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Council of the Americas, 5/2/89 [1]
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26
15
7
1
Document No.
031514SS
3119
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/28/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/28/89 4:00 PM
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
\
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
WINSTON
BREEDEN
CARD
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm.
122, x2930, no later than 4:00 PM, TODAY, Friday, April 28,
1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
TO: Chriss Winston
April 29, 1989
The NSC concurs with attached Presidential Remarks as noted.
B
James W. Cicconi
Brent Scowcroft
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
CC: James Cicconi
Ext. 2702
McGroarty/Dooley
April 28, 1989
11:45 am
Draft 2
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MAY 2, 1989
[Introductory remarks, acknowledgements.
]
Looking around the world today, in the developing world and
even in the communist bloc, we see the triumph of two great
ideas: the idea of free government, and the idea of free
enterprise.
Certainly, Latin America is proving fertile ground for these
ideas. Democracy -- a decade ago the exception -- is today the
rule. The symbol of this new breeze is the ballot box. By
year's end, 14 national elections will have been held across
Latin America and the Caribbean.
And let's remember what it means to vote when democracy
itself is at stake. We're not talking about people who may stay
home from the polls because it's raining, or rush hour traffic is
heavy. We're talking about people risking their lives to
exercise their democratic right.
Listen to the words of a Salvadoran man, on the eve of the
last month's presidential elections in that country -- elections
guerilla forces vowed to disrupt:
"Of course I'm going to vote, although I have to admit it's
very scary
Here, going to the grocery store can be dangerous
2
-- but you have to do it. And you have to vote, too. We just
can't roll over and play dead each time we're threatened."
That's the voice of democracy speaking -- and it's the voice
of courage and hope.
a though There IS worry about internationoldobt,
Economically, there are encouraging signs as well. Mexico
has joined GATT, and is moving toward a more open and
internationally-oriented economy. In Costa Rica, Brazil and
Venezuela new ventures are creating export opportunities that
promise a broader economic base. You in the business community
are among the pioneers and partners in these changes. You are
contributing to Latin America's increased productivity -- you are
helping the region to fulfill its potential for progress.
The historic shift in political and economic thinking now
underway in Latin America is good news for us all. Our task is
clear: to make the most of the new opportunities open to us, we
must improve our working partnerships in this hemisphere --
between countries north and south, between government and
business, and, in the U.S., between the different branches of the
federal government. We share common interests -- we must work
towards a common aim.
The U.S. can lead the way. My Administration will work to
build a new partnership for the Americas -- a partnership built
on mutual respect, and mutual responsibilities.
We seek a partnership rooted in a common commitment to
democratic rule.
3
The battle for democracy is far from over. The institutions
of free government are still fragile, and in need of support.
Our battlefield is the broad middle ground of democracy and
popular government -- our fight against the enemies of freedom on
the extreme right and the extreme left.
As a result of the recent Bipartisan Accord on Central
America, the United States is speaking with one voice on a matter
of crucial importance to peace in Central America: bringing
democracy to Nicaragua, and peace to the region.
Let me take this opportunity to make several observations on
steps that are vital to peace, security and democracy in Central
America:
First, Nicaraqua's effort to export violent revolution must
stop. We cannot tolerate Sandinista support -- which continues
today -- for insurgencies in El Salvador and Guatemala, and
terrorism in Honduras. Peace in the region cannot co-exist with
attempts to undermine democracy.
Second, we call upon the Soviet Union to end Soviet-bloc
Nicavaguan assault in regional democracy.
support for the anti democratic activities of Cuba and Nicaragua
The United States
(Empherize)
While the U.S has not provided military aid to the Nicaraguan
two years, yet
about
more
Resistance for the past 18 months the Soviets continue to funnel
halfa billion
$500 million dollars worth of military assistance a year
SSCOLD
(Key
point
over million dollars aid-each-day day If to the
Sandinista regime That aid must stop.
about The Jame rate as before we stopped our military aid to The Contras.
The Soviet Union must understand that we hold it accountable
for the consequences of its intervention in this hemisphere --
4
Good)
and for progress towards peace in the region and democracy in
Nicaragua. As the Bipartisan Accord makes clear, continued
Soviet support of violence and subversion in Central America is
in direct violation of the Esquipulas Agreement concluded by the
nations of Central America a year and a half ago.
Finally, within Nicaragua, we want to see a promise kept --
the promise of democracy, withheld by the Sandinista regime for
nearly a decade. To this end, the U.S. will continue to supply
humanitarian aid to the Nicaraguan resistance through the
elections scheduled in Nicaragua for February 1990. The conduct
and the outcome of those elections will demonstrate to
Nicaragua's neighbors and the international community whether it
means to deliver on democracy.
are ominous.
(strongthen)
But the Sandinistas' recent actions Cause us concern. April
25th was the benchmark date for Nicaragua to have in place
electoral laws consistent with free and fair elections. Instead,
restrictive new election and press laws have been pushed through
the Sandinista-controlled legislature over the ob jections of
These laws have been 491 laterally
imposed and The proposals of
Nicaragua's opposition parties.
have been ignored. The result IS a stacked deck
against the 6 prosition and stacked rules of The game.
The election law mandates that one half of all foreign
political contributions go to the Sandinista controlled Supreme
which remainsunder Sandinista control,
Electoral Council and ignores proposals put forward by the
Nicaraguan opposition € provide for unlimited freedom of access
for international election observers. The new law governing
press conduct authorizes the Interior Ministry to police
either from a politicied Sandinista military a pulice
or from the neighborhood block committees that
control payle's ration CAVIS. It means
5
and continues the puthibition
violations against "national integrity, and to close down news
of private ctor surnaship of television sp tions.
operations found to cross this arbitrary line for four days
If there is to be peace in Nicaragua,
The Sandinista regime must work with the Nicaraguan
opposition -- including the Nicaraguan Resistance -- to put in
place election and press laws that are truly free and fair.
We know what it means to have free and fair elections. It
means freedom for every citizen to cast a secret ballot on
election day -- but it also means much more than that. It means
the freedom to campaign, to organize, hold rallies -- to use the
media and poll public opinion, to operate independent radio and
(Add in
points stat
television stations. It means the absense of intimidation
an
military, puliticized Via and
end to the arrests and bullying of opposition leaders by
Sandinista security forces: It means freeing all political
1
control
not just former Somoza soldiers
prisoners jailed under Sandinista rule
Cards
If the Sandinistas fail this test, it will ber tragic setback - and a dingarms
The people of Nicaraqua have waited long enough- It's time
Better
one. The consolidation of tyranny will not be peace; it will be a CVIJIT
for the Sandinistas to deliver the democracy they promised.
waiting to happen.
line
I want to mention several other Latin nations where
elections can signal positive change:
In El Salvador, last month's elections proved another
ringing affirmation of that nation's commitment to democracy. We
expect ARENA to exercise its political power responsibly. I have
-elect
conveyed to President Christiani our concerns about human rights
in El Salvador. He shares my concerns, and he's off to a good
start.
In Paraguay, the only country whose dictator had held power
longer than Fidel Castro, elections have just taken place -- the
6
first hopeful sign that Paraguay is on its way to joining the
democratic mainstream.
In Panama, however, the forecast for freedom is less clear.
A free and fair vote in the elections scheduled for this Sunday
would enable Panama to take a significant step towards ending the
international isolation and internal economic crisis brought on
by the Noriega regime. And in spite of intimidation from the
authorities, Panama's opposition parties have -- with great
courage -- taken their campaign to the Panamanian people. The
Noriega regime's candidates are trailing in polls by a margin of
2 to 1.
Unfortunately, it is evident that the regime is ready to
resort to massive election fraud in order to remain in power.
The Noriega regime continues to threaten and intimidate
Panamanians who believe in democracy. It is also attempting to
limit the presence and freedom of action of international
observers, and to prevent journalists from reporting on the
election process in Panama.
Let me be clear: the United States will not recognize the
results of a fraudulent election engineered to keep Noriega in
power.
It's time for the plain truth: The day of the dictator is
over. The people's right to democracy must not be denied. [pause]
Our new partnership must also aim at ensuring that the
market economies survive, prosper and prevail.
7
So far, economic freedom has not kept pace with its
political counterpart. While the poverty of statism and
protectionism is more evident than ever, statist economies remain
in place, stifling growth, in many Latin nations.
That is why the U.S. has made a new commitment to reduce the
weight of debt, as Latin governments and leaders take the
difficult steps to restructure their economies.
The key point should be clear: debt reduction is a
necessary step, but not sufficient in itself to generate growth.
Growth requires creation of a climate for investment -- one that
will attract new capital, and stem and reverse the flight of
capital out of the region.
We recognize that individual debtor economies are different
-- and that election schedules do not always match the ideal pace
for economic reform. We recognize the competing claims
governments must try to satisfy as they work to advance economic
reform, service their debt, and respond to the needs of their
citizens. But our plan isn't a "now or never" approach.
Progress can be an incremental process -- case-by-case, step-by-
step -- provided there is a clear commitment to economic reform.
Finally, our common partnership must confront a common
enemy: international drug traffickers.
Drugs threaten citizens and civil society throughout our
hemisphere. Joining forces in the war on drugs is crucial.
There is nothing gained by trying to lay blame and make
recriminations. Drug abuse is a problem of both supply and
8
demand -- and attacking both is the only way we can defeat the
drug menace. [pause]
There is a place in this new partnership for you in the
Council of the Americas. Thomas Jefferson said that "it is a
kind of law of nature that every nation prospers by the
prosperity of others." Your efforts contribute directly to the
greater prosperity of all nations of the Americas.
The challenges I've spoken of today won't be easy. But all
of us -- North and South, in government and in the private sector
-- can work together to meet the challenges, and master them.
We've got work to do -- work that won't wait -- to ensure
that all the Americas enjoy the peace, freedom and prosperity
that we cherish.
Thank you.
reaching ant theme
3860
- democracy Centrl America 4. Panama
RM. 392
- economic dobt
W4916
- drugs
0900 Apr 27
The Secretary's remarks to the Council of the Americas
David
May 1, 1989
Pacelli.
If you look around the world today, from the Communist bloc
to the developing areas, you will see evidence of the triumph
of two great ideas: the idea of & free society government and the idea of
a free economy.
The two ideas are really one, joined in a single vision, a
vision of democracy. Abroad, it is a vision that causes
ordinary people to rejoice and dictators to tremble. Here at
home, it is a vision which all Americans should applaud, for
freedom is quintessentially our founding vision, the vision of
the New World.
A free society and a free economy are now also becoming the
models for the rest of the New World that Columbus discovered
almost 500 years ago -- the countries of Latin America and the
Caribbean. Across this hemisphere, the bld barriers of
dictatorship and state control are being dismantled.
a decade
Democracy -- 10 years ago the exception -- is today the
rule. The ballot box is the concrete symbol of a decade of
- 2 -
political progress in Latin America and the Caribbean. By
year's end, 14 national elections will have been held this year
alone. And most of them will have offered real choices with
real consequences.
Economically, also, there are encouraging signs. Mexico
has joined GATT and is making profound changes toward a more
open and outward-oriented economy. Costa Rica is exporting
cellular phones to third world customers; Brazil is to supply
automated supermarket systems to Portugal: and Venezuela is
mixing water and oil in a new substance called orimulsion which
it is marketing for power plants in Japan.
You in the business community are among the pioneers and
partners in these changes. You are contributing to Latin
America's productivity and capacity for progress. You have
greatly increased the region's potential for success.
These hopeful changes in Latin America, and the historic
shift in political and economic thinking now underway, are good
news for us all. Once democratic habits have become
established, they give people both a stake in their future and
mechanisms for change that are less violent and disruptive than
the abrupt swings Latin American countries have often known in
the past. There is fundamental value, even strategic advantage
for the United States, in the stability that comes from
- 3 -
America's economies fuels trade and jobs for the citizens of
the United States.
Thomas Jefferson said that "It is a kind of law of nature
that every nation prospers by the prosperity of others."
Today, the stake we have in the prosperity of our neighbors is
greater than ever. Their growth will restore vigor to U.S.
trade with Latin America and the Caribbean. Growth will win
the approval of the voters in the Latin democracies who are
looking to their elected leaders to "deliver the goods." And
because it brings diversification, growth is also the key to a
new and meaningful kind of independence -- not being dependent
on one or two commodities; the independence that comes from
having options and freedom to maneuver.
Which brings me to my central point today: to make the
most of the new opportunities in the hemisphere, we must
improve our working partnerships - between countries north and
south, between the different branches of government, and
between government and business. We are all in this together.
We must all work together.
We in the Administration intend to reach out to Latin
America as never before to build a new partnership for the
Americas --- a partnership built on mutual respect and mutual
responsibility.
- 4 -
We seek a partnership based on support for democratic forms
of government. The battle for democracy is by no means won; in
many nations the struggle continues or has only just begun.
But it is clear on which side of the battle line we stand:
This Administration stands with the people of Latin America in
the cause of democracy and against the enemies of freedom on
the extreme left and on the extreme right.
On Central America, we have already made a new approach
toward partnership with the democratic leaders of this
hemisphere. With the full bipartisan support of Congress we
have joined together to support the promises of democracy,
security, and peace contained in the Agreement signed almost
two years ago at Esquipulas by the five Central American
(Insent)
Presidents.
-security Threat
-Soriets must
cooperate
- Sandinistas lack
Achieving these goals will not be easy. But if the U.S. of compliance
Congress and the Administration and the democratic governments election mn
law to
inside the hemisphere and out work together, we have the best media
law
chance of turning the promises of Esquipulas into concrete
(see state
realities on the ground.
Dept sheet;
In Paraguay, the only country with a dictator who had been
in power longer than Fidel Castro, elections are taking place
(mAY)
today yesterday under freer and fairer conditions that give hope that
Paraguay is on its way to joining the hemisphere's mainstream.
- 5 -
In Panama, free and fair elections this coming Sunday would
end that nation's political and economic crisis and its
international isolation as well. Despite coercion and
intimidation and the regime's tight control of the media,
Panamanians have mounted an effective campaign for democracy.
The regime's candidates are trailing in polls by a margin over
2 to 1. Unfortunately the Noriega regime's response has been
S
to prepare for a massive fraud and to retrict the presence of
international observers and press.
If democracy is to continue to develop in this hemisphere,
such practices cannot be tolerated. The position of the United
States is clear: There can be and there will be no
<-0mit
accomodation with a Noriega-dominated regime. There is still toke from
draft
time for the Panamanians to save their country from the
presidential
increasing destruction wrought by the Noriega dictatorship.
statent
The key is in the hands of the Defense Forces. They can
fulfill their constitutional duty as professional soldiers and
allow the elections to proceed freely and fairly. or they can
face the consequences of the path on which General Noriega has
placed them. The days of dictatorship in Latin America are
over. They must end in Panama as well.
A second element of the new partnership we seek should
reflect a common committment to helping new market oriented
economies survive, prosper, and prevail. Thus far, economic
- 6 -
freedom has not moved as far along or as fast as political
freedom. The economic case for statism and protectionism has
never been weaker and the advocates of these regressive
policies have never been so few in number, yet statist
regulations and entrenched bureaucracies remain largely intact
in many nations in the Americas.
That is why this Administration has made a new commitment,
through the Brady proposals, to reach out to help reduce the
weight of debt -- as Latin governments and leaders take the
important. but difficult steps to restructure their economies.
And that is the key point: debt reduction is necessary,
but it is not by itself sufficient to generate the needed
growth. To grow, Latin America must create a climate for
s
invetment -- a climate that will bring flight capital back to
the region and that will attract new capital flows. Debt is a
problem, but it is really also a symptom of, sometimes, a
greater problem. If there were a magical solution that did not
require structural economic reform, then those nations which
have declared a moratorium on debt would be growing well today,
but that simply is not the case. Instead, they are in deeper
economic crisis. Today the democratic governments must try to
reform bloated state economies, service their debt and, at the
same time, satisfy the real needs of their citizens. We
understand that facing this challenge alone is a nearly
impossible juggling act.
- 7 -
We recognize that individual debtor economies are
different. Their problems are different. Election schedules
do not always match ideal timetables for economic initiatives.
But, the Brady approach is not an "all or nothing," "now or
never" option. Progress will likely come incrementally,
case-by-case and step-by-step. No country is precluded from
participation so long as a clear commitment is made to needed
reforms.
Our common interest in growth demands that each do his part
and that all work together: debtor countries, commercial
banks, creditor countries, and the international financial
institutions. We must be able to count on the full and
meaningful participation of all.
Third, our new partnership seeks a common commitment to
free and open trade. If we ask Latin America to strip away the
layers of protection that shield their economies from the free
flow of trade in goods and services, then we in the United
States, too, must confront protectionism and steadily reduce
the barriers to products. We are deeply engaged in the Uruguay
Round in an effort to dismantle remaining tariff barriers and
to grapple with the many nontariff barriers that have sprung up
to impede trade. Already making good on the promise of freer
and expanded trade, the Caribbean Basin Initiative can go still
- 8 -
further. We welcome proposals in the Congress to enhance
opportunities under the Initiative.
Finally, we seek a partnership based on a common commitment
to face our common enemies, none more then narcotics
traffickers. We all have a responsibility and a part to play.
Drugs threaten our citizens and civil society on both sides of
the Rio Grande and all shores of the Caribbean. We and the
people of Latin America must face this common menace together
as full partners instead of wasting time and precious energy in
the endless game of mutual blame and recrimination. For the
plain truth is that drugs is both a problem of demand and of
supply and if we do not tackle both heads of this two headed
monster, it will devour us all.
You in Council of Americas have long propounded a vision of
cooperation and partnership with Latin America. Your
commitment is important as never before. The potential is
great, but there are also dangers. The countries which have
not yet summoned political will to make needed economic reforms
need our encouragement and assistance. They must know that if
they are willing to walk down same path as Mexico, Costa Rica,
Bolivia, Chile, the financial business community will help them
take the next step with debt reduction and new investment.
In conclusion, if I were to summarize our approach, I would
say that progress in Latin America towards democracy and the
- 9 -
economic freedom that goes with it makes possible greater
cooperation that ever. Democracy within nations makes it
easier to practice democracy among nations. We recognize that
our dialogue will move at different speeds and follow a
somewhat different course for nations like Mexico and
Venezuela, which have just installed new governments, than with
nations like Argentina and Brazil, which are preparing for
elections. But we are prepared to move ahead in partnership
with any nation that is ready to make a serious effort. And we
intend to use the OAS to help define and support partnership on
a regional basis as well.
I do not underestimate the problems, risks, and threats
that challenge and assail us. There is no guarantee that all
will work out for the best -- the problems are daunting, even
for a Texan. But I believe that all of us -- North and South,
in government and in the private sector -- can indeed work to
meet the challenges of change head on and together. And I
believe that if we do, then the Americas will indeed enter the
next century living up to its enormous potential.
To Chriss
Date 4/21
Time 10 30p
WHILE YOU WERE OUT
M Melton Murray
of
Phone 722-6131
Area Code
Number
Extension
TELEPHONED
PLEASE CALL
CALLED TO SEE YOU
WILL CALL AGAIN
WANTS TO SEE YOU
URGENT
RETURNED YOUR CALL
Message National
Wead of a statement by
ask for ok thru Doug
Day
Bush on KN
Operator
giving
AMPAD Doug has all of
EFFICIENCY® the info from
23-023
this man.
1
McGroarty/Dooley
April 27, 1989
4:00 pm
Draft 1
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MAY 2, 1989
?:00 a.m.
[Introductory remarks, acknowledgements
]
Looking around the world today, in the developing world and
even in the communist bloc, we see the triumph of two great
ideas: the idea of free government, and the idea of free
enterprise.
Certainly, Latin America is proving fertile ground for these
ideas.
Democracy -- a decade ago the exception -- is today the
rule. The symbol of this new breeze is the ballot box. By
year's end, 14 national elections will have been held across
Latin America and the Caribbean.
Economically, there are encouraging signs as well. Mexico
has joined GATT, and is moving toward a more open and
internationally-oriented economy. In Costa Rica, Brazil and
Venezuela new ventures are creating export opportunities that
promise a broader economic base.
You in the business community are among the pioneers and
partners in these changes. You are contributing to Latin
2
America's increased productivity -- you are helping the region to
fulfill its tremendous potential for progress.
The historic shift in political and economic thinking now
underway in Latin America is good news for us all. Democracy
opens a path towards progress, peace and prosperity -- in sharp
contrast to the dictatorships of right and left that have plagued
Latin America in the past.
Our task is clear: to make the most of the new
opportunities open to us, we must improve our working
partnerships in this hemisphere -- between countries north and
south, between government and business, and between the different
branches of government themselves. We share common interests --
we must work towards a common aim.
The U.S. can lead the way. My Administration will work to
build a new partnership for the Americas -- a partnership built
on mutual respect and mutual responsibilities.
We seek a partnership rooted in a common commitment to
democratic rule.
The battle for democracy is far from over. The institutions
of free government are still fragile, and in need of support.
Our battlefield is the broad middle ground of democracy and
popular government -- our fight against the enemies of freedom on
the extreme right and the extreme left.
As a result of the recent Bipartisan Accord on Central
America, the United States is speaking with one voice on a matter
3
of crucial importance to peace in Central America: bringing
democracy to Nicaragua, and peace to the region.
Let me take this opportunity to make several observations on
steps that are vital to peace, security and democracy in Central
America:
First, Nicaragua's effort to export violent revolution must
1we cannot tolerate
stop. This means an end to Sandinista support -- which continues
today -- for insurgencies in El Salvador and Guatemala, and
terrorism in Honduras. Peace in the region cannot co-exist with
attempts to undermine democracy.
Call upon
Second, we look to the Soviet Union to end Soviet bloc
support for the anti-democratic activities of Cuba and Nicaragua.
While the U.S. has not provided military aid to the Nicraguan
Resistance for the past 18 months, the Soviets continue to funnel
million aday a
$500 million dollars worth of military assistance a year to the
Sandinista regime -- an amount far in excess of legitimate
defense needs.
All told, the Soviet Bloc has poured at least $50 billion in
into Cuba and Nicaragua in the past decade. A continuation of
this policy raises serious questions about Soviet intentions in
Central America, and towards the United States.
Finally, within Nicaragua, we want to see a promise kept --
the promise of democracy, withheld by the Sandinista regime for
nearly a decade. To this end, the U.S. will continue to supply
humanitarian aid to the Nicaraguan resistance through the
elections scheduled in Nicaragua for February 1990. The conduct
4
and the outcome of those elections will tell Nicaragua's
neighbors and the international community whether it means to
deliver on democracy.
But the Sandinistas' recent actions are troubling.
Restrictive new election and press laws have been pushed through
the Sandinista-controlled legislature -- over the objections of
Nicaragua's opposition parties. We urge the Sandinista regime to
work with Nicaraguan opposition parties to put in place election
and press laws that are truly free and fair.
The people of Nicaragua have waited long enough. It's time
for the Sandinistas to deliver the democracy they promised.
I want to mention two other Latin nations where elections
can signal positive change:
In Paraguay, the only country whose dictator had held power
longer than Fidel Castro, elections have just taken place -- the
first hopeful sign that Paraguay is on its way to joining the
democratic mainstream.
In Panama, however, the forecast for freedom is less clear.
A free and fair vote in the elections scheduled for this Sunday
would enable Panama to take a significant step towards ending the
international isolation and internal economic crisis brought on
by the Noriega regime. And in spite of intimidation from the
authorities, Panama's opposition parties have courseously taken their
campaign to the Panamanian people. The Noriega regime's
candidates are trailing in polls by a margin of 2 to 1.
Unfortunately, there are signs that the regime intends to
5
restrict international election observers, and will resort to
massive election fraud in order to remain in power.
Let
The United States will not recognize the results of a
fraudulent election engineered to keep Noriega in power.
It's time for the plain truth: The day of the dictator is
over. The people's right to democracy must not be denied.
Our new partnership must also aim at ensuring that the
market economies survive, prosper and prevail.
So far, economic freedom has not kept pace with its
political counterpart. While the poverty of statism and
protectionism is more evident than ever, statist economies remain
in place, stifling growth, in many Latin nations.
That is why the U.S. has made a new commitment to reduce the
weight of debt, as Latin governments and leaders take the
difficult steps to restructure their economies.
The key point should be clear: debt reduction is a
necessary step, but not sufficient in itself to generate growth.
Growth requires creation of a climate for investment -- one that
will attract new capital, and stem and reverse the flight of
capital out of the region.
We recognize that individual debtor economies are different
-- and that election schedules do not always match the ideal pace
for economic reform. We recognize the competing claims
governments must try to satisfy as they work to advance economic
reform, service their debt, and respond to the needs of their
citizens. But our plan isn't a "now or never" approach.
6
Progress can be an incremental process -- case-by-case, step-by-
step -- provided there is a clear commitment to economic reform.
In addition to nurturing market economies, our new
partnership seeks to advance free and open trade.
If we ask Latin America to strip away the protectionist
barriers that shield their economies, we owe them something in
return -- a commitment to free and open trade on our own part.
We are deeply involved in the Uruguay Round to dismantle
remaining tariff barriers -- and to remove non-tariff impediments
to trade. We will also work to further expand the Caribbean
Basin Initiative, and build on the beginning it has made in
fostering free trade.
Finally, our common partnership must confront a common
enemy: international drug traffickers.
Drugs threaten citizens and civil society throughout our
hemisphere. Joining forces in the war on drugs is crucial.
There is nothing gained by trying to lay blame and make
recriminations. Drug abuse is a problem of both supply and
demand -- and attacking both is the only way we can defeat the
drug menace. [pause]
There is a place in this new partnership for you in the
Council of the Americas. Thomas Jefferson said that "it is a
kind of law of nature that every nation prospers by the
prosperity of others." Your efforts contribute directly to the
greater prosperity of all nations of the Americas.
7
The challenges I've spoken of today won't be easy. But all
of us -- North and South, in government and in the private sector
-- can work together to meet the challenges, and master them.
We've got work to do -- work that won't wait -- to ensure
that all the Americas enjoy the peace, freedom and prosperity
that we cherish.
Thank you.
REMARKS: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MAY 2, 1989
THANK YOU, JIM, FOR YOUR KIND INTRODUCTION, AND FOR
TAKING THE TIME THIS MORNING TO ACCOMPANY ME.
- 2 -
I'M PLEASED TO FIND MYSELF IN SUCH PLEASANT AND
HIGH-POWERED COMPANY: MY GOOD FRIEND, CHAIRMAN OF THE
COUNCIL DAVID ROCKEFELLER; AMBASSADOR LANDAU AND LUDLOW
FLOWER; AND BERNARD ARONSON, MY CHOICE FOR THE
IMPORTANT INTER-AMERICAN AFFAIRS POST AT STATE.
LOOKING AROUND THE WORLD TODAY, IN THE DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES AND EVEN IN THE COMMUNIST BLOC, WE SEE THE
TRIUMPH OF TWO GREAT IDEAS: THE IDEA OF FREE
GOVERNMENT, AND THE IDEA OF FREE ENTERPRISE.
- 3 -
CERTAINLY, LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN ARE
PROVING FERTILE GROUND FOR THESE IDEAS. DEMOCRACY -- A
DECADE AGO THE EXCEPTION -- IS TODAY THE RULE. THE
SYMBOL OF THIS NEW BREEZE IS THE BALLOT BOX. BY YEAR'S
END, 14 NATIONAL ELECTIONS WILL HAVE BEEN HELD ACROSS
THE AMERICAS.
AND LET'S REMEMBER WHAT IT MEANS TO VOTE WHEN
DEMOCRACY ITSELF IS AT STAKE.
- 4 -
WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO MAY STAY HOME FROM
THE POLLS BECAUSE IT'S RAINING, OR RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC IS
HEAVY. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE RISKING THEIR LIVES
TO EXERCISE THEIR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT.
LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF A SALVADORAN MAN, ON THE EVE
OF LAST MONTH'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN THAT
COUNTRY -- ELECTIONS GUERILLA FORCES VOWED To DISRUPT:
- 5 -
"OF COURSE I'M GOING TO VOTE, ALTHOUGH I HAVE TO
ADMIT IT'S VERY SCARY....
HERE, GOING TO THE GROCERY
STORE CAN BE DANGEROUS -- BUT YOU HAVE TO DO IT. AND
YOU HAVE TO VOTE, TOO. WE JUST CAN'T ROLL OVER AND
PLAY DEAD EACH TIME WE'RE THREATENED."
THAT'S THE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SPEAKING -- AND IT'S
THE VOICE OF COURAGE AND HOPE.
- 6 -
ECONOMICALLY, ALTHOUGH THERE IS CONCERN ABOUT
INTERNATIONAL DEBT, THERE ARE ENCOURAGING SIGNS AS
WELL. MEXICO HAS JOINED GATT, AND IS MOVING TOWARD A
MORE OPEN AND INTERNATIONALLY-ORIENTED ECONOMY. IN
COSTA RICA, BRAZIL AND VENEZUELA NEW VENTURES ARE
CREATING EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMISE A BROADER
ECONOMIC BASE. You IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY ARE AMONG
THE PIONEERS AND PARTNERS IN THESE CHANGES.
- 7 -
You ARE CONTRIBUTING TO LATIN AMERICA'S INCREASED
PRODUCTIVITY -- YOU ARE HELPING THE REGION TO FULFILL
ITS POTENTIAL FOR PROGRESS.
THE HISTORIC SHIFT IN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC
THINKING NOW UNDERWAY IN LATIN AMERICA IS GOOD NEWS FOR
US ALL.
- 8 -
OUR TASK IS CLEAR: TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE NEW
OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO US, WE MUST IMPROVE OUR WORKING
PARTNERSHIPS IN THIS HEMISPHERE -- BETWEEN COUNTRIES
NORTH AND SOUTH, BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND
LABOR, AND, IN THE U.S., BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES
OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WE SHARE COMMON INTERESTS
-- WE MUST WORK TOWARDS A COMMON AIM.
- 9 -
MY ADMINISTRATION WILL WORK TO BUILD A NEW
PARTNERSHIP FOR THE AMERICAS -- A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON
MUTUAL RESPECT, AND MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
WE SEEK A PARTNERSHIP ROOTED IN A COMMON COMMITMENT
TO DEMOCRATIC RULE.
THE BATTLE FOR DEMOCRACY IS FAR FROM OVER. THE
INSTITUTIONS OF FREE GOVERNMENT ARE STILL FRAGILE, AND
IN NEED OF SUPPORT.
- 10 -
OUR BATTLEFIELD IS THE BROAD MIDDLE GROUND OF DEMOCRACY
AND POPULAR GOVERNMENT -- OUR FIGHT AGAINST THE ENEMIES
OF FREEDOM ON THE EXTREME RIGHT AND THE EXTREME LEFT.
As A RESULT OF THE RECENT BIPARTISAN ACCORD ON
CENTRAL AMERICA, THE UNITED STATES IS SPEAKING WITH ONE
VOICE ON A MATTER OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE TO PEACE IN
CENTRAL AMERICA: BRINGING DEMOCRACY TO NICARAGUA, AND
PEACE TO THE REGION.
- 11 -
LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SEVERAL
OBSERVATIONS ON STEPS THAT ARE VITAL TO PEACE, SECURITY
AND DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AMERICA:
FIRST, NICARAGUA'S EFFORT TO EXPORT VIOLENT
REVOLUTION MUST STOP. WE CANNOT TOLERATE SANDINISTA
SUPPORT -- WHICH CONTINUES TODAY -- FOR INSURGENCIES IN
EL SALVADOR AND GUATEMALA, AND TERRORISM IN HONDURAS.
PEACE IN THE REGION CANNOT CO-EXIST WITH ATTEMPTS To
UNDERMINE DEMOCRACY.
- 12 -
SECOND, WE CALL UPON THE SOVIET UNION TO END SOVIET
BLOC SUPPORT FOR THE NICARAGUAN ASSAULT ON REGIONAL
DEMOCRACY. THE UNITED STATES ENDED MILITARY AID TO THE
NICARAGUAN RESISTANCE TWO YEARS AGO, YET SINCE THAT
TIME, THE SOVIETS CONTINUE TO FUNNEL ABOUT HALF A
BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE A YEAR TO
THE SANDINISTA REGIME -- ABOUT THE SAME RATE AS BEFORE
WE STOPPED OUR MILITARY AID TO THE CONTRAS.
- 13 -
FURTHERMORE, CUBA AND NICARAGUA, SUPPLIED BY $7 BILLION
IN SOVIET BLOC AID, HAVE STEPPED UP THE ARMS FLOW TO
THE SALVADORAN GUERILLAS. THAT AID MUST STOP,
THE SOVIET UNION MUST UNDERSTAND THAT WE HOLD IT
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS INTERVENTION IN
THIS HEMISPHERE -- AND FOR PROGRESS TOWARDS PEACE IN
THE REGION AND DEMOCRACY IN NICARAGUA.
- 14 -
As THE BIPARTISAN ACCORD MAKES CLEAR, CONTINUED SOVIET
SUPPORT OF VIOLENCE AND SUBVERSION IN CENTRAL AMERICA
IS IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF THE ESQUIPULAS AGREEMENT
CONCLUDED BY THE NATIONS OF CENTRAL AMERICA A YEAR AND
A HALF AGO.
- 15 -
FINALLY, WITHIN NICARAGUA, WE WANT TO SEE A PROMISE
KEPT --THE PROMISE OF DEMOCRACY, WITHHELD BY THE
SANDINISTA REGIME FOR NEARLY A DECADE. To THIS END, THE
U.S. WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPLY HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE
NICARAGUAN RESISTANCE THROUGH THE ELECTIONS SCHEDULED
IN NICARAGUA FOR FEBRUARY 1990. THE CONDUCT AND THE
OUTCOME OF THOSE ELECTIONS WILL DEMONSTRATE TO
NICARAGUA'S NEIGHBORS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
WHETHER IT MEANS TO DELIVER ON DEMOCRACY.
- 16 -
BUT THE SANDINISTAS' RECENT ACTIONS ARE OMINOUS.
APRIL 25TH WAS THE BENCHMARK DATE FOR NICARAGUA TO HAVE
IN PLACE ELECTORAL LAWS CONSISTENT WITH FREE AND FAIR
ELECTIONS. INSTEAD, RESTRICTIVE NEW ELECTION AND PRESS
LAWS HAVE BEEN PUSHED THROUGH THE SANDINISTA-CONTROLLED
LEGISLATURE. THESE LAWS HAVE BEEN UNILATERALLY IMPOSED
AND THE PROPOSALS OF NICARAGUA'S OPPOSITION PARTIES
HAVE BEEN IGNORED. THE RESULT IS A STACKED DECK
AGAINST THE OPPOSITION AND STACKED RULES OF THE GAME.
- 17 -
THE ELECTION LAW MANDATES UNILATERALLY THAT HALF OF
ALL FOREIGN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS GO TO THE SUPREME
ELECTORAL COUNCIL, WHICH REMAINS UNDER SANDINISTA
CONTROL -- AND IGNORES PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE
OPPOSITION TO PROVIDE FOR UNLIMITED FREEDOM OF ACCESS
FOR INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVERS. IN EFFECT THAT'S
A STACKED DECK AGAINST FREEDOM.
- 18 -
THE NEW LAW GOVERNING PRESS CONDUCT GIVES EXCESSIVE
CONTROLS TO THE INTERIOR MINISTRY TO POLICE VIOLATIONS
AGAINST "NATIONAL INTEGRITY," AND CONTINUES THE
PROHIBITION OF PRIVATE-SECTOR OWNERSHIP OF TELEVISION
STATIONS.
IF THERE IS TO BE PEACE IN NICARAGUA, THE
SANDINISTA REGIME MUST WORK WITH THE OPPOSITION --
INCLUDING THE NICARAGUAN RESISTANCE -- TO PUT IN PLACE
ELECTION AND PRESS LAWS THAT ARE TRULY FREE AND FAIR.
- 19 -
THAT MEANS TO HAVE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS WITH
OUTSIDE OBSERVERS GIVEN UNFETTERED ACCESS TO ALL
ELECTION PLACES AND TO ALL PROCEEDINGS. IT MEANS A
SECRET BALLOT ON ELECTION DAY, THE FREEDOM TO CAMPAIGN,
TO ORGANIZE, HOLD RALLIES -- AND TO POLL PUBLIC
OPINION, TO OPERATE INDEPENDENT RADIO AND TELEVISION
STATIONS.
- 20 -
IT MEANS THE ABSENSE OF INTIMIDATION EITHER FROM A
POLITICIZED SANDINISTA MILITARY OR POLICE, OR FROM THE
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK COMMITTEES THAT CONTROL PEOPLE'S
RATION CARDS. IT MEANS AN END TO THE ARRESTS AND
BULLYING OF OPPOSITION LEADERS. IT MEANS FREEING ALL
POLITICAL PRISONERS JAILED UNDER SANDINISTA RULE, NOT
JUST FORMER SOMOZA SOLDIERS.
- 21 -
IF THE SANDINISTAS FAIL THIS TEST, IT WILL BE A
TRAGIC SETBACK -- AND A DANGEROUS ONE. THE CONSOLATION
OF TYRANNY WILL NOT BE PEACE: IT WILL BE A CRISIS
WAITING TO HAPPEN,
I WANT TO MENTION SEVERAL OTHER LATIN NATIONS WHERE
ELECTIONS CAN SIGNAL POSITIVE CHANGE:
IN EL SALVADOR, LAST MONTH'S FREE AND FAIR
ELECTIONS PROVED ANOTHER RINGING AFFIRMATION OF THAT
NATION'S COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY.
- 22 -
WE EXPECT ARENA TO EXERCISE ITS POLITICAL POWER
RESPONSIBLY. I HAVE CONVEYED TO PRESIDENT-ELECT
CRISTIANI OUR COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS IN EL
SALVADOR. HE SHARES MY CONCERNS; HE DESERVES A CHANCE;
AND HE HAS OUR SUPPORT.
- 23 -
IN PARAGUAY, THE ONLY COUNTRY WHOSE DICTATOR HAD
HELD POWER LONGER THAN FIDEL CASTRO, ELECTIONS HAVE
JUST TAKEN PLACE -- THE FIRST HOPEFUL SIGN THAT
PARAGUAY IS ON ITS WAY TO JOINING THE DEMOCRATIC
MAINSTREAM. THAT DEMOCRATIC OPENING MUST CONTINUE.
IN PANAMA, HOWEVER, THE FORECAST FOR FREEDOM IS
LESS CLEAR.
- 24 -
A FREE AND FAIR VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS SCHEDULED FOR
THIS SUNDAY WOULD ENABLE PANAMA TO TAKE A SIGNIFICANT
STEP TOWARDS ENDING THE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION AND
INTERNAL ECONOMIC CRISIS BROUGHT ON BY THE NORIEGA
REGIME. AND IN SPITE OF INTIMIDATION FROM THE
AUTHORITIES, PANAMA'S OPPOSITION PARTIES HAVE -- WITH
GREAT COURAGE -- TAKEN THEIR CAMPAIGN TO THE PANAMANIAN
PEOPLE. THE NORIEGA REGIME'S CANDIDATES ARE TRAILING
IN POLLS BY A MARGIN OF 2 TO 1.
- 25 -
UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE REGIME IS
READY TO RESORT TO MASSIVE ELECTION FRAUD IN ORDER TO
REMAIN IN POWER. THE NORIEGA REGIME CONTINUES TO
THREATEN AND INTIMIDATE PANAMANIANS WHO BELIEVE IN
DEMOCRACY. IT IS ALSO ATTEMPTING TO LIMIT THE PRESENCE
AND FREEDOM OF ACTION OF INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS, AND
TO PREVENT JOURNALISTS FROM REPORTING ON THE ELECTION
PROCESS IN PANAMA.
11
- 26 -
LET ME BE CLEAR: THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT
RECOGNIZE THE RESULTS OF A FRAUDULENT ELECTION
ENGINEERED TO KEEP NORIEGA IN POWER.
ALL NATIONS THAT VALUE DEMOCRACY -- THAT UNDERSTAND
FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS ARE THE VERY HEART OF THEIR
DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM -- SHOULD SPEAK OUT AGAINST ELECTION
FRAUD IN PANAMA.
- 27 -
THAT MEANS THE DEMOCRACIES OF EUROPE, AS WELL AS
NATIONS IN THIS HEMISPHERE STRUGGLING TO PRESERVE THE
DEMOCRATIC SYSTEMS THEY'VE FOUGHT so HARD TO PUT IN
PLACE.
It's TIME FOR THE PLAIN TRUTH: THE DAY OF THE
DICTATOR IS OVER, THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO DEMOCRACY MUST
NOT BE DENIED. [PAUSE]
- 28 -
A COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY IS ONLY ONE ELEMENT IN
THE NEW PARTNERSHIP I ENVISION FOR THE NATIONS OF THE
AMERICAS. THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP MUST ALSO AIM AT
ENSURING THAT THE MARKET ECONOMIES SURVIVE, PROSPER AND
PREVAIL.
THE PRINCIPALS OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM HAVE NOT BEEN
APPLIED AS FULLY AS THE PRINCIPAL OF DEMOCRACY.
- 29 -
WHILE THE POVERTY OF STATISM AND PROTECTIONISM IS
MORE EVIDENT THAN EVER, STATIST ECONOMIES REMAIN IN
PLACE, STIFLING GROWTH, IN MANY LATIN NATIONS.
THAT IS WHY THE U.S. HAS MADE A NEW INITIATIVE TO
REDUCE THE WEIGHT OF DEBT, AS LATIN GOVERNMENTS AND
LEADERS TAKE THE DIFFICULT STEPS TO RESTRUCTURE THEIR
ECONOMIES.
- 30 -
ECONOMIC GROWTH REQUIRES POLICIES THAT CREATE A
CLIMATE FOR INVESTMENT -- ONE THAT WILL ATTRACT NEW
CAPITAL, AND REVERSE THE FLIGHT OF CAPITAL OUT OF THE
REGION.
WE WELCOME THE BROAD INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
EXPRESSED FOR OUR IDEAS TO STRENGTHEN THE DEBT
STRATEGY.
- 31 -
WE URGE THE PARTIES INVOLVED -- THE INTERNATIONAL
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, DEBTOR COUNTRIES, AND
COMMERCIAL BANKS -- TO MAKE A SUSTAINED EFFORT TO MOVE
THIS PROCESS FORWARD. WE RECOGNIZE THE COMPETING
CLAIMS DEBTOR GOVERNMENTS MUST TRY To SATISFY AS THEY
WORK TO ADVANCE ECONOMIC REFORM, SERVICE THEIR DEBT,
AND RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF THEIR CITIZENS.
- 32 -
HOWEVER, WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT PROGRESS CAN BE AN
INCREMENTAL PROCESS -- CASE-BY-CASE, STEP-BY-STEP --
PROVIDED THERE IS A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC
REFORM.
FINALLY, OUR COMMON PARTNERSHIP MUST CONFRONT A
COMMON ENEMY: INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKERS,
DRUGS THREATEN CITIZENS AND CIVIL SOCIETY
THROUGHOUT OUR HEMISPHERE. JOINING FORCES IN THE WAR
ON DRUGS IS CRUCIAL.
- 33 -
THERE IS NOTHING GAINED BY TRYING TO LAY BLAME AND MAKE
RECRIMINATIONS. DRUG ABUSE IS A PROBLEM OF BOTH SUPPLY
AND DEMAND -- AND ATTACKING BOTH IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN
DEFEAT THE DRUG MENACE. [PAUSE]
THERE IS A PLACE IN THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR YOU IN
THE COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS. THOMAS PAINE SAID THAT
"THE PROSPERITY OF ANY COMMERCIAL NATION IS REGULATED
BY THE PROSPERITY OF THE REST."
- 34 -
YOUR EFFORTS CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO THE GREATER
PROSPERITY OF ALL THE NATIONS OF THE AMERICAS.
THE CHALLENGES I'VE SPOKEN OF TODAY WON'T BE EASY.
BUT ALL OF US -- NORTH AND SOUTH, IN GOVERNMENT AND IN
THE PRIVATE SECTOR -- CAN WORK TOGETHER TO MEET THE
CHALLENGES, AND MASTER THEM.
- 35 -
WE'VE GOT WORK TO DO -- WORK THAT WON'T WAIT -- TO
ENSURE THAT ALL THE AMERICAS ENJOY THE PEACE, FREEDOM
AND PROSPERITY THAT WE CHERISH.
THANK YOU.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
FROM: DANIEL McGROARTY
4/30/09
SUBJECT: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS SPEECH
I. SUMMARY
The attached draft has been prepared for your address to the
Council of the Americas association, Tuesday morning, May 2,
1989, at the Department of State. The audience will be
approximately 380 business executives with business
interests in Latin America. Council of the Americas is
chaired by David Rockefeller.
II. DISCUSSION
This speech provides an opportunity to speak about
democratic developments in Latin America, with special
emphasis on the changes we seek in Nicaragua. The speech
also focuses on debt relief and economic reform, issues
that should be of particular interest to this audience.
McGroarty/Dooley
April 28, 1989
9:35 p.m.
Draft 3
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MAY 2, 1989
[Introductory remarks, acknowledgements
]
Looking around the world today, in the developing world and
even in the communist bloc, we see the triumph of two great
ideas: the idea of free government, and the idea of free
enterprise.
Certainly, Latin America and the Caribbean are proving
fertile ground for these ideas. Democracy -- a decade ago the
exception -- is today the rule. The symbol of this new breeze is
the ballot box. By year's end, 14 national elections will have
been held across the Americas.
And let's remember what it means to vote when democracy
itself is at stake. We're not talking about people who may stay
home from the polls because it's raining, or rush hour traffic is
heavy. We're talking about people risking their lives to
exercise their democratic right.
Listen to the words of a Salvadoran man, on the eve of last
month's presidential elections in that country -- elections
guerilla forces vowed to disrupt:
"Of course I'm going to vote, although I have to admit it's
very scary
Here, going to the grocery store can be dangerous
2
-- but you have to do it. And you have to vote, too. We just
can't roll over and play dead each time we're threatened."
That's the voice of democracy speaking -- and it's the voice
of courage and hope.
Economically, although there is concern about international
debt, there are encouraging signs as well. Mexico has joined
GATT, and is moving toward a more open and internationally-
oriented economy. In Costa Rica, Brazil and Venezuela new
ventures are creating export opportunities that promise a broader
economic base. You in the business community are among the
pioneers and partners in these changes. You are contributing to
Latin America's increased productivity -- you are helping the
region to fulfill its potential for progress.
The historic shift in political and economic thinking now
underway in Latin America is good news for us all. Our task is
clear: to make the most of the new opportunities open to us, we
must improve our working partnerships in this hemisphere --
between countries north and south, between government, business
and labor, and, in the U.S., between the different branches of
the federal government. We share common interests -- we must
work towards a common aim.
My Administration will work to build a new partnership for
the Americas -- a partnership built on mutual. respect, and mutual
responsibilities.
We seek a partnership rooted in a common commitment to
democratic rule.
3
The battle for democracy is far from over. The institutions
of free government are still fragile, and in need of support.
Our battlefield is the broad middle ground of democracy and
popular government -- our fight against the enemies of freedom on
the extreme right and the extreme left.
As a result of the recent Bipartisan Accord on Central
America, the United States is speaking with one voice on a matter
of crucial importance to peace in Central America: bringing
democracy to Nicaragua, and peace to the region.
Let me take this opportunity to make several observations on
steps that are vital to peace, security and democracy in Central
America:
First, Nicaragua's effort to export violent revolution must
stop. We cannot tolerate Sandinista support -- which continues
today -- for insurgencies in El Salvador and Guatemala, and
terrorism in Honduras. Peace in the region cannot co-exist, with
attempts to undermine democracy.
Second, we call upon the Soviet Union to end Soviet bloc
support for the Nicaraguan assault on regional democracy. The
United States ended military aid to the Nicaraguan Resistance two
years ago, yet since that time, the Soviets continue to funnel
about half a billion dollars worth of military assistance a year
to the Sandinista regime -- about the same rate as before we
stopped our military aid to the Contras. Furthermore, Cuba and
Nicaragua, supplied by $7 billion in Soviet bloc aid, have
4
stepped up arms flow to the Salvadoran guerillas. That aid must
stop.
The Soviet Union must understand that we hold it accountable
for the consequences of its intervention in this hemisphere --
and for progress towards peace in the region and democracy in
Nicaragua. As the Bipartisan Accord makes clear, continued
Soviet support of violence and subversion in Central America is
in direct violation of the Esquipulas Agreement concluded by the
nations of Central America a year and a half ago.
Finally, within Nicaragua, we want to see a promise kept --
the promise of democracy, withheld by the Sandinista regime for
nearly a decade. To this end, the U.S. will continue to supply
humanitarian aid to the Nicaraguan resistance through the
elections scheduled in Nicaragua for February 1990. The conduct
and the outcome of those elections will demonstrate to
Nicaragua's neighbors and the international community whether it
means to deliver on democracy.
But the Sandinistas' recent actions are ominous. April 25th
was the benchmark date for Nicaragua to have in place electoral
laws consistent with free and fair elections. Instead,
restrictive new election and press laws have been pushed through
the Sandinista-controlled legislature. These laws have been
unilaterally imposed and the proposals of Nicaragua's opposition
parties have been ignored. The result is a stacked deck against
the opposition and stacked rules of the game.
5
The election law mandates unilaterally that half of all
foreign political contributions go to the Supreme Electoral
Council, which remains under Sandinista control -- and ignores
proposals put forward by the opposition to provide for unlimited
freedom of access for international election observers. In
effect that's a stacked deck against freedom. The new law
governing press conduct gives excessive controls to the Interior
Ministry to police violations against "national integrity," and
continues the prohibition of private-sector ownership of
television stations.
If there is to be peace in Nicaragua, the Sandinista regime
must work with the opposition -- including the Nicaraguan
Resistance -- to put in place election and press laws that are given
truly free and fair.
with outside
That means to have free and fair elections, It means a
access
secret ballot on election day, the freedom to campaign, to
organize, hold rallies -- to use the media and poll public
election to
laces tis and
opinion, to operate independent radio and television stations. tall.
It means the absense of intimidation either from a politicized
Sandinista military or police, or from the neighborhood block
procedays
committees that control people's ration cards. It means an end
to the arrests and bullying of opposition leaders. It means
freeing all political prisoners jailed under Sandinista rule, not
just former Somoza soldiers.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
mention the fact that we plan not
onl;y ot give him a chance but to
support him.
gb
( stapled at 3rd hill
6
If the Sandinistas fail this test, it will be a tragic
setback -- and a dangerous one. The consolation of tyranny will
not be peace; it will be a crisis waiting to happen.
I want to mention several other Latin nations where
elections can signal positive change:
free
Fair
In El Salvador, last month's elections proved another
ringing affirmation of that nation's commitment to democracy. We
with
expect ARENA to exercise its political power responsibly.
I
have
conveyed to President-Elect Cristiani our commitment to human
rights in El Salvador. He shares my concerns, and he deserves
for
a chance. our support
In Paraguay, the only country whose dictator had held power
longer than Fidel Castro, elections have just taken place -- the
first hopeful sign that Paraguay is on its way to joining the
democratic mainstream. That Democratic opening must continue.
In Panama, however, the forecast for freedom is less clear.
A free and fair vote in the elections scheduled for this Sunday
would enable Panama to take a significant step towards ending the
international isolation and internal economic crisis brought on
by the Noriega regime. And in spite of intimidation from the
authorities, Panama's opposition parties have -- with great
courage -- taken their campaign to the Panamanian people. The
Noriega regime's candidates are trailing in polls by a margin of
2 to 1.
Unfortunately, it is evident that the regime is ready to
resort to massive election fraud in order to remain in power.
THE white HOUSE
washington
I would urge all countries that value
democracy and that are committed
to free and fair elections to
speak out against election frau
in Panama This means the
democracies in Europe as well as
those struggling to keep their
democracies here in the
Western ZHemisphere.
language can be bettt
but need to get all involved.
(Haplex after 20 full Homp,7)
7
The Noriega regime continues to threaten and intimidate
Panamanians who believe in democracy. It is also attempting to
limit the presence and freedom of action of international
observers, and to prevent journalists from reporting on the
election process in Panama.
Let me be clear: the United States will not recognize the
results of a fraudulent election engineered to keep Noriega in
in the on in Curpe F,
power. Nor should other demoer the countries
It's time for the plain truth: The day of the dictator is
over. The people's right to democracy must not be denied. [pause]
Our new partnership must also aim at ensuring that the
market economies survive, prosper and prevail.
The principals of economic freedom have not been applied as
fully as the principal of democracy. While the poverty of
statism and protectionism is more evident than ever, statist
economies remain in place, stifling growth, in many Latin
nations.
That is why the U.S. has made a new initiative to reduce the
weight of debt, as Latin governments and leaders take the
difficult steps to restructure their economies.
Economic growth requires policies that create a climate for
investment -- one that will attract new capital, and reverse the
flight of capital out of the region.
We welcome the broad international support expressed for our
ideas to strengthen the debt strategy. We urge the parties
involved -- the international financial institutions, debtor
8
countries, and commercial banks -- to make a sustained effort to
move this process forward. We recognize the competing claims
debtor governments must try to satisfy as they work to advance
economic reform, service their debt, and respond to the needs of
their citizens. However, we also understand that progress can be
an incremental process -- case-by-case, step-by-step -- provided
there is a clear commitment to economic reform.
Finally, our common partnership must confront a common
enemy: international drug traffickers.
Drugs threaten citizens and civil society throughout our
hemisphere. Joining forces in the war on drugs is crucial.
There is nothing gained by trying to lay blame and make
recriminations. Drug abuse is a problem of both supply and
demand -- and attacking both is the only way we can defeat the
drug menace. [pause]
There is a place in this new partnership for you in the
Council of the Americas. Thomas Paine said that "the prosperity
of any commercial nation is regulated by the prosperity of the
rest." Your efforts contribute directly to the greater
prosperity of all the nations of the Americas.
The challenges I've spoken of today won't be easy. But all
of us -- North and South, in government and in the private sector
-- can work together to meet the challenges, and master them.
We've got work to do -- work that won't wait -- to ensure
that all the Americas enjoy the peace, freedom and prosperity
that we cherish.
9
Thank you.
(Nsert P. y:
All nations that value democracy
that understand that free and fair
elections are the very heart of
their democratic system -- should
5 peah out asaint election fraud
in Panama That means
the democracies of Emope, as well
as nations in this homes ihere
stuggling had to presure the
democratic systems they 've put fought the so hand to
put in place.
insert
B: Bridge, page 7:
The partners a comum fught hep to democracy
is only one element in the new
partnership I envision for
the nations Mart # of the
americas.
McGroarty/Dooley
April 28, 1989
9:35 p.m.
Draft 3
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MAY 2, 1989
[Introductory remarks, acknowledgements
]
Looking around the world today, in the developing world and
even in the communist bloc, we see the triumph of two great
ideas: the idea of free government, and the idea of free
enterprise.
Certainly, Latin America and the Caribbean are proving
fertile ground for these ideas. Democracy -- a decade ago the
exception -- is today the rule. The symbol of this new breeze is
the ballot box. By year's end, 14 national elections will have
been held across the Americas.
And let's remember what it means to vote when democracy
itself is at stake. We're not talking about people who may stay
home from the polls because it's raining, or rush hour' traffic is
heavy. We're talking about people risking their lives to
exercise their democratic right.
Listen to the words of a Salvadoran man, on the eve of last
month's presidential elections in that country -- elections
guerilla forces vowed to disrupt:
"Of course I'm going to vote, although I have to admit it's
very scary
Here, going to the grocery store can be dangerous
2
-- but you have to do it. And you have to vote, too. We just
can't roll over and play dead each time we're threatened."
That's the voice of democracy speaking -- and it's the voice
of courage and hope.
Economically, although there is concern about international
debt, there are encouraging signs as well. Mexico has joined
GATT, and is moving toward a more open and internationally-
oriented economy. In Costa Rica, Brazil and Venezuela new
ventures are creating export opportunities that promise a broader
economic base. You in the business community are among the
pioneers and partners in these changes. You are contributing to
Latin America's increased productivity -- you are helping the
region to fulfill its potential for progress.
The historic shift in political and economic thinking now
underway in Latin America is good news for us all. Our task is
clear: to make the most of the new opportunities open to us, we
must improve our working partnerships in this hemisphere --
between countries north and south, between government, business
and labor, and, in the U.S., between the different branches of
the federal government. We share common interests -- we must
work towards a common aim.
My Administration will work to build a new partnership for
the Americas -- a partnership built on mutual respect, and mutual
responsibilities.
We seek a partnership rooted in a common commitment to
democratic rule.
3
The battle for democracy is far from over. The institutions
of free government are still fragile, and in need of support.
Our battlefield is the broad middle ground of democracy and
popular government -- our fight against the enemies of freedom on
the extreme right and the extreme left.
As a result of the recent Bipartisan Accord on Central
America, the United States is speaking with one voice on a matter
of crucial importance to peace in Central America: bringing
democracy to Nicaragua, and peace to the region.
Let me take this opportunity to make several observations on
steps that are vital to peace, security and democracy in Central
America:
First, Nicaragua's effort to export violent revolution must
stop. We cannot tolerate Sandinista support -- which continues
today -- for insurgencies in El Salvador and Guatemala, and
terrorism in Honduras. Peace in the region cannot co-exist with
attempts to undermine democracy.
Second, we call upon the Soviet Union to end Soviet bloc
support for the Nicaraguan assault on regional democracy. The
United States ended military aid to the Nicaraguan Resistance two
years ago, yet since that time, the Soviets continue to funnel
about half a billion dollars worth of military assistance a year
to the Sandinista regime -- about the same rate as before we
stopped our military aid to the Contras. Furthermore, Cuba and
Nicaragua, supplied by $7 billion in Soviet bloc aid, have
4
stepped up arms flow to the Salvadoran guerillas. That aid must
stop.
The Soviet Union must understand that we hold it accountable
for the consequences of its intervention in this hemisphere --
and for progress towards peace in the region and democracy in
Nicaragua. As the Bipartisan Accord makes clear, continued
Soviet support of violence and subversion in Central America is
in direct violation of the Esquipulas Agreement concluded by the
nations of Central America a year and a half ago.
Finally, within Nicaragua, we want to see a promise kept --
the promise of democracy, withheld by the Sandinista regime for
nearly a decade. To this end, the U.S. will continue to supply
humanitarian aid to the Nicaraguan resistance through the
elections scheduled in Nicaragua for February 1990. The conduct
and the outcome of those elections will demonstrate to
Nicaragua's neighbors and the international community whether it
means to deliver on democracy.
But the Sandinistas' recent actions are ominous. April 25th
was the benchmark date for Nicaragua to have in place electoral
laws consistent with free and fair elections. Instead,
restrictive new election and press laws have been pushed through
the Sandinista-controlled legislature. These laws have been
unilaterally imposed and the proposals of Nicaragua's opposition
parties have been ignored. The result is a stacked deck against
the opposition and stacked rules of the game.
5
The election law mandates unilaterally that half of all
foreign political contributions go to the Supreme Electoral
Council, which remains under Sandinista control -- and ignores
proposals put forward by the opposition to provide for unlimited
freedom of access for international election observers. In
effect that's a stacked deck against freedom. The new law
governing press conduct gives excessive controls to the Interior
Ministry to police violations against "national integrity," and
continues the prohibition of private-sector ownership of
television stations.
If there is to be peace in Nicaragua, the Sandinista regime
must work with the opposition -- including the Nicaraguan
Resistance -- to put in place election and press laws that are
truly free and fair.
WITH OUTSIDE OBSERVERS given wife Herd all
access to
That means to have free and fair elections. It means a
election places
and to all
secret ballot on election day, the freedom to campaign, to
to
proceedings.
organize, hold rallies -- to use the media and poll public
opinion, to operate independent radio and television stations.
It means the absense of intimidation either from a politicized
Sandinista military or police, or from the neighborhood block
committees that control people's ration cards. It means an end
to the arrests and bullying of opposition leaders. It means
freeing all political prisoners jailed under Sandinista rule, not
just former Somoza soldiers.
6
If the Sandinistas fail this test, it will be a tragic
setback -- and a dangerous one. The consolation of tyranny will
not be peace; it will be a crisis waiting to happen.
I want to mention several other Latin nations where
elections can signal positive change:
free and fair
In El Salvador, last month's elections proved another
ringing affirmation of that nation's commitment to democracy. We
expect ARENA to exercise its political power responsibly. I have
conveyed to President-Elect Cristiani our commitment to human
he has owr urp
rights in El Salvador. He shares my concerns; and he's deserves
a chance; and he has our support.
In Paraguay, the only country whose dictator had held power
longer than Fidel Castro, elections have just taken place -- the
first hopeful sign that Paraguay is on its way to joining the
democratic mainstream. That Democratic opening must continue.
In Panama, however, the forecast for freedom is less clear.
A free and fair vote in the elections scheduled for this Sunday
would enable Panama to take a significant step towards ending the
international isolation and internal economic crisis brought on
by the Noriega regime. And in spite of intimidation from the
authorities, Panama's opposition parties have -- with great
courage -- taken their campaign to the Panamanian people. The
Noriega regime's candidates are trailing in polls by a margin of
2 to 1.
Unfortunately, it is evident that the regime is ready to
resort to massive election fraud in order to remain in power.
7
The Noriega regime continues to threaten and intimidate
Panamanians who believe in democracy. It is also attempting to
access
limit the presence and freedom of action of international
observers, and to prevent journalists from reporting on the
election process in Panama.
Let me be clear: the United States will not recognize the
results of a fraudulent election engineered to keep Noriega in
power.
It's time for the plain truth: The day of the dictator is
over. The people's right to democracy must not be denied. [pause]
bridge
This
(INSERT
new partnership [STET] must also aim at ensuring that the
market economies survive, prosper and prevail.
The principals of economic freedom have not been applied as
fully as the principal of democracy. While the poverty of
statism and protectionism is more evident than ever, statist
economies remain in place, stifling growth, in many Latin
nations.
That is why the U.S. has made a new initiative to reduce the
weight of debt, as Latin governments and leaders take the
difficult steps to restructure their economies.
Economic growth requires policies that create a climate for
investment -- one that will attract new capital, and reverse the
flight of capital out of the region.
We welcome the broad international support expressed for our
ideas to strengthen the debt strategy. We urge the parties
involved -- the international financial institutions, debtor
8
countries, and commercial banks -- to make a sustained effort to
move this process forward. We recognize the competing claims
debtor governments must try to satisfy as they work to advance
economic reform, service their debt, and respond to the needs of
their citizens. However, we also understand that progress can be
an incremental process -- case-by-case, step-by-step -- provided
there is a clear commitment to economic reform.
Finally, our common partnership must confront a common
enemy: international drug traffickers.
Drugs threaten citizens and civil society throughout our
hemisphere. Joining forces in the war on drugs is crucial.
There is nothing gained by trying to lay blame and make
recriminations. Drug abuse is a problem of both supply and
demand -- and attacking both is the only way we can defeat the
drug menace. [pause]
There is a place in this new partnership for you in the
Council of the Americas. Thomas Paine said that "the prosperity
of any commercial nation is regulated by the prosperity of the
rest." Your efforts contribute directly to the greater
prosperity of all the nations of the Americas.
The challenges I've spoken of today won't be easy. But all
of us -- North and South, in government and in the private sector
-- can work together to meet the challenges, and master them.
We've got work to do -- work that won't wait -- to ensure
that all the Americas enjoy the peace, freedom and prosperity
that we cherish.
9
Thank you.
5
The election law mandates unilaterally that half of all
foreign political contributions go to the Supreme Electoral
Council, which remains under Sandinista control -- and ignores
proposals put forward by the opposition to provide for unlimited
freedom of access for international election observers. In
effect that's a stacked deck against freedom. The new law
governing press conduct gives excessive controls to the Interior
Ministry to police violations against "national integrity," and
continues the prohibition of private-sector ownership of
television stations.
If there is to be peace in Nicaragua, the Sandinista regime
must work with the opposition -- including the Nicaraguan
Resistance -- to put in place election and press laws that are
truly free and fair.
That means to have free and fair elections with outside
observers given unfettered access to all election places and to
all proceedings. It means a secret ballot on election day, the
freedom to campaign, to organize, hold rallies -- and to poll
public opinion, to operate independent radio and television
stations. It means the absense of intimidation either from a
politicized Sandinista military or police, or from the
neighborhood block committees that control people's ration cards.
It means an end to the arrests and bullying of opposition
leaders. It means freeing all political prisoners jailed under
Sandinista rule, not just former Somoza soldiers.
6
If the Sandinistas fail this test, it will be a tragic
setback -- and a dangerous one. The consolation of tyranny will
not be peace; it will be a crisis waiting to happen.
I want to mention several other Latin nations where
elections can signal positive change:
In El Salvador, last month's free and fair elections proved
another ringing affirmation of that nation's commitment to
democracy. We expect ARENA to exercise its political power
responsibly. I have conveyed to President-Elect Cristiani our
commitment to human rights in El Salvador. He shares my
concerns; he's deserves a chance; and he has our support.
In Paraguay, the only country whose dictator had held power
longer than Fidel Castro, elections have just taken place -- the
first hopeful sign that Paraguay is on its way to joining the
democratic mainstream. That Democratic opening must continue.
In Panama, however, the forecast for freedom is less clear.
A free and fair vote in the elections scheduled for this Sunday
would enable Panama to take a significant step towards ending the
international isolation and internal economic crisis brought on
by the Noriega regime. And in spite of intimidation from the
authorities, Panama's opposition parties have -- with great
courage -- taken their campaign to the Panamanian people. The
Noriega regime's candidates are trailing in polls by a margin of
2 to 1.
Unfortunately, it is evident that the regime is ready to
resort to massive election fraud in order to remain in power.
7
The Noriega regime continues to threaten and intimidate
Panamanians who believe in democracy. It is also attempting to
limit the presence and freedom of action of international
observers, and to prevent journalists from reporting on the
election process in Panama.
Let me be clear: the United States will not recognize the
results of a fraudulent election engineered to keep Noriega in
power.
All nations that value democracy -- that understand free and
fair elections are the very heart of their democratic system --
should speak out against election fraud in Panama. That means
the democracies of Europe, as well as nations in this hemisphere
struggling to preserve the democratic systems they've fought so
hard to put in place.
It's time for the plain truth: The day of the dictator is
over. The people's right to democracy must not be denied. [pause]
A commitment to democracy is only one element in the new
partnership I envision for the nations of the Americas. This new
partnership must also aim at ensuring that the market economies
survive, prosper and prevail.
The principals of economic freedom have not been applied as
fully as the principal of democracy. While the poverty of
statism and protectionism is more evident than ever, statist
economies remain in place, stifling growth, in many Latin
nations.