US Department of State Dispatch,
Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: The Hemisphere's Hopes for Peace
Baker
Source: Secretary Baker
Description: Address before the Salvadoran National Assembly, San
Salvador, El Salvador
Date: Nov, 17 199211/17/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: North America, Central America, South America
Country: El Salvador
Subject: Democratization, United Nations
[TEXT]
It is a special honor to speak to you, the leaders of El Salvador, and through
you to the people of this great nation, on this, your first day of peace in
more than a decade.
Yesterday, in Mexico City, I was honored to stand with your President to
witness the signing of the historic accords that ended El Salvador's long and
bloody conflict. But I believe the true meaning of those accords can only be
understood here in El Salvador on the faces of the Salvadoran people.
Here, I see relief, joy, perhaps a little apprehension, but most of all hope--
hope for the new possibilities peace can bring to all Salvadorans. I am here
today to tell you on behalf of President Bush: We in the United States share
your joy--and your sense of relief. We understand your apprehensions. Most
of all, we and, I believe, the entire democratic community, will stand with
you to help build that new, more hopeful future.
The peace we celebrate today was won through the struggle and sacrifice of
many Salvadorans whose names may not be known but whose contribution
will long be remembered: the citizens from every walk of life who defied
threats of death and violence to stand in voting lines through seven national
elections; the workers, businessmen, and farmers whose will to produce
could not be defeated by the destruction of war; the soldiers of the
Salvadoran armed forces who died to defend freedom and the families who
mourned them; the mayors who, despite threats and assassinations, labored
to bring electricity or safe drinking water to remote villages and towns; the
political leaders, and their supporters, who never left the democratic
struggle, even after the election fraud of 1972; and finally those who had
the courage to return from exile to El Salvador and re-enter the democratic
competition, even though they had to wear bulletproof vests beneath their
guayaberas. Tribute is due also to the negotiating teams from both sides
who persevered until they hammered out a just and honorable agreement.
The National Assembly, many of whose leaders and members are here today,
deserves enormous credit. The Assembly's speedy action in ratifying the
constitutional reforms hammered out in Mexico City last April helped create
the confidence and momentum that steadily moved the process toward the
peace we celebrate today. The spirit of tolerance, cooperation, and
compromise that has emerged in the National Assembly has helped by
offering proof that national reconciliation is possible.
But one man deserves special recognition today--the man who took his oath
of office as your President on June 1, 1989. In his inaugural address,
President Cristiani declared, "We have the historic obligation to end the
war, and we will do so through means provided by democracy itself."
Now, 30 months later, through perseverance, vision, and will, President
Cristiani has fulfilled that "historic obligation." On behalf of President
Bush and the Government of the United States, I salute your President, the
hero of the Salvadoran peace accords, Alfredo Cristiani.
President Cristiani described this moment best when he addressed your
nation following his return from the historic final meeting in New York. He
said, "We should not see it as the end of the conflict. We should see it as
the beginning of the process of consolidating peace and democracy, respect
for human rights and national reconciliation."
The process of consolidating peace and democracy, respect for human rights
and national reconciliation will be (as you know well) as challenging and
complicated as the process of defending democracy and negotiating a final
agreement. But I believe El Sal-vador begins this new era with real reason
for hope.
We are hopeful because the peace accords clearly enjoy the broad support of
both the Salvadoran people and of the international community. Let no one
doubt where the Government of the United States stands: We fully support
the peace agreement. We support these accords--not as a necessary evil to
end a bitter conflict but because we believe the reforms that have been
negotiated in the judicial system, the electoral system, the armed forces,
and the police will, as President Cristiani said, strengthen El Salvador's
democratic institutions, enlarge the scope of human rights, and promote
national reconciliation.
The international community, which played such an important role in helping
end the war, now has a responsibility to help secure the peace.
Too often, nations lose interest in a region when a conflict has ended and is
no longer capturing the headlines. The international community must not
make that mistake in El Salvador, and I do not believe it will. Let me pledge
to you that we will work with the United Nations, and the democratic
community of nations, to help mobilize political support and resources in
order to help translate the hopeful promises of the Salvadoran peace
accords into an enduring reality.
But ultimately, the success or failure of peace will depend on the people of
El Salvador. The negotiations succeeded because Salvadorans, who for too
many years communicated with bullets, rockets, and bombs, finally
concluded that the only way to settle their differences--and save their
country--is through dialogue, negotiation, and compromise.
That dialogue must continue. For the fears that separated Salvadorans
through a decade of war will not be dissolved overnight. Instead, former
enemies must now build bridges of trust and confidence, brick by brick, and
day by day.
That will not be easy. But as an American, I know it can be done. The United
States, too, was once consumed by a long and bitter civil war. Like this
conflict has been for you, it was the bloodiest in our history. Yet with
peace and over time, we were able to bind up the wounds of war, confront
historic injustices, and forge a stronger, more democratic, more just
society. Despite the dangers and the difficulties, I am confident the
citizens of your country can and will do the same.
Fortunately, there is a blueprint to guide you through this process--the
peace accords themselves. Both sides to the conflict have pledged to uphold
the accords. Both sides must honor those commitments to build trust and
lasting peace.
The leaders of the FMLN [Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front] have
said they are counting on the international community to help oversee and
guarantee the provisions of the peace accords. The international community
through the United Nations (including the United States) has accepted that
responsibility. But the FMLN must understand that its authority to call on
others to carry out the accords will depend on the FMLN's own track record
in meeting its obligations, too.
For let us be frank. There are some Salvadorans, with memories of guerrilla
war and violent political struggle, who fear that the peace accords are an
enormous trap--a political Trojan horse--that will allow the FMLN to re-
enter civil society only to return to the violent and destabilizing politics of
the past. It is essential that the FMLN demonstrate by its actions and its
words that these skeptics are wrong. The sooner its army converts into a
peaceful political force, the faster the important work of national
reconstruction and reform can go forward.
It is equally important to recognize that former guerrilla combatants and
their supporters, who now seek to enter the democratic process, have their
own memories of the terrible political violence they suffered in the past.
Their security concerns must also be taken seriously.
Already, while the overwhelming majority of Salvadorans were celebrating
the peace, a few extremists were greeting the peace accords with published
death threats and bombs. These people call themselves Salvadoran patriots.
In truth, they are traitors to the Salvadoran nation. They threaten El
Salvador's democratic hopes and future just as much as those who once
advocated violence from the opposite political extreme.
There can and must be safe political space in the democratic life of your
nation for all those who advocate peaceful change. There can and must be no
space or tolerance in El Salvador for vigilantes of violence on either the
right or the left.
Threats have already been made against church figures, journalists, and UN
personnel.
So let me make one thing clear. The democratic community has labored long
and hard to assist the Government and people of El Salvador to gain this
historic opportunity. International observers will be here in large numbers
to monitor the peace process. The United States (and, I believe, others in
the democratic community) will provide whatever assistance is possible to
the Government of El Salvador to ensure that anyone who threatens the
peace process through violence is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
There can be no safehaven for those who seek to destroy through violence El
Salvador's hard-won chance for peace.
Peace in El Salvador is important, not only to the people of El Salvador but
also to our hopes of building a more peaceful region and world.
The success of the peace process here will strengthen the capacity of the
United Nations to fulfill its founding vision of promoting peaceful
resolution of conflicts around the world. It can also provide renewed energy
and momentum for the peace process in Guatemala.
The time has come to negotiate an end to Guatemala's 30-year-old
insurgency. When it ends, we will be able to look across Central America
for the first time in its history and see the promise of Esquipulas fulfilled-
-every nation living peacefully under a government freely chosen by its
people.
With democracy and peace, all of Central America can turn to the work of
development, trade, and investment--work that has been neglected too long.
El Salvador's free market reforms have already brought renewed growth to
your country, despite the war. They offer a model to the rest of the region.
Once at peace, Central America can move forward through regional
negotiations to reduce the level of armaments in every nation to a lower,
balanced level commensurate with the needs of legitimate defense.
Resources once devoted to war could then be used to build schools and
vaccinate children, to provide credit to farmers, to create new
opportunities for entrepreneurs, and to strengthen systems of justice and
law.
In the last decade, more peoples and nations have secured their freedom
than in any other period in human history--nowhere more dramatically than
in Latin America.
If we have the vision and the will, we can make the Americas a model of the
new, more hopeful world we are building now that the Cold War has been
won. Ours can be a hemisphere in which democracy is the only legitimate
form of government, the rule of law is respected, and human rights are
secure. Ours can be a hemisphere whose citizens freely trade across our
borders from Alaska to Argentina and greater prosperity is shared by all.
Our hemispheric community of democratic nations can unite to combat the
scourge of narco-trafficking, stop the spread of weapons of mass
destruction, and preserve our natural environment. And we can see the day
when throughout the Americas every nation will dwell in friendship with its
neighbors, and all our citizens will live in peace.
Yesterday, we took a step toward realizing that vision. Today, together, let
us take another step by recommitting ourselves to the hard, rewarding work
of securing the peace and consolidating democracy both here in El Sal-vador
and throughout this hemisphere.
The Bible says blessed are the peacemakers. God bless you all--and may God
bless the people of El Salvador.(###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Greater Balance in US-Japanese Economic
Relations
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Address at Toys-R-Us grand opening, Kashihara, Japan
Date: Jan, 7 19921/7/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
(introductory remarks deleted)
What we see here today is success, for Japanese consumers as well as for
ourselves, in the effort to eliminate a major barrier in the Japanese
distribution system. For years, American retailers have sought to compete
in the Japanese market. After all, Japan has the second largest economy in
the world, and its consumers are increasingly demanding wider choices for
themselves and their families, lower prices, and, certainly, uncompromising
quality.
But, American companies before weren't making any headway because the
regulations, particularly the large retail store law, made opening new
foreign retail stores virtually impossible. From the beginning of our
Administration we've had a key trade policy objective, and that was to break
down the barriers to the sales of US goods and services.
In 1990, we launched the Structural Impediments Initiative--or what we
call SII, those talks to remove the underlying economic barriers to trade and
balance of payment adjustment and to promote open markets. SII has indeed
enabled us to take aim at the rules that prevent our companies from
competing in Japanese markets.
When Japan changed its large store law, it lowered a key barrier to open
trade. Japanese consumers--your buyers here in this country--and our
workers stand to reap the benefits. Japanese consumers will get stores
with wider selections, more competitive prices, and quality goods from
around the world. US companies will be able to operate businesses and sell
their products in this huge and promising market.
I think we're all here today because Toys-R-Us was ready to take up the
challenge of SII, and it literally lived up to the old Japanese saying, "Three
years on top of a stone." We have much to learn from the 3-year battle that
Toys-R-Us waged to pry open the $6-billion Japanese toy market.
After all, this is the first time that a large US discount store has opened
here, and it's blazed a trail. Now, all kinds of companies can come on in,
from toy stores to high-tech outlets.
I hope that Toys-R-Us is but the first in a long line of American retailers to
locate in this great country. Greater access is an exciting idea, and it will
help create more jobs in America. The opening of the Japanese retail
market gives our manufacturers, particularly the small manufacturers, a
conduit into markets they otherwise couldn't have touched and brings the
Japanese consumer a wide choice of world-class goods.
The relationship between the United States and Japan is one of the world's
most vital economic relationships. Our two nations produce over 40% of the
world's gross national product, and, therefore, our actions, taken separately
or together, affect many countries.
We've worked together in close cooperation, for instance, at the economic
summit, in the G-7 framework, and in international financial institutions to
promote global growth and shared prosperity--Japan and the United States
working for those common goals.
But, we still face many challenges. Each partner must realize that it
benefits from free trade and open markets. Our economic relationship is not
a zero-sum game for either side. Though we're pleased at the success so
far, we're not satisfied with just reaching these piecemeal trade
agreements. In the cause of free and open trade, we want agreements that
produce permanent improvement in access and in US sales to Japanese
markets and permanent improvement in the lives of Japanese consumers.
What makes me so happy here today is that we see here the beginning of a
dynamic, new economic relationship--one of greater balance. There is much
that we can do for the world based on a forward-looking global partnership
between two great nations, two powerful economies, and two resourceful,
innovative peoples. Together we will go far.
Just two last points: I will do my level best as President of the United
States to preserve and strengthen the important relationship between Japan
and my great country.
It has a lot to do with world peace. It has a lot to do with world economic
stability. It has a lot to do with two great economic and democratic
countries working together, setting an example for other countries around
the world. So, I want to say to the Minister and to the Prime Minister, I will
do my part to keep this relationship on track.
Lastly--and this is the end, you'll be happy to know--I just want to thank all
of the people in this wonderful city who have given Barbara Bush, over here,
and me such a warm welcome. When we got off that helicopter here and
came by those wonderfully warm, smiling faces, extending to us a warm,
Japanese welcome, we felt very, very grateful and very emotional. That
said an awful lot about the friendship between Japan and the United States
of America.
Thank you, and may God bless each and every one of you. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Closer US-Japanese Cooperation
Scowcroft
Source: National Security Adviser General Brent
Scowcroft
Description: Excerpts from news conference on discussions between
the President and Japanese Prime Minister Miyazawa, Tokyo
Date: Jan, 8 19921/8/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, USSR (former)
Subject: Trade/Economics, United Nations
[TEXT]
The meeting this morning began with the Prime Minister expressing his
appreciation for the comments of the President relative to the Pearl Harbor
ceremonies on December 7. He expressed his feeling that the spirit of
generosity and friendship that the President displayed at that time meant a
great deal to the Japanese people.
The President replied that he had written many of those words himself and
that they were from the heart and that, in his mind, they expressed his
honest feeling and his belief that the US-Japanese relationship was a vital
one--never more vital than at the present time in the present world
situation.
The President discussed the relationship in three general categories,
beginning with the strategic relationship, which he felt was still an
important ingredient of the overall relationship: that while the world had
changed dramatically and the overriding threat from an aggressive,
menacing Soviet Union had dissipated, the experience a year ago with
Saddam Hussein demonstrated the dangers still abroad in the world and that
uncertainty, turbulence, and instabilities still demanded the need for a
security system worldwide--but also in the Asian Pacific area.
Then, the President went on to discuss the global, political relationship and
the changes taking place in the world--the growth of freedom and
democracy around the globe which it was in the important interests of both
parties to stimulate and support.
He discussed the Commonwealth of Independent States--the former Soviet
Union--and the need there to contribute to economic reform, to stability,
and to the growth of democracy; the problems of Eastern Europe and their
struggling to transform political and economic systems; other areas in the
globe such as, for example, Cambodia, with the need for contributing to the
UN operation to promote--to allow elections eventually in that country;
places like El Salvador, where the coming of a truce opened the way for
reconstruction which would put demands on the world; [and] other areas--
Africa, so on and so forth. In other words, [he expressed] that the agenda,
the political agenda, of cooperation in this global partnership had never been
more urgent.
The third area that the President mentioned was the commitment to an open
world trading system, which he underscored was in the interest of both
parties. He expressed, and the Prime Minister concurred in, the importance
of a successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round [of the General Agreement
on Tariffs and Trade] as a step toward the improvement of an open world
trading system. Progress based on the Dunkel report made such a successful
conclusion look perhaps within reach.
There was extensive discussion on the importance to both countries of an
open trading system, with the President underlining that the collapse of an
open trading system was perhaps of greater consequence to Japan than to
almost any other important industrialized country.
From there, of course, the conversation went into the bilateral issues,
[with] the President commenting--in terms of this open trading system--
that in the American position the Japanese market was not yet open and that
both sides needed to cooperate in the interest of opening the Japanese
market to the imports of the United States and, of course, to other countries
so that the trading system was a balanced trading system open to all on the
basis of equal opportunities. They discussed many of the sectoral issues in
general terms: automobiles, auto parts, computers, financial services,
glass, paper, so on and so forth.
The two leaders also agreed on a strategy for world growth, and I believe
later today there will be a statement put out dealing with that, and I think
[US Treasury] Secretary Brady will probably brief later on.
But, essentially, it was an agreement to stimulate growth in a lagging world
economy. Both the United States--both sides have taken steps so far in the
reduction of interest rates, and in budget packages--the United States will
have one, of course, in the State of the Union [address]--which are
stimulative and they will encourage--I believe [Treasury] Under Secretary
Mulford is right now in Europe--encourage the Europeans to join this
strategy for world growth.
There was also a discussion of the superconducting supercollider, and the
Prime Minister expressed a positive attitude toward the project. The two
leaders agreed that the project needed to be revised in terms that would
make it more truly an international project. They agreed on a study group
which would do this within the year.
The Prime Minister expressed his agreement with--of course, I've expressed
the meeting from the viewpoint of the President and his comments. The
Prime Minister agreed with the thrust of the President's comments [and]
agreed with the need for closer cooperation bilaterally. The President made
a comment [that] at a time when the United States was immensely
preoccupied with developments in a rapidly changing and turbulent world, it
was important that the Japanese help in a way that did not force [them] to
excessive preoccupation with economic problems at home.
The issue of rice was mentioned, but in connection with the conclusion of
the Uruguay Round to deal with issues such as that of rice that are of
particular sensitivity to individual countries.
I'm sure there are other topics that I have omitted. Well, I might just say
[that] at lunch there was . . . a general discussion of issues of international
concern like developments in the Soviet Union--in the former Soviet Union,
the Commonwealth of Independent States--in China, North Korea, and so on. .
(###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: World Economic Growth
Bush
Miyazawa
Source: President Bush and Prime Minister Miyazawa
Description: Released by the White House, Office of the Press
Secretary, Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 8 19921/8/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, USSR (former)
Subject: Trade/Economics, United Nations
[TEXT]
President Bush and Prime Minister Miyazawa today announced A Strategy for
World Growth designed to strengthen the world economy.
The President and Prime Minister expressed concern that growth of the
world economy in 1991 slowed to the lowest level in nearly a decade. They
recognized that the outlook for growth of the world economy this year is
weaker than previously expected. This situation could adversely affect the
prospects for income and jobs, undermine the efforts of newly emerging
democracies and the developing countries to implement sound market-
oriented economic reforms, and raises the specter of renewed
protectionism.
The United States and Japan are the two largest countries in the world
economy, together accounting for nearly 40% of total global production and
more than 20% of world trade. The President and Prime Minister, aware of a
special responsibility placed on their countries by their position, recognize
that each country needs to pursue responsible economic policies that
strengthen the international economy and global trading system. They have
decided to undertake domestic policies to improve growth prospects, as a
part of a cooperative effort which contributes to the attainment of
sustainable growth with price stability and the promotion of global
economic recovery.
Prime Minister Miyazawa, with these considerations in mind, stated that the
Government of Japan will submit to the Diet the FY 1992 budget and the
Fiscal Investment and Loan Program aimed at strengthening domestic
demand by increased public investment through the central government and
local governments, and contributing to the world through its official
development assistance (ODA) and other measures, despite tight fiscal
conditions. Prime Minister Miyazawa stated that the Government of Japan
will monitor the progress of the above measures so as to assure that the
expected effects are realized. The recent decision by the Bank of Japan to
reduce interest rates is also intended to maintain sustainable growth with
price stability.
Toward the same end, President Bush also stated that he would be
submitting to the Congress a comprehensive program to strengthen US
growth and competitiveness. The details of the program will be contained
in the President's State of the Union message and his budget proposals for
FY 1993 to be announced later this month. The President noted that the
recent reduction in interest rates reflected the determination by the
Federal Reserve to facilitate US economic recovery and growth. The
President also reaffirmed his commitment to achieve a substantial
reduction of the US budget deficit over the medium term.
The President and Prime Minister reviewed developments in financial
markets and agreed that recent exchange rate movements were consistent
with current economic developments. They expressed confidence that the
above measures and developments will contribute to correction of external
imbalances.
President Bush and Prime Minister Miyazawa expressed their continued
support for ongoing economic policy coordination among G-7 countries as
essential for achieving their common objectives as expressed in this
statement. They stressed the importance of continued cooperative efforts
and called on other industrial countries to join with them.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: A Strategy for World Growth
Fitzwater
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 8 19921/8/92
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Concept: The Strategy
The strategy is an important declaration of the respective commitments of
Japan and the United States to economic growth. The strategy recognizes
that economic growth is the number one issue facing the world economy, and
therefore is intended as a cooperative policy response to strengthen world
economic growth. The effectiveness of the strategy would be enhanced by
expanding it to include other countries, and we have initiated discussions
with other G-7 members to obtain their views on how it could be broadened.
Economic Outlook
Growth in the G-7 countries slowed to 1% in 1991 from 2.6% in 1990. It is
projected to recover to 2% in 1992.
Inflation in the G-7 declined to 4.4% last year from 4.8% in 1990. It is
projected to fall to 3.7% in 1992.
The Government of Japan officially forecasts Japan's rate of economic
growth at 3.5% in FY 1992 (starting April 1). This is based on a 3.6%
increase in domestic demand and a 0.1% decline for net foreign demand.
Inflation is forecast to decline to 2.3% in FY 1992 from 2.9%.
Major Elements of the Strategy
-- The strategy recognizes the special responsibilities of both Japan and
the United States to pursue policies that strengthen the international
economy and global trading system.
-- The strategy expresses a joint commitment to economic growth and to
undertake cooperative domestic policies to improve growth.
-- The strategy could be broadened to include other countries prepared to
support measures to increase growth.
-- The strategy sets forth specific fiscal and monetary measures to
support growth.
-- Japan will submit to the Diet a budget to increase domestic demand as a
means of achieving 3.5% growth and a decline in the external surplus in FY
1992. The Japanese Government will monitor progress of these measures so
as to assure that the expected effects are realized.
-- The Federal Reserve has progressively lowered interest rates over the
course of 1991. The recent decline in the Fed's discount rate by one full
percentage point reduced that key lending rate to 3.5%--the lowest level in
25 years.
-- On December 30, the Bank of Japan reduced its official discount rate by
0.5% to 4.5%.
Note: Japanese FY 1992 runs from April 1, 1992 through March 31, 1993. In
the United States, FY 1993 runs from October 1, 1992 though September 30,
1993.
The Japanese Economy in 1991 and the FY 1992 Budget
Fact Sheet released by the White House, Office of the Press Secretary,
Tokyo, Japan, January 8, 1992.
Domestic Economy
-- The Japanese economy grew 2% (quarter/quarter) in the first quarter
1991, 0.7% in the second quarter, and 0.4% in the third quarter.
-- Industrial production, not seasonally adjusted (NSA), in Japan in
November was down 0.6% from the prior November. New housing starts
(NSA) in November were down 19.4% from a year ago.
-- Japan's current account surplus is increasing in FY 1991 to
approximately $73 billion from $34 billion in FY 1990, as officially forecast
by Japan. The official Japanese forecast for FY 1992 is for a small decline.
-- Inflation in Japan (seasonally adjusted) fell to 3.1% in November
(year/year) from a peak of 4% in January 1991.
Japanese Government Budget
-- The proposed General Account Budget of the central Government of Japan
calls for spending outlays in FY 1992 of 72,218 billion yen, an increase of
2.7% over FY 1991. Operating outlays, which excludes debt service
expenses, grants to local governments, and investments financed by sales of
government-held NTT [Nippon Telegraph and Telephone] shares, will total
38,699 billion yen, an increase of 4.5%.
-- Spending on public investment financed from the General Account will
total 6,941 billion yen, an increase of 5.3%.
-- The cabinet also has approved a budget for the "off-budget" Fiscal
Investment Loan Program (FILP) totaling 40,802 billion yen, an increase of
10.9% over FY 1991.
-- Of this total, 5,224 billion yen will be targeted to public works
implementing institutions, an increase of 10.8%. Excluding FILP funds set
aside for pension fund management purposes, FILP money available for
landing and investment purposes will increase 10.8% to 32,262 billion yen.
Note: Based on official Japanese Government data. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: The US and Japan: Building New Bridges of
Cooperation
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Remarks at the State Dinner, Imperial Palace, Tokyo,
Japan
Date: Jan, 8 19921/8/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
Your Imperial Majesties and honored guests: On behalf of the American
people, we wish to thank you for the warmth of this reception and for your
tireless efforts in support of the relationship between our two great
nations.
The United States and Japan today stand on the threshold of a new era of
cooperation, in which our nations seek to build a new world of freedom and
democracy. The task before us is daunting--one which will require vision
and courage. But it is one from which we cannot shrink. Too much depends
on us.
As leaders of this new world, we face several challenges together:
-- Addressing the new security requirements of a changed world;
-- Promoting freedom and democracy; and
-- Generating world economic growth and prosperity.
Tonight, we celebrate the essence of this new world order and the
opportunity to be true partners in its construction. We see how former
enemies can become close allies and friends--real friends--each
supporting, competing, growing, dreaming. Each understands that we must
resolve our differences fairly and constructively.
Our people both believe in work, community, faith, and family. We know how
democracy supports the cause of peace among nations. We realize that
although half a world may separate us, great ties unite us--ties that are
economic and military; moral and intellectual.
Your Majesty, the name you have chosen for your reign can be translated as
"achieving peace." That choice signifies your deep personal commitment to
this noble aspiration and your resolve not to revisit the tragedies of the
past. We are now closer to achieving the blessings of peace than we have
been at any time in this century.
When the great Japanese novelist, Kawabata, received the Nobel Prize in
literature, the citation praised him for "building a spiritual bridge spanning
East and West." In this changing world where the walls that once divided
whole nations from each other are crumbling, we all must become both
bridges to and partners in a new world order.
In that spirit and with heartfelt thanks, Your Majesty, for your wonderful
hospitality, I ask all of your guests to raise their glasses. To your health
and to the bridge of friendship and common purpose uniting our countries; to
those who built it and cross it still; and to the prosperity of our two great
peoples. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US-Japan Interests In a World Transformed
Brady
Source: Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady
Description: Remarks delivered on behalf of President Bush to he
Japanese welcoming committee, Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
(introductory remarks deleted)
Mr. Prime Minister, members of the Diet, distinguished guests. It is a deep
honor to be here today. President Bush has asked me to make his remarks to
you this afternoon. Although there have been minor grammatical changes in
pronouns, this is the President's speech; these are his words.
We come to Japan at the culmination of a long and productive journey. Today
we stand at a turning point in history; the Cold War is over, the Soviet Union
has vanished, and with it the delusions of communism. Centuries-old
enemies in the Middle East are tempering ancient hatreds in pursuit of
peace. Freedom's phoenix is rising from the ashes of tyranny--and nations
from Latin America to Eastern Europe and from Cambodia to Mongolia.
Freedom's rebirth was painful; its triumphs enscribed in blood; its truce
seared by the fires of war and sacrifice. This century has taught us two
crucial lessons: first, that isolationism and protectionism lead to war and
deprivation; and second, that political engagement and open trade lead to
peace and prosperity.
These last few years we again learned of the power of ideas. Technologies
that transmit ideas in the blink of an eye carry the human spirit over
barricades and through barbed wire. They hurdle walls designed to hold back
the truth.
We live in a world transformed, shrunken by swift travel and instant
communication; drawn closer by common interests and ambitions; propelled
forward by people's imaginations and dreams.
As leaders of this transforming world, the United States and Japan must
help build a new international order based on the rule of law, respect for
human rights, and political and economic liberty. We must shape a world
enriched by open trade and robust competition; a world that will create a
better life for people of all nations.
The United States lies between two great oceans, the Atlantic and the
Pacific. We are a nation of the Atlantic by birth, but our ties to the Asia-
Pacific region deepen daily. Our two-way trade is now $310 billion
annually, one-third larger than that with Europe. Our prosperity and yours
are indivisible. American businesses cannot flourish in Asia unless the
economies of Asia thrive and grow.
At the same time, Japan's growth needs American markets open and growing.
Since 1975, the number of Americans of Asian origin has nearly quadrupled.
What happens here is very important to us, and at the core of our continuing
Asian engagement stands our alliance with Japan.
At each stop during his visit to the region, the President has stressed the
challenges we must face: addressing the new security requirements of our
transforming world, promoting democracy, and generating world economic
growth and prosperity. Let me expand upon that by focusing on the special
relationship that the United States enjoys with Japan.
Rarely in history have two nations with such different and differing historic
cultural roots developed such an extraordinary relationship. Our people are
bound by shared security, by democracy, and by our deep economic ties.
There are those who doubt the future of this relationship. There are reasons
for tension. Here in Japan you have a saying, "Some rain must fall to prepare
the ground for building." We can all see that without progress we may be in
for some rough weather. And I must be frank in saying that there are
problems in our economic relationship. Speaking not only for the United
States, but for many developed countries, Japan's trade surplus is too high
and its market access too restricted.
President Bush has come to Japan as a friend, seeking solutions to these
concerns, believing that the expansion of free and fair trade will do nothing
but strengthen our relationship. We in the United States are confident about
our capacity for partnership. Our areas of common interest are too
important. Consider the four key areas of our joint relationship.
The US-Japan Security Alliance
First, the US-Japan security alliance. We enjoy a strong security bond with
Japan. Japan's generous host nation support for US forces stationed here is
an important demonstration of shared responsibilities. Let us make the
most efficient use of our defense resources by building greater coordination
of our military forces and by promoting the two-way flow of defense
technology. Such cooperation enhances our security and builds even stronger
political ties between us.
The Gulf crisis sparked spirited debate here about Japan's global role. That
makes it all the more profound that no nation outside the Gulf region
provided more generous financial support than did Japan. The American
people and peace-loving people everywhere appreciate deeply your
contribution--Japan's contribution--to the UN coalition in the Gulf.
Even before the Gulf war, but especially in its aftermath, Japan has
continued to define its growing role in world affairs. An increasingly
active, engaged, and responsible Japan is critical to a forward-looking post-
Cold War community. That community will not exist unless its leading
powers lead.
Foreign Policy Cooperation
This brings us to the second area of our relationship: our foreign policy
cooperation. We must fulfill the bright promise of our global partnership.
Together, we produce 40% of the world's GNP. We contribute together 40%
of all bilateral aid. We have the ability to marshal unrivaled resources to
build a better future, if our foreign policies are well coordinated.
America has a responsibility here, but it is a responsibility we share with
Japan. The upcoming conference on assistance to the nations of the former
USSR, now the Commonwealth of Independent States, is a timely example of
such foreign policy coordination.
The collapse of the Soviet Union has also spurred questions within Japan
about the durability of [the] US-Japan alliance. For decades, this alliance
has stood as the bulwark of American-Japanese international cooperation.
It is today every bit the linchpin of regional stability and bilateral
cooperation that wise men foresaw years ago.
The demise of the Soviet Union may confront us both with ominous dangers,
but it also presents us [with] a historic opportunity. The leadership Japan
and other Asian nations can provide to help transform a once-totalitarian
empire into market-oriented and democratic states helps guarantee the
future peace and stability of our world.
Let me add that with the changes in the former Soviet Union, the United
States sees no reason why Japan should not regain the Northern Territories.
We share this goal, and in whatever way we can, we will help you attain it.
We cannot imagine meeting the foreign policy challenges of our time
without Japan as a partner. That is why today Prime Minister Miyazawa and
President Bush will issue a document called the Tokyo Declaration, setting
out the basic principles and major challenges of our global partnership. By
putting into words the fundamentals of the two great partners we hope to
guide the way through the turbulent waters ahead. We must be clear about
our responsibilities and our requirements, for our renewed alliance will do
much to define the shape of the post-Cold War world.
Increasing Awareness--And Reducing Tensions
Third, we must deepen our understanding of each other. For all of our
interaction politically and economically, our peoples know too little of the
other's history, traditions, and language. We welcome the work of the
Center for Global Partnership in expanding exchanges and interactions:
intellectual, scientific, and cultural. Thanks to such programs, our two
nations will have an ever-increasing number of people who have lived in
each other's country, speak each other's language, and understand more fully
how important we are to each other.
Although more than 200,000 Asian students now study in American colleges
and universities, more Americans must immerse themselves in Asian
societies and cultures.
As the exchange of free people and ideas flows between our nations, and as
the Cold War ends in victory for our cause, our economic relations have
taken center stage. This brings me to the fourth and most important point.
If we are to expand our economic ties, we must face up to the economic
tensions that threaten our relations. We must reduce those tensions now by
opening markets and by eliminating barriers to trade and investment. We
are now each other's largest overseas trading partner. Japan will sell about
$90-billion worth of goods and services to the United States this year; we
will sell nearly $50 billion to Japan.
Our economies--the world's two largest and most technologically advanced-
-have become irreversibly intertwined. Closing markets and restricting
trade have previously brought the world to the brink of economic disorder.
Isolation and protectionism must remain the sleeping ghost of the past, not
the walking nightmares of the future. We must reject these failed notions
in the sure knowledge that expanding markets mean expanding jobs and
increasing prosperity for both our countries.
We must ensure a continued strong two-way economic relationship between
Japan and the United States, with markets more open to new goods and
services; manufacturers more open to new competitive ideas; the financial
services industry competing on a fair basis; and an equitable flow of
technology on both sides.
Shared Responsibility For The World Economy
Our two countries share a special responsibility to strengthen the world
economy. Yesterday, the President and the Prime Minister announced a
strategy for world growth which commits both our countries to domestic
policies to stimulate growth. Expanded domestic demand in Japan
translates into additional exports to Japan for American products and jobs
at home. And, we are seeking broad support for growth policies among other
industrialized countries as well.
Many American businesses learned during the past decade that the old ways
no longer work in our changing international marketplace. Our companies
have cut costs, improved quality, and championed innovation. As a result,
our products sell in markets everywhere they have access. Candidly, such
access is still limited in Japan.
We must reduce the trade imbalance between us--not through managed
trade, through gimmicks or artificial devices, but simply by gaining true and
welcome access to your markets. We want to create fair opportunities for
traders and investors, both buyers and sellers, by removing the barriers both
seen and unseen to open an equitable trade.
American business doesn't need a handout and doesn't want one. Some say
that perhaps it is time to help the United States, out of a sense of pity or
compassion. Let me tell you, we are looking for no such help. What the
United States wants from Japan is for Japan to recognize its international
economic responsibility for its own sake and for the sake of the global
marketplace upon which Japan depends. When we express appreciation to
those who seek to open Japanese markets, it is not because we need a
handout, but because we know an open Japan is good for us all.
Our companies simply expect the chance to compete fairly in markets around
the world. Our government remains committed to open markets, and we will
further reduce our own trade barriers as our friends dismantle their own.
Our two countries have embarked on a unique experiment in economic
independence called the Structural Impediments Initiative. In this effort,
each side pinpoints the other's barriers to competitiveness, and each
commits to reduce them. We both must reinvigorate this commitment to
market access, whether for high-quality American products or quality
American services. The beneficiaries will be the workers and consumers on
both sides of the Pacific.
Improving our economic relations includes further opening your markets. It
means greater openness in many sectors of the Japanese economy still
biased against outside investment. These practices hurt American
companies, but they also hurt Japanese consumers.
Americans want the same things you want--a better quality of life for
themselves and their families. Americans never say, please raise our
prices, and I bet the Japanese don't either. Every worker is also a consumer
and economic competition brings them great choices and lower prices. In
fact, the Toys-R-Us store that the President visited in Kyoto offers prices
up to 30% lower than its Japanese competition. The stunning success of the
consumer's response to its sister store north of Tokyo tells the same story.
That's good for us, and it's good for you.
US export business is stronger than ever. We sold more exports last year
than ever before. We enjoy a trade surplus with Europe. About one-third of
our economic growth between 1985 and 1990 was attributable to
merchandise exports. To Japan, our manufactured exports are up 70% since
1987, a $20-billion increase that represents almost half-a-million jobs.
Equal Access and Fair Play
Still, the overall trade deficit with Japan remains large. And I might add,
its persistence is truly the exception among our trading partners. Let me
say this: we have waited a long time, but now the time has come for equal
access; fair play is in both our interests.
As you know, the United States and Japan also face the urgent challenge of
leading the way to a successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round [of the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade--GATT--negotiations]. Because of
the benefits we each derive from free trade, Japan and the United States
bear special responsibility for tackling the remaining difficult issues
quickly and decisively. The success of the round depends on bold, far-
sighted leadership. We must lift our gaze to the glimmering horizon of
broader prosperity and not worry over the stones in our immediate path.
Yes, all of us have problems with portions of the so-called Dunkel draft, but
we cannot let the progress it represents slip through our fingers. If we
allow that draft to be picked apart by special interests, who wins? Not our
people; not yours; not the less developed nations; no one.
The GATT round is the world's best hope for expanding trade for all
countries. Men and women from all walks of life and all parts of America
constantly tell the President this. They believe very, very strongly in
creating a level playing field for everyone. We want all our trading partners
to give the United States' companies the same kind of opportunities that
their firms enjoy in the United States. That's not just free trade, that's fair
trade. And it creates a basis for even greater freedom and greater
prosperity for all.
Improving US Competitiveness
Many of our Japanese friends argue that the United States must improve its
competitiveness, and they're right. We recognize that some of our bilateral
trade imbalance stems from causes other than restricted market access.
One reason for Japan's competitiveness is because Japan has saved and
invested at a rate double that of the United States. You have focused on
applied research and development and new manufacturing technologies. Your
companies have established fine quality control systems. You have
developed a highly educated labor force and have taken the long view to
develop markets abroad.
There is much for us to learn from you. We are taking steps to boost our
competitiveness. We can and will increase our rate of savings and
investment. We will continue to boost our manufacturing excellence. We
will reduce the budget deficit. To stimulate innovation, risk, and longer-
term business outlook, the President is pushing for investment incentives,
R∧D credits, and capital gain tax cuts. In America, cutting capital gains is
politically extremely difficult. It would be easier if our politicians saw the
positive effect on Japan's competitiveness due to low capital gains rates.
America must raise its educational standards. Our America 2000 education
strategy will fuel a revolution for better quality schools. This is another
path to competitiveness. The education achievements of Japan and others in
the Asia-Pacific region inspire us. That is why President Bush has invited
the countries of the Pacific Rim to send their education ministers to
Washington for a conference this spring to seek new ways to cooperate and
to learn from each other's accomplishments.
With the President today, traveling with him, is a delegation of America's
top business leaders. They've come to explore new business opportunities in
all the nations the President has visited. Every one of them can tell you
that despite the fact that our economy is facing some new tough times right
now, America still draws upon tremendous strengths. Our basic research is
the best anywhere. We have many of the world's finest universities.
American technology remains on the cutting edge in many advanced fields,
such as computers and biotechnology.
Our society is energetic, creative, and talented. It has the added advantage
of drawing upon the strengths and insights of many cultures--including
Japan's.
The chief executive officers accompanying the President will also tell you
that they care about American jobs. They care about American exports--
obviously, so does the President. We know that the Asia-Pacific market
offers enormous potential to those American businesses that will accept
the challenge of competition. That same competition has propelled Japan
toward world leadership. Open markets around the world have provided
Japan with economic prominence. Japan must now join the ranks of world
leadership in strengthening free markets and freedom.
The Three Pillars of Friendship
Finally, let me leave with you a message that the President wished to give
directly to the people of Japan. And, I quote:
The American people are your friends. Friendship must be built upon three
pillars: fairness, trust, and respect. We expect nothing less, and we ask for
nothing more. Today marks a turning point for us in many ways. Together,
we face the next millennium. A new order for the ages, a new world of
freedom and democracy. We stand as the world's powers with the future
presenting us with a decision. The United States has made its choice
against isolationism and in favor of engagement. Against protectionism and
for expanding trade. Today, we bid Japan to do the same because
engagement and open trade are in your best interest.
Together, let us shape a new and open world, a world of vigorous
competition and dazzling innovation. Let us build a world of greater
prosperity and peace than ever before. If not for the sake of ourselves, then
for the sake of our children. This is the finest legacy that we could
bequeath to them.
Thank you very much. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US-Japan Relations
Bush
Miyazawa
Source: President Bush, Prime Minister Miyazawa
Description: Opening statements from press conference, Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
President Bush: The substantive focus of my visit has been the three
very productive sessions that I had with Prime Minister Miyazawa, and old
and respected friend. As leaders of the two largest economies in the world
with a wide range of security and political, as well as economic interest,
we had an awful lot to talk about. And on the basis of these discussions, I
can make three fundamental observations about US-Japan relations.
First, our security alliance is sound. The US-Japan security treaty remains
the core of stability in East Asia, a region still beset with the uncertainties
of a world in profound change. Japan's generous host-nation support
agreement has helped ensure our continuing ability to retain a forward-
deployed presence in Japan, a presence that is essential to American,
Japanese, and regional interests.
Second, as we enter the post-Cold War era, with its many challenges and
opportunities, increased cooperation between the United States and Japan on
global issues and regional problems is absolutely essential to achieve the
foreign policy objectives of both countries. In this visit, we've dedicated
ourselves to building a more prosperous and peaceful world, and for this
purpose, the Prime Minister and I have stressed the common purposes of our
global partnership, and we've set forth the principles for this partnership in
a Tokyo declaration.
Third, we made progress in our all-important economic relationship. Over
the past few years, we've worked with some success to open markets here
so both our countries can benefit from increased trade, lower prices, better
goods, and more jobs. And, indeed, we've increased our exports to Japan
some 70% since 1987 and cut our trade deficit with Japan by about 30%. My
Administration has negotiated 11 arrangements to increase our exports in
specific sectors.
This trip adds another significant but interim step to that progress, and, of
course, we will keep pressing ahead and monitoring progress. I believe the
US Government and our business leaders have sent a strong message about
the importance of fair access to markets. The detail in the action plan,
including the voluntary import proposals involving many billions of dollars
and increased US content for Japanese cars made in the United States, make
it clear that the message has been received. Our agreement on government
computer procurement will open up additional opportunities in a large
leading-edge industry for the United States.
We've worked out specific commitments in other sectors, representing
increased opportunities for US exports, including auto parts, paper, and
glass, and resolved over 50 standards problems--this is the key--50
standards problems that have impeded American businesses. We've agreed
to expand our Structural Impediments Initiative by adding new commitments
that will help us follow up on this trip. And I'm pleased that we have
worked out together the announcement from a day ago, a strategy for world
growth. That one will stimulate and be helpful to both economies.
I'm also particularly pleased that Japan and the United States could agree on
a strong joint statement about the [GATT Director Arthur] Dunkel draft for
the Uruguay Round negotiations. We're sending a joint message that I hope
will build momentum to drive the GATT [General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade] negotiations to a successful finish.
There is no doubt that we have much more work to do abroad and at home to
increase US exports and the jobs they create. Yet, we've made headway;
there's no question about that. And I'm committed to accomplishing more in
the future using all available measures.
In conclusion, this visit has been a success. It has reaffirmed our vital
political, security, and economic relationship. It has advanced our goal of
leveling the playing field in US-Japan competition, of further opening
Japan's markets to our exports. So this progress translates into jobs and
economic growth in America, because I know the American worker can
compete with anyone around the world if given a fair chance. And that's
exactly what we intend to do, and the accomplishments I've mentioned here
aim us directly in that direction.
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Miyazawa (through interpreter): This is the first
time in 8 years that we've welcomed a US President here, and we had three
meetings with him. We were able to have a very candid exchange of views,
and I'm also very glad and satisfied that we've been able to strike very close
personal relations.
As shown by the dismemberment of the Soviet Union at the end of last year,
the world in the post-Cold War era doubtless is developing new moves and
trends toward the building of peace and democracy. And in creating such
historic developments, I should like to express once again my deep respect
to President Bush for his outstanding foresight and leadership, as shown in
the START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] agreement, as well as the
nuclear disarmament proposal.
Japan and the United States--steadfastly maintaining freedom, democracy,
basic human rights, and market economies--together account for 40% of the
global GNP [gross national product], establishing unprecedented prosperity
together, and I think it's important that we together work to further
promote the building of the new world order--the new world. It is
important that the United States continue to exercise leadership, and Japan
wishes to actively support those efforts by the United States. I believe that
the meetings that I had with the President would mark a concrete first step
toward the building of a Japan-US global partnership.
I had a candid exchange of views on various trade and economic issues as
well and, in addition to steadily implementing our economic policies, as
reflected in the joint statement issued yesterday, I believe we were able to
engage in substantive discussions on various measures related to the
automobiles and automotive parts and components, the central area of [the]
Japan-US trade issue today.
Now, in view of the closeness of the economic ties between our two
countries, frictions would be inevitable from time to time, and, of course,
our agreement this time will not necessarily resolve all the problems. But,
I believe that the discussions I had with the President have been very
useful, and I am satisfied with the meetings.
Furthermore, on the basis of the discussions that I have had with the
President at this time, we have come up with the Tokyo Declaration and the
attached document called the Action Plan. These documents are, indeed,
very dramatic in that they spell out how our bilateral relations ought to be,
bearing in mind the 21st century, and also spell out our responsibilities and
roles that our two countries respectively should play and the issues we
together ought to address. We are determined to further strengthen global
partnership between our two countries on the basis of these documents.
I believe it is quite unprecedented that countries in terms of human history,
countries with so strikingly different cultures and history, have established
a deep interdependence and cooperation. It is unprecedented that countries
with such different cultural and historic backgrounds share the future
together, and together would work for the world. I believe that we are
attracting a lot of attention from around the world, and I intend to do my
best, together with the President, to respond to the adaptations. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: The Tokyo Declaration On the US-Japan Global
Partnership
Bush
Miyazawa
Source: President Bush, Prime Minister Miyazawa
Description: Declaration by President Bush and Japanese Prime
Minister Miyazawa, Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization
[TEXT]
The President of the United States of America and the Prime Minister of
Japan declare:
PREAMBLE
From tragic conflict 50 years ago, Japan and the United States have
developed a highly productive and mutually beneficial relationship of close
political, security, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. The two
countries are now highly interdependent at all levels of their societies.
They base their cooperation on shared principles of political and economic
freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
The two countries recognize that this cooperation made an important
contribution to weathering the chill of the Cold War era and in promoting
four decades of global stability and prosperity.
The two governments recognize that today, in the post-Cold War era, new
political and economic challenges confront the US-Japan relationship.
Economic issues have assumed new prominence. To ensure that the United
States and Japan fully exploit opportunities for cooperation, both countries
place the highest priority on taking effective measures to address factors
underlying economic friction, with a focus on issues in their trading and
investment relations.
Japan and the United States recognize the benefits to their societies of the
close cooperation they have enjoyed in the post-war period and are
committed to building on this foundation to create an even closer
partnership. Both acknowledge that a closer relationship must be
constructed on enhanced mutual understanding and shared interests. As the
two largest market oriented economies and democracies in the world, Japan
and the United States accept a special responsibility for shaping the new
era.
The two governments therefore resolve to join in a Global Partnership based
on these enduring values to help build a just, peaceful and prosperous world
and to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity
The US-Japan alliance provides the foundation for our Global Partnership.
Together, both nations pledge to: work together to maintain world peace and
security; promote development of the world economy; support the world-
wide trend toward democratization and market-oriented economies; and
meet new transnational challenges. To achieve these goals, the two
countries will cooperate to strengthen the GATT [General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade] multilateral trading system; rein-vigorate the UN
organization; advance arms control and the non-proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction; assist the developing world to promote growth and
stability; and protect and improve the global environment. The United
States and Japan recommit their resources and the talents of their peoples
to the purposes of the UN Charter.
As nations of the Asia-Pacific region, the United States and Japan are
committed to promoting prosperity, reducing tensions, and enhancing
political cooperation in the region and to take steps to strengthen the bonds
of the Asia-Pacific community while respecting its diversity. To this end,
Japan and the United States recognize the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) framework as the forum for enhanced regional efforts to
promote open markets, sustain dynamic economic growth, and build political
cooperation.
Japan and the United States will also broaden the scope of their cooperation
in the rest of the world, including the Middle East, Central and South
America, Africa, and Europe, with particular attention to supporting
countries that are in transition to democracy and market economies. The
two nations will strengthen cooperation in their respective economic
assistance programs in the developing world to promote growth and
stability, help reduce the developmental gap between industrialized and
developing countries, enhance respect for democratic values and human
rights, and ameliorate global problems, including environmental
degradation, refugees, illicit narcotics, disease, and aging.
Political and Security Relations
The United States and Japan reaffirm their commitments to the 1960 Treaty
of Mutual Cooperation and Security which is central to the US-Japan
Alliance. This alliance provides the political foundation on which the two
countries cooperate in assuming their respective roles and responsibilities
for securing world peace and stability in their Global Partnership. The two
governments pledge to maintain and enhance the effective operation and
credibility of the treaty and its related arrangements.
As countries with vital interests in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan and the
United States recognize the continuing importance of the defense
relationship to the peace and stability of this vast and diverse region. The
two governments will work closely with others to reduce tensions and
instability in East Asia and build regional political cooperation in the post-
Cold War environment.
Aware of the need for continuing vigilance as we enter a new era now
marked by instability and uncertainty, the United States will maintain the
forward deployed forces necessary to preserve peace and stability in the
region. Japan, for its part, will continue to make available to the United
States, in accordance with the Security Treaty, the use of facilities and
areas in Japan and, under the new Host Nation Support Agreement, will bear
an increasing share of the costs of stationing these forces in Japan. Both
countries will take steps to increase cooperation between their defense
forces and enhance the two-way flow of defense technologies. The two
countries agree to utilize fully the renewed Security Consultative
Committee mechanism to oversee their security relationship.
Economic and Trade Relations
Aware of the high degree of interdependence of their economies and mindful
of the need to encourage closer cooperation to promote conditions of
sustainable real growth with price stability and employment, the two
governments are resolved to enhance openness and oppose protectionism in
their commercial, financial, and investment markets. To this end, Japan and
the United States will strengthen policy initiatives to reduce structural
impediments.
Japan and the United States further pledge to make their economies the
most open, productive, and competitive in the world, thereby building a
sustainable trade and investment relationship. They will encourage private-
sector initiatives to strengthen further exchanges and cooperation between
industries in both nations.
Science and Technology
Mindful of their positions as world leaders in scientific research and
technical development, the two governments undertake to expand scientific
and technical cooperation, including basic research, based on reciprocal
access, for the benefit of both societies and the human community. They
pledge to increase research on global environmental issues and will take a
leadership role in fostering an international consensus on measures to meet
this challenge.
Enhancement of Mutual Understanding and Exchanges
Acknowledging that communication and understanding between peoples of
both countries are essential to an enduring partnership, the United States
and Japan pledge to undertake and support programs which will advance the
rich and diverse intellectual, cultural, and public interaction between their
two peoples. The two governments will place particular emphasis on
language training, intellectual and educational exchanges, and community-
level programs designed to increase mutual understanding.
The President and the Prime Minister pledge the full support of their
governments to the purposes of this declaration to build the Global
Partnership. The two governments will develop new areas of cooperation in
support of common geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian objectives in a
manner that provides for an equitable sharing of responsibilities and
benefits. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Fact Sheet: US-Japan Global Partnership Action
Plan
PA
Source: Office of Public Communication, Bureau of Public
Affairs
Date: Jan, 20 19921/20/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, Democratization,
Security Assistance and Sales, Environment,
Resource Management, Cultural Exchange, International Law
[TEXT]
Following the January 1992 discussions between President Bush and Prime
Minister Miyazawa in Japan, the Governments of the United States and Japan
resolved to join in a global partnership "to help build a just, peaceful and
prosperous world and to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century."
To carry out the aims of this partnership, the two countries formulated a
Plan of Action, which details specific initiatives designed to enhance
cooperation in support of common political, economic, and humanitarian
goals.
Part I of the Action Plan outlines measures aimed at defining mutual
responsibilities in the areas of security, science and technology, and
cultural exchange. Part II covers economic and trade relations. A summary
follows.
Part I
Cooperation To Promote World Peace and Prosperity.
The United States and Japan pledge to continue bilateral discussions and to
intensify consultations among the G-7 countries and political dialogue
between Japan and NATO. They further agree to strengthen existing
agreements limiting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to
promote international efforts to combat terrorism, and to support the role
of the United Nations. They undertake to enhance collaboration between
their respective foreign aid programs to promote democratization and
stability in the developing world. The two countries underline their
commitment as nations of the Asia-Pacific region to contribute to the
reduction of tensions in the region by encouraging policies of reform and
openness in both political and economic sectors. They agree to broaden the
scope of their cooperation in other areas: assistance to the members of the
Commonwealth of Independent States for political and economic reform;
assistance to Central and Eastern Europe in the transition to market
economies; support for democratization and market reforms in Latin
America, the Caribbean, and Africa; and participation in the multilateral
phase of the Middle East peace process.
Political and Security Relations
The United States and Japan pledge to consult closely regarding the
deployment of US forces in Japan. They agree to enhance defense
cooperation, including the conclusion of agreements for
joint research, the strengthening of surveillance capabilities, and further
two-way technology transfer. Both countries look forward to the first
consultative meeting between the US Secretary of State and the Secretary
of Defense, and the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of
State/Director-General of the Defense Agency, to be held at the earliest
opportunity.
Cooperation on Environment, Quality of Life, and Science and
Technology.
The United States and Japan pledge to study the feasibility of assisting
developing countries to construct national centers for the management and
conservation of natural resources. They will work for the conservation of
world forests, will cooperate with UN organizations to facilitate the
transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries and
countries with economies in transition, and will encourage programs within
the private sector. They agree to increase efforts on behalf of the
resettlement of refugees, to collaborate on narcotics issues, to establish a
US-Japan Joint Commission on Aging, and to support the UN General
Assembly initiative to improve its emergency response capabilities.
In the fields of science and technology, the two countries reaffirm their
commitment to research on global change and undertake to cooperate in
several international projects, such as the Human Frontier Science Program,
research on human genome analysis, and the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor.
Enhancement of Mutual Understanding and Exchanges.
The United States and Japan agree to expand educational and parliamentary
exchanges, to promote more extensive Japanese language training in the US,
and to support joint studies on issues relating to the US-Japan global
partnership.
Part II
Economic and Trade Relations.
To promote openness in their commercial, financial, and investment
markets, the United States and Japan pledge to support efforts by Japanese
companies through "Business Initiatives for Global Partnership" to increase
imports to Japan and to encourage local procurement by Japanese-affiliated
companies operating abroad. The Japanese Government will provide foreign
companies with a list of those Japanese companies which have pledged
greater cooperation in these areas.
To complement initiatives in the private sector, the Government of Japan
will establish "foreign access zones" to concentrate facilities related to
imports within and near international airports and seaports around the
country. A debt-guarantee system and an import-promoting credit line will
be inaugurated to facilitate efforts by private firms to expand imports. It
also will expand low-interest loans to promote direct investment and will
institute tax measures to alleviate burdens for foreign companies. The US
Export-Import and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
will cooperate to expand US exports, with a contribution from MITI of $5
billion. Both countries will work to increase contacts between their
respective business communities.
The Japanese Government agrees to institute steps to increase public sector
procurement of competitive foreign computer products and services and to
conduct a survey on conditions in the paper industry with a view toward
expanding market access for foreign firms. MITI will encourage Japanese
companies to increase imports of flat glass, while the Ministry of
Construction will facilitate efforts by foreign firms to meet Japanese
standards for glass building materials. The Government of Japan, through
the Office of the Trade and Investment Ombudsman, will continue to respond
to market access issues raised by foreign companies. As of April 1992, it
will implement measures to increase government procurement
opportunities. The two countries, through the US-Japan Working Group on
Financial Markets, will continue to work to liberalize financial markets in
both countries.
The United States and Japan pledge to accelerate implementation of
programs to increase sales opportunities for US vehicles and auto parts in
Japanese markets. These will include expansion of research and
development in the United States by Japanese manufacturers and greater
participation by the United States in trade shows in Japan. The US
Government will draw upon existing programs, such as the Department of
Commerce's Export Promotion Program and the USDOC-MITI Joint Trade
Expansion Program, to encourage trade of automobiles and auto parts and
will encourage US industry to take advantage of Japanese Government
import promotion programs.
The President and the Prime Minister pledge the full support of their
governments to explore new areas of cooperation and to build the global
partnership. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US-Japan Economic Issues: Telecommunications
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 8 19921/8/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics, Resource Management,
Media/Telecommunications
[TEXT]
US firms are making significant progress in exporting telecommunication
products to Japan. In 1990, US exports were $375.3 million, up from $323.1
million in 1989 and $263.3 million in 1988.
The US telecommunications products trade deficit with Japan was $1.3
billion in 1990 and $2.1 billion in 1989. The United States expects the
deficit will show a slight decrease when final 1991 figures are available.
-- US-Japan telecommunications relations for the last 3 years have been
influenced mainly by Section 1377 of the 1988 Trade Act, which requires an
annual review of other countries' compliance with telecommunications
trade agreements with the United States.
-- The 1989 review resulted in an agreement that provides foreign firms
increased access to Japan's mobile communications markets. After the
1990 review, agreements were reached improving foreign access to Japan's
international value-added network (IVAN) and digital equipment markets.
Further agreements on IVANs were reached following 1991 review.
-- The United States also conducts an annual review of the Nippon
Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) Agreement, which commits NTT, Japan's
major domestic telecommunications carrier, to follow competitive
procurement procedures. NTT procurement from US firms has risen steadily
since the agreement went into effect in 1981, reaching $31 million in 1990.
But foreign firms account for only about 4-5% of total NTT purchases.
-- NTT recently announced a decision to purchase US communications
satellites (valued at about
$600 million) which will be delivered in 1995. The procurement was
conducted under the terms of the 1990 US-Japan Satellite Agreement.
-- Japan is setting up nationwide digital cellular telephone service,
expected to begin in 1994. The process is being overseen by the Ministry of
Posts and Telecommunications, which has approved two new consortia to
provide this service in addition to existing service providers. US firms are
members of both consortia.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US-Japan Economic Issues: Achievements
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Twenty-three companies in the Japanese electronics, automobile, and
machinery industries are planning to increase their level of imports from
the world by $10 billion in Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 1993, compared with JFY
1990.
-- Eighty-eight corporations and 22 Japanese trade associations have
expressed their support for increasing imports under MITI's (Ministry of
International Trade and Industry) Business Global Partnership Initiative, but
all of their voluntary import plans have not yet been completed.
Strategy for World Growth: Joint Statement
-- Both countries recognize global growth is a top priority, that they have a
special responsibility because of their size (40% of world GNP), and that
they will take actions to strengthen the international economy.
-- Japan will cut the discount rate by 0.5% to 4.5%.
-- The Japanese Government will "monitor progress [of fiscal actions] to
assure the expected effects."
Agreement on Government Computer Procurement Covering Both
Products and Services
-- Foreign (mostly US) companies have 41% of the $16.1-billion Japanese
private sector [computer] mainframe market but only 6% of the $3-billion
Japanese public sector mainframe market. (US industry estimates the
overall public sector market for hardware, including mainframes, at $6
billion. The agreement would cover both computer products and services, but
the United States has no data on the size of the service market.)
-- The agreement expands Japanese public sector procurements of
competitive foreign computer products and services, provides greater
transparency, increased publication of information on procurement
opportunities, an impartial bid protest system, and safeguards against
unfair bids.
By the end of March 1992, the Government of Japan and the US Government
will agree on measures to substantially increase market access for foreign
firms exporting paper products to Japan.
-- The American Paper Institute estimates that Japan's total paper market
(including pulp) was $65 billion in 1989.
-- Import penetration of the paper product market in Japan is only 3.7%
from all sources, 2.2% from the United States--so there are large, untapped
market opportunities.
-- The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) will survey the paper industry
from the perspective of competition policy.
The Government of Japan will take steps to substantially increase market
access for competitive foreign firms making efforts to export flat glass to
Japan, including the following:
-- MITI will facilitate the efforts of foreign firms to increase sales in the
Japanese market.
-- MITI will encourage Japanese glass end-users to make efforts to
increase imports of flat glass under its import expansion program.
-- MITI and the JFTC will encourage all Japanese glass manufacturers to
put anti-monopoly compliance programs into effect by February 1992. One
purpose of these programs is to ensure that the distribution system is open
to competitive foreign glass manufacturers.
-- The Ministry of Construction will facilitate the efforts of foreign firms
to meet Japanese building standards for flat glass and other glass building
materials through briefings, English- language texts, and other steps.
-- The JFTC will survey the glass industry from the perspective of
competition policy.
-- The Government of Japan and the US Government agree to meet as either
side may deem appropriate to exchange information relevant to the
aforementioned steps.
The foreign (primarily US) share of the semiconductor market stood at
14.3% in the third quarter of 1991, up from 9% in 1986. Both sides affirm
their agreement, under which the United States hopes to achieve 20% market
share by the end of this year.
Forty-nine non-auto standards problems (more than two-thirds of those
submitted) were resolved. This will help industries in sectors such as
processed foods, cosmetics, industrial equipment, transport machinery,
pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Japan took steps to expand opportunities for foreign companies to sell
products to the Japanese Government (government procurement). According
to the Foreign Ministry, this would basically double the value of government
contracts open to bidders to about $6.3 billion.
Both sides agree to reinvigorate the Structural Impediments Initiative talks
with new commitments.
The JFTC will survey four industries--paper, glass, autos, and auto parts--
from the perspective of competition policy.
MITI is expanding its cooperation with the US Export-Import Bank to expand
US exports to Japan and developing countries. From May to December 1991,
projects involved about $3 billion of developing country imports. MITI
expressed its intention to allocate, for further expansion of this program,
$5 billion of trade insurance resources over several years.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US-Japan Achievements On Autos and Auto Parts
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
-- Increase purchase of US auto parts from a level of about $9 billion in
Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 1990 to about
$19 billion in JFY 1994.
--This includes an increase of Japanese imports from about $2 billion to
about $4 billion.
--Japanese firms in the United States say they will increase the share of US
parts from their estimate of about 50% to 70%; assuming a 50% increase in
production by Japanese firms in the United States, procurement from plants
in the United States will more than double, from about
$7 billion to about $15 billion.
--MITI and the US Department of Commerce will complete a study on the
sourcing of auto parts by the US and Japanese vehicle manufacturers to back
up these statements.
-- Seek to increase the sales of US-produced autos in Japan. MITI and US
Commerce Department will complete a study by July 1992 of impediments
to sales of US autos in Japan. The Government of Japan will be prepared to
undertake efforts based on the study to increase opportunities to sell US-
made autos in Japan.
-- Japanese auto firms will increase their exports to Japan of autos made
in the United States.
-- Japan will offer tax and financial incentives (low interest rate loans,
debt guarantee facilities) to support US firms investing in Japan.
-- Major Japanese auto distributors have announced their willingness to
undertake dual dealerships to sell US cars and have eliminated prior
consultation requirement clauses in dealership contracts.
-- Japanese firms will promote design-ins for part suppliers, expand
research and development centers in the United States and assist in
distribution for parts producers.
-- With regard to standards and certification issues under OTO [Japanese
Office of the Trade Ombudsman] procedures, six of the 14 outstanding issues
had been resolved at the technical level as of January 1, 1992. Of the
remaining eight issues, six are in resolution and two are to be resolved
imminently.
-- The JFTC will survey the auto and the auto parts sectors from a
completion policy perspective before the end of March 1992.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Japan Corporate Program
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
The Japan Corporate Program (JCP) is a 5-year export promotion effort
begun in January 1991. The goals of the program are to identify barriers in
the Japanese market, create models of success by the 20 participating
companies, and help open the market to all US firms.
Each JCP company has signed a participation agreement outlining its
obligations under the program and emphasizing its long-term commitments
to the market. For example, each company must make a minimum of four
trips to Japan a year, must participate in one trade event a year, must
translate product material into Japanese, and modify products as necessary
for the Japanese market. The Department of Commerce offers JCP firms help
in arranging appointments with Japanese Government and business officials
and personalized counseling and assistance.
The 20 firms chosen to participate in the JCP were announced in November
1990. The firms reflect a cross-section of small, medium, and large firms
and represent a variety of industries and geographic areas. Some are new to
the Japanese market, and others already have experience there. All the
firms have products that sell well in other markets. Commerce Secretary
Robert Mosbacher led a mission to Tokyo of 14 of the JCP firms' chief
executive officers in April 1991.
Executives or JCP firms think greatest benefits of the JCP are the high
profile given to JCP firms in Japan, the high-level contacts made during the
April mission, and the advice from and introductions by the US Embassy
staff in Japan. JCP firms are now in the process of following up on contacts
made as a result of the program and holding consultations with the Embassy
and MITI.
The new-to-market firms are searching for partners or distributors,
opening offices, and recruiting. Even though sales have not increased for
many of the firms in the first year, participants think that the program will
substantially support their entry or advancement in the Japanese market.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Major Projects Agreement
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
After nine meetings, the United States and Japan on June 1, 1991, concluded
the 2-year review of the 1988 Major Projects Arrangements (MPA). As a
result, a formal exchange of letters constituting a new agreement was
signed on July 31, 1991.
The new agreement provides procedural improvements including a simplified
ranking system, new procedures for design/build procurements, and a
comprehensive complaints mechanism featuring an independent procurement
review board.
The agreement expands coverage to 23 new projects, bringing the total
covered to 40. Seventeen of the projects, worth an estimated $6.4 bil-lion,
have been approved for construction. An additional six projects, worth an
estimated $20.3 billion, are in the planning stage.
The agreement will be reviewed after 1 year to expand the scope of
coverage and to adjust the procedures as necessary.
The total value of contracts awarded to US firms under the MPA since 1988
is about $375 million. No precise figures are available because the US share
of certain contracts has not been disclosed.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Joint Trade Expansion Program
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
The Joint Trade Expansion Program is a cooperative project undertaken by
the Department of Commerce and Japan's Ministry of International Trade and
Industry. The program was announced in March 1990 by Secretary Mosbacher
and MITI Minister Muto.
The Joint Trade Expansion Program consists of four major areas for
cooperation:
-- Data and information exchange;
-- Market research;
-- Trade events; and
-- Trade facilitation services.
The program implements ongoing trade promotion activities of the
Department of Commerce and MITI, including MITI's support for the Japan
Corporate Program.
Specific areas of cooperation are seminars, briefings, industry experts
consultations, and monthly informal exchanges between commercial
officers of both governments.
The Joint Trade Expansion Program was renewed for 2 years in April 1991
during Secretary Mosbacher's Japan Corporate Program Trade Mission to
Japan.
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US-Japan Economic Relations
Fitzwater
Source: Fact sheet released by the White House, Office of
the Press Secretary
Description: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Jan, 9 19921/9/92
Category: Fact sheets
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
-- US merchandise exports to Japan have increased more than 70% since
1987, the peak year for the US trade deficit, (from $28.2 billion in 1987 to
$48.6 billion in 1990).
-- Japan is America's largest market for agricultural products (over $9.8
bil-lion in 1990--not including manufactured agricultural products).
-- US manufactured goods now account for 64% of US total exports to
Japan, up from 55% in 1985.
-- The US trade deficit with Japan has fallen from $56 billion in 1987 to
$41 billion in 1990.
-- In Japan Fiscal Year 1990, sales of US companies operating in Japan (550
firms) were $66.5 billion.
-- In 1990, Japan provided $2.9 billion in host nation support for the
50,000 American military personnel in Japan. Japan has agreed to increase
the amount, with a commitment to cover about 73% of non-salary costs by
1995.
-- Late in 1991, Japan agreed to support the UN ban on drift-net fishing,
which will go into effect at the end of this year.
-- Japan is ending trade in the endangered hawksbill and olive ridley sea
turtles by the end of 1992.
-- Japan ended high-seas salmon fishing as of the end of 1991.
-- US firms participating in Japanese overseas development assistance
projects increased to about $250 million in Japan Fiscal Year 1990. The US
Government and the Government of Japan are co-sponsoring a program to
introduce US firms to the Japanese overseas development assistance
system, including conferences in US cities.
-- Last year, the Japanese Government and the US Export-Import Bank
agreed to increase cooperation in the financing and support of US exports to
Japan and developing countries. From May to December 1991, projects
involved $3 billion of developing country imports. MITI expressed its
intention to allocate $5 billion of trade insurance resources over several
years for the further expansion of this program. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: A Turning Point in the US-Japan Economic
Relationship
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Remarks at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
Date: Jan, 10 19921/10/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia, Pacific
Country: Japan, United States, Australia, Singapore,
South Korea
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
Let me first say that it is great to be home, and Barbara and I want to thank
all those who made this important trip a success. [Treasury] Secretary
Brady is with us here, [Commerce] Secretary Mosbacher, and then our first-
ever presidential delegation of business leaders. I want to thank also, in
addition to them, our ambassadors, their dedicated staff, and so many
others. And, I really want to offer my heartfelt thanks to countless people
at home and abroad who so kindly offered prayers and good wishes when I
had that very brief but dramatic bout with the flu.
Our mission was uniquely American. America is a world leader, not just
because of our military or economic might, but because we have always held
the conviction that we are part of something larger than ourselves. We now
live in an entirely different economic world than a generation ago, and in a
completely different political and security environment than just 1 year
ago.
Foreign relations have never before been so important to our well-being at
home. When we foster democracy abroad, when we strengthen our security
engagements with our allies and friends, when we work to open markets and
expand trade, we make a priceless investment in our own children's future.
The Tokyo meeting I concluded yesterday with Prime Minister Miyazawa
caps a successful series of talks with four of America's most important
friends in the Asia-Pacific region. With each of these countries--Australia,
Singapore, Korea, and Japan--we are forging ever-stronger bonds of
democratic values, of mutual security and of economic growth through
expanding trade. Each of the four nations that I visited are robust
democracies. With each we confirmed the necessity of providing
nourishment for the blossoming of democracy throughout the region. At
each stop on our journey, I reaffirmed America's interest in fundamental
commitment to Pacific security.
We and our Pacific partners are determined to maintain strong defenses, to
protect our hard-won peace and stability during this new era, and to provide
a security umbrella under which political pluralism and market economies
can flourish.
Renewing America's Economy; Generating Global Growth
In each country on this mission, we made progress on a top priority of this
trip--renewing the strength of the American economy and generating world
economic growth. Now, while I'm disappointed that the unemployment
numbers went up in December here, our work over the last few days will
help open markets for American companies and provide more jobs for our
workers. Make no mistake about it, our progress this week will translate
into progress on jobs and economic growth in America. The results will be
clear and measurable.
Everywhere we've been, I've sought urgent action on the successful
conclusion to the Uruguay Round of the GATT [General Agreement on Tariffs
and Trade] talks. The best achievement we can offer our farmers, our
manufacturers, and indeed our service industries, is a GATT breakthrough in
unprecedented new accords for open trade. With Australia, we reaffirmed
our alliance and announced plans to conclude a new trade and investment
framework agreement. With Singapore, we announced an agreement to
conclude a new bilateral investment treaty as well. Everywhere I found
support for strengthening APEC--that is the new Asia- Pacific Economic
Cooperation group--as it promotes trade and economic cooperation around
the Pacific Rim. And I've carried our enthusiasm for our North America Free
Trade Agreement across the Pacific and shown how it, too, can add to
everyone's prosperity by reducing the barriers to trade.
Our summit meeting in Tokyo was a turning point in our relationship with
Japan, and it highlighted the progress we've made these last few years with
that nation. Japan is our largest market for agricultural exports--our
largest; now some $8 billion a year. Since 1987, the US merchandise
exports to Japan have increased more than 70%, and they now account for
64% of our total exports to Japan--up nearly 10% since 1985. We reinvig-
orated our commitment to the bilateral Structural Impediments Initiative
talks, and we garnered new support for a successful conclusion to the GATT
round.
A substantial portion of our trade deficit with Japan is in the auto sector.
That is not going to change overnight, but here, too, we made significant
progress, not only in terms of selling American cars and automobile parts in
Japan but also in raising the percentage of American parts in Japanese-
brand cars built in the United States by US workers. Japanese automakers
agreed over the next 3 years to increase their purchase of American-made
parts from $9 billion to $19 billion.
Opening Japan's Markets
Our summit meeting this week accelerated the opening of more Japanese
markets to our exports. In addition to the Japanese car manufacturers, 23
companies in the Japanese electronics, automobile, and machinery
industries announced plans to increase American imports into Japan by a
total of $10 billion over the next 3 years. Some of this will be to the
automakers, and, taken together, represents a welcome increase in exports
made in the USA.
This week, we breached the wall that kept American exports of computer
products and services out of the $3-billion Japanese Government market.
Our agreement will expand Japanese public sector procurements of our
quality computer goods and services. Our leading edge computer industry
employs millions of technologically savvy Americans, and we can expect
dramatic gains in this market.
We made breakthroughs for access to Japan's huge market for our glass and
paper products--virtually untapped markets that are billions of dollars in
size. We reaffirmed goals for our higher market shares for semiconductors
and then resolved standards problems. These are the invisible barriers to
free trade in 49 different sectors of American industry, from processed
foods and cosmetics to industrial equipment and machinery.
High US Productivity
Anybody who thinks that Americans cannot compete with the Japanese
hasn't talked with these business executives who joined me in Japan, some
of whom made the trip all the way. And they haven't seen the recent studies
that show overall US productivity is the highest in the world--far exceeding
Japan. We must work hard to keep that productivity growing. I know--and
these business leaders know--that as long as the playing field is level,
American workers can outcompete and outproduce anybody, anyplace,
anytime.
Yes, we faced a turning point with Japan, and when the time came, we took a
major step forward. But it was only a step--one in a long process to
achieve markets as open as our own. We will build on these results. We
will monitor the progress, and I will keep pressing for jobs and market
access when Prime Minister Miyazawa comes to the United States, hopefully
in a few months. That ongoing effort includes the strategy for world growth
which the Prime Minister and I developed and which we are coordinating
with the other industrialized nations.
America and Japan are the two largest economies in the world. Together,
we comprise 40% of the total world economy, and global growth is a top
priority for both of us. Already our two countries have made deep pro-
growth cuts in interest rates. Japan cut their discount rate to 4.5%, and as
you know, our Federal Reserve has just lowered interest rates a full
percentage point--both of which are keys to stimulating long-term growth
here and abroad.
But clearly, with December's unemployment figures, our economy is not
growing fast enough. In my State of the Union message later this month, I
will present to the American people my action plan to get it growing faster.
And I am looking forward to spelling out our ambitious agenda for economic
growth clearly and repeatedly to the American people in this vigorous and
exciting political year. I am absolutely confident that the American people
will join me in this vision for a new era of expanded markets, of peace and
prosperity.
So thank you all very much, and thank you for being with us on that trip. I
appreciate it enormously. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Machine Tool Trade With Japan and Taiwan
Fitzwater
Source: White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater
Description: Beeville, Texas
Date: Dec, 27 199112/27/91
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: East Asia
Country: Japan, United States, Taiwan
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
The President has directed that the US Trade Representative negotiate a
limited extension of the voluntary restraint agreements (VRAs) with Japan
and Taiwan on machine tools. These VRAs were negotiated in 1986 for
national security reasons and were scheduled to expire on December 31,
1991.
Import restrictions on machining centers, computer-controlled lathes,
computer-controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and computer-
controlled milling machine tools will be removed progressively over a 2-
year period beginning in January 1992.
To allow sufficient time for negotiations with concerned countries over the
phase-out schedule, we are requesting that Japan and Taiwan extend the
existing VRA restrictions on machining centers, computer-controlled
lathes, computer-controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and
computer controlled milling machine tools, scheduled to expire on December
31, 1991, for an additional 30 days.
VRA restrictions on non-computer controlled lathes, non-computer
controlled punching and shearing machine tools, and non-computer
controlled milling machine tools will expire as scheduled on December 31,
1991.
The President also has directed that the following steps be taken to assist
the US machine tool industry's ongoing efforts to regain international
competitiveness.
-- The Secretary of Commerce, as chairman of the cabinet-level Trade
Promotion Coordinating Committee, will give special focus to ways to
promote machine tools exports.
-- US export control regulations will be reviewed to ensure that
restrictions on machine tools are kept to the minimum consistent with
national security.
-- The Secretaries of Defense, Commerce, and Labor will designate
officials at the Assistant Secretary level to work together to monitor the
industry's performance and to consult regularly with industry
representatives.
-- The Secretary of Labor will help the machine tool industry improve
technical training, human resource management, and the utilization of new
and emerging technologies.
-- The Secretaries of Commerce and Energy will examine which research
and development efforts in the national laboratories could benefit the
domestic machine tool industry and will recommend appropriate investment
and technology transfer to realize such benefit.
-- The Secretaries of Commerce and Defense will continue to implement
the Domestic Action Plan of programs to support the revitalization of the
US machine tool industry. Key elements of the Domestic Action Plan are as
follows:
--Support for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (amounting
to $50 million during fiscal years 1988-91); and
--Support by the Defense Department's Manufacturing Technology
(MANTECH) research and development program. More than
$33 million has been spent for research on machine tools and related
technologies over the past 3 years. Funding for related technologies is
estimated at $82 million over the FY 1991-95 period.
-- The Secretary of Commerce will continue efforts under the US-Japan
Cooperation Plan, which was begun in May 1990 to help promote US products
to Japanese machine tool users and their subsidiaries in the United States.
The President's decision recognizes the importance to US national security
of viable domestic machine tool industry. However, the main responsibility
for achieving international competitiveness rests with the industry itself.
We expect the industry to continue its efforts to improve quality and
product lines. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Status of Iraqi Compliance With UN Resolutions
Bush
Source: President Bush
Description: Text of a letter from the President to the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of
the Senate
Date: Jan, 14 19921/14/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Country: Iraq
Subject: United Nations, Military Affairs
[TEXT]
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Consistent with the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
Resolution (Public Law 102-1), and as part of my continuing effort to keep
the Congress fully informed, I am again reporting on the status of efforts to
obtain compliance by Iraq with the resolutions adopted by the UN Security
Council.
Since I last reported on November 15, 1991, the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) and the Special Commission created under UN Security
Council Resolution 687 have continued to conduct inspections and other
activities related to Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and ballistic
missiles. Iraq has not impeded these efforts insofar as they concern sites
and activities declared by Iraq and Iraq's participation in the destruction of
identified chemical weapons. In the main, however, Iraq continues to be
uncooperative and obstructive with respect to inspection of sites identified
by the Special Commission and the IAEA (based on their own sources of
information) as potentially involving clandestine, proscribed activities.
Since obtaining extensive and detailed documentation of Iraq's nuclear
weapons program in September 1991, two additional inspections have been
conducted of facilities judged to be directly associated with the testing and
development of high-explosive components of the implosion system of a
nuclear weapon, contrary to Iraq's explanation of their purpose. Iraq
maintains that it conducted studies but had no program to develop nuclear
weapons. This position is inconsistent with the documents obtained in
September and the characteristics observed in subsequent visits to Iraqi
facilities. These documents and facilities reveal a well-funded and broadly
based nuclear weapons development program involving sophisticated
facilities. Additional analysis and investigation in this area are required.
The Special Commission has continued to compile a detailed and
comprehensive picture of Iraq's chemical and biological weapons program.
From November 17 to November 30, 1991, the Special Commission conducted
a chemical and biological weapons inspection and visited, at short notice,
13 sites designated by the Special Commission as potentially having
chemical weapons or biological weapons. Initial reporting indicates no
chemical or biological weapons activities at these sites. In addition, a
Special Commission team visited Iraq in mid-November to discuss issues
related to Iraq's destruction of identified chemical weapons and agents,
with particular emphasis on safety issues. The Special Commission has
made recommendations to Iraq regarding an Iraqi design for a mustard agent
incinerator, the destruction of nerve agents caused by caustic hydrolysis,
and the breaching and draining of munitions. It is estimated that
destruction of such munitions can commence early in 1992.
Two ballistic missile inspections have been completed since my last report.
To date, Special Commission inspection teams have supervised the
destruction of 62 ballistic missiles, 18 fixed missile launch pads, 33
ballistic missile warheads, 127 missile storage support racks, substantial
amounts of rocket fuel, an assembled 350mm supergun, components of two
350 and two 1,000mm superguns, and one ton of supergun propellant. The
United States believes, however, that Iraq continues to possess large
numbers of undeclared ballistic missiles. Questions also remain about
whether all aspects of Iraq's attempts to produce the Scud missile
indigenously and to develop a more capable solid-propellant missile have
been discovered.
The United States continues to assist the United Nations in its activities,
including by conducting U-2 surveillance flights and providing intelligence.
Although the Special Commission has received important monetary
contributions from other nations, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the
shortage of funds readily available to the Special Commission has become
acute, particularly because the Special Commission and the IAEA are now
beginning to remove spent irradiated fuel from Iraq.
Since my last report, additional important progress has been made in
implementing the Security Council resolution on compensating the victims
of the unlawful invasion and occupation of Kuwait. The Governing Council of
the UN Compensation Commission held its third formal session in Geneva,
November 25-29, 1991, and continued to make rapid progress in establishing
the framework for processing claims. The Governing Council adopted
criteria for the remaining categories of claims of individuals, claims of
corporations, and claims of governments and international organizations
(including claims for environmental damage and natural resource depletion).
In addition, the Governing Council set July 1, 1993, as the deadline for filing
claims of individuals under $100,000, with expedited consideration to be
given to claims filed by July 1, 1992. The Governing Council has scheduled
meetings in January, March, and June 1992 to address additional issues
concerning the compensation program.
In accordance with paragraph 20 of UN Security Council Resolution 687, the
Sanctions Committee continues to receive notice of shipments of foodstuffs
to Iraq. The Sanctions Committee continues to consider and, when
appropriate, approve requests to send to Iraq materials and supplies for
essential civilian needs. To date, Iraq has declined to use UN Security
Council Resolutions 706 and 712 to sell $1.6 billion in oil to generate
revenues for the purchase of foodstuffs for Iraqi citizens.
On November 24, 1991, the Secretary General's representative for the UN
humanitarian program in Iraq entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
with Iraq covering the period January 1, 1992, to June 30, 1992. This
Understanding establishes the framework for UN humanitarian activities
(primarily the provision of food, medical care, and shelter) in Iraq, which
are conducted through centers staffed by UN and personnel not affiliated
with governments. The Understanding contemplates the use of up to 500 UN
armed guards to protect UN personnel, assets, and operations. On January 2,
1992, the Government of Turkey extended for 6 months the authority for US
Armed Forces to operate in Turkey in furtherance of Operation Provide
Comfort.
Through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United
States, Kuwait, and our allies continue to press the Government of Iraq to
comply with its obligations under Security Council resolutions to return all
detained Kuwaiti and third-country nationals. Likewise, the United States
and its allies continue to press the Government of Iraq to return to Kuwait
all property and equipment removed from Kuwait by Iraq. Iraq continues not
to cooperate fully on these issues and to resist unqualified ICRC access to
detention facilities in Iraq.
I remain grateful for the support of the Congress for our efforts to achieve
Iraq's full compliance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and I
look forward to continued cooperation toward achieving our mutual
objectives.
Sincerely,
George Bush (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Further US Contributions to UN Humanitarian
Programs in Iraq
Tutwiler
Source: State Department Spokesman Margaret Tutwiler
Description: Released by the Office of the Assistant
Secretary/Spokesman, Washington, DC
Date: Jan, 15 19921/15/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Country: Iraq
Subject: United Nations, Development/Relief Aid,
Military Affairs
[TEXT]
The United States has pledged an additional $36 million for the extension of
humanitarian programs in northern Iraq in response to a UN appeal for
$145 million issued on January 8.
The full funding of this international appeal will permit the United Nations
to continue its relief programs in northern Iraq for an additional 6 months,
providing assistance to the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who were forced
by Saddam Hussein's forces to flee their homes last April and who have been
unsettled again by the recent actions of the Iraqi military.
Saddam Hussein's Government, by refusing to implement Security Council
Resolutions 706 and 712 that provide a mechanism for paying for food,
medical supplies, and other essentials, continues to inflict suffering and
deprivation on hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.
Five hundred thousand or more people in northern Iraq still require
assistance and support with winterization, repatriation, delivery of basic
foodstuffs, health care, and the presence of UN guards.
Of the $36-million pledge, $13 million is to go to the World Food Program
for food aid requirements, including internal transportation. Fifteen million
dollars will go to UNHCR [UN High Commissioner for Refugees] for refugee
and repatriation projects, including the provision of shelter, materials, and
food. The remaining $8 million will be used for other requirements as
determined in cooperation with the UN Office of the Executive Delegate.
The United States already has contributed $94 million to UN agencies, $6.9
million to private organizations, and over 63,000 metric tons of food for
refugees and displaced persons in Iraq. This, together with Operation
Provide Comfort, brings the total of previous US contributions to nearly
$600 million.
The United States believes the need for continued assistance is clear and
urgent and hopes that its pledge will encourage other donors to contribute
generously and quickly so that the appeal may be fully met. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: Lifting the US Embargo Against Cambodia
Tutwiler
Source: State Department Spokesman Margaret Tutwiler
Description: Released by the Office of the Assistant
Secretary/Spokesman, Washington, DC
Date: Jan, 10 19921/10/92
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: Southeast Asia
Country: Cambodia
Subject: Trade/Economics
[TEXT]
President Bush announced on January 4 in Singapore that the United States
has lifted its embargo against Cambodia.
-- The President's memorandum to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and
Commerce directing that the embargo be lifted is dated January 3, effective
date of the lifting of the embargo.
-- Secretary Baker had announced that this decision would be made as soon
as the UN began to implement the settlement plan; UN military officers are
now deployed at the four factional headquarters, the Mixed Military Working
Group has met, and the Supreme National Council met for the first time in
Phnom Penh on December 30.
Lifting the embargo removes all mandatory restrictions on exports, imports,
financial transactions (other than the continued freeze on blocked
accounts), telecommunications, and travel, occurring after January 2, 1992.
-- The Department of Treasury no longer requires licenses for any new
trade or financial transactions with Cambodia.
-- The amendment of OFAC [Office of Foreign Assets Control] Regulations
pertaining to Cambodia will appear in the Federal Register shortly.
-- The Department of Commerce will also amend its regulations as
appropriate to exempt Cambodia from existing foreign policy export
controls implementing the embargo. It is preparing guidance for exporters
for the interim period before regulations are published in the Federal
Register.
-- Pending the publication of these new export control regulations,
however, exporters are still required to apply to the Department of
Commerce for authorization to export.
-- The assets of the Cambodian Government and Cambodian nationals which
are in the United States or within the jurisdiction or control of persons
subject to US jurisdiction and which are now blocked under the Foreign
Assets Control Regulations will remain blocked, however, until a settlement
agreement is reached with a new Cambodian Government.
-- The US decision to lift the embargo is part of our overall effort to
support the UN settlement in Cambodia and to remain fully engaged in the
Asia-Pacific region.
-- This action does not affect the embargo against Vietnam. (###)
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: UN Security Council Votes on the Situation in the
Occupied Territories
UN
Source: UN Security Council, United Nations
Description: Resolution 726, New York City
Date: Jan, 10 19921/10/92
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Country: Israel
Subject: United Nations, Democratization
[TEXT]
UN Security Council Resolution 726 (January 6, 1992)
The Security Council,
Recalling the obligations of Member States under the United Nations
Charter,
Recalling its resolution 607 (1988), 608 (1988), 636 (1989), 641 (1989),
and 694 (1991),
Having been apprised of the decision of Israel, the occupying Power, to
deport twelve Palestinian civilians from the occupied Palestinian
territories,
1. Strongly condemns the decision of Israel, the occupying Power, to resume
deportations of Palestinian civilians;
2. Reaffirms the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August
1949 to all the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967,
including Jerusalem;
3. Requests Israel, the occupying Power, to refrain from deporting any
Palestinian civilian from the occupied territories;
4. Also requests Israel, the occupying Power, to ensure the safe and
immediate return to the occupied territories of all those deported;
5. Decides to keep the matter under review.
VOTE: Unanimous (15-0).
Dispatch, Vol 3, No 3, January 20, 1992
Title: US Position: UN Security Council Votes on the
Situation in the Occupied Territories:
Pickering
Source: Thomas R. Pickering, US Permanent Representative to
the United Nations
Description: New York City
Date: Jan, 6 19921/6/92
Category: Speeches, Testimony, Statements
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Country: Israel
Subject: United Nations, Democratization
[TEXT]
The US Government believes that deportation of individuals from the
occupied territories is a violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva
Convention as it pertains to the treatment of inhabitants of occupied
territories. Any pe