U.S. Department of State 
Dispatch Volume 7, Number 17, April 22, 1996 
Bureau of Public Affairs 
 
 
 
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE: 
 
1.  The U.S. and Japan: Allies, Partners, and Friends -- President 
Clinton 
 
2.  Japan-U.S. Declaration on Security Alliance for the 21st Century -- 
President Clinton 
 
3.  The U.S. and China: Regional Cooperation for Mutual Benefits -- 
Secretary Christopher, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian 
 
4.  White House Statements 
     Amendment of Palestinian Covenant
     Hemispheric Support for Democracy in Paraguay 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 1 
 
The U.S. and Japan: Allies, Partners, and Friends 
President Clinton 
Remarks to the Japanese Diet, Tokyo, Japan, April 18, 1996 
 
Madam Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen: 
Here, in this great hall of democracy, on behalf of our American 
delegation, including my wife, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of 
Commerce, and all other Americans here, let me begin by thanking the 
people of Japan, the Government of Japan, and, of course, the Emperor 
and Empress for the remarkable hospitality we have been accorded during 
our visit here. Let me thank you for giving me a chance to address the 
representatives of the people of Japan and, through you, all the 
Japanese people, and, perhaps, especially your young people. 
 
I would also like to thank Madam Speaker for mentioning the 
distinguished Americans who were also born in my home state--General 
MacArthur and Senator Fulbright. I thank you for applauding the mission 
of Senator Fulbright's name. He not only helped many Japanese  get an 
education, but he also gave me a job so that I could complete my 
university education. So, therefore, in a very real sense, I would not 
be here today if it were not for him. 
 
One hundred and thirty-six years ago, Japan sent its very first 
diplomatic delegation to the United States of America. It was a 
remarkable year for our country. Abraham Lincoln was nominated by his 
party to become president, and he subsequently became the first 
president of his party and, as many of us believe, the greatest 
president. It was a long time ago--eight years before the beginning of 
your Meiji Restoration. But some things don't change very much. In his 
diary of that experience, one of your envoys to the United States 
described his visit to our Congress, and here's what he said: 
 
We were shown to a large hall where affairs of state were being 
discussed. One of the members was on his feet, screaming at the top of 
his voice and gesticulating wildly like a mad man. When he sat down his 
example was followed by another, and yet another. Upon our inquiring 
what this was all about, we were informed that all the affairs of state 
were publicly dicussed in this way. Well, today I hope I can show you at 
least that we Americans have made some improvement in the way we discuss 
affairs of state. 
  
It seems impossible that it was just 50 years ago that the United States 
and Japan began to forge what is perhaps the modern world's most remark 
able partnership for peace, prosperity, and progress. Today, we 
celebrate the results. Japan has built one of the greatest success 
stories the world has ever known. You turned a closed society into an 
open, thriving democracy. You transformed economic devastation into 
powerful growth and opportunity for your people. You enriched the lives 
of millions by harnessing technology for positive change. You have set 
an example for all of Asia and, indeed, for all the world. 
 
After World War II, a wise generation of Americans reached out a hand of 
reconciliation to support your extraordinary evolution--first, with a 
security guarantee that allowed you to focus on rebuilding and with aid 
that helped to lay the foundation of economic growth. Now, Japan and the 
United States are full partners, bound together by shared values and a 
shared vision. All around the world, the spread of democracy and the 
greater prospects for peace and prosperity owe much to the work that our 
two nations are doing together. 
 
Today, I ask you to look ahead with me to the next 50 years of our 
partnership. What will it bring and how shall we build it? As the 
world's two largest economies and two of its strongest democracies, 
Japan and the United States must forge an alliance for the 21st century. 
Working together and leading together, I am confident that we can seize 
the possibilities and meet the challenges of today and tomorrow to bring 
even greater security and prosperity to our own people, and to bring the 
blessings of peace and progress to other people all around the world. 
 
Forging such an alliance will not be easy or automatic. I am well aware 
that there are people in both the United States and Japan who believe 
that because the Cold War is over and won, and because the United States 
and Japan face challenges at home, we should pull back from the world 
and  we should pull back from each other. But with all respect, I 
believe those views are wrong. 
  
Think about the world we live in--the revolution in information and 
technology--from laptops to lasers, from microsurgery to megabytes. This 
revolution has lit the landscape of human knowledge and brought all of 
us closer together. Now, information and ideas flash across our planet 
in the stroke of a computer key, bringing with them extraordinary 
opportunities to create wealth, to protect the environment, to prevent 
and conquer disease, and to foster greater understanding among people of 
diverse cultures. 
 
But we know, too, that this greater openness and faster change also mean 
that problems that start beyond our borders can quickly penetrate our 
borders--the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the threats of 
organized crime and drug trafficking and terrorism, environmental decay, 
severe economic dislocation. And in open and flexible societies like 
ours, home-grown forces of destruction can take advantage of the 
freedoms that we all cherish. After the sarin gas attack in the Tokyo 
subway and the bombing in Oklahoma City, the people of Japan and the 
people of the United States know this all-too well. 
 
No nation can isolate itself from these problems, and no nation can 
solve these problems alone. To meet and seize the opportunities and 
challenges of the 21st century, Japan and the United States must 
continue to be partners. We must join forces and we must join with those 
who believe as we do. 
 
Over the next few years, we will have ample opportunities to do that. 
Over the past few years, we have made a good beginning. Of course, we 
have had some differences. What two great, complex nations would not 
have differences? The important point is that we have worked through 
them respectfully, patiently, and pragmatically. We have done so much 
together that today, we can say with absolute confidence that the 
foundation for cooperation between the United States and Japan is 
stronger than it has ever been. 
  
The security alliance between our two nations is the cornerstone of 
stability throughout Asia. We have just completed a security review, the 
product of more than a year's hard work and study. The Joint Security 
Declaration that Prime Minister Hashimoto and I signed yesterday 
reaffirms our commitment to keep this alliance strong and to adapt it to 
the challenges of a new era. 
 
In our declaration, Japan reaffirmed its fundamental commitment to the 
United States-Japan security framework and to supporting modern self-
defense forces. To guarantee its  security and stability of the region, 
the United States will maintain 100,000 troops in East Asia, including a 
strong presence in Japan at about current levels, with the help of your 
host nation's support. We will more closely coordinate our efforts to 
meet new security challenges--from stopping the spread of weapons of 
mass destruction to strengthening regional and international security 
cooperation, from countering terrorism to promoting peace. 
 
Recently, the hospitality the Japanese people extended to our troops was 
put to a terrible test in Okinawa. The American people profoundly regret 
the horrible violence done to a young school girl there. Our hearts go 
out to her, to her family and her loved ones, and to the entire Okinawan 
community. We are gratified that justice has been done. 
 
In the months since this incident, we have worked with the Government of 
Japan to minimize the burden of our military presence on the Japanese 
people. The Joint Action Plan we announced this week calls for the 
consolidation of our bases in Okinawa and a major reduction in 
inconveniences to the people who live there, such as noise, training, 
and exercises. These steps will reduce the burden of our bases without 
diminishing our mutual defense capability or our commitment to safeguard 
a Pacific at peace. 
 
I say again how much I appreciate the leadership of the Prime Minister 
and his government and the opportunity the United States has been given 
to do something we probably should have done some time ago. I thank you 
for that. 
 
[BEGIN QUOTE] 
 
"Let me say . . . to the young people here in Japan and back home in 
America who will inherit the stewardship of our nations . . . this 
alliance is our commitment to your freedom and to your future." 
 
[END QUOTE] 
  
Both our nations recognize that peace has its price. But the price is 
much less than the cost of putting peace at risk. Consider what might 
happen if the United States were to withdraw entirely from this region. 
It could spark a costly arms race that could destabilize northeast Asia. 
It could hinder our ability to work with you to maintain security in a 
part of the world that has suffered enough in the 20th century through 
world war and regional conflict and that is now in the midst of profound 
change. It could weaken our power to deter states such as North Korea 
that may still threaten the peace and to take on urgent problems such as 
terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking. 
 
Let me say, especially to the young people here in Japan and back home 
in America who will inherit the stewardship of our nations: Some people 
in my country believe our security alliance is basically a favor to 
Japan, and some people in Japan doubtless believe that our security 
alliance is basically a favor to the United States. The truth is, our 
security alliance benefits both our countries, the entire region, and 
the world. So, to the young people I say, this alliance is our 
commitment to your freedom and to your future. 
  
What an extraordinary future it can be. The economies of the Asia-
Pacific region are the most dynamic on Earth, already accounting for 
one-quarter of the world's output and growing every day, improving the 
lives of your own people and creating ever-expanding markets for others 
who produce competitive products and services. Many of these products 
and services, of course, are American. Already, more than 50% of 
America's trade is with the nations of the Pacific, sustaining  
3 million good, American jobs. Business and tourism are growing rapidly, 
and they will continue to do so. To cite just one example of this 
region's extraordinary potential: In the next decade alone, East Asia 
plans to spend U.S. $1 trillion on infrastructure projects alone. 
  
My country, with 7 million citizens who trace their roots to Asia and 
five states which border the Pacific Ocean, wants to share in and add to 
this promise. That is why we convened the summit of the leaders of the 
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation nations in Seattle three years ago. 
 
There, aided by the leadership of Japan, we began to give an 
extraordinarily diverse region a common identity and purpose--that of a 
community of nations committed to free trade and investment, to taking 
down barriers that block commerce and building stronger bridges of 
cooperation among our people. As the world's economic leaders,  Japan 
and the United States must set a good example--and we are--from our 
common commitment to bring free trade to the Asia-Pacific nations to our 
efforts to improve our own economic relationship. 
 
Three years ago, our nations entered into a framework agreement to 
better structure our economic dialogue and to open markets here in 
Japan. Since then, we have completed 21 separate trade agreements that 
are making a difference to people on both sides of the Pacific. The 
sectors covered by these agreements--from auto parts to medical 
supplies--have seen their sales to Japan grow by some 85%--more than 
twice as fast as exports in other sectors. 
  
Of course, for the American people, these exports mean more jobs at 
better pay. For the people of Japan, allowing these American goods and 
services to compete for the favor of the Japanese consumer means greater 
choice at lower prices. Your own Keidanren projects that deregulation 
will cut consumer prices to Japanese citizens by 20% by the year 2000. 
Already, to cite one example, because cellular telephone companies can 
now compete here, there has been a one-third cut in the cost of start-up 
and service fees in the Tokyo region. 
  
Of course, our trading relationship is not entirely free of friction. 
More work will have to be done to fully implement the agreements we have 
reached and to deal with other issues. But the important part is that 
after years of frustration on both sides, for the first time we have 
actually established a way to work through our differences and to 
resolve them. 
  
Beyond sustaining our security and building a future of open markets, 
there are other responsibilities that Japan and the United States have 
decided to assume because of our position in the world today--
responsibilities we have committed to a common agenda, bringing the 
blessings of peace, democracy, and rights to others; protecting our 
shared environment; and harnessing the power of science and technology 
for the benefit of all. 
 
Together, our nations have a unique opportunity to help people the world 
over to learn, to change the way they work--indeed, to transform how 
they live. We must seize this opportunity because it is also our 
responsibility. The United States is very grateful that, more and more, 
Japan is taking on the responsibility of leadership that flows from its 
place as a great nation. 
  
From peacekeepers in Cambodia to minesweepers in the Arabian Gulf, Japan 
is there. From financial and political support for the Middle East peace 
process to the $500-million reconstruction package you have just 
announced for Bosnia, Japan is there. The people of Bosnia and the 
entire international community are grateful for this extraordinary 
effort on your part. From seeking an end to polio by the year 2000 to 
finding better ways to respond to natural disasters such as earthquakes, 
Japan is also there leading the way. From cleaning up the environment 
here on Earth to exploring the heavens above, Japan is there. We are all 
better off for your commitment to this kind of leadership. 
  
Today, to the Japanese people, whose pride in the past is now matched by 
your focus on the future, I say, stay true to that commitment to lead; 
make it even stronger. We have come so far in the last 50 years. Think 
about it: From the waste of war to the wealth of peace; from conflict to 
cooperation and competition; from mistrust to partnership. 
  
Now, I submit to you that our generation has a sacred duty to make the 
next 50 years even better for all of our people. In this time of 
remarkable possibility, I am absolutely confident that we will succeed 
if we continue to lead and work together as allies, as partners, and as 
friends. 
 
Thank you very much.  

(###) 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 2: 
 
Japan-U.S. Declaration on Security Alliance for the 21st Century 
President Clinton, Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto 
Remarks following signing of the Japan-U.S. Declaration on Security, 
Tokyo, Japan, April 17, 1996 
 
Prime Minister Hashimoto. Right in front of you, I and President Clinton 
signed two documents. One is the message to the people of Japan and the 
United States that lays down the direction in which the two countries 
should, together, proceed toward the 21st century. And the second is the 
Japan-U.S. Declaration on Security. 
  
The message to the people of Japan and the United States summarizes how 
important the Japan-U.S. bilateral relationship is for our people and 
how our two countries will cooperate on a future agenda by referring to 
the preciousness of democracy and freedom; bilateral  cooperation on 
regional issues; cooperation for UN reform, on disarmament, and on our 
economic relations; and how we shall cooperate with each other in these 
respects. 
 
The Japan-U.S. Declaration on Security reaffirms that the Japan-U.S. 
security setup will continue to play an important role, as in the past, 
in preserving security, peace, and stability in the Asia-Pacific and 
notes that it will be the starting point for our bilateral cooperation 
into the future. 
 
Our meeting covered a wide ground--security, economic, and other 
bilateral issues, as well as various problems of the international 
community and the consolidation, realignment, and reduction of military 
facilities in Okinawa. Both governments are making sincere efforts to 
reduce the burden on the Okinawan people by paying our utmost 
consideration to their feelings. 
 
We once again expressed our appreciation for the contents of the interim 
report of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa announced the day 
before yesterday, and we mutually confirmed that it will be important to 
ensure proper and expeditious implementation of the measures spelled out 
in that report and that both of us will continue to do our utmost to 
arrive at a final agreement in November of this year. 
 
On Japan-U.S. economic relations, I explained that Japan's current 
account surplus is on a declining trend and that the Government of Japan 
is working on economic structural reform, including deregulation. I 
suggested that we engage in discussions on individual economic issues 
whenever necessary by building on our past track record. 
 
We will also discuss the importance of Japan and the United States 
cooperating with each other to stand up against the threats to humankind 
and to the global community. We confirmed that, to that end, six new 
areas will be added to our cooperation on the so-called "Common Agenda," 
such as on an anti-terrorism initiative and on emerging and re-emerging 
diseases, etc., and that we shall further foster such cooperation with 
the participation of the private sector and other countries. 
  
We also decided to study together a 21st century-type development that 
will be in harmony with nature. Within the little time we had, we also 
exchanged views on the situation in different parts of the world--China, 
the Korean Peninsula, Russia, the former Yugoslavia, the Middle East--
and discussed our respective policies there, too. 
 
My candid impressions of the meeting today are that today's summit 
meeting was supported by very firm and large pillars and by a big roof--
the large pillars being mutual understanding between the people of our 
two countries. I put to the President my determination to create 
opportunities for many, many more American youths to visit Japan in the 
future so that these pillars will grow even larger. 
 
The big roof is the values that our two countries have shared together 
to date. Japan and the United States--both built on universal values of 
democracy, human rights, and an open economy, among other things, have 
mutually built a relationship that is indispensable for the future of 
the world. 
 
I will end on the note that the essence of the meeting today was the 
reaffirmation of this extremely important relationship. And I would like 
to yield to the President now. 

 
President Clinton. Thank you, Prime Minister. Let me begin by thanking 
the Imperial Family and the Prime Minister for their hospitality to me 
and the First Lady and to all of our American delegation, and thanking 
the Japanese people for a wonderful welcome in this beautiful 
springtime. 
 
I am here primarily to celebrate the extraordinary partnership between 
our two nations over the last 50 years and to strengthen our alliance to 
meet the demands of this time of exceptional change. The Prime Minister 
and I strongly agree that, as two of the world's strongest democracies 
and leading economies, Japan and the United States have a special 
responsibility to lead. 
  
This is a moment of remarkable possibility for our people to make the 
most of their own lives, but it is also a moment of stern challenge. 
More and more, problems that start beyond our borders can become 
problems within our borders. No one is immune to the threats posed by 
rogue states; by the spread of weapons of mass destruction; by 
terrorism, crime, and drug trafficking; by environmental decay and 
economic dislocation. But, together, we can turn these collective 
challenges into common solutions. 
 
For the past three years, our two nations have been doing just that. 
Now, when you look at the great diversity of our ties in security, in 
trade, in our common agenda partnership, the conclusion is clear: The 
relationship between the United States and Japan is better and stronger 
than ever. 
 
Our security alliance is key to maintaining a Pacific at peace, 
especially at this time of profound regional change. The security 
declaration that the Prime Minister and I just signed is a result of 
more than one year's hard work and careful study. It strengthens our 
alliance for the 21st century. 
 
The United States will maintain our troop presence in Japan at about 
current levels. We will deepen our cooperation with Japan's self-defense 
forces, and we will reduce the burden of our bases on the Japanese 
people, especially the people of Okinawa, without diminishing our 
defense capability. 
 
Our trade relationship is also on the right track. That is good for all 
our people. When I took office, there was real frustration in the United 
States about the difficulty we had selling our goods and services in the 
Japanese market. Since then, our two nations have signed 21 separate 
trade agreements, covering everything from auto parts to medical 
supplies to computers. Our exports in those sectors are up dramatically-
-about 85%. That means, in America, more jobs and better pay, and, in 
Japan, lower prices and greater choice. 
 
Free and fair trade is a win-win proposition. Now, there is more work to 
be done, of course, in areas such as insurance and semiconductors and 
film. None of it will be easy. But, for the  first time, I wanted 
everyone to be clear: We have established a process to resolve problems 
that do arise in a patient and pragmatic manner. 
 
The partnership between our countries is also making a real difference 
around the world. In Bosnia, we have joined forces to help people 
rebuild their lives and their land. I want to thank Japan for the 
extraordinarily generous $500-million relief and reconstruction package 
that Japan has just announced. This is evidence of a powerful commitment 
to lead the world toward peace and freedom. 
  
The Prime Minister and I reviewed many other initiatives we are taking 
under our common agenda. We are working to wipe out polio by the year 
2000. We are working to reduce the devastation of natural disasters 
through our earthquake disaster-reduction effort, to protect the world's 
forests and oceans, to lift people's lives through advanced technology, 
to complete and sign a comprehensive test ban treaty this year, and to 
bring the blessings of peace and freedom to more people than ever 
before. I also thanked the Japanese Government for reaching out for 
greater educational and cultural exchanges with the American people, and 
I particularly appreciate the efforts the Prime Minister has made in 
this regard. 
 
In this time of challenge and change, the partnership between our two 
nations is more important to our people and to the world than ever. If 
we realize its full potential, that partnership can be a powerful force 
for progress and peace for our own people and for those all around the 
world. 
 
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.  

(###) 
 
 
 
ARTICLE 3: 
 
The U.S. and China: Regional Cooperation for Mutual Benefits 
Secretary Christopher, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian 
Opening remarks at a press conference, The Hague, Netherlands, April 19, 
1996 
 
Foreign Minister Qian. I am very delighted to take this opportunity to 
meet with Secretary Christopher in The Hague. This is our first meeting 
this year. I am looking forward to having an exchange of views with Mr. 
Secretary on bilateral relations and issues of common interest. 
 
We have all along maintained that maintaining a healthy and stable 
relationship between China and the United States serves the fundamental 
interests of the two countries and the two peoples, and also contributes 
to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at 
large. 
 
Some time ago, Sino-U.S. relations encountered some difficulties, which 
was something that we did not wish to see. I hope to have candid, 
serious, and pragmatic talks with Mr. Secretary. The only correct 
approach to overcoming these difficulties is the strict observance of 
the principles established in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, 
especially the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial 
integrity, and the non-interference in each other's internal affairs. 
 
Now Sino-U.S. relations are at a crucial juncture which calls for an 
appropriate settlement of the problems existing in our bilateral 
relations, especially the question of Taiwan. We are ready to work 
together with the U.S. to increase dialogue, enhance trust, reduce 
troubles, develop cooperation, and have no confrontation. 
 
I also believe that, in conducting dialogues between China and the 
United States, the two sides should have an exchange of views from a 
long-term, strategic perspective in areas where the two sides share 
common interests. China and the United States share extensive strategic 
interests on many issues facing today's world. It is entirely possible 
for the two countries to find some common points. 
 
As for the differences over some specific matters, including those 
differences arising from the different situations of the two sides, they 
should not hinder the overall interest of developing Sino-U.S. 
relations. We should agree to disagree so as to narrow our differences 
and expand our common ground. I expect to have progress in the meeting 
with Mr. Secretary. Thank you. 
 
Secretary Christopher. Good afternoon. It is a distinct pleasure to meet 
Foreign Minister Qian Qichen again, especially in this beautiful setting 
of daffodils, crocuses, and other spring flowers that are coming out. 
First, let me congratulate the Minister on an excellent statement. I 
listened to it with care, and it reflects, virtually in every respect, 
my attitude toward today's meeting. 
 
As the Minister said, this is our first meeting in 1996, but I am told 
this is the sixth time we will have met in the last 12 months and the 
13th time during my tenure as Secretary of State. The frequency and 
regularity of our meetings is a good indication of the commitment that 
both countries have to maintaining positive ties. The U.S. seeks a 
constructive relationship with a strong, stable, open, and prosperous 
China; indeed, it is one of the most important of our bilateral 
relationships. 
 
As the Minister said, there are many areas in which we already 
cooperate, which reflects the fundamental interests we share in the 
Asia-Pacific region and all around the globe. For example, we have a 
common commitment to a non-nuclear Korean Peninsula, to the maintenance 
of the armistice agreement there, and to the resumption of dialogue 
between the North and South on the Korean Peninsula. I look forward to 
discussing today the peace initiative launched only a few days ago by 
President Kim of South Korea and President Clinton--an initiative that 
foresees a constructive Chinese role. 
 
Referring to other matters of regional cooperation from which the 
American and Chinese people already benefit, China and the U.S. want to 
further develop regional cooperation in many security and economic areas 
as we approach a new century. The American and Chinese people already 
benefit from our cooperation in fighting transnational threats such as 
drug trafficking, international crime, and alien smuggling. Protection 
of the environment is in the interests of both coun- tries, and I am 
pleased that a Chinese delegation will visit Washington later this month 
to begin a dialogue on the environment, energy, and sustainable 
development. 
 
There are also a number of important bilateral issues on which the Vice 
Premier and I will exchange views. The United States welcomes the 
reduction of tension in the Taiwan Strait since late March and urges 
resumption of the dialogue between Beijing and Taipei. The United States 
remains committed to a "one China" policy and believes that the Taiwan 
question is a matter for the parties on both sides of the Taiwan Strait 
to address peacefully. 

(###) 
 
 
ARTICLE 4: 
 
White House Statements 
 
Amendment of Palestinian Covenant 
Statement by White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry, Washington, DC, 
April 24, 1996. 
 
President Clinton warmly welcomes the Palestine National Council's vote 
to revoke the sections of the Palestinian Covenant that called for the 
destruction of the State of Israel. By an overwhelming majority, the 
Palestine National Council has honored an important commitment made in 
the Interim Agreement signed here in September 1995. It is a major step 
forward on the road to a lasting peace between Israel and the 
Palestinians. The President applauds this action as a decisive 
statement, at this difficult moment, that those who champion peace will 
not be deterred by the murderous acts of those desperate to prevent the 
people of the Middle East from building a better future. 
 

Hemispheric Support for Democracy in Paraguay 
Statement by White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry, Washington, DC, 
April 24, 1996. 
 
All friends of democracy should be encouraged by the response to the 
recent threat to Paraguay's constitutional order. As the President told 
President Wasmosy yesterday, the United States fully supports him and 
the Paraguayan people in their courageous stand for democracy. With the 
support of the United States and other nations of the region, they have 
sent another strong message rejecting those who would turn back the 
clock on the democratic progress made in our hemisphere. 
 
To achieve this end, the United States worked closely with the 
Organization of American States and strongly backed the efforts of the 
MERCOSUR countries to make clear that Paraguay's closest neighbors and 
trading partners would not accept any break with democratic governance. 
The President commends the efforts of OAS Secretary General Gaviria and 
the foreign ministers of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, who traveled to 
Paraguay to demonstrate the region's support for the principles of 
democratic rule and civilian authority over the military. 
 
This marks the fourth time since 1991 that the democratic nations of 
this hemisphere have joined together in support of democracy and against 
those who would seek to undermine it. The commitment to democratic 
principles enshrined in the OAS Charter and reaffirmed at the Summit of 
the Americas remains the cornerstone of our regional partnership. We 
will continue to work with the Government and people of Paraguay to 
ensure the integrity and continued development of that country's 
democracy. 
 
[END OF DISPATCH VOL 7, NO. 17] 
(###)  

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