our continued cooperation between the Soviet Union and
the United States. I drew the attention of the Secretary to the
statement of the President of the Soviet Union and the leaders of
the republics, which specifically said that we remain committed to
the foreign policy course of recent years, which we have conducted
in close cooperation with the United States. What is more, we
believe that the current situation, the new phase in the evolution of
our country--creates and opens up new opportunities for furthering
the course of that cooperation.
We agreed to continue to cooperate as before on the Middle
East--specifically to advance the process toward a peace
conference. We continued the discussion that we began with
President Bush during the summit--specifically our discussion at
Novo Ogaryeva [President Gorbachev's dacha] with President Bush
about our interaction and cooperation of Afghanistan. We want to
reach the desired result in the settlement of this problem . . . . The
ministers will continue the discussion, and we believe that the
discussion should result in new steps to accelerate the internal
process in Afghanistan which will, we believe, result in democratic
forms and some kind of national consensus in that country. We have
agreed that we will move toward the ratification of the CFE
[Conventional Armed Forces in Europe] Treaty and of the START
[Strategic Arms Reduction Talks] Treaty.
The Secretary of State was interested in learning more about
what I and President Yeltsin said during the CNN interview--the
CNN discussion--with the Americans about our further relationship
with Cuba. I once again reaffirmed to the Secretary that we intend
to transfer our relations with Cuba to a plane of mutually beneficial
trade and economic ties and that we will remove other elements
from that relationship--the elements that were born in a different
time in a different era. In that context, I told the Secretary that we
will soon begin discussions with the Cuban leadership about the
control of the Soviet training brigade that was stationed in Cuba
some time ago and that is still there. To sum up, I would like once
again to tell you my view--which the Secretary of State, I
understand, supports--that we should not only continue the
cooperation between the Soviet Union and the United States but we
should develop that cooperation and take it further, because we do
have new opportunities.
Secretary Baker
Mr. President, I think that is a
very complete summary of the discussions which we have had today.
Let me thank you very much for receiving me and our delegation on
somewhat short notice. The President felt it was very important
for me to come to the Soviet Union as quickly as possible in the
aftermath of the extraordinary events that have been taking place
here. I think you know how we feel about the outcome of those
events. I think you know that it was the strong hope of the United
States during those critical days that the coup would not succeed.
It was, of course, our hope that you and your family would be safe,
as we are pleased with the way things turned out, because we think
that this will permit us to continue the cooperation between our
two nations that had developed under your leadership and President
Bush's leadership and will permit us indeed to enhance that
cooperation.
There are new opportunities, and we do want to continue to
cooperate with you and to cooperate with President Yeltsin and
other reformers in the Soviet Union in order to assist in this
dynamic transformation, political and economic, that you are going
through. And when I say I think there will be enhanced
opportunities for cooperation, I don't limit that to political or
economic. I think that there will be enhanced opportunities on both
the political and economic side.
I thank you for your statement with respect to the question
of the training brigade in Cuba. That will be very important in
terms of public opinion in the United States. And I would add only
one comment to the very complete summary that I think you've given
of our talks. And that is to say that we spent quite a bit of time
talking about the importance of quickly producing a credible
economic reform program for discussion with the international
financial institutions. And there was complete agreement between
us on this question. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: New Opportunities in US-Soviet Relations
Baker, Yelstin
Source: Secretary Baker, Russian President Yelstin
Description: Opening statements at the Supreme Soviet, Moscow,USSR
Date: Sep 11, 19919/11/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Eurasia, North America
Country: USSR (former), United States, Japan,
Afghanistan, Cuba
Subject: Arms Control, Democratization, Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
President Yeltsin:
What did we talk about? Well,
we talked for a long time. And, based on these notes, we looked at
20 issues--20 exactly. These included: the issue of a new union and
the principles of its formation; questions of relations between the
center and the new sovereign republics; the question of the union
treaty; the issue of the implementation of our general programs
during this transitional, critical period for our country--technical
aid, humanitarian aid, and, joint programs. We discussed which
programs to implement.
Further, we discussed: the question of Soviet-American,
Russian-American relations, from the viewpoint of reducing
strategic and tactical nuclear weapons; conventional arms; reforms
in the army; the question of the Japanese Northern [Territories], the
islands to which, so to speak, Japan is now laying claim--the
Kuriles Islands; the questions of the management of strategic
nuclear weapons and control of them--by whom it will be exercised,
so that there will be confidence among everyone, not only the
Americans but the entire world, that only the center, only one
person controls them in this country; the question of agreements
made over the next few years; the question of food deliveries,
especially in the first months of next year; the issue of ceasing aid
to Afghanistan, to Cuba, including the cessation of arms deliveries-
-have I listed twenty? Well, I've had at least 10 to list, and you can
do the other 10.
Secretary Baker:
For the benefit of our American
colleagues, Mr. President, let me quickly summarize, if I can, what
you've said. You've said that we've covered a wide range of
subjects. We talked about 20 different, specific items, and you're
quite right. You've listed a number of them: relations between the
union and the republics, and between the republics themselves;
economic cooperation; the transformation that's going on here in the
Soviet Union, politically and economically; a number of different
foreign policy problems, including questions of Afghanistan, Cuba,
the Northern Territories, the Middle East.
We talked at length, as you just mentioned, about the central
control--that is, one central control point for nuclear weapons
within the Soviet Union. We talked about the future of
consultations between the United States and the Soviet Union, and
the republics of the Soviet Union, particularly, of course, the
Russian Republic.
I should say, for the benefit of our traveling American press,
Mr. President, that I told you, and I want to repeat right here, that
it's the view of the American people, and the view of President Bush
and all of us, that the recent attempt at unconstitutional overthrow
of the duly constituted Government of the Soviet Union might well
have succeeded but for your courageous leadership in mounting the
defense right here outside the White House, and that the United
States, and, indeed, the world as a whole--those who believe in
freedom and in democracy and in human rights and in the benefits of
a free market economic program--owe you a vast debt of gratitude.
Beyond that, I would simply say that we have had a very, very
full and productive dialogue across a very broad range of subjects,
and the ones I have just mentioned are not all of them. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: US-Soviet Joint Statement on Afghanistan
Description: Text of Joint statement and commentary released by
Secretary Baker and Soviet Foreign Minister Pankin, Moscow,
USSR
Date: Sep 13, 19919/13/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: South Asia
Country: Afghanistan
Subject: United Nations, Democratization,
Military Affairs
[TEXT]
Joint Statement:
The United States and the USSR,
consistent with the UN General Assembly resolutions adopted at the
43rd, 44th, and 45th sessions and with their commitment to the
Geneva accords on Afghanistan, recognize the fundamental right of
the Afghan people to determine their own destiny free from outside
interference. In this regard, they support the statement of the UN
Secretary General dated May 21, 1991, and reaffirm the need for a
political settlement in Afghanistan that ensures an independent and
non-aligned Afghanistan at peace with its neighbors and that
establishes a new, broad-based government through an electoral
process that respects Afghan political and Islamic traditions. The
United States and the USSR agree that a transition period is
required to reach these goals.
To this end, they call for and pledge to support a democratic
and free electoral process that is not subject to manipulation or
interference by anyone. The results of the electoral process must
be respected and fully implemented by all. They request the United
Nations, with the support of concerned governments, including those
of Islamic countries, to work with the Afghans to convene a
credible and impartial transition mechanism whose functions would
include directing and managing a credible electoral process fully
consistent with these principles. This transition mechanism,
working closely with the UN and others as necessary, would have
independent authority with all powers required to prepare for,
conduct, and implement the results of this electoral process leading
to the establishment of a new government that will have the broad
support of the Afghan people. The details of these and other powers
and functions would be decided through an intra-Afghan dialogue.
The United States and the USSR agree that a cessation of
hostilities is essential for the peaceful conduct of elections during
the transition period and for a lasting political settlement. To
facilitate this cessation, they agree to discontinue their weapons
deliveries to all Afghan sides. They also agree that a cease-fire
and a cutoff of weapons deliveries from all other sources should
follow this step. They agree further to work toward withdrawal of
major weapons systems from Afghanistan.
The United States and the USSR also reiterate their
commitment to support an international humanitarian assistance
effort to promote the prompt repatriation of refugees and
reconstruction of Afghanistan.
To these ends, they reaffirm their willingness to promote in
every way possible the efforts of the UN Secretary General to
contribute in practical ways to the early settlement of this
conflict.
Commentary: Today, the USSR and the United States issued a
joint statement on Afghanistan specifying agreed approaches of the
sides to a political settlement in that country along the lines of the
UN Secretary General's statement of May 21, 1991.
Settlement of the issue of "negative symmetry," that is
discontinuation of Soviet and US arms supplies to the conflicting
Afghan sides, is one of the crucial elements of this agreement. The
USSR and the United States agreed to cut off such supplies
beginning January 1, 1992. They further agreed that neither the
USSR nor the US will intensify arms supplies to any Afghan side in
the interim. It is also hoped that during the remaining time the
issue of the Soviet POWs will be settled. The United States pledges
its best efforts to resolve this important humanitarian question.
It is also expected that other countries involved in the
Afghan
conflict should also follow the USSR and the United States in
limiting their assistance to Afghanistan to humanitarian assistance
only.
We expect that our joint steps will facilitate launching an
intra-Afghan negotiating process and should lead to a pause
followed by a complete cessation of military operations.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: US Efforts To Promote Progress and Democracy in the Baltic
States
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Excerpt from remarks during a meeting with the heads of
the Baltic legations, Washington, DC
Date: Sep 11, 19919/11/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Subject: Democratization, United Nations,
Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are free again, and we welcome them
back to the commonwealth of freedom.
It is our responsibility--all of us as Americans--to help the
Baltics integrate fully into the West; to nurture these young
democracies; to transform--help them transform their economies
toward a free market that we all know works so well.
And I'm, therefore, very pleased to announce today a series of
measures--beginning measures--to start this process, which the
Secretary of State will be discussing with the Baltic leaders when
he visits the region in so many hours from now.
But first, I'm pleased to announce that--and this is a fait
accompli, I'm pleased to say, also--that the United States will
sponsor Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for membership in the United
Nations at the General Assembly on September 17, just as we
supported them for membership in the CSCE [Conference on Security
and Cooperation in Europe] earlier this week.
Second, as many of you know, the United States safeguarded
for over 50 years financial assets of the Baltic governments. And
we look forward to working with the independent Baltic states on
arrangements for unfreezing the gold and other assets as soon as
possible and move forward on that just as quickly as we can.
Third, we will move quickly to normalize our own economic
relationship with the Baltics by extending the most-favored-nation
treatment, and including them under the Trade Enhancement
Initiative designed to increase their trade with the West. And we'll
also provide GSP [Generalized System of Preferences] and OPIC
[Overseas Private Investment Corporation] benefits, and we'll
continue the work we've already started to provide medicine for the
Baltic hospitals.
Fourth, we will help the Baltics to integrate into the world
economy. This is a big one, a very important one--economic
integration. We will encourage the IMF [International Monetary
Fund] and the World Bank to work closely with the Baltics to
prepare them for membership. We hope that membership in the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will proceed on a
fast track, and we will also support Baltic participation in the OECD
[Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development] center for
economies in transition.
And fifth, we will work closely with our allies in the G-24
[Group of 24] process to coordinate economic assistance to the
Baltic states. For our part, the United States intends to extend a
variety of technical assistance and other programs under the
Support for Eastern European Democracies Act.
Finally, I'm delighted to announce today that we will move
immediately to establish a Peace Corps program for Estonia and
Latvia and Lithuania.
Let me say in closing that as the United States was true to
the Baltic States in captivity, we will continue to be true to them
as democratic partners and the years ahead. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: UN Security Council Resolutions on the Baltic States
Description: New York, New York
Date: Sep 12, 19919/12/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: E/C Europe
Country: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Subject: United Nations
[TEXT]
Resolution 709 (Sept. 12, 1991)
The Security Council,
Having examined the application of the Republic of Estonia
for
admission to the United Nations,
Recommends to the General Assembly that the Republic of
Estonia be admitted to membership in the United Nations.
Resolution 710 (Sept. 12, 1991)
The Security Council,
Having examined the application of the Republic of Latvia for
admission to the United Nations,
Recommends to the General Assembly that the Republic of
Latvia be admitted to membership in the United Nations.
Resolution 711 (Sept. 12, 1991)
The Security Council,
Having examined the application of the Republic of Lithuania
for admission to the United Nations,
Recommends to the General Assembly that the Republic of
Lithuania be admitted to membership in the United Nations. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: US-Mexico Binational Commission Meeting
Baker
Source: Secretary Baker
Description: Opening statement at a news conference, US-Mexico
Binational Commission meeting, Mexico City, Mexico
Date: Sep 9, 19919/9/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: North America
Country: Mexico, United States
Subject: Environment, Human Rights, Immigration,
Narcotics
[TEXT]
Ladies and Gentlemen, we've had a very full day, and we've had, I
think, a very productive day. As [Mexican Foreign] Secretary
Solana has said--and, I think, as our joint statement attests--we
have accomplished a lot of substantive work in our meetings.
I would like to highlight for you just six points.
First of all, we agreed to push ahead to completion a
comprehensive, integrated environmental plan to preserve our
common heritage of water, soil, and air along our very extensive
common border.
Second, we agreed to strengthen our cooperation in
combatting drug trafficking, with an increased effort to combat
money laundering and the spread of trafficking in Central America.
Third, we agreed to improve our joint efforts to protect
workers' rights and enforce health and safety standards.
Fourth, we agreed to increase our exchange programs among
teachers, students, journalists, and other professions.
Fifth, we discussed how to remove the remaining barriers to
our very important agricultural trade.
Sixth, we held important discussions on cooperation on
immigration and consular affairs, improvement of border crossings,
and we welcomed--for the first time--representatives of our
housing, transportation, and labor departments to the work of the
BNC [Binational Commission].
In addition to the substance of what we have achieved here
today, I think that it's worth noting that this Binational Commission
is also a very unique process or procedure.
There is no other country in the world with whom our
President's Cabinet meets as a whole regularly and systematically
to conduct important business at the highest level. And, I think,
that that is as clear an expression as could exist of the special
nature of the US-Mexican relationship.
Most of you know, I think, that I will be flying from Mexico
directly on to Moscow, with a stop at Andrews [Air Force Base], and,
of course, a refueling stop in Shannon, Ireland. But the fact that I'm
going from Mexico to Moscow, I think, provides a point of which we
ought to take note.
The dramatic and revolutionary changes that are taking place
in the world today are not just going on in the Soviet Union and
Eastern Europe. There are equally dramatic changes, we believe,
underway here in Mexico; perhaps quieter, but equally dramatic.
Under President Salinas' leadership, Mexico has emerged from
an economic crisis with renewed strength and confidence, restoring
strong real growth and attracting investment from around the
world.
We think that Mexico's success offers a lesson for the rest of
the world that free market reforms combined with political courage
and will reap real dividends for ordinary citizens.
Together with Canada, the two of us are negotiating the
world's largest free trading regime uniting 360 million people and
economic activity involving some $7 trillion in goods and services.
And this North American Free Trade Agreement is the first step
towards building a hemisphere in which trade is free--all the way
from Alaska to Argentina.
Finally, as I said this morning, Mexico and the United States
are pioneers in constructing something history has never known--
the world's first completely democratic hemisphere. And I think
that we are well on the way towards that goal.
So, ladies and gentlemen, I leave Mexico with increased
confidence in the future of this great nation, the future of the US-
Mexico relationship, and the future of our hemisphere as a whole.
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: US-Mexico Binational Commission Joint Statement
Description: Text of a joint statement, Mexico City, Mexico
Date: Sep 9, 19919/9/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: North America
Country: Mexico, United States
Subject: Environment, Human Rights, Immigration,
Narcotics, Resource Management, Travel
[TEXT]
The ninth meeting of the US-Mexico Binational Commission took
place in Mexico City on September 9, 1991.
The two delegations, convinced that their continuing
dialogue
contributes to mutual understanding and cooperation, discussed the
full bilateral agenda of the Binational Commission. They welcomed
the positive spirit of cooperation that has grown increasingly
stronger between the two governments in the context of mutual
respect for national sovereignty and identity. They agreed that this
effective cooperation has resulted in concrete progress in a wide
variety of areas that contribute in a meaningful way to improving
the quality of their peoples' lives.
During their most recent meeting, in Houston, Presidents
Bush
and Salinas reaffirmed the significance of the North American Free
Trade Agreement as a vehicle for an enhanced quality of life through
shared prosperity, and continued progress in economic reform, trade
liberalization and development. Both delegations today reaffirmed
their conviction that this agreement will symbolize the new
dynamism characteristic of their relationship, and the tangible
cooperation that underlies it. They emphasized the positive impact
that ongoing negotiations towards a North American Free Trade
Agreement [NAFTA] have had on prospects for economic growth in
Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The delegations agreed that
the successful ratification and implementation would result in even
stronger growth and will be an important step toward expanded
trade throughout the hemisphere.
The two delegations praised the substantial progress
achieved on environmental issues, particularly in the development
of an integrated environmental plan to address environmental
concerns in the border region, as instructed by Presidents Bush and
Salinas at the November 1990 Summit.
The delegations expressed satisfaction at the growing
coordination and understanding between their governments in anti-
narcotics activity. Citing the entry into force of the mutual legal
assistance treaty, they emphasized the importance of its prompt
and effective implementation. The delegations noted the
establishment of the US/Mexico mixed permanent commission on
narcotic substances and endorsed the results of its first meeting.
Both delegations supported the strong progress made in labor
cooperation under the Joint Cooperative Program and discussed
future joint activities in a number of key areas.
The delegations shared their concern about, and condemned,
instances of violence on both sides of the border. They reaffirmed
their commitment to intensifying efforts to reduce criminality and
other causes of violence in the border region. In this context, both
noted with satisfaction progress toward enhanced communication
and coordination between authorities of the two nations. In keeping
with their respective laws, they reviewed steps being taken in both
countries to facilitate border crossings and trade so important to
communities on both sides of the border. They reviewed with
satisfaction the continuing improvements in construction and infra-
structure programs at crossing points and emphasized the
importance of coordinated planning for future requirements.
The delegations reviewed transportation issues. They agreed
to have these topics incorporated into the Binational Commission
and to include the respective secretaries in the next commission
meeting.
The delegations welcomed the innovative new programs in
culture, science, technology, and human resources being launched by
the recently formed US-Mexico Commission for Educational and
Cultural Exchange.
The two heads of the delegation reviewed the excellent state
of bilateral relations between the US and Mexico and consulted on a
wide range of international topics of mutual interest. They
discussed the benefits of the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative
and committed themselves to working for a successful conclusion
to the GATT [General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade] Uruguay Round
before the end of the year.
Both delegations exchanged views on the international
situation in general. They fully endorsed the United Nations' peace
efforts in El Salvador, expressing their desire that a definitive
cease-fire and settlement can be reached soon on the basis of an
agreed plan.
The 1991 US-Mexico Binational Commission Meeting, co-
chaired by the US Secretary of State of the United States of
America, James A. Baker, III, and the Secretary of Foreign Relations
of Mexico, Fernando Solana, was organized in working groups which
examined issues in specific areas:
-- The Migration and Consular Affairs Working Group was
chaired by Gene McNary, Commissioner of the US Immigration and
Naturalization Service and Miguel Limon Rojas, Under Secretary for
Population and Migration Services of the Secretariat of Government.
-- The Financial Cooperation Working Group was chaired by
Olin Wethington, Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury and
Secretary Pedro Aspe of the Mexican Treasury and Public Credit.
-- The Trade and Investment Working Group was co-chaired
by Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, and US Trade
Representative Carla Hills on the US side, and the Secretary of
Commerce and Industrial Development, Jaime Serra Puche and the
Secretary of Foreign Relations, Fernando Solana on the Mexican side.
-- The Business Development, Fisheries, and Tourism
Working Group was chaired by, respectively, Robert A. Mosbacher,
US Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Commerce and
Industrial Development Jaime Serra Puche; by Secretary of
Commerce, Robert A. Mosbacher and Mexican Secretary of Fisheries,
Guillermo Jimenez Morales; by Secretary of Commerce, Robert A.
Mosbacher and Secretary of Tourism, Pedro Joaquin Coldwell.
-- The Agricultural Working Group was chaired by US
Secretary of Agriculture, Edward Madigan and Secretary of
Agriculture for Mexico, Carlos Hank Gonzalez.
-- The Environmental Working Group was chaired by William
Reilly, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and
Secretary for Urban Development and Ecology, Patricio Chirinos.
-- The Housing and Urban Development Working Group was
chaired by the Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Jack
Kemp and Secretary of Urban Development and Ecology, Patricio
Chirinos.
-- The Education, Cultural Affairs and Exchanges Working
Group was chaired by Henry E. Catto, Director of the United States
Information Agency, and Secretary of Education, Manuel Bartlett;
and by US Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary
Education, John MacDonald and Victor Flores Olea, President of the
National Council for Culture and the Arts, and Javier Barros Valero,
Under Secretary of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations.
-- The Labor Working Group was chaired by Deputy Under
Secretary for International Labor Affairs, Shellyn McCaffrey and the
Deputy Secretary of Labor, Norma Samaniego.
-- The Legal Affairs and Anti-Narcotics Cooperation Working
Group was co-chaired by Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, and
Acting Attorney General, William Barr for the United States and the
Attorney General of Mexico, Ignacio Morales Lechuga and Secretary
for Foreign Relations, Fernando Solana on the Mexican side.
-- The Border Cooperation Working Group was chaired by
Donna Hrinak, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mexico and the
Caribbean and Under Secretary for Foreign Relations, Sergio
Gonzalez Galvez.
In total, 11 US cabinet members and agency heads and 10
members of the Mexican cabinet participated. The high level of
representation reflects the importance both nations attach to their
relationship.
In addition, US and Mexican representatives of their
respective Departments of Labor and of Housing and Urban
Development participated in new working groups established at this
meeting for the first time.
The expansion in the number of working groups and range of
substantive themes treated reflect the mutual interest of both
governments in meeting the new challenges of the bilateral and
global agenda.
Following is a more detailed review of the 1991 BNC Working
Group discussions.
Migration and Consular Affairs
Both governments agreed that Cooperation on Migration and Consular
Affairs is outstanding. Both sides noted a significant decrease in
instances of alleged mistreatment of their respective citizens.
Nevertheless, they both reaffirmed their commitment to
satisfactorily conclude investigations of outstanding cases of
alleged mistreatment. Positive initiatives by both governments and
legal-judicial reforms by the Government of Mexico during the past
year are indicative of the continued commitment of both
governments to uphold the civil and human rights of individuals.
Both countries expressed concern over the problems of child
custody and child abduction and, in that regard, the US delegation
expressed satisfaction to the Mexican delegation on their country's
recent accession to the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of
International Child Abduction.
Financial Cooperation
The Financial Cooperation Working Group of the US-Mexico
Binational Commission discussed the current economic situation in
both countries. It noted the remarkable progress of the Mexican
economy, both in terms of controlling inflation and restoring
economic growth. The delegations also noted with satisfaction the
continuing progress of Mexico's privatization program.
The representatives of the two governments commended the
progress secured thus far in the negotiation of a bilateral treaty to
avoid double taxation of income. Following a review of ongoing
cooperative money-laundering control initiatives, the delegates
reaffirmed the commitment of their respective governments to
continued progress in this area. The delegations noted that their
governments continue to work toward mutually satisfactory
solutions of issues in the areas of taxes and money laundering.
They also expressed their pleasure regarding progress made on
customs cooperation which has facilitated and increased the
bilateral flows of goods and services.
Trade and Investment
The delegations began with agreement on the need for a successful
conclusion of the Uruguay Round of international trade negotiations,
and exchanged ideas for reactivating the process. Regarding the
NAFTA process, both delegations noted the substantial progress
achieved so far in the discussions in identifying issues and
exchanging information, and expressed confidence that the various
negotiating groups would be prepared to move to the negotiating
phase in the fall. On the bilateral front, they took note of the
successful resolution of trade issues which had surfaced in the
previous year and saluted the cooperative, non-confrontational
manner in which these issues has been resolved.
Business Development, Fisheries, and Tourism
Business Development: Discussions focused on business
development activities, most notably the successful promotion
efforts of the Joint Committee for Investment and Trade (JCIT) over
the past year. Secretaries Mosbacher and Serra and other senior
trade officials led "Partnership for Growth" Conferences in 19
cities throughout the United States and Mexico, addressing over
three thousand business persons.
Several business development missions were taken to Mexico
under JCIT auspices, including missions on environmental trade and
investment and on tourism trade and investment. These missions
were enthusiastically received, generating significant investments
and sales and the potential for future joint ventures and business
leads. In May 1991, the two secretaries met in Monterrey with US
and Mexican business leaders to discuss prospects for a North
American Free Trade Agreement.
The delegations reaffirmed their commitment to continue to
promote trade and investment opportunities while NAFTA
negotiations are underway and discussed plans for additional
business development missions in 1991, including a new
environmental mission that will follow up on the successful
pollution control equipment mission of 1990 and a housing and real
estate mission. The two delegations also agreed to give attention
to additional trade and investment opportunities for US Hispanic
businesses and to cooperate regarding trade data and other
statistical information.
The increased attention to environmental protection in both
countries was welcomed by the two delegations. They applauded
plans to establish a US-Mexico environmental business committee
to serve as a forum for technical cooperation, joint business
development activities, and information exchange with the purpose
of assisting small to medium sized Mexican businesses in meeting
environmental standards. The delegations agreed to discuss this
cooperation on environmental affairs in future meetings of the
Binational Commission.
Fisheries: In the area of fisheries, Mexico discussed its
fisheries modernization program and explained the conditions
existing in Mexico to promote investment in fisheries and
aquaculture. Both delegations expressed their common interest in
continuing cooperation by means of competent international
organizations or bilateral agreements to assure, consistent with
recognized scientific expertise, the reduction or elimination of the
capture of protected marine species during commercial fishing
operation and their decision to seek to resolve differences in this
regard.
Both delegations examined the subject of development of
multilateral mechanisms for the protection of marine species
during commercial fishing operation and the issue of the application
of commercial sanctions based on environmental objectives.
Discussion on these issues will continue in future meetings.
Tourism: The delegations ratified the need to promote
increased tourism between both countries and agreed to move
towards the timely harmonization of tourism statistics, including
tourist and money flows. They also discussed the need to increase
the scope of the "two-nations vacation" pilot program in other
countries. The delegations also discussed the launching of a
jointly-funded consumer research study, surface transportation
issues, and tourism investment seminars.
Agriculture
The two secretaries of agriculture were confident that the working
group's deliberations strengthened their mutual understanding and
cooperation in all areas, particularly with regard to the ongoing
NAFTA negotiations. In this context, they recognized the
importance of exchanging agricultural data in order to have up-to-
date information in this important area.
They noted the success of efforts to improve cooperation in
the areas of agricultural trade and development; two-way
agricultural trade between 1980 and 1990 rose from $3.5 billion to
more than $5 billion.
Progress similarly continues in identifying and resolving
trade issues related to sanitary and phytosanitary restrictions.
Since the last BNC meeting, several important issues in these fields
have been resolved, including the removal of US restrictions on
Mexican citrus imports and Mexican certification of new animal
quarantine facilities in the United States.
Environmental Cooperation
The United States and Mexico reviewed the full range of activities
in the environmental area, along the border, and in Mexico City,
highlighting the success of cooperation in this area since the 1990
Binational Commission meeting. Both sides emphasized their
commitment to continued environmental cooperation.
Special attention was given to the progress being made in
developing an integrated border environmental plan to address
environmental concerns in the border region. The delegation leaders
agreed to a schedule of hearings on both sides of the border in order
to obtain public input to the plan. This will enable the two agencies
to take views of the general public into account prior to completion
of the plan, as instructed by the two Presidents at the November
1990 summit.
Both sides noted the success of efforts through the
International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to abate
water pollution problems along the border. At the BNC meeting, the
two delegations agreed to continue to pursue the goal of effective
protection of transboundary water resources. The two delegations
also reviewed cooperative activities under the 1989 Mexico City
Environment Agreement, aimed at addressing environmental issues
in the Mexico City region. Mexico's recent accession to the
convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species was
welcomed as an important conservation measure.
Housing and Urban Development
The delegations agreed to strengthen their working relationship
within the framework of the 1979 US-Mexico Agreement on Housing
and Urban Development.
They also agreed to explore new ways to exchange
information
on housing stocks and on how to assist their citizens through social
organization, the encouragement of private sector initiatives, and
new methods of financing which would strengthen cooperation
among those seeking housing. These new approaches will be
particularly relevant to reactivating cooperation in the areas of
housing and urban development in the border region. The first
border meeting in this new phase of the Bilateral Agreement is
under consideration for early 1992 and would involve local and
state officials as well as representatives of private business
organization and community associations.
Education, Cultural Affairs, and Exchanges
The two delegations expressed their satisfaction over programs
recently developed in the areas of educational and cultural
cooperation. They were particularly pleased by advances associated
with the Memorandum of Understanding on Education and the
recently inaugurated US-Mexico Commission for Educational and
Cultural Exchange. Both sides expressed their agreement to explore
forms of scientific cooperation based on programs that will be
established at a later date.
With activities scheduled for 1992-93, was examined [stet].
This Annex is expected to be signed by the two secretaries of
education during the Border Educators' Conference.
Discussions focused as well on advances achieved by the US-
Mexico Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange that have
helped create a binational mechanism for financing scholarships and
educational and cultural exchange programs. These developments,
representing public and private sector cooperation, have led to
initiatives establishing a new "Fund for Culture" and a debt
conversion program in science, technology, and human resources.
Both sides expressed their agreement to explore forms of scientific
cooperation based on programs that will be established at a later
date.
The delegations took note of sustained increases in cultural
and educational exchange that, in recent months, have given these
activities a high profile in the spectrum of priority bilateral
affairs. The working group examined the possibilities for enhanced
cooperation in the area of educational exchange in North America.
At the same time, the working group established a framework
for additional collaboration in various areas of artistic and cultural
activity; notably strengthened communication and consultations on
library, museum, and publishing issues. Progress also is being
achieved in promoting exhibitions and musical performances, by
distinguished orchestral groups and by soloists. Special attention
was paid to the presentation in the United States of "Mexico:
Splendors of Thirty Centuries" as well as to the parallel
programming that has accompanied this successful exhibition. Note
was taken as well of the numerous US artistic and cultural
exhibitions that have been presented in Mexico, especially the major
retrospective of Robert Motherwell's work which opens tonight
[Sept. 9, 1991] at the Rufino Tamayo Museum in Mexico City.
Labor
The labor working group noted with satisfaction the progress made
since the inception of their joint cooperative program. The
establishment of a labor working group within the Binational
Commission was agreed to at the April 26 Coordinating Committee
Meeting of the BNC and a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU]
regarding cooperation was signed May 3. At the September 9
meeting, activities under the MOU were reviewed, particularly those
related to occupational health and safety and to child labor,
productivity, on-the-job training, and labor statistics. The
chairpersons reiterated their commitment to the joint cooperative
program already underway and agreed to undertake additional
activities related to the informal sector, comparative labor
relations systems and cooperative credit institutions for workers.
Law Enforcement and Anti-Narcotics Cooperation
The working group noted the increased cooperation between the two
nations in anti-narcotics investigations and noted with satisfaction
the success of the second Binational Prosecutors Conference held in
late January in Tucson, Arizona. Arrangements were confirmed for
the third Binational Prosecutors Conference to be held in Mexico
later this fall and the importance of prompt and effective
implementation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty was
emphasized. The group confirmed the intent of the two governments
to cooperate on matters of money laundering and asset forfeiture
and renewed their commitment to seek prompt extradition and/or
domestic prosecution of fugitives from justice in both countries.
They applauded the establishment of the US/Mexico Mixed
Permanent Commission on Cooperation Against Narcotics
Trafficking and Drug Dependency and endorsed the accomplishments
of the Commission in enhancing counter-narcotics cooperation
between the two countries.
Border Cooperation
The group noted that two new international bridges were opened
during the year, construction began on a third one, and the
Binational Committee on Bridges and Border Crossings announced
approval by both governments of new land crossings projects. Also,
the group noted that it has under consideration several projects and
proposals for new ports along the border. In addition to the new
crossings, both countries are developing new techniques and
procedures to expedite the inspection process which at times
causes delays at certain crossings.
The International Boundary and Water Commission [IBWC] is
nearing completion of its Nogales Expansion Project and has begun
work on the Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana sewage collection/treatment
projects. Regarding the pollution of the New river in the
Mexicali/Calexico area, the IBWC reports that it is intensively
continuing technical discussions with the goal of signing during
1991 a Conceptual Minute Agreement for the long-term solution of
this border sanitation problem.
Both delegations expressed their support for the annual
border
governors and border mayors conferences which supplement federal
efforts at increasing trade, tourism and other cross-border
activities.
The delegations agreed that the IBWC will begin bilateral
testing of new and sturdier boundary markers at the Otay Mesa and
Mexicali/Imperial Valley sections of the border.
At the conclusion of the Binational Commission meeting, the
delegations declared their satisfaction at the progress attained and
agreed to hold the tenth meeting of the commission in the United
States on a date in 1992 yet to be determined. (###)
Background: US-Mexico Binational Commission
Former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jose Lopez Portillo
established the US-Mexico Binational Commission when the Mexican
President visited Washington on June 9, 1981. It serves as a forum
for regular meetings among cabinet-level officials from both
countries and is chaired by the US Secretary of State and the
Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations.
The Binational Commission normally meets once a year.
These
meetings are valued by both sides as action-generating events
which, along with regular US-Mexico presidential summits, sustain
momentum toward mutual policy objectives. They also demonstrate
the importance each country attaches to bilateral relations. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: The US and Senegal: Sharing A Common Commitment to Peace
Bush, Diouf
Source: President Bush, Senegal President Diouf
Description: Remarks at a White House arrival ceremony, Washington,
DC
Date: Sep 10, 19919/10/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Subsaharan Africa, MidEast/North Africa
Country: Senegal
Subject: Democratization, Military Affairs
[TEXT]
President Bush:
To President and Mrs. Diouf, ladies
and gentlemen, a sincere welcome. On behalf of the United States
of America--long known for its fidelity to freedom and human
dignity--I am honored to welcome President Diouf, the President of
a nation which so clearly echoes those beliefs.
A Senegalese proverb says: "Misunderstandings don't exist;
only the failure to communicate exists."
Mr. President, because you have communicated to the world
what Senegal embodies, there can be no misunderstanding about the
ideals and aspirations that link our two societies and peoples.
For those who follow Senegalese history, it is obvious why
Senegal has become one of our closest friends in Africa.
Ever since its independence in 1960, Senegal has adhered to
the principles of a democratic political system. Your robust free
press can publish the full spectrum of political thought and opinion.
Like us, you have an independent judiciary--vital to any government
which operates by the rule of law. And let me mention, too, your
enviable record in the field of human rights.
These facts, of course, could describe, we think, our country,
the United States of America. We both share a fundamental
commitment to the peaceful solution of conflicts. We both believe
in the inalienable rights of all. In Senegal it's said, "Man is the best
cure for his own ills." Well, Mr. President, the whole world has
begun to vanquish the ills of tyranny and totalitarianism. Bayonets
and barbed wire cannot conquer man's yearning to be free.
Last year at this time, Senegal was preparing to send 500
soldiers to the Gulf to participate in Operation Desert Shield.
Shortly after the end of Operation Desert Storm, a tragic plane
crash in Saudi Arabia claimed the lives of 93 of those brave
Senegalese soldiers as they returned to their base near the Gulf
after a pilgrimage to Mecca. So Senegal paid proportionately the
highest price of any coalition partner in freeing Kuwait from naked
aggression.
We mourn your lost countrymen, but know that they died for
the noblest cause of all--the unstoppable tide of freedom that today
is changing history swiftly, dramatically. Future generations will
look to our age and say: "Here--here, in the 1990s--began the new
world order."
And thus, we welcome not only an old and dear friend to
Washington, but a friend who shares our values, who will fight for
freedom, and who has a deep appreciation and respect for the
American way of life. Mr. President, just as your people love
America, so does America love the nation of your birth. God bless
you and Senegal and the United States of America. And once again,
welcome to our shores.
President Abdou Diouf:
Mr. President, the words of
welcome you have just spoken are those of a true friend. I was
deeply moved by them and by the warmth of this beautiful ceremony.
Allow me, therefore, at the very outset to express heartfelt thanks
to you on behalf of my wife and on my own and that of the
delegation accompanying me.
Mr. President and dear friend, Madam Bush, your excellencies,
ladies and gentlemen: This is the third time in the space of 2 years
that I find myself in this great and beautiful country. This time,
however, my visit is of special significance. To begin with, it is my
first state visit and the second one by a Senegalese president. It is
also significant because it takes place in the background of a
particular international setting marked by the end of an era and the
heralding of a new order on which we Senegalese and Americans are
pinning equal hopes. Add to this the fact that, with the
strengthening of the Senegalese democracy, our approach becomes
more identical to yours, and this in turn makes your model more
appealing to us.
Lastly, I note that, since the end of the Gulf war, I am the
first African president to be received on a state visit by your
country. I fully appreciate the significance of this gesture, and I
should like to express my gratitude for the thoughtful
demonstration of friendship toward me and my country.
At this juncture I should like to dedicate my profound
thoughts to the worthy sons of America fallen on the field of honor.
As my country suffered the loss of 93 soldiers in Saudi Arabia, I
can well appreciate the grief of those who lost their loved ones and
to whom I should like to offer once again my condolences. We can
take comfort in the fact that their sacrifice has not been in vain,
for despite the Gulf war and its aftermath, despite the institutional
tremors that have shaken the Soviet Union over the past few weeks,
the international atmosphere is, happily, one of detente which our
peoples long for.
The progress made in arms reduction with the signing of the
START [Strategic Arms Reduction Talks] Treaty, following the
adoption of the Paris Charter for a new Europe, the triumph of
democratic demands across the world and particularly in Africa, the
dismantling of the legal basis of apartheid--we still have to draw
inferences from it--are all encouraging signs as we approach the
end of the 20th century.
Indeed, never before in the history of mankind has the sound
of freedom resounded so loudly and so far and wide. Never have
freedom and peace combined so harmoniously for so many human
beings and peoples. Yet, this is no permanent achievement. Quite
the contrary, it is frail because of the major challenge that is still
confronting us--poverty. This is a challenge to us all. Mr.
President, I know that this cause is so dear to your heart. I know
and I appreciate the efforts your government is making to face up to
it.
Africa, which had apprehended that it would be marginalized
to the benefit of the countries of Eastern Europe, is now resolutely
committed to the fight for integration--a must for its development.
The adoption and signing at the June 1991 OAU [Organization for
African Unity] summit of the treaty establishing the African
Economic Community is a clear manifestation of this commitment.
In my capacity as the current Chairman of the ECOWAS [Economic
Community of West African States], I will leave no stone unturned
to translate that commitment into concrete achievements within
our subregion. I am confident that countries like yours, together
with international institutions which have always been by our side,
will support us in our endeavors.
Mr. President, I cannot end without expressing once again my
thanks for the warmth of your welcome, without renewing my
determination to continue striving with you for the triumph of our
common values and ideals for the greater well-being of all men and
the whole of mankind. I hope that our efforts to that end will be
successful and I express my most sincere wishes for your and your
family's good health and happiness, and for the sustained prosperity
of the friendly American people. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: US Deplores Liberia-Sierra Leone Border Clashes
Tutwiler
Source: State Department Spokesman Margaret Tutwiler
Description: Washington, DC
Date: Sep 6, 19919/6/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Subsaharan Africa
Country: Sierra Leone, Liberia
Subject: Military Affairs, Regional/Civil Unrest
[TEXT]
The US Government opposes and deplores all armed incursions
across the Liberia-Sierra Leone border from either side.
Allegations that the US supports factions engaging in such
provocations are absurd. Cross-border conflict is a threat to
regional stability and counterproductive to the cause of peace in
Liberia. Violence cannot resolve the crisis in Liberia, and those
who resort to violence place the peace process and their own
credibility at risk. The people of Liberia have already suffered
enough. Restraint is especially critical now, as preparations for
the upcoming round of negotiations in Yamoussoukro [Cote
d'Ivoire] proceed. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: US-Senegal: A Special Relationship
Cohen
Source: Heman J. Cohen, Assistant Secretary for African
Affairs
Description: Excerpts from a briefing by Assistant Secretary for
African Affairs Herman J. Cohen on the meeting between
President Bush and President Diouf, the White House,
Washington, DC
Date: Sep 10, 19919/10/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: Subsaharan Africa, MidEast/North Africa
Country: Senegal
Subject: Military Affairs
[TEXT]
President Abdou Diouf of Senegal is in the United States for a state
visit. Today is the first day of a 3-day visit, and the first event
was a meeting with President Bush. During the meeting, President
Bush expressed his appreciation for Senegal's cooperation in the
Gulf during the war. He characterized the Senegalese participation
in Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a deep and serious
commitment to peace, freedom, and liberty in the world.
President Bush also wanted to highlight, during this visit,
Senegal's commitment to democracy as one of the few multi-party
democracies in Africa today. And President Bush also said that in
Africa there is a special relationship between the United States and
Senegal, and we are generally on the same wavelength on most
issues. President Diouf congratulated President Bush for the vigor
and intelligence with which he led the world during the crisis in the
Gulf. He agreed with President Bush's characterization of the
relationship as being excellent. In the context of the bilateral
relationship, President Bush announced that we are forgiving $42
million worth of debt which Senegal incurred in the purchase of
agricultural commodities under Public Law 480 in previous years.
President Diouf expressed great appreciation for that
announcement.
In connection with that, President Diouf said that Senegal
will continue its commitment to a free market system and to
structural economic reform. There was a lengthy discussion on the
crisis in Liberia. President Bush asked President Diouf for his
analysis. President Diouf said it is a heartbreaking situation. As
President of the Economic Community of West African States--
ECOWAS--President Diouf said this crisis has gone on much too
long; that action must be taken to bring it to a closure as soon as
possible; and that solution in Liberia can only be a democratic one.
And the first step is the silencing of the weapons. He said that
there will be a meeting in Cote d'Ivoire on September 16 to work
out a solution. And he assured President Bush that they would not
close that meeting until they've reached an agreement leading to the
disarmament of the parties and the holding of a democratic election
within 6 months in Liberia.
President Diouf said if it would be useful, Senegal would be
willing to send troops to join the ECOWAS forces already there. If
that would give a sense of confidence to the various parties, they
would be glad to make a troop commitment....(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: Country Profile: Senegal
Date: Sep 16, 19919/16/91
Category: Country Data
Region: Subsaharan Africa
Country: Senegal
Subject: History, Trade/Economics
Official Name: Republic of Senegal
Geography
Area: 196,840 sq. km. (76,000 sq. mi.); about the size of South
Dakota.
Cities: Capital--Dakar. Other cities--Thies, Kaolack, Saint-Louis,
Ziguinchor.
Terrain: Flat or rising to foothills.
Climate: Tropical/Sahelian--desert or grasslands in the north,
heavier vegetation in the south and southeast.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Senegalese (sing. and pl.).
Population (est. 1990): 7 million.
Annual growth rate: 3%.
Ethnic groups: Wolof 43%, Fulani (Peulh) and Toucouleur 23%, Serer
15%, Diola, Mandingo, and others 19%.
Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 5%, traditional 1%.
Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, Mandingo.
Education: Attendance--primary 60%, secondary 15%. Literacy--
28%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--78/1,000. Life expectancy--48 yrs.
Work force (3.4 million, 1989): Agriculture--70% (subsistence or
cash crops). Wage earners (250,000)--private sector 40%,
government and parastatal 60%.
Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: April 4, 1960.
Constitution: March 3, 1963, last revised 1984.
Branches: Executive--president (chief of state, commander in chief
of armed forces). Legislative--unicameral National Assembly
(single chamber with 120 deputies). Judicial--Supreme Court
(appointed by the president from sitting magistrates.)
Administrative subdivisions: 10 regions, 30 departments, 95
arrondissements.
Political parties: 17 political parties are registered; major parties
include the Socialist Party (PS), the Democratic Party of Senegal
(PDS), the People's Liberation Party (PLP), the Democratic
League/Movement for a Labor Party (LD/MPT), and the Independence
and Labor Party (PIT).
Suffrage: Universal at 21.
Defense (1989): $95.9 million.
Flag: Three vertical bands--green, yellow, red, with a green star
centered in the yellow band.
Economy
GDP (1989): $4.9 billion.
Annual growth rate: 6%.
Per capita GDP (1988): $630.
Inflation rate (1989): 2%.
Natural resources: Fish, phosphate.
Agriculture (22% of GDP): Products--peanuts, millet, sorghum,
manioc, rice, cotton.
Industry (24% of GDP): Types--fishing, agricultural product
processing, light manufacturing, mining.
Trade (1989): Exports--$778 million: seafood, peanut products,
phosphate rock. Major markets--France, other EC, US, Communaute
Financiere Africaine (CFA) zone. Imports-- $987 million: food,
consumer goods, petroleum, machinery, transport equipment. Major
suppliers--France, Nigeria, Algeria, Thailand, US.
Economic aid received (1988): $566 million from all sources, ($32
million from the US in 1989).
Membership in International Organizations
UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, Non-Aligned
Movement, Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC),
Organization of African Unity (OAU), West African Monetary Union,
Interstate Committee to Combat the Sahel Drought (CILSS),
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West
African Economic Community (CEAO), Senegal River Development
Organization (OMVS), Gambia River Development Organization
(OMVG). (###)
Regional Importance
Former President Senghor advocated dialogue between nations and
believed negotiation and compromise to be the best means of
resolving international differences. To a large extent, President
Diouf has continued this policy. Senegal has traditionally supported
functional integration among French-speaking West African states
through the West African Economic Community. (###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: Protecting the Antarctic Environment
Date: Sep 16, 19919/16/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: Polar Regions
Country: Antarctica
Subject: Environment, Resource Management,
Science/Technology, International Law
[TEXT]
The United States is committed to protecting the Antarctic
environment and ensuring that human activities do not compromise
the opportunities this unique area offers for scientific research.
This commitment is a fundamental element of US-Antarctic policy
and complements our objective of maintaining Antarctica as a zone
for peaceful activity. This also has been the primary goal of the
Antarctic Treaty since it entered into effect 30 years ago. In an
effort to improve the protection of the Antarctic environment,
parties to the Antarctic Treaty, including the United States, have
recently completed negotiation of the Protocol on Environmental
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty which will provide further
environmental safeguards.
The Antarctic Treaty System
The Antarctic Treaty is open to any member of the United Nations
and provides the necessary international framework, consistent
with the UN Charter, to manage human activities in Antarctica.
Environmental protection is a priority issue at the Antarctic Treaty
Consultative Meetings open to the 26 Antarctic Treaty Consultative
parties as well as 14 treaty parties that attend as observers.
These meetings have led to a wide range of environmental
protection measures, which have elaborated the provisions of the
treaty and deal with new activities and circumstances, as well as
separate international agreements.
Protocol on Environmental Protection
A major addition to the Antarctic Treaty system will be the
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty that
resulted from negotiations launched in 1990. President Bush
announced on July 3, 1991, that the US would sign the new protocol.
It builds upon the Antarctic Treaty and provides for improved
environmental protection measures that can be strengthened in the
future. In October 1991, Consultative Parties are expected to sign
the protocol in Madrid. It sets forth basic principles on the
protection of the Antarctic environment, establishes an advisory
body, and provides for a system of annexes to incorporate detailed
mandatory rules for environmental protection. The annexes
establish legally binding measures on the conservation of Antarctic
fauna and flora, waste disposal, marine pollution, and
environmental impact assessment procedures which will be subject
to compulsory and binding dispute settlement. Future annexes could
be added following entry into force of the protocol.
Except for scientific research, the protocol prohibits any
activities relating to Antarctic mineral resources and provides
that this prohibition can be reviewed at any time after 50 years
following entry into force of the protocol.
Conservation Issues
The new protocol will complement the existing far-reaching
agreements within the Treaty system to conserve living species in
Antarctica. The 1964 Agreed Measures for the Conservation of
Antarctic Fauna and Flora prohibits (except for scientific purposes)
the taking of plants, birds and marine mammals native to the
continent and establishes a system of specially protected areas in
which human access is strictly limited. These measures are
updated and strengthened in the protocol's annex on the
conservation of flora and fauna.
There are also two other international treaties which address
conservation issues. The 1980 Convention on the Conservation of
Antarctic Marine Living Resources applies an innovative ecosystem
approach to conservation. The parties (26 nations and the European
Community) have made significant progress in understanding the
interrelationships and population dynamics of the species found in
Antarctic waters and in their protection and conservation. They
have placed major restrictions upon commercial fisheries, including
catch quotas, gear regulation, and area and seasonal closures, as
well as a system of inspection of fishing vessels at sea. In
addition, 14 countries are party to the 1972 Convention on the
Conservation of Antarctic Seals, which provides a means for
protecting seal populations from harvesting.
Next Steps
The Antarctic Treaty system incorporates a dynamic network of
measures to protect the Antarctic environment. The successful
negotiation and anticipated signing of the environmental protocol in
1991 testifies to the success of this system. Pending entry into
force of the protocol, the United States will strive for early
implementation of its stringent environmental
measures.(###)
US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 2, No 37, September 16, 1991
Title: Economic Policy Coordination: The G-7 and the Dollar
Date: Sep 16, 19919/16/91
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: North America, Europe, East Asia
Country: Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom,
Italy, Germany
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Background
Leaders of the seven largest industrialized democracies (United
States, Japan, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada)
have met annually since 1975 to address global issues of common
concern and to develop cooperative economic and political
approaches. These Group of Seven (G-7) summit meetings reflect a
heightened recognition of the need for close cooperation as a result
of the growing integration of the world economy and the
globalization of financial markets.
Since 1985, more formal arrangements for the coordination
of economic policies have been developed involving regular
meetings of the finance ministers and central bank governors of the
G-7 countries. G-7 meetings are designed to foster more consistent
and compatible economic policies and performance among the
participants to achieve shared objectives of sustained global
growth with low inflation, reduced trade imbalances, and greater
exchange market flexibility.
Plaza and Louvre Accords
The divergence of economic policies and performance among the
major industrial countries from 1982 to 1985 led to a sharp rise in
the US dollar and the emergence of substantial trade imbalances.
The US current account position went from rough balance to a
deficit of more than $100 billion during this period, with faster
growth in the United States than in most other major countries
contributing to this outcome.
In September 1985, then-Treasury Secretary James A. Baker,
III, and his counterparts from Japan, Germany, France, and the
United Kingdom met as the Group of Five (G-5) at the Plaza Hotel in
New York. They agreed on coordinated economic and exchange rate
policies to reduce global trade imbalances and to achieve a
substantial depreciation of the US dollar, thereby bringing currency
values more in line with fundamental economic realities. The
ensuing broad-based decline of the dollar indicates that
coordination among the largest economies can have a potent effect
on the international economy and currency markets.
At a February 1987 meeting at the Louvre in Paris, the G-7
agreed on specific policy commitments to improve global growth
and reduce trade imbalances. The substantial exchange rate changes
that had occurred since the Plaza accord had brought currencies
within ranges broadly consistent with economic fundamentals. The
group agreed to cooperate closely to foster stability of exchange
rates around prevailing levels.
Recent Developments
The dramatic events of the past 2 years, including the changes in
the Soviet Union, the move toward market-based economic systems
in Eastern Europe, and the Persian Gulf crisis and its aftermath
have posed many challenges to the G-7 countries. External
imbalances have lessened significantly, particularly in the United
States. Exchange rates sometimes have fluctuated significantly, as
should be expected when economic fundamentals are changing so
rapidly. In this environment, the G-7 framework has provided an
important forum for addressing challenges in a coordinated fashion.
Milestones in the Coordination Process
The coordination process has developed gradually in recent years
and is now an accepted feature of the international economy.
Milestones (in addition to the Plaza and Louvre accords) include:
Tokyo Summit (May 1986). Agreement was reached to
establish a framework for multilateral surveillance of economic
policies with economic indicators. The G-7 was formed to conduct
the coordination effort, with the Managing Director of the
International Monetary Fund invited to participate.
December 1987 Statement. After the October 1987 stock
market crash, the G-7 agreed on coordinated monetary and fiscal
measures to sustain global growth, continue external adjustments,
and prevent a further decline of the dollar.
April 1988 Statement. The G-7 agreed to use a commodity
price indicator as an additional economic measuring tool in the
surveillance and policy coordination process.
September 1989 Statement. The G-7 said that the rise in the
dollar that had occurred recently was inconsistent with long-run
economic fundamentals and would be resisted. In 1989, G-7
countries used net interventions of more than $60 billion to limit
the dollar's rise. (###)