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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: S FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records Collection/Office of Origin: Speechwriting, White House Office of Series: Speech File Draft Files Subseries: Chron File, 1989-1993 OA/ID Number: 13520 Folder ID Number: 13520-008 Folder Title: State Dinner--Congolese President Sassou-Nguesso 2/12/90 [OA 4391] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 25 6 7 5 To POTUS 2/8/90 McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.TST) PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [SASS-00 EN-GWES-00] ], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since, our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away toward free market economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help end an old evil -- Apartheid. And in Angola, as Cuban troops are leaving, our search for national reconciliation has intensified. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in Angola, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Your region is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # Plo. see comment, P. 2. Thanks, Jo. McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) PM 8:37 PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an old evil -- Apartheid. III And in Angola, as Cuban troops are leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps Dien that the old name for namilia was ik our two peoples africa 'this reference may be confusing, particularly can investment has when translated. Perhaps something like you ing my hometown of region would be better, the Congo has nterprise, placing JB. and opening the 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # Document No. 111756 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 02/07/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5:00 p.m. 02/08 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER -- CONGO PRESIDENT (02/07 draft one) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER N/C DARMAN ROGICH N/C BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI PINKERTON DEMAREST WINSTON У FITZWATER PORTER ROSE GRAY N/C FIRESTONE R HAGIN REMARKS: Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston by 5:00 p.m. on 02/08, with a copy to my office. Thanks. RESPONSE: 28:28 28 8 833 06 James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) PRES IDENTIAL REMARES: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-oo EN-GWES-00]], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress toward free morket thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an old evil -- Apartheid. III And in Angola, as Cuban troops are our scarch for has intensified leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Your usion Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # Document No. 111756 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM 1031 DATE: 02/07/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5:00 p.m. 02/08 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER -- CONGO PRESIDENT (02/07 draft one) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU > NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI PINKERTON DEMAREST WINSTON > FITZWATER PORTER ROSE d GRAY FIRESTONE R HAGIN REMARKS: Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston by 5:00 p.m. on 02/08, with a copy to my office. Thanks. RESPONSE: February 8, 1990 TO: CHRISS WINSTON NSC clears, with changes. G. Philip Hughes Executive Secretary James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President CC: James W. Cicconi and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 RECEIVED 90 FEB 8 A 9. 02 McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) IDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an old evil -- Apartheid. \\\ And in Angola, as Cuban troops are our off search for leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. has intensified. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice N.B.: Talks have not begun, 2 in Angolar talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # Document No. 111756 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 02/07/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5:00 p.m. 02/08 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER -- CONGO PRESIDENT (02/07 draft one) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU 9 NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI PINKERTON DEMAREST WINSTON A FITZWATER PORTER ROSE GRAY FIRESTONE HAGIN REMARKS: Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston by 5:00 p.m. on 02/08, with a copy to my office. Thanks. RESPONSE: OK Brune 3am for Say Rojesh James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) PRES IDENTIAL REMARES: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an old evil -- Apartheid. III And in Angola, as Cuban troops are leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # McNally comments McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 TST Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) ^ PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]] Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. BOLD The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an I end to an (2) old evil -- Apartheid. And in Angola, as Cuban troops are leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # Document No. 111756/ WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM EB8 P4:15 DATE: 02/07/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5:00 p.m. 02/08 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER -- CONGO PRESIDENT (02/07 draft one) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU 9 NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI PINKERTON DEMAREST WINSTON FITZWATER PORTER ROSE 8 GRAY FIRESTONE R HAGIN REMARKS: Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston by 5:00 p.m. on 02/08, with a copy to my office. Thanks. RESPONSE: M James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) PRESIDENTIAL REMARES: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an old evil -- Apartheid. And in Angola, as Cuban troops are leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 22, 1990 MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON FROM: STEPHEN G. RADEMAKEB sR ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks: State Dinner -- Congo President Pursuant to James Cicconi's request, Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced matter and has no objection to the presidential remarks as drafted. CC: James W. Cicconi 29 : 11v 8 833 06 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON February 8, 1990 MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON FROM: ROGER B. PORTER RBP SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks: State Dinner -- Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso I have reviewed and concur with the attached Presidential remarks for the State dinner for Congo President Denis Sassou- Nguesso, February 12. If you have any questions or we can help in any other way, please let me know. Attachment c: James W. Cicconi pr:6v 33813 06 Document No. 111756 WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM DATE: 02/07/90 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 5:00 p.m. 02/08 SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER -- CONGO PRESIDENT (02/07 draft one) ACTION FYI ACTION FYI VICE PRESIDENT MCCLURE SUNUNU NEWMAN SCOWCROFT PORTER DARMAN ROGICH BATES UNTERMEYER CARD ROGERS CICCONI PINKERTON DEMAREST WINSTON A FITZWATER PORTER ROSE GRAY FIRESTONE HAGIN REMARKS: Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss Winston by 5:00 p.m. on 02/08, with a copy to my office. Thanks. RESPONSE: James W. Cicconi Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Chief of Staff Ext. 2702 McNally/Simon February 7, 1990 Draft One (B:CONGO.AR) SIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO THE STATE DINING ROOM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M. Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]], Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you to the White House. We are very pleased you are here. Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our> people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations. When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago, our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained relations. But in the years since our countries have made real progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress thanks to your public commitment to move away from state- controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent. The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an old evil -- Apartheid. And in Angola, as Cuban troops are leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun. Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are, of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice 2 in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of peace and self-determination for the people of Angola. Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples are today increasing, and promising. Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the legislature to non-party groups. On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the United States and our best wishes for close and friendly relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant. The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo here in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term wisdom that's meant to last down through the years. Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of free markets and free ideas in your homeland. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON February 8, 1990 MEMORANDUM FOR ROGER B. PORTER FROM: STEPHEN P. FARRAR SE SUBJECT: Presidential Remarks: State Dinner -- Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso As requested, I have reviewed and concur with the Presidential remarks for the State dinner for Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, February 12. Recommendation: That you sign the memo at Tab A. Attachments Tab A Memo to Winston Tab B Incoming Staffing Memo