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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. report
re: Chile (1 page)
n.d.
P1/b(1)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Christine Macy
OA/Box Number: 17205
FOLDER TITLE:
Chile 1995/HRC [2]
2013-0936-S
rc1321
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA|
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes ((b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
CHILE: Press Material
Q. What is the purpose of your visit to Chile?
A. Among the many values and ideals that Chile and the United
States share, none is more important than our countries' common
commitment to promote the economic and social welfare of our
citizens, particularly through assisting the poor and
disadvantaged.
I look forward to meeting again with Mrs. Frei and
continuing our discussion of these issues. During my stay
here, I will also be meeting with government and private sector
leaders who are working to develop programs in these areas.
CHILE: Press Material
Q. Can you tell us if you have brought some special message
from President Clinton regarding the present state of
US-Chilean relations?
A. President Clinton is committed to building on what is
already a close and mutually beneficial relationship between
the US and Chile. This excellent bilateral relationship is
rooted in our shared democratic values and common economic
goals. The President is also committed to a strong trade
agenda that includes successfully negotiating Chile's accession
to the NAFTA and building the Free Trade Area of the Americas
discussed during the Summit of the Americas in Miami last
December.
Q. In the latter regard, what are the prospects for Chile's
obtaining "fast-track" authorization and entering NAFTA this
year?
A. The Administration is continuing to work with the Congress
to develop an acceptable fast-track trade negotiating authority.
The President looks forward to continuing discussions with
Chile and our NAFTA partners regarding Chiles's accession to
the NAFTA and believes that now is not the time to stop or slow
down those efforts.
CHILE: Press Material
Q. What is your view of the delays here in carrying out the
Supreme Court-ordered sentences against General Contreras and
Brigadier Espinoza in the Letelier case? Does the United
States still consider that justice has been done?
A. We continue to applaud the successful efforts of the
Chilean Government to investigate and prosecute the 1976
assassinations in Washington of Orlando Letelier and his
American citizen aide, Ronni Moffitt. We are gratified that
justice has prevailed. The Chilean justice system is taking
the appropriate legal steps in applying these sentences.
Q. Nevertheless, don't you think Chile's image in the United
States has been tarnished by delays in carrying out the
sentences?
A. Chile has a strong and positive international image. The
Government of Chile is to be applauded for its steadfast
commitment to prosecuting and carrying out the sentences in the
Letelier/Moffitt case.
CHILE: Press Material
Q. You recently attended the United Nations Fourth World
Conference on Women. In your view, what did the conference
accomplish?
A. The Beijing conference focused world-wide attention on the
status of women and the challenges and burdens they face in
trying to improve their own lives and those of their children
and families. For the first time, a significant portion of a
United Nations document underscored the need to end violence
against women. The conference's "platform for action" which
the United States signed proposes concrete and important steps
to improve women's lives.
CHILE: Press Material
Q. How would you respond to those in Chile, including the
Catholic Church, who charge the Beijing Conference's definition
of gender undermines the family?
A. The Beijing Conference considered issues related to
education, health care, economic opportunity and political
freedom because these are the essentials for keeping families
strong and secure. As I have said before, if women and girls
don't flourish, families won't flourish. And if families don't
flourish, communities and nations won't flourish.
Drafted: Embassy Santiago x72575
SEARABSC 3099 09/2795
Cleared: ARA/BSC: DJPlanty
19
ARA/BSC: JWSwigert
ARA: EACasey
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. report
re: Chile (1 page)
n.d.
P1/b(1)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Christine Macy
OA/Box Number: 17205
FOLDER TITLE:
Chile 1995/HRC [2]
2013-0936-S
rc1321
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
h(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
80
NORTH
ATLANTIC
Regions
1. TARAPACA
2. ANTOFAGASTA
3. ATACAMA
4. COQUIMBO
5. VALPARAÍSO
6. METROPOLITANA DE SANTIAGO
7. LIBERTADOR GENERAL
BERNARDO O'HIGGINS
8. MAULE
2.
9. BIO-BIO
10. ARAUCANIA
ATLANTIC
11. LOS LAGOS
REEAM
12. AISEN DEL GENERAL CARLOS IBÁÑEZ
DEL CAMPO
26
13. MAGALLANES Y DE LA ANTÁRTICA
3
CHILENA
if
8
SOUTH
9
PACIFIC
10
Termino
- dd Plate
OCEAN
Parte Moner
42
SOUTH
Chile
ATLANTIC
International boundery
OCEAN
Region boundery
National capital
Region capital
Refired
I
Read
-
by LLK
0
300
400
I
claimed by Argention)
8
&
0
200
400 -
- - - me
%
8
72
3
background
notes
Chile
November 1994
People
Political parties: Major parties include
Nationality: Noun and adjective-
the Christian Democrat Party, the
Chilean(s).
National Renewal Party, the Party for
Population (1994): 18.8 million.
Democracy, the Radical Party, and the
Annual growth rate: 1.0%.
Socialist Party. La 1993, the Communist
Ethnic groups: Spanish-Indian (mas-
Party did not win a sest.
tiso), European, Indian
Suffrage: Universal at 18, including
Religions: Roman Catholic 80%;
foreigners legally resident for more than
Protestant 16%.
five years.
Language: Spanish.
Education: Years compulsory-8.
Economy (1993)
Attendance-3 million. Adult literacy
GDP: $43.6 billion
rate-94%.
Annual real growth rate: 6%.
Health: Infant mortality rate-17/1,000.
Per capita GDP: $3,200.
Life expectancy of newborns-72 years.
Natural resources: Copper, timber,
Official Name:
Work force (5.2 million): Services and
fish, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals,
Republic of Chile
government-36%. Industry and
and molybdenum.
commerce-34% Agriculture, forestry,
Agriculture and fisheries (8% of GDP):
and fishing-14%. Construction-7%.
Products-wheat, potatoes, corn, sugar
TLE
Mining-2%.
beets, onions, beans, fruits, livestock,
fish.
Government
Geography
Industry (17% of GDP): Types-mineral
Area: 756,945 sq. km. (302,778 sq. mi);
Type: Republic.
refining, metal manufacturing, food
Independence: September 18, 1810.
processing, fish processing, paper and
nearly twice the size of California
Cities: Capital-Santiago (metropolitan
Constitution: Approved in a 1980
wood products, finished textiles.
national referendum.
Trade: Exports-$9.4 billion: copper,
area est. 5.2 million). Other cities-
Branches: Ezecutive-president.
fishmeal, fruits, wood products, paper
Concepcion-Taleahuano (840,000); Vina
del Mar-Valparaiso (800,000);
Legislative-bicameral legislature.
products. Major markets-U.S. 18%,
Judicial-Supreme Court, courts of
Japan 16%, Argentina 6%, U.K. 6%,
Antofagasta (245,000); Ternuco (230,000).
Terrain: Desert in north; fartile central
appeal, military courts.
Germany 5%, Branl 4%. Imports-$10.7
Administrative subdivisions: 12
billion: petroleum, chemical products,
valley, volcanoes and lakes toward the
capital goods, vehicles, electronic
south, giving way to rugged and complex
numbered regions, plus Santiago
metropolitan region, administered by
equipment, consumer durables, machin-
coastline; Andes Mountains on the
intendentes, regions are divided into
ery. Major suppliers-U.S. 23%, Branl
eastern border.
10%, Japan 8%, Germany 0%, Argentina
Climate: Arid in north, Iike the Mediter-
provinces, administered by governors;
5%, Nigeria 4%.
ranean in center, cool and damp in south.
provinces are divided into municipalities
Exchange rate: 420 pesos-U.S.$1. и
administered by mayors.
)
United States Department of State
Vol. V, No. 14
Bureau of Public Affairs
Office of Public Communication
PEOPLE
About 86% of Chile's population live in
urban centers; 40% live in greater
Sentiago. Most have Spanish ancestry,
but 8 small, yet influential, number of
Irish and English immigrants came to
Code during the colonial period. German
immigration began in 1848 and lasted for
90 years; the southern provinces of
Valdivia, Lienquince, and Ouorno show a
strong German infrance. Other signifi-
cant immigrant groups are Italian,
Yugosiev, French, and Arab. About
400,000 persons of predominantly
aboriginal descent, mostly of the
=
Mapuche tribe, reside in the south-
\
Pacific
central area, around Tennuco.
-
i
The northern Chilesn desert contains
-
!
great minoral wealth, primarlly copper
Ocean
and altrates. The relatively small
central area dominates the country in
terms of population and agricultural
resources. This is also the historical
center from which Chile expanded until
the late 19th century, when k incorpo-
-
BLAS -
rated its northern and southern regions.
! I
Southern Chile is rich in forests and
grazing lands and features a string of
volcanoes and lakes. The southern coast
is a labyrinth of fjords, inlets, eanals,
18 -
Isla Sala
, Gémez
twisting peninsulas, and islands It also
has small, rapidly declining petroleum
reserves, which supplied about 10% of
5
-
Chile's domestic requirements during
1993.
.99 NO
1
HISTORY
"
Б
Atlantic
Easter Island
-
About 10,000 years ago, migrating
-
Hole " Passenal
Indians followed the line of the Andes
and settled in fartile valleys and along
the coast of what is now Chile. The
Takes
Incas briefly extended their empire into
the north, but the area's remoteness
Chile
prevented extensive settlement.
FALKLAND ISLANDS
In 1541, the Spanish, under Pedro de
AS BM
Vaklivia, encountered about 1 million
International boundery
National copital
Indians from various cultures who
Refreed
be us.
Read
-
I
supported themselves principally
+
International airport
through alash-and-burn agriculture and
"
- - les
hunting. Although the Spanish did not
I
find the gold and silver they sought
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
I 1
-
there, they recognized the agricultural
CAPS
I
potential of Chile's central valley, and
.
Chile became part of the Viceroyalty of
Peru.
2
The drive for independence from
Radical Party dominance (1932-52), the
These factors, plus consure of the
Spain was precipitated by usurpation of
state increased its role in the economy.
Allende Government by the Chilean
the Spanish throne by Napoleon's
Despite these tendencies, presidents
Congress, judiciary, and comptroller
brother Joseph A national junta in the
generally were more conservative than
general for many abuses-including
ns
Ferdinand-heir to the deposed
the parties supporting them, and
violations of the constitution-helped
k
ras formed on September 18,
conservative political elements contin-
produce a military coup that overthrew
18.0 spanish attempts to reimpose
usd to exert considerable power over the
Allende on September 11, 1972, after
arbitrary rule during what was called
economy.
armed forces bembarded and attacked
the Reconquista led to a prolonged
The 1964 presidential election of
the presidential palace. Allends did not
struggle under Bernardo O'Higgina,
Christian Democrat Eduardo Frei by an
survive the coup. His death was
Chile's most renowned patriot. Chilean
absolute majority initisted a period of
reported efficially as a suicide.
independence was formally proclaimed
major reform. Under the slogan
The new military regime, led by
on February 12, 1818.
"Revolution in Liberty," the Frei
Angusto Pinochot, severely repressed
The political revolution brought Httle
Administration-the first Christian
personved apponents, especially those
social change, however, and 19th-century
Democratic government in Latin
believed to be Marxista. Congress was
Chilean society preserved the essence of
Americe-emberked on far-reaching
abolished, and all political parties
the stratified colonial social structure,
social and economic programs, particu-
hanned. Thousands of Chilesns were
family politics, and the influence of the
larly in education, housing, and agrarian
imprisoned or expelled from the country.
Roman Catholic Church. The system of
reform, including rural unionization of
About 700 others disappeared after
presidential absolutism eventually
agricultural workers. By 1967, however,
arrest by security forces and are
predominated, but wealthy landowners
Frei encountered increasing opposition
presumed dead.
continued to control Chile.
from leftists, who charged that his
During its 16 years in power, the
Toward the end of the 19th century,
reforms were inadequate, and from
military moved Chile away from sco-
Chile consolidated its position in the
conservatives, who found them exces-
nomic statism toward a largely free-
south by ruthlessly suppressing the
sive. At its term's end, the Frai Admin-
market economy, fostering an increase in
Mapuche Indiana. In 1881, it signed a
istration had noteworthy accomplish-
domestic and foreign private investment.
treaty with Argentina confirming
ments but did not achieve the party's
After years of repression, the regime
Chilean sovereignty over the Strait of
ambitious goals.
began to reinstitutionalize political life
Magellan. As a result of the War of the
The 1970 presidential election was
and permit broad freedom of assembly,
Pacific against Peru and Bolivis (1879-
won narrowly by Dr. Salvador Allende, a
speech, and association, including trade
B3). Chile expanded its territory north-
Marxist and member of Chile's Socialist
union activity.
was hv almost one-third and acquired
Party, who headed the "Popular Unity"
General Pinochet was denied another
VI
nitrate deposits, the exploits-
(UP) coalition of socialists, communists,
eight-year term as President in &
tic.
which led to an era of national
radicals, and dissident Christian Demo-
national plebiacite on October 5, 1988.
affluence.
crats His program included the take-
On December 14, 1989, Christian
Although Chile established a repre-
over of much of Chile's remaining
Democrat Patricio Aylwin, running as
sentative democracy in the early 20th
private industries and banks, massive
the candidate of a 17-party enalition, was
century, it soon became unstable and
land expropriation and collectivization,
elected President. After a four-year
degenerated into a system protecting
and the nationalization of U.S. interests
transition period, former President Frei
the interests of the ruling oligarchy. By
in Chile's major copper mines.
was elected President of the Republic for
the 1920s, the emerging middle and
Elected with only 36% of the vote and
a six-year term and took office in March
working classes were powerful enough
by a plurality of only 36,000 votes,
1994.
to elect a reformist president, whose
Allende never enjoyed majority support
In the Senate races, the ruling
program was frustrated by a conserva-
in the Chilean Congress or broad popular
ecalition of four center-left parties won
tive congress. Continuing political and
support. By 1973, most domestic
54% of the vote (and took half the seats),
economic instability resulted in the
production had declined, and severe
while the opposition right won 20% of
quasi-dictatorial rule of Gen Carlos
shortages of consumer goods, food, and
the vote (and took the other half). The
Ibanez (1924-32).
manufactured products were wide-
Senate contains 21 members from the
When constitutional rule was re-
spread. Inflation reached 1,000%, and a
governing coalition, 17 from the rightist
stored in 1932, a strong middle-class
general collapes of the economy seemed
opposition, and 8 senstors designated in
party, the Radicals, emerged. It became
inevitable to many. There were mass
1989 by the Pinochet Government for
the key force in coalition governments
demonstrations against the government,
eight-year terms. In the race for the
for the next 20 years. In the 1920s,
recurring strikes, violence by both
Chamber of Deputies, the ruling ecali-
Marxist groups with strong popular
government supporters and opponents,
tion won 58% of the vote and 58% of the
support developed. During the period of
and widespread rural unrest. Chilean
sents.
society split into hostile camps.
)
3
GOVERNMENT
Mary. Adm. Jorge marane Dusch
60 around 40%. international copper
The constitution was approved in a
directs the 29,000 person may, including
PI
continue to have a major effect on
September 1980 national plebiacite by a
5,200 marines. The fleet of 11 surface
overall economic performance, however,
vessels and four submarines is based in
two-thirds majority. It entered into
as each 1%-per-pound increase in namel
force in March 1981. Following discus-
Valparaiso. The navy operates its own
copper prices adds about $44 million to
aircraft.
sions between the minister of interior,
export revenues.
Air Force: Air General Ramon Vega
the leader of the coalition parties
Under the democratic government
Hidalgo heads a force of 12,000. Air
opposing Pinochet, and the president of
which took office in 1990, the purmit of
assets are distributed among four air
the center-right National Renewal
mecrosconomie stability within the
brigndes headquartered in Iquique,
Party, a list of amendments to the
framework of a market economy
Santiago, Puerto Montt, and Punta
constitution was submitted to a plebi-
become a national goal This newly
Arenaa. The air force also operates an
scite and endorsed by more than 85% of
elected government responded to the
the electorate. The reforms eased
airbase on King George Island,
danger of an overheating economy with
Antartica.
provisions for amending the constitution,
an adjustment plan that reduced GDP
After the military coup in September
increased the number of senstors,
growth to 2% in 1990. Growth rese to
diminished the role of the national
1972, the Chilean national police were
0% in 1991 and reached 10% in 1993, well
security council, and equalized the
incorporated into the defense ministry.
above the estimated medium-term rate
Wkh the return of democratic govern-
of S%-0%. The central bank raised
number of civilian and military members.
ment, the police were placed under the
interest rates in 1982 to reduce the risk
A 1994 amendment set the presidential
operational control of the interior
term at six years.
of inflation. This, and a rapid fall in the
Senators serve for eight years with
ministry. They are led by General
prices of Chile's principal export prod-
staggered terms; deputies are elected
Stange, who directs a paramilitary force
nots led to a slowdown in growth rates in
of 27,000 engaged in law enforcement,
1993 and early 1994. GDP growth was
every four years. The Congress is
located in the port city of Valparaiso,
traffic management, narcotics suppres-
e% in 1993 and expected to reach 4%-
sion, border control, and counter-
about 140 kilometers (84 mi.) west of the
4.5% in 1994 before rising in 1995.
terrorism throughout Chile
Although growth slowed in 1993,
capital, Santiago.
Chile's congressional elections are
overall economic activity was healthy.
governed by a unique binomial system
Principal Government Officials
Inflation fall alightly. Unemploy
that inevitably rewards large coalition
President-Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagie
reached a 20-year low-4.0%-for the
slates and punishes small independent
Foreign Affairs-
year, and employment growth was well
parties. Each coalition can run two
Jose Miguel Insulza
above population growth, as women
continued to enter the labor force in
candidates for the two Senate and
Ambassador to the United States—
Chamber seats apportioned to each type
John Biehl Del Rio
record numbers. A decline in exports to
of electoral district. Typically, the two
Ambassador to the Organization of
$9.4 billion and an increase in imports to
$10.7 billion led to the first trade deficit
largest coalitions split the seats in a
American States (OAS)-
in a decade and a current account deficit
district. Only if the leading alate outpolls
Edmundo Vargas Carreno
the second place finisher by a margin of
Ambassador to the United Nations-
of almost 5% of GDP. Continuing capital
inflows more than balanced the current
more than 2 to 1 does the winner gain
Juan Somavia Altamirano
account deficit, however, and net
both seats.
Chile maintains an embassy in the
The political parties with the largest
international reserves rose by 8%, to
United States at 1732 Massachusetts
representation in the Chilean Congress
$9.8 billion, during the year. The
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
are the centrist Christian Democrat
slowdown in growth rates appeared to
(tel 202-785-1746).
Party and the center-right National
have ended by mid-1994, with higher
Renewal Party. The Communist Party
export prices and continuing export
ECONOMY
and two green (ecological) parties failed
growth signaling renewed dynamism in
Chile has a diversified free market
that sector.
to gain a seat.
economy and one of the most educated
In recent years, Chile has taken
work forces in Latin America. The
several steps to open both domestic and
National Security
economy rests on exports of natural
foreign markets. It lowered tariffs on
The armed forces are subject to civilian
resources and primary products, with
nearly all imports from 15% to 11% in
control exercised by the president
copper, fishmeal, fresh fruit, and
1991. Since 1991, the country has signed
through the minister of defense. How-
woodpulp as the principal export
free trade agreements with Mexico,
ever, each service is headed by a
products. Chile is the world's largest
Colombia, and Venemela, continued
commander-in-chief.
producer and exporter of copper, with
negotiating an agreement with Eendor,
Army: 55,000 troops under Augusto
reserves estimated at 20% of the world
and is expected to begin negotiations on
Pinochet. The army is organized into six
total Rapid growth in non-copper
a trade-Hberalizing agreement with the
divisions, one separate brigade, and an
four-member Southern Cone Common
exports during the last decade has
air wing.
reduced copper's share of total exports
Market. Chile also has signed invest-
(
4
ment protection agreements with about
principally irrigated; in the southern
Chile is enjoying a major boom in
12 European, Latin American, and Asian
half, rainfall is plentiful and furnishes
direct foreign investment in its mineral
nations. Chile is expected to be the next
ample water for both erops and
sector based upon its strong geological
nation to enter into B free trade agree-
pastureland. Although land devoted to
base and the favorable investment
rent with the U.S.
export crops has increased over the last
regime which the democratic govern-
In recent years, Chile also has become
two decades, traditional crops (grains,
ment has maintained. Major U.S.,
much more integrated with world
offsseds, sugar beets, otc) still play an
Canadian, U.K., and Japanese natural
financial marketa The country's foreign
important role in the agricultural
resource firms have invested in large,
debt is below 50% of annual CDP, and
economy. Of Chile's 300,000 farms,
new copper and gold mines. Several
private firms have increasingly raised
about 50% produce whest. Chile also
important new projects are planned. At
capital in international markets via
possesses a significant livestock sector.
the same time, CODELCO, the state
horrowing or issuing bonds Over a
Chile is a net agricultural exporter,
copper enterprise and the world's
dozen firms have sold stock overseas.
with exports more than two times
largust copper producer, plans to carry
Both domestic and foreign investment
greater than imports. Fresh and
out major investments in coming years
have reached record levels, and the
processed fruits and vegetables account
to make up for declining production at its
economy has registered large capital
for more than 70% of total farm exports.
existing mines.
account surpluses. Investment inflows
Principal imports include wheat, beef,
Bituminous coal is mined in the Gulf
have been so strong that the govern-
vegetable oils, corn, and dry milk. The
of Arauca region, south of Concepcion,
ment has felt obliged to impose non-
entire agricultural sector (including
and in the area around Valdivia. These
interest-bearing reserve requirements
forestry and farmed fish) now accounts
aging, underground mines are facing
on foreign borrowing to discourage
for more than 85% of Chile's total export
painful retrenchment. A modern, low-
inflows of short-term capital attracted by
earnings. The country is the southern
cost, open-pit coal mine exists north of
high Chilean interest rates.
hemisphere's top fresh fruit exporter
the Strait of Magellan. Chilean coal
In June 1991, the U.S. and Chile
and the world's second-largest producer
faces competition from coal imported
signed an agreement to forgive a portion
and exporter of farmed salmon.
from Colombia and Venezuela, however.
of Chile's PL 480 (Food for Paace) debt
The growth in Chile's forestry sector
All of Chile's domestic petroleum
to the U.S. under the Enterprise for the
has been equally impressive, both as a
production is from the Strait of Magellan
Americas Initiative. Chile and the U.S.
result of natural advantages and
and the island of Tierra del Fuego at the
signed in 1993 an environmental frame-
government incentives to commercial
southern tip of the country. The state-
work agreement under which Chilean
forestry planting. Over the past two
owned petroleum company, ENAP, is
payments on aid loans will be used for
decades, forest plantings have increased
the country's only producer of crude oil
domestic environmental projects.
around tenfold, while exports of forest
and natural gas, although several foreign
products jumped almost 20 times in
petroleum firms have been granted
Agriculture
volume.
exploration contracts. Domestic petro-
The agricultural sector plays a key role
The United States is Chile's principal
leurn production provided about 10% of
in Chile's export-led economy. Agricul-
agricultural trading partner. Although
domestic petroleum consumption in the
tural output has benefited from policy
Chile's agricultural exports to the U.S.
first quarter of 1994.
reforms which have significantly reduced
greatly exceed U.S. farm sales to Chile,
the margin has narrowed in recent
FOREIGN RELATIONS
government involvement in agriculture.
These reforms, combined with natural
years. In 1993, Chile exported $610
resource advantages, use of advanced
million of fresh fruits and other agricul-
With the transition to democracy
tural products to the U.S. Chile im-
complete, Chile has become an active
production technology, and improved
marketing, have doubled Chile's agricul-
ported $121 million in agricultural
participant in the international political
arena. It is an active member of the Rio
tural production since 1980. Government
products from the U.S., a 83% increase
involvement in agriculture is now
over the previous year's total
Group, and it rejoined the Non-Aligned
Movement. Chile is a driving force in the
principally limited to import protection
for whest, sugar beet, and oilseed
Minerals and Mining
world summit for social development to
be held in Copenhagen in March 1995.
producers.
Mining continues to play a critical role in
The Chilean Government has reestab-
Because much of the country is
Chile's economy, despite increasing
lished diplomatic relations with most of
unsuitable for farming. cultivated land
diversification. For 1994. minerals are
the countries that broke them during the
accounts for only about 3% of Chile's
expected to account for 46% of Chile's
military regime but maintains only
total area. Most farming occurs in the
exports, with a value of $4.8 billion.
consular relations with Bolivia and Cuba
rich central valley, which extends from
Copper exports alone will account for
Often driven by economic interesta,
the area north of Santiago to Puerto
more than 75% of that total La addition
relations between Chile and its other
Montt, 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south
to copper, Chile is an important exporter
Latin American neighbors have signifi-
of the capital. Agricultural production in
of gold, ailver, molybdenum, iron are,
cantly improved. Relations with
the northern half of the country is
and non-metallic minerals such as
lithium and iodine.
Argentina and Bolivis, although at times
Frei Government has sought a "special
still strained by controversy over border
TravelInformation
relationship" with the United States
issues, are improving.
President Clinton and President Frei
The loss of territory by Peru and
The U.S. Department of State's Con-
agreed to a consultative framework to
via to Chile during the war of the
sular Information Program provides
Travel Warnings and Consular
increase the scope and frequency of
the (1879-83) continues to influence
Information Sheets. They can be
consultations on issues of common
some of its neighbors' national attitudes
obtained by telephone at (202) 647.
concern.
and policies. Bolivia seeks an outlet to
5225 or by fax at (202) 647-3000; to
the see and severed relations with Chile
access the Consular Affairs Butletin
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
in 1978, following a breakdown in
Board by computer modem, dial (202)
negotiations. By treaty, any Bolivian-
647-0225. Travel Warnings are is.
Ambassador-
Chilean agreement involving former
sued when the Department recom-
Gabriel Guerra Mondragon
mends that Americans avoid travel to
Peruvian territory also would require
Deputy Chief of Mission-
a certain country. Consuler Informa-
Michael W. Cotter
Peru's agreement. However, Peru
tion Sheets exist for of countries and
Public Affairs Officer-
maintains an embassy in Chile, and
Include information on immigration
recent high level trips by Bolivian
Barbara C. Moore
practices, currency regulations, health
leaders to Chile suggest improved
conditions, areas of instability, crime
Political Counselor-PhIllip T. Chicola
relations. While politics frame current
and security Information, political
Economic Counselor-
Chilean foreign relations, economic
disturbances, and the addresses of
Anthony J. Interlandi
the U.S. embassies and consulates in
Administrative Counselor-
integration with its neighbors has
the subject country.
become a driving force in Chilean foreign
F. Coleman Parrott
Travelers can check the latest
policy.
information on health requirements
Chief, Consular Section-
and conditions with the U.S. Centers
Richard S. Mann
U.S.-Chilean Relations
for Disease Control and Prevention in
Commercial Attache-Carlos F. Poza
Atlanta, Georgia. A hotine at (404)
Defense Attache-
Relations between the two countries are
332-4559 provides telephonic or tax
Capt. (USN) Thomas L Breitinger
better than at any other time in history.
information on the most recent health
Chief, U.S. Military Group-
Many members of the Chilean Govern-
advisories, Immunization recommen-
CoL. (USAF) Steven E. Cady
ment were active in the opposition to the
dations or requirements, and advice
Agricultural Attache-Richard B. Helm
military regime and appreciate the role
on food and drinking water safety for
regions and countries. A booklet
Labor Attache-Joseph C. McLean
played by the United States in Chile's
entitled Health Information for Interna-
U.S.AID Representative-
ocratic transition.
tional (HHS publication number
Thomas Nicastro
a 1976 car bomb assassination in
CDC-94-8280, price $7.00) is evall.
Peace Corps Director-
nington, DC, of Orlando Letelier, a
able from the Superintendent of
David Valenmela
former Chilean ambassador to the
Documents, U.S. Government Print.
United States and a member of Presi-
ing Office, Washington, DC 20402,
The U.S. embassy and consulate in
tel. (202) 512-1800.
Santiago are located at 2800 Andres
dent Allende's cabinet, and Ronni
Information on travel also may be
Bello Avenue, Las Condes, (tel (562)
Moffitt, a U.S. citizen, caused a sharp
obtained from this country's embassy
deterioration in relations and led the
232-2600). The mailing address is
and/or consulates in the U.S. (see
Casilla 27-D, Santiago, Chile (FAX:
U.S. Congress to ban security assistance
*Principal Government Officials"). O
562-330-2710).
and arms sales to Chile
In 1981, Congress banned all military
sales to Chile until the President
that a commander and an operations
Published by the U.S. Department of State
Buress of Public Affairs . Office of Public
determined that Chile had made signifi-
officer in the Pinochet-ara secret police
Communication . Washington, DC
cant human rights progress, was not
had ordered the assassination and
November 1994 . Managing Editor.
aiding international terrorism, and had
sentenced them to prison. The Chilean
Peter A. Knecht
taken appropriate steps to cooperate in
Government has made an ex gratis
Department of State Publication 7998
Background Notes Series . This material is in
bringing to justice those indicted by a
payment to the victims of the families.
the public domain and may be reprinted
U.S. grand jury in connection with the
President Aylwin's state visit to the
without permission; eltation of this source is
assassination.
United States in May 1992 was the first
appreciated.
Responding to the Aylwin Govern-
in more than 40 years. President
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents,
Eduardo Freis working visit to the
US Government Printing Office, Washington,
ment's commitment to bring the case to
DC 20402
justice in the Chilean judicial system,
United States in June 1994 was his first
President Bush issued a finding in late
trip outside of South America as head of
1990 that removed the sanctions. The
state.
United States continued to press for
Chile is currently the only country
justice in the Letelier/Moffitt case. The
that the Clinton Administration has
Chilean special investigating judge found
identified as meeting NAFTA criteria to
negotiste 8 free trade agreement. The
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DRAFT 3
Address by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
at the University of Chile
Santiago, Chile
October 13, 1995
It is a great pleasure to be here in Chile today and to join
you at this great university.
The University of Chile is one of Latin America's premier
institutions of higher learning, forged in the last century by
Chileans with the participation of some of the world's leading
scholars, like its founders, Andres Bello from Venezuela,
educator Ignacio Domeyko from Poland, physician Laurence Sazie
from France, naturalist Rudolph Philippi from Germany, and jurist
Eugenio Maria de Hostos from Puerto Rico.
From the beginning, your university has been a center of
international thought, bringing students and faculty into
intellectual contact and debate with the world outside. This
university can rightfully boast that all but two of this
country's democratically elected Presidents are alumni. You
suffered along with others the years of intervention; but you
have recovered the right to free inquiry that is the essence of
education and liberty.
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Chile and the United States have a close and firm
relationship built on common ideals and shared commitment to
democracy, social justice and equality of opportunity. We have
worked together for many decades. I an pleased that we also have
been partners with you here at the University of Chile, at the
creation of the School of Geology and the Labor and Organization
Department, sending faculty to Cornell's MA and Phd program in
Labor studies, and benefitting from joint scientific research.
Like the great poet Ruben Dario, who came here a century ago
from his native Nicaragua to learn and to write, I also have come
here from Nicaragua.
Chile already has passed perhaps the most crucial hurdle in
the restoration of democratic institutions -- the transfer of the
mantle of the presidency from one democratically elected
President, don Patricio Aylwin, to & second, President Eduardo
Frei. Nicaragua is poised to overcome that second hurdle next
year with the election of a successor to President Violeta
Barrios de Chamorro.
During one of his long periods of exile, your Nobel laureate
Pablo Neruda wrote a famous poem, "When":
"Oh, Chile, long petal
of sea and wine and snow,
oh when oh when and when
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will I be home again?
...
"Oh when, patria, at election time
will I go from house to house
leading timid freedom by the hand
to shout in the middle of the street?'
For Chile, the question of "when" was answered in with the
unceasing march of the people to restore the rule of law, to
achieve respect for human rights, and to guarantee open, free and
fair elections. It was answered in the countless struggles for
human rights over so many long years. It was answered in the
triumph of the "No" campaign in the plebescite and in the victory
of the Concertacion and President Aylwin.
It was answered by President Frei placing over his head the
Presidential sash his father once wore, so powerfully symbolizing
the linkage to Chile's democratic heritage.
It was answered by everyone of you here, and the answer is
NOW-AND FOREVER.
During these past five years, the people of Chile have done
far more than restore democratic institutions. You have
maintained a strong, political coalition, fostered a vigorous
debate with the political opposition and produced a growing
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national consensus that strong market-led growth without
inflation can be maintained under democratic governance.
Your economic growth was built in large part on expanding
your markets abroad. Chile, like the United States, continues to
see its economy grow through rising trade with the rest of the
hemisphere and the world at large. The United States already
exports more to Chile with your 14 million people than to India
with its 920 million. The Administration of President Clinton
remains fully committed to hemisphere economic integration, and I
am personally convinced that Chile will become a partner with us
in NAFTA. Together we will help create the largest Free Trade
Area in the history of the world by the year 2005.
Your economic statistics deserve to be cited: an average of
7.3% GDP growth since 1991, more than 6% for a decade; inflation
declining from 26% in 1990 every single year to 11.4% last year
and today to 7.4%; unemployment at a low of 5.3%.
But most significant is the fact that 1.3 million fewer
people are living in poverty today than in 1990. In fact, from
1990 to 1994, there was a 30% drop in the portion of the
population living in poverty (40.1% to 28.5%).
You have shown the way across the continent to those who
questioned whether your democracy could maintain steady economic
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reform and also produce a public-private partnership that
included the poor.
When people ask where can we see the recovery of democracy,
I say, "Look to Chile."
When people ask where can we see democracy and sustainable
economic growth, I say "Look to Chile."
When people ask where can we see democracy, sustainable
growth and poverty reduction, I say, "Look to Chile."
Democracy, sustainable economic growth and investing
in people--those are critical tests for any society, and the
government of Chile, the private sector of Chile, and the people
of Chile are meeting that test.
President Frei has maintained the high priority of your
democratic government on social development. That focus on human
capital investment, investing in people, constitutes the full
expression of the Partnership for Prosperity and Development
announced at the Summit of the Americas in Miami last year.
Your democratic resurgence also has carried with it another
key element of the Summit commitment. It has unleashed an
explosion of civic organizations in every sphere of society.
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Civil society has become a vigorous partner alongside government
in environment, public advocacy, health, education and legal
assistance.
Groups like Participa, CDU (Corporation for University
Promotion), CIDE (Center for Educational Development), and
Aprofa, are part of the democratic awakening and I am pleased
that USAID has been able to support those groups in working for
change and development.
Your First Lady, Mrs. Frei also is engaged directly with
many of the groups on the front lines of concerns with education
and women, like Integra with its focus on early childhood
education, PRODEMU working on vocational education for adult
women and the Foundation for the Family which recognizes and
supports families.
The development of Chile's institutions stems from the
resilience, courage and special talent of the Chilean people. We
have worked closely with you as a partner as you have laid the
foundations for broad-based economic growth here.
Democracy, broad-based economic growth, poverty reduction,
and environmental protection were the themes of the Summit of the
Americas. They are the basis for our belief that the coming
century can be one of prosperity for every nation of the
6.
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Americas. And, each of those pillars of the Summit, to a
considerable degree, revolves around one fundamental source of
energy and purpose--the education of our peoples.
Chile and the United States have long recognized the
critical importance of education in the process of democratic
change. We can see that one of the dominant themes of modern
democratic governments in this country, as in my own, has been
the importance of education and the importance of insuring that
women have full access to learning.
Thomas Jefferson, one of our founders, wrote: "I know of no
safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the
people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to
exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is
not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by
education."
Both of our nations have understood that education is the
stairway that offers every child the hope of reaching his or her
dreams.
In 1964, when President Eduardo Frei came to office he said,
"I am here to give education to all the children of Chile, and to
open to them all the opportunities, without another limit than
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their own capacity, in the certainty that a people that overcomes
ignorance inevitably defeats misery and servitude."
His campaign identified 186,000 out-of-school youngsters and
turned storerooms and offices into classrooms.
To appreciate the educational advances of Chile and your
fulfillment of the rhetoric of equality of education opportunity,
one can look at a single fact: In 1970, nearly 16 per cent of the
women employed in Chile were in technical or professional
positions when the comparable figure for the United States was 14
per cent.
That same Chilean commitment to education continues today
and has yielded impressive rates of progress. Chile has achieved
95% literacy, almost 100 per cent elementary school coverage, 76%
secondary school coverage and a major commitment to
decentralization.
Chile is one of the leaders in the education reform
revolution taking place in the hemisphere. And it is that
revolution and the challenge of education that I would like to
discuss with you today.
That challenge extends beyond Chile to every country in the
hemisphere including my own.
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At the Summit of the Americas, the plan of action stated,
"Universal literacy and access to education at all levels,
without distinction by race, national origin or gender, are an
indispensable basic for sustainable social and cultural
development, economic growth and democratic stability.
Fundamentally, education must fulfill its multiple roles: as
a source of democratic citizenship and civic participation, as a
creator of human capital and international competitiveness, and
as an equalizing mechanism of social opportunity.
Those objectives are as relevant for the United States as
they are for any country in the hemisphere. It is why President
Clinton viewed investing in people as the core of his social
agenda when he was elected. It is why we expanded Head Start
programs to pre-school children and sought to make direct loans
available to college students.
We depend on today's students to build our economies
tomorrow, to unravel the mysteries of untold scientific endeavors
and to learn more about human needs and human institutions and
how to make them work effectively.
The consensus Summit goal was to attain by the year 2010, a
primary completion rate of 100% and a secondary enrollment rate
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of at least 75% and to prepare programs to eradicate illiteracy,
prevent truancy and improve human resources training.
To meet those goals, education reform in the Americas
demands that we address together the challenges of access,
equity, and quality. They must be addressed together because they
are closely and intricately bound together.
Most of the region of the Americas offers access at the
initial school level to children 6 to 11 years of age. The
average is nearly 86%, not as good as Chile, but still far higher
than other developing regions of the world.
But, barely half of children finishing elementary school
have access to further education. In more than a half dozen
countries, that rate hovers around 30%.
The level of access for women in countries with high
indigenous populations continues to be unacceptably low,
particularly for high school.
The issue of quality of education is clear when we look at
what happens to children once they get to school. It is estimated
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that 20% of children enter school late, 42% repeat the first
grade, and barely 50% ever graduate from elementary school.
Estimates are that $4 billion is spent each year on teaching
primary school repeaters.
Statistics for indigenous populations in several countries
show average completion rates of less than four years of school
for boys and even less for girls. Part of the reason is the lack
of adequate facilities; part of the reason is the lack of
adequate teaching techniques; and part of the reason is the lack
of political will.
How can nations build vigorous economies when half of the
potential work force never achieves a primary school education.
Some of the countries in the hemisphere with per capita income
even higher than in Chile still have three out of every four
entering children failing to complete elementary school.
The Summit plan of action defined a fundamental strategy for
responding to these challenges:
First, it called for adequate funding for decentralization
of elementary and secondary education to expand access of
opportunity and the quality of what is taught in the schools
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through broad participation and engagement of parents, educators,
and community and government leaders.
Here in Chile the government's decision last year to
increase public expenditure on education from 4.5% of GDP to 7%
of GDP by 1999 sends a strong message to the entire region
regarding the importance of education to Chile's plans for
economic growth and social advance.
Second, the Summit called for improved human resource
training and technical, vocational, professional and teacher
training as part of pursuit of an educated work force equal to
the demands of international competition. It specifically charged
business and the international financial institutions with making
worker education more relevant to the marketplace.
Again in Chile, we can see in the program I just visited at
the
school, evidence of what can be done. Competency-based
teaching innovations managed by a the Chilean NGO, CIDE, and
supported by USAID have helped students from lower income
backgrounds obtain the jobs skills needed for upward mobility. In
the process, a public-private sector partnership in education has
begun.
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Third, the Summit directed a focus on the education of
indigenous children and particularly girls and women as is
essential in several countries in the Americas. Nations cannot
afford to open the doors of learning to only half of their
people.
Finally, universities must continue to be centers of
learning and intellectual expansion even as they provide the
critical level of preparation for our Nation's business,
professional and political leaders.
However, there must be a careful examination to insure that
government subsidies for those who can easily pay for the highest
levels of education do not absorb the resources necessary to
assure access got the poor to the most basic levels of education.
Surely as we enter the 21st century, we can do better.
In assuring access, equity and quality there are unique and
exciting experiments in learning taking place in the Americas.
Here in Chile, the 900 Schools Program is one of those,
targeting primary schools in poverty areas and concentrating on
five fundamental areas of action: improving infrastructure;
focusing on the child's world and awakening teacher awareness to
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the cultural backgrounds of students; distributing textbooks;
creating a desire to read; and involving the community.
A democratic perspective was woven throughout the program by
calling on students, teachers, directors, supervisors, families
and community to reward personal initiative, participation and
responsibility and to break the vicious circle of poor
achievement in school.
In other countries, including my own and Canada, there are
innovations in learning that we can share with each other.
One of the initiatives of the Summit was the commitment to
create a hemispheric Partnership for Education Revitalization in
the Americas (PERA in English, PREA in Spanish).
Its purpose is to help countries adopt and implement
effective education reform policies. PERA will spread across the
hemisphere the best examples of how countries meet the challenges
of access, equity and quality in basic education for all
children.
PERA will be a consultative forum for governments, NGOs, and
international organizations. It will identify and showcase the
best programs and then disseminate and help countries replicate
those innovative programs, adapting them to each individual
national reality.
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I am pleased to announced that the United States will
provide some $3.75 million over the next five years to help fund
that hemispheric partnership with education leaders across the
Americas to identify the most innovative policies and programs in
girls and women's education, educational quality; school finance;
decentralization; and school-performance evaluation. The PERA
forum will identify those programs, work to disseminate them and
to help nations replicate them.
An American poet, Robert Frost, once wrote of someone's
death,
"And nothing to look backward to with
pride,
"And nothing to look forward to with hope."
We have the chance as we approach the 21st century to look
backward with pride on what we have done to open educational
opportunity to all Americans. We have the chance to insure that
every child can look forward with hope and in so doing we will
strengthen our democracies, build our mutual prosperity and move
us closer to just societies.
15
Fineberg # 812
meet at 8 am in
# 126
draft #1
Bre akfast to be served
there.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHILE
SANTIAGO, CHILE
OCTOBER 13, 1995
It is a great honor for me to be with you here in Santiago. This is my
first trip to South America, and I am delighted to have the chance to spend time
in your country, which represents so much hope and promise for democracy
and prosperity in our region of the world.
For me, it is always a special pleasure to visit a University, and I am
particularly delighted to visit the University of Chile. I once heard someone say
that "Chile's greatest export is its ideas." It was a reference not only to this
artists, MUSICIANS,
country's many great writers, poets, philosophers and teachers, but to an
1
approach to political and economic reforms that has become a model for many
nations on this continent.
Today, far too many nations around the world waste precious resources
on building weapons of mass destruction, staging wars, and doing violence to
basic human rights. Too often, natural resources are destroyed, and human ones
exploited through socially irresponsible behavior. Today, too much time is
spent in pursuit of power instead of in pursuit of peace and prosperity.
What we see occurring in Chile, however, is the kind of progress that
can be achieved when there is a genuine commitment to investing in people --
and that means investing in education and training, health care, and jobs and
respecting the rights of every citizen, including women, to participate fully in
the political life of their country.
Chile and the United States share a commitment to democracy, social
justice and equality of opportunity. We have worked together for many
decades. I am pleased that we also have been partners with you here at the
University of Chile, at the creation of the School of Geology and the Labor and
Organization Department and in faculty exchanges that have resulted in joint
scientific research.
Improving the quality of teaching and schooling has been a principal
focus of investment in both of our countries. That makes sense because
education, universally, is a cornerstone of any strong and lasting democracy.
I feel particularly keenly about this issue, not only because education has
played such an important role in my own life as well as my husband's, but
because around the world we have seen how the acquisition of knowledge and
2
skills can lift whole groups of people out of poverty and dependence and into
self-reliance and prosperity.
I learned about this firsthand when my husband was governor of
Arkansas, one of the poorest states in the United States. At the time he was
first elected in 1978, Arkansas ranked almost at the bottom in national measures
of education. For decades, there had been very little public support for the
schools. And there were very few resources available with which to initiate
reforms.
I became chair of his education task force and I spent days and weeks
and months traversing the state, talking to parents, teachers, community and
business leaders. And an extraordinary thing happened in Arkansas: business
leaders joined together to lobby the state legislature in support of a special tax
to raise money for education. It was unheard of to ask for any kind of tax, let
alone one for the public schools.
But businesses, whose successes depended so heavily on the availability
of an educated and skilled workforce, understood that better schools would
mean better workers. And better workers would mean greater prosperity for
individual families, communities, and for the state as a whole.
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Within a few years of the reform measure being approved, the quality of
teachers and schools had improved, as had the standard of living of many
people living in our state.
I tell you this long story because it mirrors so much of what you have
experienced here in Chile. Could Chile have succeeded in its transition to
democracy, or in the achievement of lasting economic growth, or in the
alleviation of poverty, without a commitment to education?
Would the United States have endured as the longest living democracy
without an education tradition that began with one-room schoolhouses on the
western frontier and extended to a nationwide system of public universities?
Throughout our hemisphere, we will continue to depend on today's
students to build the economies of tomorrow and to afford working people the
dream of middle-class life.
Increasingly, the nations of our hemisphere are recognizing that education
is central to our goals for the 21st century. For that reason, government leaders
participating in the Summit of the Americas in Miami last year agreed to create
a hemispheric Partnership for Education Reform Alternative. PERA will create
a network of public and private institutions working in concert to asure that
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children throughout Latin America not only receive schooling but are trained to
compete in the modern global economy.
I am pleased to announce that the United States will provide some $3.75
million over the next five years to help fund that hemispheric partnership with
education leaders across the Americas to identify the most innovative policies
and programs in girls and women's education, educational quality; school
finance; decentralization; and school performance evaluation. The PERA forum
will identify those programs, work to disseminate them and to help nations
replicate them.
Of course, education alone will not guarantee social and political
progress. As was made clear at last year's Miami Summit -- and made clear
again at the international women's conference in Beijing -- democracy,
prosperity and social progress cannot be sustained in countries where women
and girls are not valued as full and equal partners in society.
Some of you, like me, had the privilege of attending the United Nations
Fourth World Conference on Women last month. It was an extraordinary
coming together that succeeded in focusing world attention on theissues that
matter most to the lives of women and children.
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There were some -- even in my country -- who doubted that the
conference would result in any call to action or change. But the coference
achieved a remarkable consensus about what is needed to improve the lives of
women around the world. More than 180 nations endorsed a documnt that
reflects a new understanding that improving the lives of women makes for
strong, healthy, and loving families -- and that, in turn, if families are strong,
communities and nations will be strong too.
As I said in Beijing, the single most important message echoing forth
from that conference is that human rights are women's rights -- and women's
rights are human rights.
Now we must take the consensus of Miami and Beijing and move our
hemisphere forward by ensuring that women and girls have the opportunity to
fulfill their God-given potential in their homes, schools, communities and
workplaces.
Just yesterday, on my way here, I stopped in Nicaragua, a nation that has
started down the path to democracy and a market economy. The transition has
been difficult and about half the population continues to live in poverty. The
first stop I made was at a tiny bank in a barrio in Managua. It is run by 30
poor women who borrow modest amounts of money to invest in their own
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businesses. One woman told me she had started a bakery; another made
mosquito netting; a third was a seamstress. Not only had these women
organized themselves to improve their own circumstances, they were also
improving the circumstances of their families and communities. They were
taking control of their lives and their futures. One sign of their new self-esteem
and determination was that they have a loan repayment rate of 100 percent.
Small and seemingly insignificant initiatives such as these are changing
lives and changing nations. And they are sprouting up all over the globe. In
fact, one of the women at the bank in Managua asked me about my trip to India
last spring, because she knew I had visited a similar bank there.
Earlier today, I had the opportunity to visit Prodemu with your First
Lady. Here again is a wonderful example of how we can reach out to women --
through public and private institutions -- and help them secure training and
skills that enable them to get jobs and earn decent wages; the comprehensive
health services they need throughout their lives; and develop networks like
those offer them more opportunities to build better lives with scarce resources.
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We have the chance as we approach the 21st century to look backward
with pride on what we have done to open educational opportunity to all
Americans. We have the chance to insure that every child can look forward
with hope and in so doing we will strengthen our democracies, build our mutual
prosperity and move us closer to just societies.
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