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001a. profile
Background Papers/Talking Points/Public Statement/Q& A for
President's Luncheon with Central American Leaders (1 page)
11/23/1993
Pl/b(l)
001b. memo
Marc Grossman to William H. Itoh re: Background Materials, Talking
Points, Public Statement/Q & A's for the President's Luncheon with
Central American Leaders (1 page)
11/23/1993
Pl/b(l)
001c. briefing
paper
The Central American Crisis from Peace Processes to Free Trade and
Good Governance (1 page)
ca.
Pl/b(l)
00Id. briefing
paper
Central American Integration (1 page)
00le. briefing
paper
Central American Security Cooperation (I page)
00If. briefing
paper
Regional Issues (1 page)
00 Ig. briefing
paper
Environment (1 page)
00 Ih. briefing
paper
Poverty in Central America (1 page)
00 li. briefing
paper
Central America: U.S. Economic Assistance and Debt Relief (1 page)
00Ij. briefing
paper
El Salvador (1 page)
001k. briefing
paper
Panama (1 page)
11/23/1993
ca.
11/23/1993
Pl/b(l)
ca.
11/23/1993
ca.
Pl/b(l)
Pl/b(l)
11/23/1993
ca.
Pl/b(l)
11/23/1993
ca.
11/23/1993
Pl/b(l)
Pl/b(l)
ca.
11/23/1993
Pl/b(l)
ca.
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
Pl/b(l)
11/23/1993
ca.
11/23/1993
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
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0011. briefing
paper
Honduras (1 page)
ca.
001m. briefing
paper
Nicaragua (1 page)
00In. briefing
paper
Costa Rica (1 page)
00 lo. briefing
paper
Guatemala (1 page)
001 p. briefing
paper
Belize (1 page)
00 Iq. talking
points
President's Luncheon for Central American Leaders (3 pages)
00 Ir. report
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
001s. report
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
11/23/1993
11/22/1993
Pl/b(l)
00It. report
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
11/22/1993
11/22/1993
Pl/b(l), P6/b(6)
00 lu. report
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
1/22/1993
Pl/b(l), P6/b(6)
001 v. report
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
11/22/1993
Pl/b(l)
00 Iw. report
U.S. Government Report (1 page)
1/22/1993
Pl/b(l)
Pl/b(l)
11/23/1993
ca.
11/23/1993
Pl/b(l)
Pl/b(l)
ca.
11/23/1993
ca.
Pl/b(l)
Pl/b(l)
11/23/1993
ca.
Pl/b(l), P5
11/23/1993
ca.
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number: 3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
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Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 5S2(b)|
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h(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
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DOCUMENT NO.
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00 Ix. report
SUBJECTAITTLE
DATE
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
11/22/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l), P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
201 1-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presitlemial Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
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b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA]
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purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA)
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA)
Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA)
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
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RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 30,
1993
PRESS CONFERENCE
BY
PRESIDENT CLINTON,
PRESIDENT CRISTIANI OF EL SALVADOR,
PRESIDENT ENDARA OF PANAMA,
PRESIDENT CALLEJAS OF HONDURAS,
PRESIDENT CALDERON OF COSTA RICA,
PRESIDENT CHAMORRO OF NICARAGUA,
PRESIDENT DE LEON OF GUATEMALA,
PRIME MINISTER ESQUIVEL OF BELIZE
The East Room
11:22 A.M.
EST
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Good morning. This morning i t was
my great honor to welcome seven outstanding Central American leaders
to the White House: President C r i s t i a n i of E l Salvador, President
Endara of Panama, President Callejas of Honduras, President Calderon
of Costa Rica, President Chamorro of Nicaragua, President De Leon of
Guatemala, and Prime Minister Esquivel of Belize.
These leaders have made an h i s t o r i c contribution to our
hemisphere by helping to build democracy and peace i n a region that
u n t i l very recently was riven by c i v i l s t r i f e . I'm grateful that
they were able to break away from the Miami conference on the
Caribbean, which they are attending with leaders from the private
sector, from throughout the Caribbean Basin, to discuss ways to
advance regional prosperity.
President De Leon has struggled h e r o i c a l l y on behalf of
democracy and human rights in Guatemala. And he's j u s t achieved an
important p o l i t i c a l accord that w i l l bring more accountable
government to h i s nation. President C r i s t i a n i played a central role
in ending E l Salvador's c i v i l war, and has been c r i t i c a l to the
success of the peace accords. President Chamorro has worked hard to
bring r e c o n c i l i a t i o n and democracy to Nicaragua. I want to
acknowledge President C a l l e j a s for h i s leadership in consolidating
democracy i n Honduras; And President Calderon for advancing Costa
Rica's t r a d i t i o n s of s o c i a l j u s t i c e and the rule of law. President
Endara has safeguarded Panama's return to democracy. And Prime
Minister Esquivel has earned praise for h i s government's sound
economic p o l i c i e s and h i s own personal integrity.
For years, few regions of our world endured more
suffering than Central America. But today, few regions are better
poised to reap the benefits of the end of the Cold War.
This i s the
f i r s t time i n the 20th century that a l l of these nations have come
here to the White House to meet the President of the United states,
every one of them being headed by democratically-elected leaders. I t
i s an h i s t o r i c and very important moment.
The people of Central America are c l e a r l y dedicated to
the harvest of reconstruction and renewal. They're healing divided
societies, reviving s t a l l e d economies, and working toward closer
integration among themselves and t h e i r other neighbors. My message
today to these distinguished leaders and to the millions whom they
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represent i s simple: The United States w i l l be there as your partner
to help. We w i l l not make the mistake of abandoning t h i s region when
i t s dramatic recovery i s not yet complete. We w i l l remain engaged to
help Central America attain peace, consolidate democracy, protect
human rights and achieve sustainable development. Our nation has a
direct stake in Central America's s t a b i l i t y and prosperity. The
United States exports $6 b i l l i o n in goods to these countries,
supporting over 100,000 American jobs.
Today we discussed steps that Central America's nations
can take to strengthen our economic t i e s , including further trade
l i b e r a l i z a t i o n and better protection of worker rights, i n t e l l e c t u a l
property and the environment. W also discussed the impact of the
e
North American Free Trade Agreement, which a l l of these leaders
strongly supported. The Vice President i s leaving t h i s afternoon for
Mexico where he w i l l deliver a major address on American engagement
in Latin America. This morning we agreed that NAFTA's h i s t o r i c
passage can serve as a catalyst for the expansion of free trade to
other market democracies throughout the hemisphere — something I
have long supported. And we shared concerns about NAFTA's potential
short-term effects on the flow of trade and investment to Central
America. I pledged that my administration w i l l work with Congress
and Central American governments to design affirmative strategies to
stimulate regional trade.
As our economic relationship evolves, so must the nature
of the United States' support for economic development i n Central
America. We w i l l continue b i l a t e r a l aid programs. At the same time,
the region's r i s i n g credit worthiness has allowed international
f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n s to increase t h e i r role; and we strongly
support that. We w i l l work to develop a new, more mature economic
partnership with Central America, based on trade expansion,
m u l t i l a t e r a l support for economic reforms, and better coordination of
b i l a t e r a l and multilateral aid programs.
These leaders today have told us that they seek to work
together to become a model region for sustainable development. And
we are prepared to work with them in that enterprise. I can think of
no more important common endeavor.
With the elections of the l a s t several years, democracy
has taken root in Central America's rugged t e r r a i n . Now the
challenge facing t h i s region i s to build democratic i n s t i t u t i o n s that
endure, that are honest, that are responsive, that are effective. W
e
are prepared to work closely with Central America to promote reform
in the j u d i c i a r y , the c i v i l service, education and health care. Good
governance w i l l advance our mutual objectives: to bolster democracy,
promote s o c i a l opportunity, and clear the path for freer trade.
Just a few years ago, t h i s morning's meeting would have
been l i t e r a l l y unthinkable. Now, in the midst of t h i s great
progress, i t would be unthinkable for us not to meet. The prosperity
and security of t h i s hemisphere which we share depends more than ever
on our continued cooperation.
I t i s now my honor to introduce President De Leon, who
w i l l also speak for h i s fellow Central American leaders.
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT DE LEON: Thank you very much. Good morning.
At t h i s time of great and transcendental changes in the world order,
in Central America, in the United States, and especially i n our
reciprocal relations, today we j u s t had a presidential meeting which
we consider not only a very pleasant one, but an extremely
constructive one. We were able to exchange with President Clinton,
whom we would l i k e to thank for h i s invitation, our points of view on
issues and problems of great importance having to do with our
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bilateral relationship as well as recent events in Central America on
the one hand, and in the United States on the other hand.
I would like to summarize what we have discussed as
follows: As far as democracy and governance, f i r s t of a l l we
underscored the efforts made in our region for the consolidation of
pluralistic and participatory systems, giving special priority to
respect for individual, c i v i l and political human rights, which has
allowed great progress in the recent years in the solution of the
great conflicts we have.
We showed that we Central American countries continue to
work to achieve true participatory democracy involving growth with
social justice and without confrontation, and that solidarity and
dialogue are essential principles to which we are giving priority as
the underpinnings of the strengthening of our democracies.
As to economic and social development and the fight
against poverty, on these points we said to President Clinton that
the magnitude of the problem of poverty in our countries i s of great
importance, had the magnitude of the problem of poverty in our
countries i s of great importance. I t i s a problem which w i l l have to
be solved with political will and solidarity. The fight against
poverty, we said, i s not just a matter of supporting social welfare
investment, but i t i s a matter of supporting productive investment
through private investment, supporting the productive sector, and
supporting the insertion of our economies into the world market.
We have to fight the scourge of poverty through
consistent management of our economic and our social policies. We
told the President that we are emerging with great difficulty and
with degrees of difference from one country to the other, emerging
from a deep and prolonged recession which punished those least able
to defend themselves especially badly. I am talking here about the
poorest of the poor.
As far as economic adjustment i s concerned, with great
optimism we said to the President that we Central Americans are now
looking toward the future with a positive vision. We are
transforming antiquated schemes, and now the societies realize that
they have to assume costs, but in an attitude of solidarity in order
to achieve peace, development, democracy, and especially the respect
for human rights, both individual and economic, social and cultural
rights.
We emphasize that governments must become more efficient
as administrators and public servants allowing the state to act where
i t must and generate conditions so that the private sector can act in
a more decentralized and participatory manner. Regarding selfeffort and external assistance, we discussed how happy we Central
Americans are to be making our own efforts and advancing toward
positive results — a demonstration of which i s the recent signing of
the protocol to the Treaty of Central American Economic Integration.
At the same time, though, we recalled that these internal efforts
must be supported as they have been by external cooperation.
And
here the support offered by the United States has had, has and w i l l
continue to have great importance.
We also said to President Clinton that we feel that this
particular historic moment i s the very worst one to be cutting back
on cooperation — external cooperation. I t i s the best time to
maintain i t and increase i t , convinced that democracy i s more than
the simple and mere holding of regular elections.
Finally, on the NAFTA and the Caribbean Basin
Initiative, the Central American presidents said in this meeting in
this presidential summit meeting that our bilateral agenda with the
United States i s going to be very strongly influenced not only by the
MR
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changes in Central America, but also by the h i s t o r i c decision of
Canada, the United States and Mexico to form an expanded free trade
area.
W said that we applaud t h i s decision which marks a
e
fundamental and positive change in inter-American relations; and that
we feel that t h i s does constitute a creative answer to the emerging
international reordering. W also considered, we said, that NAFTA
e
implies the need for the Central American region to redouble i t s
efforts and to become stronger so that we can expand to serve more
competitive markets.
W made two proposals to President Clinton. F i r s t of
e
a l l , we expressed to him our great interest in i n i t i a t i n g
consultations to incorporate the Central American countries into the
North American Free Trade Agreement, and at the same time that the
real p o s s i b i l i t i e s be considered to make the CBI benefits be equal to
the NAFTA benefits. W said that we f e l t that t h i s should be done
e
within the framework of respect for the environment. And we had a
very favorable response to our suggestion that Central America should
become a model area of sustainable development in the environmental
framework.
W have taken the p o l i t i c a l decision to suggest t h i s ,
e
and President Clinton has decided to give t h i s idea h i s backing. W
e
also said that we would be very appreciative for any support in
backing that the U.S. government could give to the negotiations
within the framework of the Uruguay Round to expand l i b e r a l i z a t i o n of
world trade for products of interest to us. We are grateful for the
efforts that the United States has made to increase our access to the
European Common Market, and we are hoping that there w i l l be a
negotiated solution with the EC.
F i n a l l y , and given the welcome and the i n t e r e s t which
was so emphatically shown by President Clinton to the regional
proposals we made, the presidents of the Central American region wish
to repeat here our s a t i s f a c t i o n at the f r u i t f u l n e s s and constructive
nature of t h i s meeting. And we have decided to set up a high-level
commission among us to follow up the process of incorporation of
Central America into the North American Free Trade Agreement. This
constitutes a very important way to combat poverty in Central America
and thus achieve peace and consolidate democracy and development with
s o c i a l equity for the entire Central American isthmus.
Thank you.
Q
— discuss aid — loosening aid to Nicaragua? And
also did you discuss the emergence of death squads i n E l Salvador?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: We discussed the aid to Nicaragua
issue very b r i e f l y . I have decided j u s t i n the l a s t couple of days
to approve the release of the aid from FY "93 because of the
s i g n i f i c a n t progress made in Nicaragua in asserting c i v i l i a n control
over the m i l i t a r y and in trying to resolve some American property
claims and on a number of other issues there. So I f e e l good about
that.
With regard to E l Salvador, what we b a s i c a l l y discussed
was the continuation of the democratic process and the upcoming
elections and the hope that the recent violence there would not in
any way interrupt that. And I feel comfortable that they are
proceeding along that path.
What I'd l i k e to do i s to t r y to alternate questions,
and take a question from people representing Central American press
and then go back to the American press, and go back and forth, i f I
could.
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Q
Mr. President, the President of Guatemala has said
Central American countries are interested i n having that parity with
NAFTA because they feel that they are going to s t a r t feeling the
impact of NAFTA i n about five years. What was your response? Are
you w i l l i n g to give them that parity?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Let me say s p e c i f i c a l l y what we
talked — we talked about two different issues. One i s the guestion
of involving Central America i n the process that produced NAFTA, that
i s an expansion of a free trade area to the rest of Latin America.
That's something, as I think a l l of you know, I have long been
interested i n and have talked about i t when I was running for
President. And I told him that I had asked Ambassador Kantor to
b a s i c a l l y , when we conclude our GATT efforts — we're preoccupied, as
you know, with the GATT agreement now — after we conclude our GATT
agreements, and i f NAFTA goes through with the proclamation i n Canada
which has to be done by the f i r s t of the year — shortly after the
f i r s t of the year to begin a study and come up with the
recommendation to me about how to proceed with reference to the rest
of Latin America i n the free trade process.
Now, secondly, the other issue we discussed was a
narrower one. And that i s , how can we make sure that the NAFTA
agreement, as i t begins to be implemented, does not hurt the
Caribbean countries who are i n the Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e . That
i s , neither Mexico nor the United States, and certainly not Canada,
ever intended for there to be a transfer of investment from the
Caribbean to Mexico, j u s t a simple s h i f t . That would defeat the
whole purpose of what we're trying to do here i n growing the area.
So we are looking into now what we can do on a shorterterm basis to j u s t make sure that doesn't happen. As I said, that
was never any part of Mexico's strategy or interest, never any part
of the United States'. So I think we'll have a more near-term
recommendation on that regard.
Q
Mr. President, many Muslims, including some who
support the United States, are upset about your meeting with author
Salmon Rushdie. Was there any advice from the State Department or
others that there were r i s k s involved i n t h i s meeting? And do you
think that i t might undercut support for the Middle East peace
process?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: To be frank, there was some division
among our people about whether I should see Mr. Rushdie when he was
here. He met with Mr. Lake, and then I was over i n the Old Executive
Office Building and Mr. Lake brought him over there so I could see
him and shake hands with him. W v i s i t e d probably for a couple of
e
minutes. And there was some, because our view of the F i r s t Amendment
and free speech i s different from that held by many i n the — many
Muslims throughout the world, including many who are our friends. I
understand that.
I did i t to make the point not that I agree with the tax
on Islam i n the book that Mr. Rushdie wrote, but that i n our country
and i n the countries who respect freedom of speech, freedom of speech
includes especially the willingness to respect without threatening
the l i f e of or the rights of people who write things that we do not
agree with. Indeed for a Westerner I have t r i e d for more than 20
years now to study and have an appreciation of Islam. And I respect
the religion and I respect the culture enormously. So I mean no
disrespect to the people who have that r e l i g i o u s f a i t h .
But I do think i t ' s important that here i n the United
States we reaffirm our commitment to protect the physical well-being
and the right to speak of those with whom we may intensely disagree.
That's what our Constitution does.
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So I hope that I w i l l not be misunderstood.
made the right decision.
I believe I
Q
Mr. President, you mentioned that the program w i l l
include m u l t i l a t e r a l aid to Central America. However, the AID budget
has been substantially cut, and w i l l continue to be cut in the
future. What has been your commitment i n t h i s regard to the nations
of Central America?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: F i r s t of a l l , l e t ' s discuss that.
The AID budget was cut in the l a s t budget cycle. And we are
b a s i c a l l y in a five-year period now where we've committed not to
increase federal discretionary spending even for i n f l a t i o n . So there
w i l l be a cut of a l l spending r e l a t i v e to i n f l a t i o n , which means i f
we want to increase one area of our spending, we have to cut
something else proportionately.
And I'm going now into a s e r i e s of
meetings — I had my f i r s t one yesterday — on next year's budget,
which w i l l require us to make some d i f f i c u l t decisions.
What I said to the leaders was, I would do my best to
maintain some level of b i l a t e r a l assistance, but that the United
States would try to make sure that the m u l t i l a t e r a l aid offset
whatever cuts we had in b i l a t e r a l assistance, number one.
And,
number two, that I would do my best to strengthen the economic
relationship between the United States and these nations in the hope
that increasing trade and investment would do far more than b i l a t e r a l
aid ever could, anyway, to strengthen the long-term economic wellbeing of the two nations.
Thank you very much.
Q
(Question asked in Spanish)
PRESIDENT DE LEON: As I said, in addition to have —
being a very pleasant meeting, i t was an extremely f r u i t f u l one.
We
were — our proposals were welcomed very forthrightly by the U.S.
side; and we had the hope, because of the i n t e r e s t that President
Clinton showed i n our presentations, that we would be able to do
something concrete on two areas in p a r t i c u l a r . One, i n connection
with a free trade expansion to Central America. And secondly, that
we could get the same benefits as NAFTA for the CBI countries.
In addition to that, we had the suggestion which was
accepted v i s a v i s the environmental projects. We think that i t
would be wonderful i f that p i l o t project for sustainable development
should be carried forward in Central America. This would be great,
not j u s t for Central America, but for the entire world.
— for President Clinton regarding democratization of
the region and with respect to — respect for human rights to achieve
greater cooperation with the United States government. I would say
that we ourselves, we the Central American countries, we are giving
signals of t h i s advance and progress, d i f f i c u l t i n some cases,
f r a g i l e i n others, but we are going toward true democracy. We have
the case of E l Salvador, Honduras, Panama; democracy has come l a t e r
in some cases, sooner in others. I never mentioned Costa Rica when
we t a l k about t h i s because Costa Rica has always been a democracy and
an example for the entire world. And the case of Belize, which has
also been a democracy; Guatemala has had the worst problems, and five
months ago we had another break of our i n s t i t u t i o n a l and
constitutional order.
But we showed the world that we have begun to mature in
our society. In Guatemala we've begun to learn what the democratic
society i s and means. This has been done incredibly peacefully —
and I say incredibly because of the antecedents i n our country. And
we have been able to get out of a p o l i t i c a l c r i s i s , which was very
d i f f i c u l t between the three branches of government, with an agreement
MORE
�- 7 -
which was the best one possible for our people; because the
constitutional changes for the f i r s t time have taken place without a
coup d'etat. The interruption of the constitutional mandate of the
Congress and the Supreme Court i s going to be corrected by the purist
expression of democracy, that i s a popular election. Therefore, I
gave the example of Guatemala, excuse me for that, but I think our
problems are the worst. And I think that the rest of the region also
has given signs of consolidating the democratic system. So there was
no conditionality — quite the opposite. What we had was t o t a l
backing a proposal and a desire for the United States to continue
helping us consolidate our democracies, f r a g i l e i n some cases, more
consolidated in other cases, but continue to work for the sake of
consolidating peace.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Thank you.
END
11:49 A.M.
EST
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Iminediate Release
November 30,
1993
PRESS CONFERENCE
BY
PRESIDENT CLINTON,
PRESIDENT CRISTIANI OF EL SALVADOR,
PRESIDENT ENDARA OF PANAMA,
PRESIDENT CALLEJAS OF HONDURAS,
PRESIDENT CALDERON OF COSTA RICA,
PRESIDENT CHAMORRO OF NICARAGUA,
PRESIDENT DE LEON OF GUATEMALA,
PRIME MINISTER ESQUIVEL OF BELIZE
The East Room
11:22 A.M.
EST
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Good morning. This morning i t was
my great honor to welcome seven outstanding Central American leaders
to the White House: President C r i s t i a n i of E l Salvador, President
Endara of Panama, President C a l l e j a s of Honduras, President Calderon
of Costa Rica, President Chamorro of Nicaragua, President De Leon of
Guatemala, and Prime Minister Esquivel of Belize.
These leaders have made an h i s t o r i c contribution to our
hemisphere by helping to build democracy and peace in a region that
u n t i l very recently was riven by c i v i l s t r i f e . I'm grateful that
they were able to break away from the Miami conference on the
Caribbean, which they are attending with leaders from the private
sector, from throughout the Caribbean Basin, to discuss ways to
advance regional prosperity.
President De Leon has struggled h e r o i c a l l y on behalf of
democracy and human rights in Guatemala. And he's j u s t achieved an
important p o l i t i c a l accord that w i l l bring more accountable
government to h i s nation. President C r i s t i a n i played a central role
in ending E l Salvador's c i v i l war, and has been c r i t i c a l to the
success of the peace accords. President Chamorro has worked hard to
bring r e c o n c i l i a t i o n and democracy to Nicaragua. I want to
acknowledge President C a l l e j a s for h i s leadership i n consolidating
democracy in Honduras; And President Calderon for advancing Costa
Rica's t r a d i t i o n s of s o c i a l j u s t i c e and the rule of law.
President
Endara has safeguarded Panama's return to democracy. And Prime
Minister Esquivel has earned praise for h i s government's sound
economic p o l i c i e s and h i s own personal integrity.
For years, few regions of our world endured more
suffering than Central America. But today, few regions are better
poised to reap the benefits of the end of the Cold War.
This i s the
f i r s t time in the 20th century that a l l of these nations have come
here to the White House to meet the President of the United States,
every one of them being headed by democratically-elected leaders. I t
i s an h i s t o r i c and very important moment.
The people of Central America are c l e a r l y dedicated to
the harvest of reconstruction and renewal. They're healing divided
societies, reviving s t a l l e d economies, and working toward closer
integration among themselves and t h e i r other neighbors. My message
today to these distinguished leaders and to the millions whom they
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�- 2-
represent i s simple: The United States w i l l be there as your partner
to help. We w i l l not make the mistake of abandoning t h i s region when
i t s dramatic recovery i s not yet complete. W w i l l remain engaged to
e
help Central America attain peace, consolidate democracy, protect
human rights and achieve sustainable development. Our nation has a
direct stake in Central America's s t a b i l i t y and prosperity. The
United States exports $6 b i l l i o n in goods to these countries,
supporting over 100,000 American jobs.
Today we discussed steps that Central America's nations
can take to strengthen our economic t i e s , including further trade
l i b e r a l i z a t i o n and better protection of worker rights, i n t e l l e c t u a l
property and the environment. W also discussed the impact of the
e
North American Free Trade Agreement, which a l l of these leaders
strongly supported. The Vice President i s leaving t h i s afternoon for
Mexico where he w i l l deliver a major address on American engagement
in Latin America. This morning we agreed that NAFTA's h i s t o r i c
passage can serve as a catalyst for the expansion of free trade to
other market democracies throughout the hemisphere — something I
have long supported. And we shared concerns about NAFTA's potential
short-term effects on the flow of trade and investment to Central
America. I pledged that my administration w i l l work with Congress
and Central American governments to design affirmative strategies to
stimulate regional trade.
As our economic relationship evolves, so must the nature
of the United States' support for economic development in Central
America. We w i l l continue b i l a t e r a l aid programs. At the same time,
the region's r i s i n g credit worthiness has allowed international
financial institutions to increase t h e i r role; and we strongly
support that. We w i l l work to develop a new, more mature economic
partnership with Central America, based on trade expansion,
m u l t i l a t e r a l support for economic reforms, and better coordination of
b i l a t e r a l and multilateral aid programs.
These leaders today have told us that they seek to work
together to become a model region for sustainable development. And
we are prepared to work with them i n that enterprise. I can think of
no more important common endeavor.
With the elections of the l a s t several years, democracy
has taken root in Central America's rugged t e r r a i n . Now the
challenge facing t h i s region i s to build democratic i n s t i t u t i o n s that
endure, that are honest, that are responsive, that are effective. W
e
are prepared to work closely with Central America to promote reform
in the judiciary, the c i v i l service, education and health care. Good
governance w i l l advance our mutual objectives: to bolster democracy,
promote s o c i a l opportunity, and clear the path for freer trade.
Just a few years ago, t h i s morning's meeting would have
been l i t e r a l l y unthinkable. Now, in the midst of t h i s great
progress, i t would be unthinkable for us not to meet. The prosperity
and security of t h i s hemisphere which we share depends more than ever
on our continued cooperation.
I t i s now my honor to introduce President De Leon, who
w i l l also speak for h i s fellow Central American leaders.
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT DE LEON: Thank you very much. Good morning.
At t h i s time of great and transcendental changes in the world order,
in Central America, i n the United States, and especially i n our
reciprocal relations, today we j u s t had a presidential meeting which
we consider not only a very pleasant one, but an extremely
constructive one. We were able to exchange with President Clinton,
whom we would l i k e to thank for h i s invitation, our points of view on
issues and problems of great importance having to do with our
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�- 3 -
b i l a t e r a l relationship as well as recent events in Central America on
the one hand, and in the United States on the other hand.
I would l i k e to summarize what we have discussed as
follows: As far as democracy and governance, f i r s t of a l l we
underscored the efforts made in our region for the consolidation of
p l u r a l i s t i c and participatory systems, giving special p r i o r i t y to
respect for individual, c i v i l and p o l i t i c a l human rights, which has
allowed great progress in the recent years i n the solution of the
great c o n f l i c t s we have.
We showed that we Central American countries continue to
work to achieve true participatory democracy involving growth with
s o c i a l j u s t i c e and without confrontation, and that s o l i d a r i t y and
dialogue are essential principles to which we are giving p r i o r i t y as
the underpinnings of the strengthening of our democracies.
As to economic and s o c i a l development and the fight
against poverty, on these points we said to President Clinton that
the magnitude of the problem of poverty i n our countries i s of great
importance, had the magnitude of the problem of poverty in our
countries i s of great importance. I t i s a problem which w i l l have to
be solved with p o l i t i c a l w i l l and s o l i d a r i t y . The fight against
poverty, we said, i s not j u s t a matter of supporting s o c i a l welfare
investment, but i t i s a matter of supporting productive investment
through private investment, supporting the productive sector, and
supporting the insertion of our economies into the world market.
We have to fight the scourge of poverty through
consistent management of our economic and our s o c i a l p o l i c i e s .
We
told the President that we are emerging with great d i f f i c u l t y and
with degrees of difference from one country to the other, emerging
from a deep and prolonged recession which punished those l e a s t able
to defend themselves especially badly. I am talking here about the
poorest of the poor.
As far as economic adjustment i s concerned, with great
optimism we said to the President that we Central Americans are now
looking toward the future with a positive v i s i o n . We are
transforming antiquated schemes, and now the s o c i e t i e s r e a l i z e that
they have to assume costs, but in an attitude of s o l i d a r i t y i n order
to achieve peace, development, democracy, and e s p e c i a l l y the respect
for human rights, both individual and economic, s o c i a l and c u l t u r a l
rights.
We emphasize that governments must become more e f f i c i e n t
as administrators and public servants allowing the state to act where
i t must and generate conditions so that the private sector can act in
a more decentralized and participatory manner. Regarding s e l f effort and external assistance, we discussed how happy we Central
Americans are to be making our own e f f o r t s and advancing toward
positive r e s u l t s — a demonstration of which i s the recent signing of
the protocol to the Treaty of Central American Economic Integration.
At the same time, though, we r e c a l l e d that these i n t e r n a l e f f o r t s
must be supported as they have been by external cooperation.
And
here the support offered by the United States has had, has and w i l l
continue to have great importance.
We also said to President
particular h i s t o r i c moment i s the very
on cooperation — external cooperation.
maintain i t and increase i t , convinced
the simple and mere holding of regular
Clinton that we f e e l that t h i s
worst one to be cutting back
I t i s the best time to
that democracy i s more than
elections.
F i n a l l y , on the NAFTA and the Caribbean Basin
I n i t i a t i v e , the Central American presidents said i n t h i s meeting in
t h i s presidential summit meeting that our b i l a t e r a l agenda with the
United States i s going to be very strongly influenced not only by the
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�- 4-
changes i n Central America, but also by the h i s t o r i c decision of
Canada, the United States and Mexico to form an expanded free trade
area.
W said that we applaud t h i s decision which marks a
e
fundamental and positive change in inter-American relations; and that
we feel that t h i s does constitute a creative answer to the emerging
international reordering. W also considered, we said, that NAFTA
e
implies the need for the Central American region to redouble i t s
efforts and to become stronger so that we can expand to serve more
competitive markets.
W made two proposals to President Clinton. F i r s t of
e
a l l , we expressed to him our great i n t e r e s t in i n i t i a t i n g
consultations to incorporate the Central American countries into the
North American Free Trade Agreement, and at the same time that the
real p o s s i b i l i t i e s be considered to make the CBI benefits be equal to
the NAFTA benefits. W said that we f e l t that t h i s should be done
e
within the framework of respect for the environment. And we had a
very favorable response to our suggestion that Central America should
become a model area of sustainable development in the environmental
framework.
W have taken the p o l i t i c a l decision to suggest t h i s ,
e
and President Clinton has decided to give t h i s idea h i s backing. W
e
also said that we would be very appreciative for any support in
backing that the U.S. government could give to the negotiations
within the framework of the Uruguay Round to expand l i b e r a l i z a t i o n of
world trade for products of interest to us. We are grateful for the
efforts that the United States has made to increase our access to the
European Common Market, and we are hoping that there w i l l be a
negotiated solution with the EC.
F i n a l l y , and given the welcome and the i n t e r e s t which
was so emphatically shown by President Clinton to the regional
proposals we made, the presidents of the Central American region wish
to repeat here our s a t i s f a c t i o n at the f r u i t f u l n e s s and constructive
nature of t h i s meeting. And we have decided to set up a high-level
commission among us to follow up the process of incorporation of
Central America into the North American Free Trade Agreement. This
constitutes a very important way to combat poverty in Central America
and thus achieve peace and consolidate democracy and development with
s o c i a l equity for the entire Central American isthmus.
Thank you.
Q
— discuss aid — loosening aid to Nicaragua? And
also did you discuss the emergence of death squads i n E l Salvador?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: W discussed the aid to Nicaragua
e
issue very b r i e f l y . I have decided j u s t in the l a s t couple of days
to approve the release of the aid from FY '93 because of the
s i g n i f i c a n t progress made in Nicaragua i n asserting c i v i l i a n control
over the m i l i t a r y and in trying to resolve some American property
claims and on a number of other issues there. So I feel good about
that.
With regard to E l Salvador, what we b a s i c a l l y discussed
was the continuation of the democratic process and the upcoming
elections and the hope that the recent violence there would not in
any way interrupt that. And I feel comfortable that they are
proceeding along that path.
What I'd l i k e to do i s to t r y to alternate questions,
and take a question from people representing Central American press
and then go back to the American press, and go back and forth, i f I
could.
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Q
Mr. President, the President of Guatemala has said
Central American countries are interested i n having that parity with
NAFTA because they feel that they are going to s t a r t feeling the
impact of NAFTA i n about five years. What was your response? Are
you w i l l i n g to give them that parity?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Let me say s p e c i f i c a l l y what we
talked — we talked about two different issues. One i s the guestion
of involving Central America i n the process that produced NAFTA, that
i s an expansion of a free trade area to the rest of Latin America.
That's something, as I think a l l of you know, I have long been
interested i n and have talked about i t when I was running for
President. And I told him that I had asked Ambassador Kantor to
b a s i c a l l y , when we conclude our GATT efforts — we're preoccupied, as
you know, with the GATT agreement now — after we conclude our GATT
agreements, and i f NAFTA goes through with the proclamation i n Canada
which has to be done by the f i r s t of the year — shortly after the
f i r s t of the year to begin a study and come up with the
recommendation to me about how to proceed with reference to the rest
of Latin America i n the free trade process.
Now, secondly, the other issue we discussed was a
narrower one. And that i s , how can we make sure that the NAFTA
agreement, as i t begins to be implemented, does not hurt the
Caribbean countries who are i n the Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e . That
i s , neither Mexico nor the United States, and certainly not Canada,
ever intended for there to be a transfer of investment from the
Caribbean to Mexico, j u s t a simple s h i f t . That would defeat the
whole purpose of what we're trying to do here i n growing the area.
So we are looking into now what we can do on a shorterterm basis to j u s t make sure that doesn't happen. As I said, that
was never any part of Mexico's strategy or interest, never any part
of the United States'. S o l think we'11 have a more near-term
recommendation on that regard.
Q
Mr. President, many Muslims, including some who
support the United States, are upset about your meeting with author
Salmon Rushdie. Was there any advice from the State Department or
others that there were r i s k s involved i n t h i s meeting? And do you
think that i t might undercut support for the Middle East peace
process?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: To be frank, there was some division
among our people about whether I should see Mr. Rushdie when he was
here. He met with Mr. Lake, and then I was over i n the Old Executive
Office Building and Mr. Lake brought him over there so I could see
him and shake hands with him. W v i s i t e d probably for a couple of
e
minutes. And there was some, because our view of the F i r s t Amendment
and free speech i s different from that held by many i n the — many
Muslims throughout the world, including many who are our friends. I
understand that.
I did i t to make the point not that I agree with the tax
on Islam i n the book that Mr. Rushdie wrote, but that i n our country
and i n the countries who respect freedom of speech, freedom of speech
includes especially the willingness to respect without threatening
the l i f e of or the rights of people who write things that we do not
agree with. Indeed for a Westerner I have t r i e d for more than 20
years now to study and have an appreciation of Islam. And I respect
the r e l i g i o n and I respect the culture enormously. So I mean no
disrespect to the people who have that religious f a i t h .
But I do think i t ' s important that here i n the United
States we reaffirm our commitment to protect the physical well-being
and the right to speak of those with whom we may intensely disagree.
That's what our Constitution does.
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So I hope that I w i l l not be misunderstood.
made the right decision.
I believe I
Q
Mr. President, you mentioned that the program w i l l
include m u l t i l a t e r a l aid to Central America. However, the AID budget
has been substantially cut, and w i l l continue to be cut in the
future. What has been your commitment in t h i s regard to the nations
of Central America?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: F i r s t of a l l , l e t ' s discuss that.
The AID budget was cut in the l a s t budget cycle. And we are
b a s i c a l l y in a five-year period now where we've committed not to
increase federal discretionary spending even for i n f l a t i o n . So there
w i l l be a cut of a l l spending r e l a t i v e to i n f l a t i o n , which means i f
we want to increase one area of our spending, we have to cut
something else proportionately.
And I'm going now into a s e r i e s of
meetings — I had my f i r s t one yesterday — on next year's budget,
which w i l l require us to make some d i f f i c u l t decisions.
What I said to the leaders was, I would do my best to
maintain some level of b i l a t e r a l assistance, but that the United
States would try to make sure that the m u l t i l a t e r a l aid offset
whatever cuts we had in b i l a t e r a l assistance, number one.
And,
number two, that I would do my best to strengthen the economic
relationship between the United States and these nations in the hope
that increasing trade and investment would do far more than b i l a t e r a l
aid ever could, anyway, to strengthen the long-term economic wellbeing of the two nations.
Thank you very much.
Q
(Question asked in Spanish)
PRESIDENT DE LEON: As I said, i n addition to have —
being a very pleasant meeting, i t was an extremely f r u i t f u l one.
We
were — our proposals were welcomed very forthrightly by the U.S.
side; and we had the hope, because of the i n t e r e s t that President
Clinton showed in our presentations, that we would be able to do
something concrete on two areas i n p a r t i c u l a r . One, i n connection
with a free trade expansion to Central America. And secondly, that
we could get the same benefits as NAFTA for the CBI countries.
In addition to that, we had the suggestion which was
accepted v i s a v i s the environmental projects. We think that i t
would be wonderful i f that p i l o t project for sustainable development
should be carried forward i n Central America. This would be great,
not j u s t for Central America, but for the entire world.
— for President Clinton regarding democratization of
the region and with respect to — respect for human rights to achieve
greater cooperation with the United States government. I would say
that we ourselves, we the Central American countries, we are giving
signals of t h i s advance and progress, d i f f i c u l t in some cases,
f r a g i l e i n others, but we are going toward true democracy. We have
the case of E l Salvador, Honduras, Panama; democracy has come l a t e r
in some cases, sooner i n others. I never mentioned Costa Rica when
we t a l k about t h i s because Costa Rica has always been a democracy and
an example for the entire world. And the case of Belize, which has
also been a democracy; Guatemala has had the worst problems, and five
months ago we had another break of our i n s t i t u t i o n a l and
constitutional order.
But we showed the world that we have begun to mature in
our society. In Guatemala we've begun to learn what the democratic
society i s and means. This has been done incredibly peacefully —
and I say incredibly because of the antecedents i n our country. And
we have been able to get out of a p o l i t i c a l c r i s i s , which was very
d i f f i c u l t between the three branches of government, with an agreement
MORE
�- 7 -
which was the best one possible for our people; because the
constitutional changes for the f i r s t time have taken place without a
coup d'etat. The interruption of the constitutional mandate of the
Congress and the Supreme Court i s going to be corrected by the purist
expression of democracy, that i s a popular election. Therefore, I
gave the example of Guatemala, excuse me for that, but I think our
problems are the worst. And I think that the rest of the region also
has given signs of consolidating the democratic system. So there was
no conditionality — quite the opposite. What we had was total
backing a proposal and a desire for the United States to continue
helping us consolidate our democracies, f r a g i l e in some cases, more
consolidated in other cases, but continue to work for the sake of
consolidating peace.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Thank you.
END
11:49 A.M.
EST
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For immediate Release
November 30,
1993
PRESS CONFERENCE
BY
PRESIDENT CLINTON,
PRESIDENT CRISTIANI OF EL SALVADOR,
PRESIDENT ENDARA OF PANAMA,
PRESIDENT CALLEJAS OF HONDURAS,
PRESIDENT CALDERON OF COSTA RICA,
PRESIDENT CHAMORRO OF NICARAGUA,
PRESIDENT DE LEON OF GUATEMALA,
PRIME MINISTER ESQUIVEL OF BELIZE
The East Room
11:22 A.M.
EST
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Good morning. This morning i t was
my great honor to welcome seven outstanding Central American leaders
to the White House: President C r i s t i a n i of E l Salvador, President
Endara of Panama, President Callejas of Honduras, President Calderon
of Costa Rica, President Chamorro of Nicaragua, President De Leon of
Guatemala, and Prime Minister Esquivel of Belize.
These leaders have made an h i s t o r i c contribution to our
hemisphere by helping to build democracy and peace i n a region that
u n t i l very recently was riven by c i v i l s t r i f e . I'm grateful that
they were able to break away from the Miami conference on the
Caribbean, which they are attending with leaders from the private
sector, from throughout the Caribbean Basin, to discuss ways to
advance regional prosperity.
President De Leon has struggled h e r o i c a l l y on behalf of
democracy and human rights in Guatemala. And he's j u s t achieved an
important p o l i t i c a l accord that w i l l bring more accountable
government to h i s nation. President C r i s t i a n i played a central role
in ending E l Salvador's c i v i l war, and has been c r i t i c a l to the
success of the peace accords. President Chamorro has worked hard to
bring r e c o n c i l i a t i o n and democracy to Nicaragua. I want to
acknowledge President C a l l e j a s for h i s leadership in consolidating
democracy i n Honduras; And President Calderon for advancing Costa
Rica's traditions of s o c i a l j u s t i c e and the rule of law. President
Endara has safeguarded Panama's return to democracy. And Prime
Minister Esquivel has earned praise for h i s government's sound
economic p o l i c i e s and h i s own personal integrity.
For years, few regions of our world endured more
suffering than Central America. But today, few regions are better
poised to reap the benefits of the end of the Cold War.
This i s the
f i r s t time in the 20th century that a l l of these nations have come
here to the White House to meet the President of the United States,
every one of them being headed by democratically-elected leaders. I t
i s an h i s t o r i c and very important moment.
The people of Central America are c l e a r l y dedicated to
the harvest of reconstruction and renewal. They're healing divided
societies, reviving s t a l l e d economies, and working toward closer
integration among themselves and t h e i r other neighbors. My message
today to these distinguished leaders and to the m i l l i o n s whom they
MORE
�- 2-
represent i s simple: The United States w i l l be there as your partner
to help. We w i l l not make the mistake of abandoning t h i s region when
i t s dramatic recovery i s not yet complete. We w i l l remain engaged to
help Central America attain peace, consolidate democracy, protect
human rights and achieve sustainable development. Our nation has a
direct stake in Central America's s t a b i l i t y and prosperity. The
United States exports $6 b i l l i o n in goods to these countries,
supporting over 100,000 American jobs.
Today we discussed steps that Central America's nations
can take to strengthen our economic t i e s , including further trade
l i b e r a l i z a t i o n and better protection of worker rights, i n t e l l e c t u a l
property and the environment. W also discussed the impact of the
e
North American Free Trade Agreement, which a l l of these leaders
strongly supported. The Vice President i s leaving t h i s afternoon for
Mexico where he w i l l deliver a major address on American engagement
in Latin America. This morning we agreed that NAFTA's h i s t o r i c
passage can serve as a catalyst for the expansion of free trade to
other market democracies throughout the hemisphere — something I
have long supported. And we shared concerns about NAFTA's potential
short-term effects on the flow of trade and investment to Central
America. I pledged that my administration w i l l work with Congress
and Central American governments to design affirmative strategies to
stimulate regional trade.
As our economic relationship evolves, so must the nature
of the United States' support for economic development in Central
America. We w i l l continue b i l a t e r a l aid programs. At the same time,
the region's r i s i n g credit worthiness has allowed international
f i n a n c i a l institutions to increase t h e i r role; and we strongly
support that. We w i l l work to develop a new, more mature economic
partnership with Central America, based on trade expansion,
m u l t i l a t e r a l support for economic reforms, and better coordination of
b i l a t e r a l and multilateral aid programs.
These leaders today have told us that they seek to work
together to become a model region for sustainable development. And
we are prepared to work with them in that enterprise. I can think of
no more important common endeavor.
With the elections of the l a s t several years, democracy
has taken root in Central America's rugged t e r r a i n . Now the
challenge facing t h i s region i s to build democratic i n s t i t u t i o n s that
endure, that are honest, that are responsive, that are effective. W
e
are prepared to work closely with Central America to promote reform
in the judiciary, the c i v i l service, education and health care. Good
governance w i l l advance our mutual objectives: to bolster democracy,
promote s o c i a l opportunity, and clear the path for freer trade.
Just a few years ago, t h i s morning's meeting would have
been l i t e r a l l y unthinkable. Now, in the midst of t h i s great
progress, i t would be unthinkable for us not to meet. The prosperity
and security of t h i s hemisphere which we share depends more than ever
on our continued cooperation.
I t i s now my honor to introduce President De Leon, who
w i l l also speak for h i s fellow Central American leaders.
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT DE LEON: Thank you very much. Good morning.
At t h i s time of great and transcendental changes in the world order,
in Central America, in the United States, and especially i n our
reciprocal relations, today we j u s t had a presidential meeting which
we consider not only a very pleasant one, but an extremely
constructive one. We were able to exchange with President Clinton,
whom we would l i k e to thank for h i s invitation, our points of view on
issues and problems of great importance having to do with our
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bilateral relationship as well as recent events in Central America on
the one hand, and in the United States on the other hand.
I would like to summarize what we have discussed as
follows: As far as democracy and governance, f i r s t of a l l we
underscored the efforts made in our region for the consolidation of
pluralistic and participatory systems, giving special priority to
respect for individual, c i v i l and political human rights, which has
allowed great progress in the recent years in the solution of the
great conflicts we have.
We showed that we Central American countries continue to
work to achieve true participatory democracy involving growth with
social justice and without confrontation, and that solidarity and
dialogue are essential principles to which we are giving priority as
the underpinnings of the strengthening of our democracies.
As to economic and social development and the fight
against poverty, on these points we said to President Clinton that
the magnitude of the problem of poverty in our countries i s of great
importance, had the magnitude of the problem of poverty in our
countries i s of great importance. I t i s a problem which w i l l have to
be solved with political w i l l and solidarity. The fight against
poverty, we said, i s not just a matter of supporting social welfare
investment, but i t i s a matter of supporting productive investment
through private investment, supporting the productive sector, and
supporting the insertion of our economies into the world market.
We have to fight the scourge of poverty through
consistent management of our economic and our social policies. We
told the President that we are emerging with great difficulty and
with degrees of difference from one country to the other, emerging
from a deep and prolonged recession which punished those least able
to defend themselves especially badly. I am talking here about the
poorest of the poor.
As far as economic adjustment i s concerned, with great
optimism we said to the President that we Central Americans are now
looking toward the future with a positive vision. We are
transforming antiquated schemes, and now the societies realize that
they have to assume costs, but in an attitude of solidarity in order
to achieve peace, development, democracy, and especially the respect
for human rights, both individual and economic, social and cultural
rights.
We emphasize that governments must become more efficient
as administrators and public servants allowing the state to act where
i t must and generate conditions so that the private sector can act in
a more decentralized and participatory manner. Regarding selfeffort and external assistance, we discussed how happy we Central
Americans are to be making our own efforts and advancing toward
positive results — a demonstration of which i s the recent signing of
the protocol to the Treaty of Central American Economic Integration.
At the same time, though, we recalled that these internal efforts
must be supported as they have been by external cooperation.
And
here the support offered by the United States has had, has and w i l l
continue to have great importance.
We also said to President Clinton that we feel that this
particular historic moment i s the very worst one to be cutting back
on cooperation — external cooperation. I t i s the best time to
maintain i t and increase i t , convinced that democracy i s more than
the simple and mere holding of regular elections.
Finally, on the NAFTA and the Caribbean Basin
Initiative, the Central American presidents said in this meeting in
this presidential summit meeting that our bilateral agenda with the
United States i s going to be very strongly influenced not only by the
MR
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changes i n Central America, but also by the h i s t o r i c decision of
Canada, the United States and Mexico to form an expanded free trade
area.
W said that we applaud t h i s decision which marks a
e
fundamental and positive change in inter-American relations; and that
we feel that t h i s does constitute a creative answer to the emerging
international reordering. W also considered, we said, that NAFTA
e
implies the need for the Central American region to redouble i t s
efforts and to become stronger so that we can expand to serve more
competitive markets.
W made two proposals to President Clinton. F i r s t of
e
a l l , we expressed to him our great interest in i n i t i a t i n g
consultations to incorporate the Central American countries into the
North American Free Trade Agreement, and at the same time that the
real p o s s i b i l i t i e s be considered to make the CBI benefits be equal to
the NAFTA benefits. W said that we f e l t that t h i s should be done
e
within the framework of respect for the environment. And we had a
very favorable response to our suggestion that Central America should
become a model area of sustainable development in the environmental
framework.
We have taken the p o l i t i c a l decision to suggest t h i s ,
and President Clinton has decided to give t h i s idea h i s backing. W
e
also said that we would be very appreciative for any support in
backing that the U.S. government could give to the negotiations
within the framework of the Uruguay Round to expand l i b e r a l i z a t i o n of
world trade for products of interest to us. We are grateful for the
efforts that the United States has made to increase our access to the
European Common Market, and we are hoping that there w i l l be a
negotiated solution with the EC.
F i n a l l y , and given the welcome and the i n t e r e s t which
was so emphatically shown by President Clinton to the regional
proposals we made, the presidents of the Central American region wish
to repeat here our s a t i s f a c t i o n at the f r u i t f u l n e s s and constructive
nature of t h i s meeting. And we have decided to set up a high-level
commission among us to follow up the process of incorporation of
Central America into the North American Free Trade Agreement. This
constitutes a very important way to combat poverty i n Central America
and thus achieve peace and consolidate democracy and development with
s o c i a l equity for the entire Central American isthmus.
Thank you.
Q
— discuss aid — loosening aid to Nicaragua? And
also did you discuss the emergence of death squads in E l Salvador?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: We discussed the aid to Nicaragua
issue very b r i e f l y . I have decided j u s t in the l a s t couple of days
to approve the release of the aid from FY '93 because of the
s i g n i f i c a n t progress made in Nicaragua in asserting c i v i l i a n control
over the m i l i t a r y and in trying to resolve some American property
claims and on a number of other issues there. So I f e e l good about
that.
With regard to E l Salvador, what we b a s i c a l l y discussed
was the continuation of the democratic process and the upcoming
elections and the hope that the recent violence there would not in
any way interrupt that. And I feel comfortable that they are
proceeding along that path.
What I'd l i k e to do i s to t r y to alternate questions,
and take a question from people representing Central American press
and then go back to the American press, and go back and forth, i f I
could.
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Q
Mr. President, the President of Guatemala has said
Central American countries are interested i n having that parity with
NAFTA because they feel that they are going to s t a r t feeling the
impact of NAFTA i n about five years. What was your response? Are
you w i l l i n g to give them that parity?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Let me say s p e c i f i c a l l y what we
talked — we talked about two different issues. One i s the guestion
of involving Central America i n the process that produced NAFTA, that
i s an expansion of a free trade area to the rest of Latin America.
That's something, as I think a l l of you know, I have long been
interested i n and have talked about i t when I was running for
President. And I told him that I had asked Ambassador Kantor to
b a s i c a l l y , when we conclude our GATT efforts — we're preoccupied, as
you know, with the GATT agreement now — after we conclude our GATT
agreements, and i f NAFTA goes through with the proclamation i n Canada
which has to be done by the f i r s t of the year — shortly after the
f i r s t of the year to begin a study and come up with the
recommendation to me about how to proceed with reference to the rest
of Latin America i n the free trade process.
Now, secondly, the other issue we discussed was a
narrower one. And that i s , how can we make sure that the NAFTA
agreement, as i t begins to be implemented, does not hurt the
Caribbean countries who are i n the Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e . That
i s , neither Mexico nor the United States, and certainly not Canada,
ever intended for there to be a transfer of investment from the
Caribbean to Mexico, j u s t a simple s h i f t . That would defeat the
whole purpose of what we're trying to do here i n growing the area.
So we are looking into now what we can do on a shorterterm basis to j u s t make sure that doesn't happen. As I said, that
was never any part of Mexico's strategy or interest, never any part
of the United States'. So I think we'll have a more near-term
recommendation on that regard.
Q
Mr. President, many Muslims, including some who
support the United States, are upset about your meeting with author
Salmon Rushdie. Was there any advice from the State Department or
others that there were r i s k s involved i n t h i s meeting? And do you
think that i t might undercut support for the Middle East peace
process?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: To be frank, there was some division
among our people about whether I should see Mr. Rushdie when he was
here. He met with Mr. Lake, and then I was over i n the Old Executive
Office Building and Mr. Lake brought him over there so I could see
him and shake hands with him. W v i s i t e d probably for a couple of
e
minutes. And there was some, because our view of the F i r s t Amendment
and free speech i s different from that held by many i n the — many
Muslims throughout the world, including many who are our friends. I
understand that.
I did i t to make the point not that I agree with the tax
on Islam i n the book that Mr. Rushdie wrote, but that i n our country
and i n the countries who respect freedom of speech, freedom of speech
includes especially the willingness to respect without threatening
the l i f e of or the rights of people who write things that we do not
agree with. Indeed for a Westerner I have t r i e d for more than 20
years now to study and have an appreciation of Islam. And I respect
the r e l i g i o n and I respect the culture enormously. So I mean no
disrespect to the people who have that r e l i g i o u s f a i t h .
But I do think i t ' s important that here i n the United
States we reaffirm our commitment to protect the physical well-being
and the right to speak of those with whom we may intensely disagree.
That's what our Constitution does.
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So I hope that I w i l l not be misunderstood.
made the right decision.
I believe I
Q
Mr. President, you mentioned that the program w i l l
include m u l t i l a t e r a l aid to Central America. However, the AID budget
has been substantially cut, and w i l l continue to be cut in the
future. What has been your commitment in t h i s regard to the nations
of Central America?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: F i r s t of a l l , l e t ' s discuss that.
The AID budget was cut in the l a s t budget cycle. And we are
b a s i c a l l y in a five-year period now where we've committed not to
increase federal discretionary spending even for i n f l a t i o n . So there
w i l l be a cut of a l l spending r e l a t i v e to i n f l a t i o n , which means i f
we want to increase one area of our spending, we have to cut
something else proportionately.
And I'm going now into a s e r i e s of
meetings — I had my f i r s t one yesterday — on next year's budget,
which w i l l require us to make some d i f f i c u l t decisions.
What I said to the leaders was, I would do my best to
maintain some level of b i l a t e r a l assistance, but that the United
States would try to make sure that the m u l t i l a t e r a l aid offset
whatever cuts we had in b i l a t e r a l assistance, number one.
And,
number two, that I would do my best to strengthen the economic
relationship between the United States and these nations in the hope
that increasing trade and investment would do far more than b i l a t e r a l
aid ever could, anyway, to strengthen the long-term economic wellbeing of the two nations.
Thank you very much.
Q
(Question asked in Spanish)
PRESIDENT DE LEON: As I said, i n addition to have —
being a very pleasant meeting, i t was an extremely f r u i t f u l one.
We
were — our proposals were welcomed very forthrightly by the U.S.
side; and we had the hope, because of the i n t e r e s t that President
Clinton showed in our presentations, that we would be able to do
something concrete on two areas i n p a r t i c u l a r . One, i n connection
with a free trade expansion to Central America. And secondly, that
we could get the same benefits as NAFTA for the CBI countries.
In addition to that, we had the suggestion which was
accepted v i s a v i s the environmental projects. We think that i t
would be wonderful i f that p i l o t project for sustainable development
should be carried forward in Central America. This would be great,
not j u s t for Central America, but for the entire world.
— for President Clinton regarding democratization of
the region and with respect to — respect for human rights to achieve
greater cooperation with the United States government. I would say
that we ourselves, we the Central American countries, we are giving
signals of t h i s advance and progress, d i f f i c u l t in some cases,
f r a g i l e i n others, but we are going toward true democracy. We have
the case of E l Salvador, Honduras, Panama; democracy has come l a t e r
in some cases, sooner in others. I never mentioned Costa Rica when
we t a l k about t h i s because Costa Rica has always been a democracy and
an example for the entire world. And the case of Belize, which has
also been a democracy; Guatemala has had the worst problems, and five
months ago we had another break of our i n s t i t u t i o n a l and
constitutional order.
But we showed the world that we have begun to mature in
our society. In Guatemala we've begun to learn what the democratic
society i s and means. This has been done incredibly peacefully —
and I say incredibly because of the antecedents i n our country. And
we have been able to get out of a p o l i t i c a l c r i s i s , which was very
d i f f i c u l t between the three branches of government, with an agreement
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which was the best one possible for our people; because the
constitutional changes for the f i r s t time have taken place without a
coup d'etat. The interruption of the constitutional mandate of the
Congress and the Supreme Court i s going to be corrected by the purist
expression of democracy, that i s a popular election. Therefore, I
gave the example of Guatemala, excuse me for that, but I think our
problems are the worst. And I think that the rest of the region also
has given signs of consolidating the democratic system. So there was
no conditionality — quite the opposite. What we had was total
backing a proposal and a desire for the United States to continue
helping us consolidate our democracies, f r a g i l e in some cases, more
consolidated in other cases, but continue to work for the sake of
consolidating peace.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Thank you.
END
11:49 A.M.
EST
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
BACKGROUND BRIEFING
BY
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS
November 30, 1993
The Briefing Room
12:08
P.M. EST
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I want to emphasize a
few things about t h i s brunch. One, those of you who have followed
Central America over the years w i l l notice from the tone of the
discussion at the briefing the dramatic change both i n atmosphere as
well as i n substance.
In the 1980s, there would have been a l o t of tension, a
great deal of t a l k about violence, human rights v i o l a t i o n s . There
would have been a tremendous polarization i n the United States with
regard to Central America. Completely different agenda now i n the
1990s — positive themes of trade, growth and the deepening of
democracy. Also, the p o s s i b i l i t y that a l l of Central America — a l l
seven leaders — could be here at one time i n the White House, a l l
democratic i s also something unimaginable j u s t a few years ago.
This was a very clear sign — the holding of the meeting
i t s e l f and the tenor of the meeting was a very clear sign that the
United States plans to remain very engaged i n the region, very
engaged i n Central America, but with a different agenda and with
different instruments and different attitudes than i n the past.
The emphasis on trade, trade and growth. President
Clinton said, and that t h i s occurs right after the NAFTA passage i n
the United States i s very important. The idea i s to build on the
NAFTA, as President Clinton said at the lunch — at the brunch — we
have an h i s t o r i c opportunity now to build an economic and p o l i t i c a l
partnership with Central and Latin America into the 21st century.
Our economic development strategy for sustainable
democratic development i n the region w i l l be based i n a more balanced
way, w i l l maintain some b i l a t e r a l programs, but with much greater
emphasis on self-sustaining growth through trade expansion and
through economic reform tied to m u l t i l a t e r a l development assistance;
what we think i s a more mature and self-sustainable approach to
economic development.
And then, f i n a l l y , you'll notice that i n h i s statement,
President De Leon emphasized the importance of good governance.
There's a progression from human rights protection to elections and
democracy to, then, f i n a l l y , the perfection of democratic
i n s t i t u t i o n s so that democracy functions. The Central Americans are
very concerned about that, and President Clinton indicated h i s
interest i n helping Central Americans i n the good governance area.
We'll take your questions.
Q
President De Leon, i n h i s remarks, indicated that
President Clinton was ready to move quickly on extending NAFTA
southward. President Clinton said a study i s needed after January
1st. Who i s right?
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SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Keep in mind that we're
talking about a major h i s t o r i c a l development, so i t seems to me to
refer to a study which w i l l begin immediately in the new year and
that we w i l l move quickly to make our fundamental decisions with
regard to the shape of freer trade in the hemisphere, the timing, the
c r i t e r i a by which countries would join in, progressive trade
expansion in the hemisphere, to say a l l that w i l l occur early in the
new year i t seems to me i s f u l l y consistent with President De Leon's
interest in moving rapidly on t h i s issue.
Q
Can you be more s p e c i f i c in the timetables?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Let me j u s t add one
point here. I think we ought to be a l i t t l e careful not to move too
quickly before the Canadians actually complete t h e i r process. And
the President of the United States i s very conscious of that. And
what Richard has said i s absolutely correct; we are now going to s i t
down and t r y to figure out, led by Mickey Kantor, how we move forward
as rapidly as possible. The President asked Mickey to do t h i s very
quickly in expanding the NAFTA concept beyond Mexico and Canada and
to other countries, whether i t ' s through expansion of NAFTA or
separate agreements i s not entirely clear.
The other point, though, i s that the President has asked
us to continue — we've already been doing t h i s — to look very, very
carefully at what we can do in the short run to help the Central
American countries and the Caribbean countries, a l l members of the
Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e , to not be disadvantaged by NAFTA,
p a r t i c u l a r l y in the apparel sector. And I would expect that we'd be
seeing something f a i r l y soon, probably very early next year, on that.
Q
Two questions for Nicaragua, please. Can you
c l a r i f y the amount of aid that's being released now by President
Clinton's order, and the second thing i s that there were reports — I
don't whether they're — or not, that the Sandinistas were demanding
that an amnesty be sort of enacted so that any member of the
Sandinista Army w i l l not be subject to any kind of prosecution as a
r e s u l t of the negotiations with the UNO and the FSLN. Should any
amnesty be enacted, would t h i s in any way change the view from the
United States?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The assistance to which
the President was s p e c i f i c a l l y referring i s $40 million in economic
support funds from F i s c a l Year 93, which has been held up for the
l a s t several months. And he's decided that there has been s u f f i c i e n t
progress on many of the issues of deepest concern to us in Nicaragua
to move forward with that. But i t ' s important to understand that
t h i s i s going to be carefully coordinated with the IMF, the World
Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank in a coordinated effort
to help the Nicaraguan economy stay afloat, but at the same time,
needed to encourage reforms — both economic and p o l i t i c a l reforms in
Nicaragua.
The question of the amnesty — there already i s an
amnesty law that covers certain kinds of crime in Managua. I'm not
sure whether — to what you're precisely referring. I understand
that sometimes some of the Sandinista leaders are looking for special
amnesties. But that should not affect our decisions, that's up to
the Nicaraguans.
Q
Just a c l a r i f i c a t i o n of something that you j u s t
said. In the short term, the announcement that we expect soon —
would that be l i k e a parity to the Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e to the
benefits of NAFTA? I s that what we're talking about?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't want to
speculate too much on what i t might be. But i t probably would not be
complete parity because there i s conditionality in NAFTA which Mexico
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and Canada and we, ourselves, have subjected ourselves to. So i t
wouldn't be f a i r to give a l l the benefits without some of the
consequences to others. But there i s a question of moving very
quickly, p a r t i c u l a r l y on the apparel sector, to provide some support
for the CBI countries.
Q
What kind of support would you be giving the
apparel sector i n the short term? What kind of protection?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We s t i l l — Ambassador
Kantor s t i l l has to look at — consult with the Congress, consult
with the private sector before we decide i n greater d e t a i l — and
also, of course, ultimately to t a l k to the Caribbean Basin countries
before we decide i n any d e t a i l exactly what the agreement might look
l i k e . I t would not be a direct replica of the so-called Gibbons
b i l l , however, because one of the differences i s that the Gibbons
b i l l does not, as i t ' s stated i n the f i r s t three years, does not
involve reciprocity. And a very important principle of our trade
policy with Latin America and more generally i s reciprocity. We want
to open markets to American products i n our — through our trade
agreements.
Q
Any reference to Cuba on the embargo on the
relationship of those countries?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Interestingly enough,
the word Cuba was never — never came up during the brunch.
Q
How about Haiti?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:
Haiti, either.
No, we did not discuss
Q
The President had great d i f f i c u l t y with Congress at
the beginning regarding NAFTA. What are the perspectives of the
Central American countries joining since there are so many different
countries with different demands?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: F i r s t , there are not
clear decisions yet made as to exactly what form the greater trade
l i b e r a l i z a t i o n would take i n the region. So i t i s premature to t a l k
about joining NAFTA as such.
One thing I think we did see i n the debate here over
t h i s l a s t year, though, i s how persuasive the President and the Vice
President can be when they r e a l l y put t h e i r shoulders to i t . And I
think there should be no doubt that both the President and the Vice
President are extremely engaged i n Latin America, have a deep,
personal, intense interest i n the region, and very much see a major
opportunity for American foreign policy with the NAFTA as the
foundation to move forward to both f o r t i f i e d democracy and increased
economic linkages throughout the region. And t h i s i s the reason why
the Vice President i s going down to Mexico tomorrow.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:
Today.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Today, yes. And
tomorrow w i l l give a major speech on Latin American r e l a t i o n s . You
can see a sequence — passage of NAFTA, meeting with the Central
American heads of state, Vice President goes to Mexico to d e l i v e r a
major address i n hemispheric relations.
Q
Would there be any chance that there would be l i k e
a Latin American program, l i k e i n the past there have been Alliance
for Progress, and then the Caribbean I n i t i a t i v e — every president
has had some kind of a general program. I s there going to be one for
Latin America?
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SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:
surprises for next year, okay?
Let's leave a few
Q
Could you c l a r i f y something? After the NAFTA vote
when the President spoke in the White House that evening, actually he
was quite e x p l i c i t about now extending NAFTA to AFTA, right down to
the Antarctica. I don't hear that same e x p l i c i t commitment coming
out of you today. Are you being vague on t h i s because the Canadians
have not acted and you don't want to appear to be doing something in
anticipation of that, or because there i s some substantive walking
back now on that commitment? Because that's certainly the image
you're projecting.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, Tom.
What the
President said right after the NAFTA was he wanted to extend the idea
of freer trade to reform-oriented democratic countries in the Western
Hemisphere, and that very much remains what we're talking about in
our current policy. What we've got to look at i s the exact
modalities under which that occurs — exactly what are the
negotiating forms under which that occurs. We have to look at the
exact timetable, and that of course, very much depends upon Congress
and the p o l i t i c a l atmosphere. And then also, we have to look at the
exact e l i g i b i l i t y c r i t e r i a . He said reform-minded, and of course,
democratic countries where reform-minded has to be specified.
Exactly what sort of reforms countries have to have completed, or be
committed to in order to engage in freer trade agreements with the
United States and other countries.
Q
Okay, I j u s t want
for one thing. The message today I
we're now reading the fine print in
President, and i t sounds to me l i k e
here.
to c l a r i f y , i f I could follow up,
hear i s fine print, then, that
t h i s overall commitment of the
the fine print i s , slow down
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, I wouldn't see i t
that way at a l l . I think t h i s i s an h i s t o r i c a l process. I mean, how
long did i t take to negotiate the NAFTA? Years. I t took years to
negotiate that agreement, even before we got into the side
agreements. And the countries of Latin America understand that we
are talking about a very fundamental h i s t o r i c a l process. So I would
not say that t h i s i s a sign of slowing down at a l l .
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, by no means. And
he r e i t e r a t e d to the Central Americans t h i s morning that he wanted to
move as quickly as possible. But as he also said in h i s remarks out
here, there are things that the other countries have to do as
well — i n t e l l e c t u a l property and other areas. This a l l has to be
defined a l i t t l e b i t more c l e a r l y . And that's the process we're in
now.
But i t i s no indication that I've seen from him of any slowing
down the process. But i t ' s j u s t a complicated process which w i l l
take some time.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I f I — I might suggest
the Vice President's speech in Mexico tomorrow w i l l further amplify
on some of these points.
Q
F i r s t of a l l , when you talked about parity for the
Caribbean Basin countries, am I to understand, then, that you're
requiring t h i s — there w i l l be something required in return for them
to have some kind of parity with the —
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That's correct. I t
w i l l be — again, the d e t a i l s of a l l t h i s have to be worked out. But
there w i l l be reciprocity expected. And, l e t me point out, the
Central Americans f u l l y understand that and expect i t .
Q
Okay. The second question. Chile has received a
commitment from President Clinton to be next in l i n e for adherence to
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a NAFTA, i f i t i s granted to a Latin American country.
s t i l l hold?
Does that
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Careful. The
commitment i s to a free trade agreement with Chile. Whether or not
that free trade agreement i s a free-standing agreement, whether or
not i t means accession to the NAFTA, that has yet to be discussed.
And, of course, the exact timetable also has yet to be discussed.
Q
The t h i r d question, i f I could r e a l l y quickly —
the aid to Nicaragua — wasn't the suspended aid about $50 million?
Why i s only $4 0 million being released?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION O F F I C I A L :
W e l l , t h e amount Of
money that I think i s i n the pot i s the $40 million.
Q
What happened to the other $10 million?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That I don't know. But
he's been talking about $40 million for quite a while.
Q
What does the administration think of the electoral
process of Mexico i n view of the fact that i t has a new candidate
from — i n view of the fact that the United States wanted somebody
that would be favorable to the United States?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We c e r t a i n l y respect
Mexico's internal — we respect Mexico's right to choose i t s own
leader and we would not comment on the p a r t i c u l a r choice.
Q
The American president said that they were going to
talk about drugs, too, and they were interested i n some kind of an
aid to help them fight t h i s problem. Did the issue come up at a l l ?
And what was the response of the President i f i t did?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The emphasis on the
foreign assistance side was r e a l l y more on the area of two issues, or
three, I would say: fighting poverty — and President De Leon r e a l l y
underscored the importance of fighting poverty and the s o c i a l agenda
in the region, which I think i s reasonable to say i t was much
neglected during the 1980s both i n terms of the region's i n a b i l i t y to
grapple with i t because of a l l of the p o l i t i c a l problems. The second
emphasis was on sustainable development, which i s , on the one hand,
that i s the central theme of the Clinton administration's new
approach to b i l a t e r a l foreign assistance. But l e t me point out that
i t was the Central Americans themselves that underscored that they
wanted, themselves, wanted to pursue a sustainable development
strategy, and we responded, yes, we very much want to help you do
that.
And then the t h i r d major issue i n the aid area was the
issue of good governance — the need to strengthen the j u d i c i a r i e s ,
c i v i l service reform, improvement i n the whole e l e c t o r a l
machinery — a l l of those and many other issues, to make government
work so that people believe i n the government. I f people don't
believe i n the government, democracy w i l l not be sustained over a
long period of time. The legitimacy of democratic i n s t i t u t i o n s was
very much on the table, and President Clinton said we want to help
you i n these areas, and we very much hope that the Central Americans
come back to us. We already have programs i n those areas, but we
look forward to the Central Americans coming back to us with
suggestions as to how to work together on that c r i t i c a l issue for the
'90s.
Thank you very much.
END
12:23 P.M. EDT
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 30,
1993
PRESS CONFERENCE
BY
PRESIDENT CLINTON,
PRESIDENT CRISTIANI OF EL SALVADOR,
PRESIDENT ENDARA OF PANAMA,
PRESIDENT CALLEJAS OF HONDURAS,
PRESIDENT CALDERON OF COSTA RICA,
PRESIDENT CHAMORRO OF NICARAGUA,
PRESIDENT DE LEON OF GUATEMALA,
PRIME MINISTER ESQUIVEL OF BELIZE
The East Room
11:22 A.M.
EST
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Good morning. This morning i t was
my great honor to welcome seven outstanding Central American leaders
to the White House: President C r i s t i a n i of E l Salvador, President
Endara of Panama, President C a l l e j a s of Honduras, President Calderon
of Costa Rica, President Chamorro of Nicaragua, President De Leon of
Guatemala, and Prime Minister Esquivel of Belize.
These leaders have made an h i s t o r i c contribution to our
hemisphere by helping to build democracy and peace i n a region that
u n t i l very recently was riven by c i v i l s t r i f e . I'm grateful that
they were able to break away from the Miami conference on the
Caribbean, which they are attending with leaders from the private
sector, from throughout the Caribbean Basin, to discuss ways to
advance regional prosperity.
President De Leon has struggled h e r o i c a l l y on behalf of
democracy and human rights in Guatemala. And he's j u s t achieved an
important p o l i t i c a l accord that w i l l bring more accountable
government to h i s nation. President C r i s t i a n i played a central role
in ending E l Salvador's c i v i l war, and has been c r i t i c a l to the
success of the peace accords. President Chamorro has worked hard to
bring r e c o n c i l i a t i o n and democracy to Nicaragua. I want to
acknowledge President C a l l e j a s for h i s leadership i n consolidating
democracy in Honduras; And President Calderon for advancing Costa
Rica's t r a d i t i o n s of s o c i a l j u s t i c e and the rule of law. President
Endara has safeguarded Panama's return to democracy. And Prime
Minister Esquivel has earned praise for h i s government's sound
economic p o l i c i e s and h i s own personal integrity.
For years, few regions of our world endured more
suffering than Central America. But today, few regions are better
poised to reap the benefits of the end of the Cold War.
This i s the
f i r s t time in the 2 0th century that a l l of these nations have come
here to the White House to meet the President of the United States,
every one of them being headed by democratically-elected leaders. I t
i s an h i s t o r i c and very important moment.
The people of Central America are c l e a r l y dedicated to
the harvest of reconstruction and renewal. They're healing divided
societies, reviving s t a l l e d economies, and working toward closer
integration among themselves and t h e i r other neighbors. My message
today to these distinguished leaders and to the millions whom they
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represent i s simple: The United States w i l l be there as your partner
to help. W w i l l not make the mistake of abandoning t h i s region when
e
i t s dramatic recovery i s not yet complete. We w i l l remain engaged to
help Central America attain peace, consolidate democracy, protect
human rights and achieve sustainable development. Our nation has a
direct stake in Central America's s t a b i l i t y and prosperity. The
United States exports $6 b i l l i o n in goods to these countries,
supporting over 100,000 American jobs.
Today we discussed steps that Central America's nations
can take to strengthen our economic t i e s , including further trade
l i b e r a l i z a t i o n and better protection of worker rights, i n t e l l e c t u a l
property and the environment. We also discussed the impact of the
North American Free Trade Agreement, which a l l of these leaders
strongly supported. The Vice President i s leaving t h i s afternoon for
Mexico where he w i l l deliver a major address on American engagement
in Latin America. This morning we agreed that NAFTA's h i s t o r i c
passage can serve as a catalyst for the expansion of free trade to
other market democracies throughout the hemisphere — something I
have long supported. And we shared concerns about NAFTA's potential
short-term effects on the flow of trade and investment to Central
America. I pledged that my administration w i l l work with Congress
and Central American governments to design affirmative strategies to
stimulate regional trade.
As our economic relationship evolves, so must the nature
of the United States' support for economic development in Central
America. We w i l l continue b i l a t e r a l aid programs. At the same time,
the region's r i s i n g credit worthiness has allowed international
f i n a n c i a l institutions to increase t h e i r role; and we strongly
support that. W w i l l work to develop a new, more mature economic
e
partnership with Central America, based on trade expansion,
m u l t i l a t e r a l support for economic reforms, and better coordination of
b i l a t e r a l and multilateral aid programs.
These leaders today have told us that they seek to work
together to become a model region for sustainable development. And
we are prepared to work with them in that enterprise. I can think of
no more important common endeavor.
With the elections of the l a s t several years, democracy
has taken root in Central America's rugged t e r r a i n . Now the
challenge facing t h i s region i s to build democratic i n s t i t u t i o n s that
endure, that are honest, that are responsive, that are effective. W
e
are prepared to work closely with Central America to promote reform
in the judiciary, the c i v i l service, education and health care. Good
governance w i l l advance our mutual objectives: to bolster democracy,
promote s o c i a l opportunity, and clear the path for freer trade.
Just a few years ago, t h i s morning's meeting would have
been l i t e r a l l y unthinkable. Now, in the midst of t h i s great
progress, i t would be unthinkable for us not to meet. The prosperity
and security of t h i s hemisphere which we share depends more than ever
on our continued cooperation.
I t i s now my honor to introduce President De Leon, who
w i l l also speak for h i s fellow Central American leaders.
Mr. President.
PRESIDENT DE LEON: Thank you very much. Good morning.
At t h i s time of great and transcendental changes in the world order,
in Central America, in the United States, and especially in our
reciprocal relations, today we j u s t had a presidential meeting which
we consider not only a very pleasant one, but an extremely
constructive one. We were able to exchange with President Clinton,
whom we would l i k e to thank for h i s invitation, our points of view on
issues and problems of great importance having to do with our
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b i l a t e r a l relationship as well as recent events i n Central America on
the one hand, and in the United States on the other hand.
I would l i k e to summarize what we have discussed as
follows: As far as democracy and governance, f i r s t of a l l we
underscored the efforts made in our region for the consolidation of
p l u r a l i s t i c and participatory systems, giving special p r i o r i t y to
respect for individual, c i v i l and p o l i t i c a l human rights, which has
allowed great progress in the recent years in the solution of the
great c o n f l i c t s we have.
We showed that we Central American countries continue to
work to achieve true participatory democracy involving growth with
s o c i a l j u s t i c e and without confrontation, and that s o l i d a r i t y and
dialogue are e s s e n t i a l principles to which we are giving p r i o r i t y as
the underpinnings of the strengthening of our democracies.
As to economic and s o c i a l development and the fight
against poverty, on these points we said to President Clinton that
the magnitude of the problem of poverty i n our countries i s of great
importance, had the magnitude of the problem of poverty in our
countries i s of great importance. I t i s a problem which w i l l have to
be solved with p o l i t i c a l w i l l and s o l i d a r i t y . The fight against
poverty, we said, i s not j u s t a matter of supporting s o c i a l welfare
investment, but i t i s a matter of supporting productive investment
through private investment, supporting the productive sector, and
supporting the insertion of our economies into the world market.
We have to fight the scourge of poverty through
consistent management of our economic and our s o c i a l p o l i c i e s .
We
told the President that we are emerging with great d i f f i c u l t y and
with degrees of difference from one country to the other, emerging
from a deep and prolonged recession which punished those l e a s t able
to defend themselves especially badly. I am talking here about the
poorest of the poor.
As far as economic adjustment i s concerned, with great
optimism we said to the President that we Central Americans are now
looking toward the future with a positive v i s i o n . We are
transforming antiquated schemes, and now the s o c i e t i e s r e a l i z e that
they have to assume costs, but in an attitude of s o l i d a r i t y in order
to achieve peace, development, democracy, and e s p e c i a l l y the respect
for human rights, both individual and economic, s o c i a l and c u l t u r a l
rights.
We emphasize that governments must become more e f f i c i e n t
as administrators and public servants allowing the state to act where
i t must and generate conditions so that the private sector can act in
a more decentralized and participatory manner. Regarding s e l f effort and external assistance, we discussed how happy we Central
Americans are to be making our own e f f o r t s and advancing toward
positive r e s u l t s — a demonstration of which i s the recent signing of
the protocol to the Treaty of Central American Economic Integration.
At the same time, though, we recalled that these internal e f f o r t s
must be supported as they have been by external cooperation.
And
here the support offered by the United States has had, has and w i l l
continue to have great importance.
We also said to President
particular h i s t o r i c moment i s the very
on cooperation — external cooperation.
maintain i t and increase i t , convinced
the simple and mere holding of regular
Clinton that we feel that t h i s
worst one to be cutting back
I t i s the best time to
that democracy i s more than
elections.
F i n a l l y , on the NAFTA and the Caribbean Basin
I n i t i a t i v e , the Central American presidents said in t h i s meeting in
t h i s presidential summit meeting that our b i l a t e r a l agenda with the
United States i s going to be very strongly influenced not only by the
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changes in Central America, but also by the h i s t o r i c decision of
Canada, the United States and Mexico to form an expanded free trade
area.
W said that we applaud t h i s decision which marks a
e
fundamental and positive change in inter-American r e l a t i o n s ; and that
we feel that t h i s does constitute a creative answer to the emerging
international reordering. W also considered, we said, that NAFTA
e
implies the need for the Central American region to redouble i t s
efforts and to become stronger so that we can expand to serve more
competitive markets.
W made two proposals to President Clinton. F i r s t of
e
a l l , we expressed to him our great interest in i n i t i a t i n g
consultations to incorporate the Central American countries into the
North American Free Trade Agreement, and at the same time that the
real p o s s i b i l i t i e s be considered to make the CBI benefits be equal to
the NAFTA benefits. W said that we f e l t that t h i s should be done
e
within the framework of respect for the environment. And we had a
very favorable response to our suggestion that Central America should
become a model area of sustainable development in the environmental
framework.
W have taken the p o l i t i c a l decision to suggest t h i s ,
e
and President Clinton has decided to give t h i s idea h i s backing. W
e
also said that we would be very appreciative for any support in
backing that the U.S. government could give to the negotiations
within the framework of the Uruguay Round to expand l i b e r a l i z a t i o n of
world trade for products of interest to us. W are grateful for the
e
efforts that the United States has made to increase our access to the
European Common Market, and we are hoping that there w i l l be a
negotiated solution with the EC.
F i n a l l y , and given the welcome and the interest which
was so emphatically shown by President Clinton to the regional
proposals we made, the presidents of the Central American region wish
to repeat here our s a t i s f a c t i o n at the f r u i t f u l n e s s and constructive
nature of t h i s meeting. And we have decided to set up a high-level
commission among us to follow up the process of incorporation of
Central America into the North American Free Trade Agreement. This
constitutes a very important way to combat poverty in Central America
and thus achieve peace and consolidate democracy and development with
s o c i a l equity for the entire Central American isthmus.
Thank you.
Q
— discuss aid — loosening aid to Nicaragua? And
also did you discuss the emergence of death squads in E l Salvador?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: W discussed the aid to Nicaragua
e
issue very b r i e f l y . I have decided j u s t in the l a s t couple of days
to approve the release of the aid from FY '93 because of the
s i g n i f i c a n t progress made in Nicaragua in asserting c i v i l i a n control
over the m i l i t a r y and in trying to resolve some American property
claims and on a number of other issues there. So I feel good about
that.
With regard to E l Salvador, what we b a s i c a l l y discussed
was the continuation of the democratic process and the upcoming
elections and the hope that the recent violence there would not in
any way interrupt that. And I feel comfortable that they are
proceeding along that path.
What I'd l i k e to do i s to try to alternate questions,
and take a question from people representing Central American press
and then go back to the American press, and go back and forth, i f I
could.
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Q
Mr. President, the President of Guatemala has said
Central American countries are interested i n having that parity with
NAFTA because they feel that they are going to s t a r t feeling the
impact of NAFTA i n about five years. What was your response? Are
you w i l l i n g to give them that parity?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Let me say s p e c i f i c a l l y what we
talked — we talked about two different issues. One i s the question
of involving Central America i n the process that produced NAFTA, that
i s an expansion of a free trade area to the rest of Latin America.
That's something, as I think a l l of you know, I have long been
interested i n and have talked about i t when I was running for
President. And I told him that I had asked Ambassador Kantor to
b a s i c a l l y , when we conclude our GATT efforts — we're preoccupied, as
you know, with the GATT agreement now — after we conclude our GATT
agreements, and i f NAFTA goes through with the proclamation i n Canada
which has to be done by the f i r s t of the year — shortly after the
f i r s t of the year to begin a study and come up with the
recommendation to me about how to proceed with reference to the rest
of Latin America i n the free trade process.
Now, secondly, the other issue we discussed was a
narrower one. And that i s , how can we make sure that the NAFTA
agreement, as i t begins to be implemented, does not hurt the
Caribbean countries who are i n the Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e . That
i s , neither Mexico nor the United States, and certainly not Canada,
ever intended for there to be a transfer of investment from the
Caribbean to Mexico, j u s t a simple s h i f t . That would defeat the
whole purpose of what we're trying to do here i n growing the area.
So we are looking into now what we can do on a shorterterm basis to j u s t make sure that doesn't happen. As I said, that
was never any part of Mexico's strategy or interest, never any part
of the United States'. So I think we'll have a more near-term
recommendation on that regard.
Q
Mr. President, many Muslims, including some who
support the United States, are upset about your meeting with author
Salmon Rushdie. Was there any advice from the State Department or
others that there were r i s k s involved i n t h i s meeting? And do you
think that i t might undercut support for the Middle East peace
process?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: To be frank, there was some division
among our people about whether I should see Mr. Rushdie when he was
here. He met with Mr. Lake, and then I was over i n the Old Executive
Office Building and Mr. Lake brought him over there so I could see
him and shake hands with him. W v i s i t e d probably for a couple of
e
minutes. And there was some, because our view of the F i r s t Amendment
and free speech i s different from that held by many i n the — many
Muslims throughout the world, including many who are our friends. I
understand that.
I did i t to make the point not that I agree with the tax
on Islam i n the book that Mr. Rushdie wrote, but that i n our country
and i n the countries who respect freedom of speech, freedom of speech
includes especially the willingness to respect without threatening
the l i f e of or the rights of people who write things that we do not
agree with. Indeed for a Westerner I have t r i e d for more than 20
years now to study and have an appreciation of Islam. And I respect
the religion and I respect the culture enormously. So I mean no
disrespect to the people who have that religious f a i t h .
But I do think i t ' s important that here i n the United
States we reaffirm our commitment to protect the physical well-being
and the right to speak of those with whom we may intensely disagree.
That's what our Constitution does.
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So I hope that I w i l l not be misunderstood.
made the right decision.
I believe I
Q
Mr. President, you mentioned that the program w i l l
include m u l t i l a t e r a l aid to Central America. However, the AID budget
has been substantially cut, and w i l l continue to be cut in the
future. What has been your commitment in t h i s regard to the nations
of Central America?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: F i r s t of a l l , l e t ' s discuss that.
The AID budget was cut in the l a s t budget cycle. And we are
b a s i c a l l y in a five-year period now where we've committed not to
increase federal discretionary spending even for i n f l a t i o n . So there
w i l l be a cut of a l l spending r e l a t i v e to i n f l a t i o n , which means i f
we want to increase one area of our spending, we have to cut
something else proportionately.
And I'm going now into a s e r i e s of
meetings — I had my f i r s t one yesterday — on next year's budget,
which w i l l require us to make some d i f f i c u l t decisions.
What I said to the leaders was, I would do my best to
maintain some level of b i l a t e r a l assistance, but that the United
States would try to make sure that the m u l t i l a t e r a l aid offset
whatever cuts we had in b i l a t e r a l assistance, number one.
And,
number two, that I would do my best to strengthen the economic
relationship between the United States and these nations in the hope
that increasing trade and investment would do far more than b i l a t e r a l
aid ever could, anyway, to strengthen the long-term economic wellbeing of the two nations.
Thank you very much.
Q
(Question asked in Spanish)
PRESIDENT DE LEON: As I said, in addition to have —
being a very pleasant meeting, i t was an extremely f r u i t f u l one.
We
were — our proposals were welcomed very forthrightly by the U.S.
side; and we had the hope, because of the i n t e r e s t that President
Clinton showed in our presentations, that we would be able to do
something concrete on two areas in p a r t i c u l a r . One, in connection
with a free trade expansion to Central America. And secondly, that
we could get the same benefits as NAFTA for the CBI countries.
In addition to that, we had the suggestion which was
accepted v i s a v i s the environmental projects. We think that i t
would be wonderful i f that p i l o t project for sustainable development
should be carried forward in Central America. This would be great,
not j u s t for Central America, but for the entire world.
— for President Clinton regarding democratization of
the region and with respect to — respect for human rights to achieve
greater cooperation with the United States government. I would say
that we ourselves, we the Central American countries, we are giving
signals of t h i s advance and progress, d i f f i c u l t in some cases,
f r a g i l e in others, but we are going toward true democracy. We have
the case of E l Salvador, Honduras, Panama; democracy has come l a t e r
in some cases, sooner in others. I never mentioned Costa Rica when
we t a l k about t h i s because Costa Rica has always been a democracy and
an example for the entire world. And the case of Belize, which has
also been a democracy; Guatemala has had the worst problems, and five
months ago we had another break of our i n s t i t u t i o n a l and
constitutional order.
But we showed the world that we have begun to mature in
our society. In Guatemala we've begun to learn what the democratic
society i s and means. This has been done incredibly peacefully —
and I say incredibly because of the antecedents in our country. And
we have been able to get out of a p o l i t i c a l c r i s i s , which was very
d i f f i c u l t between the three branches of government, with an agreement
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which was the best one possible for our people; because the
constitutional changes for the f i r s t time have taken place without a
coup d'etat. The interruption of the constitutional mandate of the
Congress and the Supreme Court i s going to be corrected by the purist
expression of democracy, that i s a popular election. Therefore, I
gave the example of Guatemala, excuse me for that, but I think our
problems are the worst. And I think that the rest of the region also
has given signs of consolidating the democratic system. So there was
no conditionality — quite the opposite. What we had was t o t a l
backing a proposal and a desire for the United States to continue
helping us consolidate our democracies, f r a g i l e in some cases, more
consolidated in other cases, but continue to work for the sake of
consolidating peace.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Thank you.
END
11:49 A.M.
EST
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
BACKGROUND BRIEFING
BY
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS
November 30, 1993
The Briefing Room
12:08
P.M. EST
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I want to emphasize a
few things about t h i s brunch. One, those of you who have followed
Central America over the years w i l l notice from the tone of the
discussion at the briefing the dramatic change both i n atmosphere as
well as i n substance.
In the 1980s, there would have been a l o t of tension, a
great deal of t a l k about violence, human rights v i o l a t i o n s . There
would have been a tremendous polarization i n the United States with
regard to Central America. Completely different agenda now i n the
1990s — positive themes of trade, growth and the deepening of
democracy. Also, the p o s s i b i l i t y that a l l of Central America — a l l
seven leaders — could be here at one time i n the White House, a l l
democratic i s also something unimaginable j u s t a few years ago.
This was a very clear sign — the holding of the meeting
i t s e l f and the tenor of the meeting was a very clear sign that the
United States plans to remain very engaged i n the region, very
engaged i n Central America, but with a different agenda and with
different instruments and different attitudes than i n the past.
The emphasis on trade, trade and growth. President
Clinton said, and that t h i s occurs right after the NAFTA passage i n
the United States i s very important. The idea i s to build on the
NAFTA, as President Clinton said at the lunch — at the brunch — we
have an h i s t o r i c opportunity now to build an economic and p o l i t i c a l
partnership with Central and Latin America into the 21st century.
Our economic development strategy for sustainable
democratic development i n the region w i l l be based i n a more balanced
way, w i l l maintain some b i l a t e r a l programs, but with much greater
emphasis on self-sustaining growth through trade expansion and
through economic reform tied to m u l t i l a t e r a l development assistance;
what we think i s a more mature and self-sustainable approach to
economic development.
And then, f i n a l l y , you'll notice that i n h i s statement,
President De Leon emphasized the importance of good governance.
There's a progression from human rights protection to elections and
democracy to, then, f i n a l l y , the perfection of democratic
i n s t i t u t i o n s so that democracy functions. The Central Americans are
very concerned about that, and President Clinton indicated h i s
interest i n helping Central Americans i n the good governance area.
We'll take your questions.
Q
President De Leon, i n h i s remarks, indicated that
President Clinton was ready to move quickly on extending NAFTA
southward. President Clinton said a study i s needed after January
1st. Who i s right?
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�- 2 -
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Keep in mind that we're
talking about a major h i s t o r i c a l development, so i t seems to me to
refer to a study which w i l l begin immediately in the new year and
that we w i l l move quickly to make our fundamental decisions with
regard to the shape of freer trade in the hemisphere, the timing, the
c r i t e r i a by which countries would join i n , progressive trade
expansion in the hemisphere, to say a l l that w i l l occur early in the
new year i t seems to me i s f u l l y consistent with President De Leon's
interest in moving rapidly on t h i s issue.
Q
Can you be more s p e c i f i c in the timetables?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Let me j u s t add one
point here. I think we ought to be a l i t t l e careful not to move too
quickly before the Canadians actually complete t h e i r process. And
the President of the United States i s very conscious of that. And
what Richard has said i s absolutely correct; we are now going to s i t
down and t r y to figure out, led by Mickey Kantor, how we move forward
as rapidly as possible. The President asked Mickey to do t h i s very
quickly in expanding the NAFTA concept beyond Mexico and Canada and
to other countries, whether i t ' s through expansion of NAFTA or
separate agreements i s not entirely clear.
The other point, though, i s that the President has asked
us to continue — we've already been doing t h i s — to look very, very
carefully at what we can do in the short run to help the Central
American countries and the Caribbean countries, a l l members of the
Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e , to not be disadvantaged by NAFTA,
p a r t i c u l a r l y in the apparel sector. And I would expect that we'd be
seeing something f a i r l y soon, probably very early next year, on that.
Q
Two questions for Nicaragua, please. Can >ou
c l a r i f y the amount of aid that's being released now by President
Clinton's order, and the second thing i s that there were reports — I
don't whether they're — or not, that the Sandinistas were demanding
that an amnesty be sort of enacted so that any member of the
Sandinista Army w i l l not be subject to any kind of prosecution as a
r e s u l t of the negotiations with the UNO and the FSLN. Should any
amnesty be enacted, would t h i s in any way change the view from the
United States?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The assistance to which
the President was s p e c i f i c a l l y referring i s $40 million in economic
support funds from F i s c a l Year 93, which has been held up for the
l a s t several months. And he's decided that there has been s u f f i c i e n t
progress on many of the issues of deepest concern to us in Nicaragua
to move forward with that. But i t ' s important to understand that
t h i s i s going to be carefully coordinated with the IMF, the World
Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank in a coordinated effort
to help the Nicaraguan economy stay afloat, but at the same time,
needed to encourage reforms — both economic and p o l i t i c a l reforms in
Nicaragua.
The question of the amnesty — there already i s an
amnesty law that covers certain kinds of crime in Managua. I'm not
sure whether — to what you're precisely referring. I understand
that sometimes some of the Sandinista leaders are looking for special
amnesties. But that should not affect our decisions, that's up to
the Nicaraguans.
Q
Just a c l a r i f i c a t i o n of something that you j u s t
said. In the short term, the announcement that we expect soon —
would that be l i k e a parity to the Caribbean Basin I n i t i a t i v e to the
benefits of NAFTA? I s that what we're talking about?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't want to
speculate too much on what i t might be. But i t probably would not be
complete parity because there i s conditionality in NAFTA which Mexico
MORE
�- 3-
and Canada and we, ourselves, have subjected ourselves to. So i t
wouldn't be f a i r to give a l l the benefits without some of the
consequences to others. But there i s a question of moving very
quickly, p a r t i c u l a r l y on the apparel sector, to provide some support
for the CBI countries.
Q
What kind of support would you be giving the
apparel sector i n the short term? What kind of protection?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We s t i l l ~ Ambassador
Kantor s t i l l has to look at — consult with the Congress, consult
with the private sector before we decide i n greater d e t a i l — and
also, of course, ultimately to t a l k to the Caribbean Basin countries
before we decide i n any d e t a i l exactly what the agreement might look
l i k e . I t would not be a direct replica of the so-called Gibbons
b i l l , however, because one of the differences i s that the Gibbons
b i l l does not, as i t ' s stated i n the f i r s t three years, does not
involve reciprocity. And a very important principle of our trade
policy with Latin America and more generally i s reciprocity. We want
to open markets to American products i n our — through our trade
agreements.
Q
Any reference to Cuba on the embargo on the
relationship of those countries?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Interestingly enough,
the word Cuba was never — never came up during the brunch.
Q
How about Haiti?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:
Haiti, either.
No, we did not discuss
Q
The President had great d i f f i c u l t y with Congress at
the beginning regarding NAFTA. What are the perspectives of the
Central American countries joining since there are so many different
countries with different demands?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: F i r s t , there are not
clear decisions yet made as to exactly what form the greater trade
l i b e r a l i z a t i o n would take i n the region. So i t i s premature to t a l k
about joining NAFTA as such.
One thing I think we did see i n the debate here over
t h i s l a s t year, though, i s how persuasive the President and the Vice
President can be when they r e a l l y put t h e i r shoulders to i t . And I
think there should be no doubt that both the President and the Vice
President are extremely engaged i n Latin America, have a deep,
personal, intense interest i n the region, and very much see a major
opportunity for American foreign policy with the NAFTA as the
foundation to move forward to both f o r t i f i e d democracy and increased
economic linkages throughout the region. And t h i s i s the reason why
the Vice President i s going down to Mexico tomorrow.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:
Today.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Today, yes. And
tomorrow w i l l give a major speech on Latin American r e l a t i o n s . You
can see a sequence — passage of NAFTA, meeting with the Central
American heads of state, Vice President goes to Mexico to d e l i v e r a
major address i n hemispheric relations.
Q
Would there be any chance that there would be l i k e
a Latin American program, l i k e i n the past there have been Alliance
for Progress, and then the Caribbean I n i t i a t i v e — every president
has had some kind of a general program. I s there going to be one for
Latin America?
MORE
�- 4 -
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:
surprises for next year, okay?
Let's leave a few
Q
Could you c l a r i f y something? After the NAFTA vote
when the President spoke in the White House that evening, actually he
was quite e x p l i c i t about now extending NAFTA to AFTA, right down to
the Antarctica. I don't hear that same e x p l i c i t commitment coming
out of you today. Are you being vague on t h i s because the Canadians
have not acted and you don't want to appear to be doing something in
anticipation of that, or because there i s some substantive walking
back now on that commitment? Because that's certainly the image
you're projecting.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, Tom.
What the
President said right after the NAFTA was he wanted to extend the idea
of freer trade to reform-oriented democratic countries in the Western
Hemisphere, and that very much remains what we're talking about in
our current policy. What we've got to look at i s the exact
modalities under which that occurs — exactly what are the
negotiating forms under which that occurs. We have to look at the
exact timetable, and that of course, very much depends upon Congress
and the p o l i t i c a l atmosphere. And then also, we have to look at the
exact e l i g i b i l i t y c r i t e r i a . He said reform-minded, and of course,
democratic countries where reform-minded has to be specified.
Exactly what sort of reforms countries have to have completed, or be
committed to in order to engage in freer trade agreements with the
United States and other countries.
Q
Okay, I j u s t want
for one thing. The message today I
we're now reading the fine print in
President, and i t sounds to me l i k e
here.
to c l a r i f y , i f I could follow up,
hear i s fine print, then, that
t h i s overall commitment of the
the fine print i s , slow down
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION O F F I C I A L :
No,
I wouldn't s e e i t
that way at a l l . I think t h i s i s an h i s t o r i c a l process. I mean, how
long did i t take to negotiate the NAFTA? Years. I t took years to
negotiate that agreement, even before we got into the side
agreements. And the countries of Latin America understand that we
are talking about a very fundamental h i s t o r i c a l process. So I would
not say that t h i s i s a sign of slowing down at a l l .
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, by no means. And
he reiterated to the Central Americans t h i s morning that he wanted to
move as quickly as possible. But as he also said in h i s remarks out
here, there are things that the other countries have to do as
well — i n t e l l e c t u a l property and other areas. This a l l has to be
defined a l i t t l e b i t more c l e a r l y . And that's the process we're in
now.
But i t i s no indication that I've seen from him of any slowing
down the process. But i t ' s j u s t a complicated process which w i l l
take some time.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I f I — I might suggest
the Vice President's speech in Mexico tomorrow w i l l further amplify
on some of these points.
Q
F i r s t of a l l , when you talked about parity for the
Caribbean Basin countries, am I to understand, then, that you're
requiring t h i s — there w i l l be something required in return for them
to have some kind of parity with the —
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That's correct. I t
w i l l be — again, the d e t a i l s of a l l t h i s have to be worked out. But
there w i l l be reciprocity expected. And, l e t me point out, the
Central Americans f u l l y understand that and expect i t .
Q
Okay. The second question. Chile has received a
commitment from President Clinton to be next in l i n e for adherence to
MORE
�- 5-
a NAFTA, i f i t i s granted to a Latin American country.
s t i l l hold?
Does that
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Careful. The
commitment i s to a free trade agreement with Chile. Whether or not
that free trade agreement i s a free-standing agreement, whether or
not i t means accession to the NAFTA, that has yet to be discussed.
And, of course, the exact timetable also has yet to be discussed.
Q
The third question, i f I could r e a l l y quickly —
the aid to Nicaragua — wasn't the suspended aid about $50 million?
Why i s only $4 0 million being released?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION O F F I C I A L :
W e l l , t h e amount o f
money that I think i s i n the pot i s the $4 0 million.
Q
What happened to the other $10 million?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That I don't know. But
he's been talking about $40 million for quite a while.
Q
What does the administration think of the electoral
process of Mexico i n view of the fact that i t has a new candidate
from — i n view of the fact that the United States wanted somebody
that would be favorable to the United States?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: We c e r t a i n l y respect
Mexico's internal — we respect Mexico's right to choose i t s own
leader and we would not comment on the p a r t i c u l a r choice.
Q
The American president said that they were going to
t a l k about drugs, too, and they were interested i n some kind of an
aid to help them fight t h i s problem. Did the issue come up at a l l ?
And what was the response of the President i f i t did?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The emphasis on the
foreign assistance side was r e a l l y more on the area of two issues, or
three, I would say: fighting poverty — and President De Leon r e a l l y
underscored the importance of fighting poverty and the s o c i a l agenda
in the region, which I think i s reasonable to say i t was much
neglected during the 1980s both i n terms of the region's i n a b i l i t y to
grapple with i t because of a l l of the p o l i t i c a l problems. The second
emphasis was on sustainable development, which i s , on the one hand,
that i s the central theme of the Clinton administration's new
approach to b i l a t e r a l foreign assistance. But l e t me point out that
i t was the Central Americans themselves that underscored that they
wanted, themselves, wanted to pursue a sustainable development
strategy, and we responded, yes, we very much want to help you do
that.
And then the t h i r d major issue i n the aid area was the
issue of good governance — the need to strengthen the j u d i c i a r i e s ,
c i v i l service reform, improvement i n the whole e l e c t o r a l
machinery — a l l of those and many other issues, to make government
work so that people believe i n the government. I f people don't
believe i n the government, democracy w i l l not be sustained over a
long period of time. The legitimacy of democratic i n s t i t u t i o n s was
very much on the table, and President Clinton said we want to help
you i n these areas, and we very much hope that the Central Americans
come back to us. We already have programs i n those areas, but we
look forward to the Central Americans coming back to us with
suggestions as to how to work together on that c r i t i c a l issue for the
'90s.
Thank you very much.
END
12:23 P.M. EDT
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Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(J) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA)
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
00If. briefing
paper
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
ca.
11/23/1993
Regional Issues (1 page)
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
201 1-0516-S
kli593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI
P2
Pi
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA)
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
h(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA)
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001 g. briefing
paper
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
Environment (1 page)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
h(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA)
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIA)
National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA)
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
00 lh. briefing
paper
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
Poverty in Central America (1 page)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
201 1-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 5S2(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(h)(3) of the FOIA]
h(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information ((b)(4) of the FOI A]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
bC)) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(h)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
OOli. briefing
paper
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
Central America: U.S. Economic Assistance and Debt Relief (I page)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act -144 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA)
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA)
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
h(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIA|
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
00Ij. briefing
paper
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
ca.
11/23/1993
El Salvador (1 page)
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/I3ox Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidcnlial Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
h(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA)
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
h(K) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA)
h(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIA|
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA)
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001k. briefing
paper
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
Panama (I page)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 5.S2(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
h(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA]
h(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA)
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
0011. briefing
paper
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
ca.
11/23/1993
Honduras (1 page)
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidcnlial Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)
Erccdom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA)
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOI A|
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
!)((>) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA]
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA|
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA)
Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA)
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document.will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001m. briefing
paper
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
ca.
11/23/1993
Nicaragua (1 page)
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency [(b)(2) of the F"OIA|
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA)
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA)
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIA)
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
00In. briefing
paper
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
Costa Rica (I page)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidcnlial Records Acl -144 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOI A)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA)
h(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA)
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA)
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA)
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
00lo. briefing
paper
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
ca.
11/23/1993
Guatemala (1 page)
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
PrcsidentiHl Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA)
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOI A)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA)
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA)
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(')) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning w ells 1(b)(9) of the FOIA|
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating lo the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(S) of the PRA|
Pfi Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE
001 p. briefing
paper
DATE
Belize (1 page)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - (44 U.S.C. 2204(a)J
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA]
h(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9)ofthe FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(S) of the PRA)
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Trade
Central America
Total US Exports: $ 5.509 Billion
1902
Panama
Belize
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Ouatemala
Nicaragua
ism
22X
Honduras
Total
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
US Exports
US Imports
1991
$981,250
$242,580
$114,248
$35,623
$1,033,661
$1,143,982
$533,989
$302,449
$950,629
$892,280
$146,974
$59,528
$626,666
$552,238
$4,387,617
$3,226,680
1*92
$1,100,281
$218,232
$116,803
$58,510
$1,350,946
$1,402,042
$740,964
$363,245
$1,203,784
$1,072,697
$187,950
$68,609
$808,255
$780,638
$5,508,983
$3,983,973
Jan-Aug
1992
$710,226
$152,852
$79,855
$45,423
$863,620
$903,988
$460,784
$250,001
$696,048
$728,860
$114,910
$40,136
$519,689
$486,975
$3,445,132
$2,617,237
Jan-Aug
1993
$790,158
$148,147
$93,211
$37,808
$1,032,101
$1,011,850
$615,744
$312,829
$887,941
$812,757
$107,699
$79,677
$589,132
$600,801
$4,115,986
$3,003,869
* P w c K Chang* flncmiiM or d>cr*w»)flratrtghtmonths of 1993 compfdtotatrm period 1992.
Total US Imports: $ 3.984 Billion
1992
ARASECP (MPSEXP.XLWTTrade Pag* 11/72*3
Sourca: US Dapartrnwit of CommMC*
•Percent
Change
11%
-3%
17%
-17%
20%
12%
34%
21%
28%
12%
-6%
99%
13%
23%
19%
15%
�GDP ~ 1992
Regional GDP
$ 35 Billion
Panama
$6 3
Honduras
$3.3
Guatemala
$10.4
ARA/ECP [GCEN.XLWJGDP Page 11/22/93
Costa Rica
$6.5
Belize
$.430
El Salvador
$6.5
Nicaragua
$1.4
Nominal
Per Capita
(US millions)
Belize*
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatamala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
430
6,532
8.555
10,487
3.372
1.431
6.343
Total regional GDP (Smillions)
$35,150
Average regional GDP per capita
Source: International Monetary Fund
* US Embassy
2.161
2.107
1.208
1.107
641
343
2.527
$1,442
�Debt Stock 1992
$ 28.8 Billion
e
Panama J ' ™ Costa Rica
$5.37
$4.15
$
El Salvador
$2.36
1 7 5
Guatemala
$ 2 62
Honduras
$3.32
Nicaragua
$10.9
Debt as a Percentage of GDP
1991
Belize*
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua*
Panama*
1992
42
73
37
28
102
600
86
42
70
36
25
101
618
83
Much of Nicaragua's total debt Is unlikely to
ever be paid (e.g., $ 3 billion to former Soviet Union).
Source: IDB * except where noted - US Embassy
ARA/ECP [GCEN.XLWJDebt Page 11/22/93
�Year-End Total
U. S . Investment
US Investment Stock
1992
$ Millions
Nicaragua
$50
Belize
$150
Honduras
$184
1991
Belize*
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua (estimated)
Panama
Total
Costa Rica
$221
Guatemala
$107
($ Millions)
El Salvador
$103
ARA/ECP [CENINV.XLW]invstpage 11/22/93
1992
142
214
97
105
212
50
10,427
150
221
103
107
184
50
11,457
11,247
12,272
Source: US Department of Commerce
* US Embassy estimate
�U.S. Economic Assistance to Central America. FYs 1984-94
In Millions of US$
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
ROCAP
1984
168.3
215.9
17.7
91.2
0
12
15.5
520.6
' Preliminary figure
1985
207
433.9
103.9
224
0
57.1
106.6
1132.5
1986
157.4
322.6
113.8
131.4
0
33.4
25
1987
181.3
462.9
177.5
187.8
0
8.4
36.3
1054.2
1988
101.8
314.1
133.5
150.2
0
1.1
24.8
725.5
1989
114.8
301.3
142.4
73.9
5
0.3
33.2
670.9
1990
74.2
246.7
112.1
183.8
266.3
394.7
26.6
1304.4
1991
50.9
???.4
69.5
119.5
266.5
59.4
17.8
IPiaifJ
1992
17.4
279.3
56.3
86.1
76.2
26.2
15.2
558.7
1993
6
178.9
42.9
50.8
158
8.7
17
462.3
1994*
3.3
80.7
42.2
38.5
90.3
6.4
6.9
270.3
�U.S. Economic Assistance to Central American Countries
FYs 1984-94, In Millions of US$
1400
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994*
Costa Rica • £1 Salvador Hi Guatemala • Honduras
Nicaragua • Panama
* Prdlminary figures
ROCAP
�Assistance to Central America
1984-94 in Millions of US$
1,400
1,200
1.000
1
a
•V
V
800
\
1 60
0
400
200
0
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
IDB
World Bank " "U.S.
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DOCUMENT NO.
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00 lq. talking
points
SUB.IKCT/TITLE
DATE
President's Luncheon for Central American Leaders (3 pages)
ca.
11/23/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l), P5
COLLECTION:
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2011-0516-S
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h(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
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personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA|
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purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA]
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financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
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Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
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financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
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and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA)
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�PRESIDENT CLINTON'S MEETING WITH
CENTRAL AMERICAN LEADERS
DRAFT PRESS STATEMENT
I INVITED THE CENTRAL AMERICAN LEADERS TO WASHINGTON TO
DISCUSS OUR SHARED AGENDAS TO SUPPORT EXPANDED TRADE AND THE
STRENGTHENING OF DEMOCRACY.
W WANT TO HAVE A STRONG POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP
E
WITH THE DEMOCRACIES OF CENTRAL AMERICA. THE PROGRESS MADE
IN RESOLVING THE CONFLICTS THERE HAS CREATED THE BRIGHTEST
PROSPECTS IN A GENERATION FOR CONSOLIDATING DEMOCRACY AND
ADVANCING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
I APPLAUD THEIR
ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND RECOGNIZE THAT DAUNTING CHALLENGES
REMAIN.
I WANT TO THANK THE CENTRAL AMERICAN LEADERS FOR THEIR STRONG
SUPPORT FOR NAFTA.
THE PASSAGE OF NAFTA REINFORCES EFFORTS
THROUGHOUT THE HEMISPHERE TO LOWER TRADE BARRIERS. THE
CENTRAL AMERICANS HAVE TAKEN IMPORTANT STEPS TOWARDS REGIONAL
INTEGRATION AND TRADE EXPANSION. THE UNITED STATES SUPPORTS
THIS PROCESS. I ENCOURAGED THE CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES TO
ACCELERATE THEIR MARKET-ORIENTED REFORMS, RANGING FROM
ESTABLISHING PRO-INVESTMENT REGIMES TO PROTECTING
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TO MAKE THE REGION MORE COMPETITIVE.
�- 2 -
I TOLD THE LEADERS THAT W WANT TO INTENSIFY COOPERATION WITH
E
THEM IN THESE AREAS, AND O THE FULL RANGE OF REGIONAL ISSUES
N
INCLUDING COMBATTING NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING.
I A GRATIFIED TO BE MEETING WITH THESE LEADERS AT THIS TIME OF
M
DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL IN CENTRAL AMERICA. ELECTIONS HAVE JUST
TAKEN PLACE IN HONDURAS AND WILL OCCUR SOON IN COSTA RICA,
PANAMA, AND EL SALVADOR.
I WANT PARTICULARLY TO RECOGNIZE THE
TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT OF PRESIDENT CRISTIANI IN BRINGING PEACE
TO EL SALVADOR.
�Q.
Did you discuss Central America's accession to NAFTA? When
w i l l i t happen?
A.
—
We had an in-depth discussion on a wide range of
issues of mutual concern, including trade and the
continuation of peace and stability in the region. We
agreed that trade expansion will spur economic
development and a more equitable distribution of
income, and w i l l work together to achieve this. No
firm dates were set for Central American accession.
�Q.
Will the Central Americans and other CBI beneficiaries
receive any special benefits that w i l l ensure parity with
NAFTA?
A.
—
The Central American presidents have clearly presented
their concerns about the impact that NAFTA may have on
their economies. This administration i s taking the
concerns of the Central Americans and a l l CBI
beneficiaries seriously and i s currently exploring the
best way to address them.
�Q.
Central America, once the recipient of billions of dollars
in U.S. aid, i s now getting a fraction of that. Is the
U.S. abandoning the region?
A. —
The U.S. will not abandon Central America. Our
relationship i s changing, however. The foundation of
our relationship will be dominated by our shared
concerns for democracy, human rights and trade
expansion. W note that because of the economic
e
reforms implemented by Central American countries in
cooperation with the IMF, the World Bank and the
International Development bank are much more active in
the region than they were a decade ago.
�Q.
With a current increase in attacks by death squads, why
does the U.S. continue to support the government of E l
Salvador?
A.
—
The U. S. strongly condemns political violence in E l
Salvador, whatever the source. These attacks, against
leaders of both the left and the right, undermine the
work and sacrifice of the great majority of E l
Salvadorans who seek to rebuild their country after
years of c i v i l war.
We fully support and will cooperate with the
investigation of political violence in E l Salvador.
We urge that the investigation be thorough, that
suspects be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law.
�Q.
Do the documents about human rights abuses in E l Salvador
that were released 11/5 prove that USG officials ignored
evidence of "death squad" activity in E l Salvador, or was
their release on the eve of the Salvadoran election
campaign an attempt to discredit the ARENA party?
A.
—
Last spring, I ordered the declassification of
documents related to human rights reporting in E l
Salvador in order to give the American public and the
Congress a factual record to assist in the study of
decisions made in the course of our policy in E l
Salvador in the past decade. The release was not
planned with regard to any event in E l Salvador or the
U.S.
W released over 40,000 pages of cables, memoranda,
e
and notes written over more than a decade by dozens of
diplomats, analysts, and other government o f f i c i a l s .
In a release of this magnitude i t i s impossible to
comment on specific allegations.
�Q.
Given the needs in the U. S. and the end of the cold war,
should we continue to provide foreign aid into E l Salvador?
A.
—
The people of E l Salvador s t i l l need and deserve our
support. Because of the success of the peace process,
however, the U.S. has been able to reduce the amount
of aid given to El Salvador. U.S. military aid to El
Salvador declined from about $80 million in 1990 to
$11.3 million appropriated in 1993, and much less in
1994. We provided about $218 million in economic
assistance to E l Salvador in FY 1993; in 1994 we are
considering a total package of less than $100 million.
�Q. Do you believe that the March election in E l Salvador w i l l
be free and fair when thousands have not been able to
register to vote?
A. —
The UN believes, and we agree, that great progress has
been made on voter registration in the past three
months. Many thousands of voters have registered.
W are concerned about the difficult task of
e
validating the registrations and returning completed
voter cards to the people. W are encouraged that the
e
electoral tribunal has set up 18 additional computers,
hired 65 additional staff, and begun operating 24
hours per day.
�Q. Many observers, including Nobel Peace Prize winner
Rigoberta Menchu, assert that there has been no improvement
in the human rights situation in Guatemala, despite the
elevation to the presidency of former Human Rights
Ombudsman Ramiro de Leon Carpio. What i s the U.S. view on
human rights in Guatemala?
A. —
President De Leon has an impressive record of actions
taken to improve respect for human rights. While
bringing violent organizations to justice can be
difficult and time consuming, the U.S. i s confident
that President De Leon i s determined to attempt end
impunity for human rights violators. W w i l l stand by
e
him in a l l such efforts.
�Q.
Many human rights violations are committed by members of
Guatemala's Civil Defense Patrols, known as PACs.
Guatemala's army provides arms to the PACs yet claims to
have no control over them. Have you asked President de
Leon when he plans to dissolve the PACs?
A.
—
The Guatemalan government has stated i t s willingness
to dissolve the PACS as part of a peace agreement.
The important task for both the government and the
guerrillas i s to s i t down together and hammer out an
agreement they can live with. The U.S., as part of
the Group of Friends, i s prepared to assist this
process according to the wishes of the parties.
�Q.
The U.S. suspended military aid to Guatemala in 1990 after
Guatemalan soldiers murdered American citizen Michael
Devine. There are reports that military aid funds s t i l l in
the "pipeline" from before the suspension may soon be
disbursed. Is that true?
A.
—
We were pleased to see that Mr. Devine's killers were
convicted and imprisoned. We continue to expect the
GOG to apprehend the officer who was also convicted,
but escaped. The USG has no plans at this time to
resume shipment of military supplies to Guatemala. We
are providing some military training funds in light of
the very responsible conduct of the Guatemalan armed
forces during he constitutional c r i s i s of May-June.
�Q.
What i s the U.S. doing to assist Guatemala economically?
A.
—
U.S. assistance to Guatemala i s directed at addressing
a wide range of social and political needs, from
improving the administration of justice to providing
assistance to street children. U.S. aid to Guatemala
totaled $59 million in 1993, and w i l l be a similar
amount in 1994.
�Q.
What i s the U.S. doing about the growing number of American
citizen property cases in Honduras?
A.
—
The United States takes seriously the protection of
American citizen property overseas.
W have made our concerns known to the Government of
e
Honduras about the growing number of disputes over
property, particularly in the Bay Islands and Trujillo
areas.
W encourage a l l parties to resolve their disputes
e
through dialogue and the judicial process.
Recent progress in resolving cases in the Trujillo
area has been very encouraging.
�Q. Do you believe Congressional intent as reflected in the FY
94 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act to withhold funds
for Nicaragua until conditions are met was respected when
you decided to notify Congress of the Administration's
intent to obligate $40 million in FY 93 ESF for Nicaragua?
A. —
As you know, the conditions in the act do not apply as
a matter of law to FY 93 assistance.
However, Congressional intent was respected.
I believe Nicaragua has made progress on the issues of
terrorism, expropriations, human rights, c i v i l i a n
control of the military and security forces and
judicial reform, although there i s much more that
needs to be done.
�Q.
Do you believe i t i s appropriate for the U.S. to provide
foreign assistance to a country like Nicaragua where U.S.
citizens have hundreds of million of dollars of property
claims outstanding?
A.
—
The U.S. takes the property claims of American
citizens very seriously.
We have, for instance, established a full-time
property claims officer position at the U.S. Embassy
in Managua.
The claims resolution process, which the Government of
Nicaragua has established at our encouragement, i s
consistent with international law, which permits my
administration to furnish foreign assistance to
Nicaragua.
Nicaragua must, however, step up the pace of property
resolutions, both to accommodate our citizens and to
create the kind of climate which would encourage
foreign investment.
�Q.
Do you believe that the Government of Nicaragua's human
rights record justifies the provision of U.S. aid to that
country?
A.
—
My administration remains concerned about the
unresolved murder cases of Enrique Bermudez, Jean-Paul
Genie and Arges Sequeira. I also fully share
Congress's desire to see the recommendations of the
Tripartite Commission fully implemented.
The fundamental problem in Nicaragua i s impunity for
crimes committed for political reasons. This must be
addressed. However, I am encouraged by President
Chamorro's intention to ensure that crimes committed
by military personnel w i l l henceforth be tried in
civilian courts.
�Q.
Do you believe that Lenin Cerna's transfer from the
Directorate of Defense Information (DID) to be Inspector
General of the Army represents a genuine change in how the
intelligence services work in Nicaragua?
A. —
I do believe this i s a significant f i r s t step.
The Government of Nicaragua has also created the
Directorate of Intelligence Affairs (DIA), which has
oversight over a l l intelligence agencies. The DIA is
headed by a c i v i l i a n .
Clearly, much remains to be done to establish civilian
control over the intelligence service, but the
government of Nicaragua has taken some important steps
toward that goal.
�Q.
Is Panama s t i l l a center for drug trafficking and money
laundering?
A.
—
Yes. In September, U.S. law enforcement agents in
Miami seized more than five tons of cocaine hidden in
a shipment of coffee from Panama. This indicates that
major trafficking groups s t i l l use Panama as a
transshipment point. They also continue to launder
the proceeds from the sale of cocaine through Panama.
�Q.
Has the situation improved or gotten worse since Noriega
left?
A.
—
Unlike the Noriega regime, the current Panamanian
government i s held accountable by democratic checks
and balances, and has investigated cases of drug
corruption. I t also has taken steps to curtail drug
trafficking, and reacted quickly to eradicate coca
leaf cultivation earlier this year when i t was f i r s t
discovered near the Colombian border.
However, Panama's proximity to Colombia and i t s open,
U.S. dollar economy, leave i t vulnerable to continued
activity by Colombian drug cartels. I t i s difficult
to measure the volume of laundered money that passes
through Panama; i t is probably more than through any
other country in the Hemisphere, after the U.S.
itself.
Panama needs to do more to stanch the flow of drug
money. The U.S. has urged Panama to tighten i t s
banking, currency and money laundering laws and
regulations. Legislation to that effect is currently
being considered in Panama's national legislature.
W also have urged Panama to ratify the 1988 U.N.
e
Vienna convention.
�Q:
What has the United States done to press the Costa Rican
government to resolve the longstanding expropriations
claims of U.S. citizens?
Answer
W recognize the progress that President Calderon's
e
government has made in resolving expropriation
cases which were inherited from previous
administrations.
Among other positive steps, Costa Rica has enacted
legislation adhering to the World Bank's ICSID
mechanism for arbitrating investment disputes.
Settlement of the outstanding claims w i l l improve
an already good investment climate in Costa Rica.
W would like to see them a l l resolved before the
e
new Costa Rican president takes office next year.
�Q.
Mr. President, why was Belize invited to this luncheon when
the Central Americans themselves have been reluctant to
include Belize in regional affairs and fora?
A.
—
The United States views the inclusion of Belize in
regional affairs and fora to be a prerequisite for the
achievement of Central American cooperation and
integration. I am pleased that Prime Minister
Esquivel was able to attend this luncheon. I
encourage the countries of Central America to think in
terms of a community of seven states, united by
geography, trade and a common commitment to democracy
and human rights.
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COLLECTION:
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COLLECTION:
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financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA]
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001 v. report
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
11/22/1993
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number: 3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
h(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
au agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA)
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) of the FOIA)
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA]
Relating lo the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA]
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001 w. repon
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
1/22/1993
U.S. Government Report (1 page)
RESTRICTION
Pl/b(l)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act -144 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 5S2(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA|
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOI A]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA)
h(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA|
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA)
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA)
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA|
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001 x. report
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
U.S. Government Report (2 pages)
1/22/1993
RESTRICTION
P 1/5(1), P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Press (Philip J. (PJ) Crowley)
OA/Box Number:
3103
FOLDER TITLE:
Central America - General
2011-0516-S
kh593
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA)
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) of the FOIA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) of the FOIA)
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) of the FOIA)
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA)
National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA|
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA)
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA)
\'S Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA)
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Office of Press and Communications - Philip J. “P.J.” Crowley
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
National Security Council
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36076">Collection Finding Aid</a>
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2011-0516-S
Description
An account of the resource
This collection consists of White House press releases from the files of P.J. Crowley. Crowley served as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Senior Director of Public Affairs the National Security Council from 1997–1999. The press releases are arranged by subject or, as in the case of the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, by date.
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
370 folders in 33 boxes
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Central America - General
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
National Security Council
Office of Press and Communications
Philip "PJ" Crowley
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2011-0516-S
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 2
<a href="http://catalog.archives.gov/id/7585702"></a>
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36076">Collection Finding Aid</a>
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
7585702
42-t-7585702-20110516s-002-002-2015
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: NSC Cable, Email, and Records Management System
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Adobe Acrobat Document
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Preservation-Reproduction-Reference