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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
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13575
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13575-008
Folder Title:
Greek Parliament 7/18/91 [OA 6035]
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26
17
2
4
NAME OF/ SPEECH & DATE OF SPEECH ThE Greek Parliament
7/15/91
NAME OF WRITER :
Snow 16rozsman / Simon
NAME OF RESEARCHER:
SPEECH SYNOPSIS:
Potus became his venur ka by
emphasizing the Gleek contributions
to Western civilization. He free
went onto contratulate Prime
Minister Karamanlis for his
courabe AND wiadom. A-O
elaborated on the importance of Good
relations between tutwo
countries in a past-old War eva.
In ADDITION to complimentiNG
the Prime Minister, Potal
iNdicated his interest in
improved security Mations.
To Accomplish this, Potus
to Gueen in the form of
willsend security assistance
aircraft. Finally, Potnet
arca the Prime Minister to
stop the disputes that
theater buece-Thirley relations.
Document No. 25364855
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 JUL 12 P2: 27
DATE:
7/12/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
NOON, MONDAY, JULY 1
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
SUBJECT:
JULY 19, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comment/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN NOON, MONDAY, JULY 15. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
91 JUL 12 PH 12: 06
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees]; Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] i Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]. of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. 1. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be. "
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your. land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 JUL is A9: 49
DATE:
7/16/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 15, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH
DAVID DEMAREST
TONY SNOW 75
SUBJECT
ADDRESS TO THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
I) Summary
You will appear before the Greek Parliament at 3:45 p.m. on
July 18. You will talk for approximately 15 minutes. The speech
will be translated simultaneously. You will read from cards; the
facility cannot accommodate a teleprompter.
II) Discussion
You are the fourth head of state to speak before the
Parliament (the Vouli), and the first American President to speak
there since President Eisenhower's address in 1959.
Your address will touch upon the role that ancient Greek
principles (especially democracy) have played in our nation's
development. You will stress importance of building stronger
Greek-American relations. You will discuss Greece's role in
NATO, in the world economy, and in the New World Order. You also
will urge the Greek people to resolve the Cyprus dispute.
Snow/Grossman/Simon
July 15, 1991
Draft two
GPARL. TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
JULY 18, 1991
3:35 p.m.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-leese] i Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese) ; Mr. Papandreou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to follow in the footsteps of such great
men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
great country where democracy was born two thousand five hundred
years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum (air-RICK-thee-um) ; of
Delphi (DEL-fee) and the cool Agean Sea. We learn that the great
disciplines -- philosophy, theology, drama, literature,
mathematics, biology, astronomy and politics -- were born on
these shores. We see in your monuments and museums the seeds
from which our republic of freedom grew.
Yet mankind is only beginning to grasp the magnitude of what
the early Greeks achieved. Through dozens of generations /
2
through the rise and fall of great empires / through wars and
plagues / through depressions and economic revolutions / through
the triumphs and travails of human life, one thing has endured:
the dream of democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here. //
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber today with a man
who symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese).
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese] hosted
President Eisenhower in 1959, and has done business with every
American President since Harry Truman. He restored democracy to
Greece in 1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its
present stature as a bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantin Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese]
built firm relations with the West, and helped secure Greek
membership in the European Community. He ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance. 11
To honor this great man and to stress the special quality of
our renewed relations with Greece, I would like to invite
President Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese] to visit the United States
next year for a state visit. I hope you will accept, sir, so the
3
American people will have an opportunity to express their
gratitude and admiration for you.
I also would like to repeat today an invitation to another
great man -- a man I trust and respect -- Prime Minister
Constantine Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keesel. 11 I have asked the
Prime Minister to make an official visit to our capital in the
near future. This trip would let the whole world know that our
friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure. 11 J]
" The American and Greek governments have had their share
of disagreements in recent years, but JJ as I stand before you
today, our relations seem stronger than ever. 11 We have
enhanced our economic ties with agreements on customs and civil
aviation. [[ We hope to conclude an agreement on tourism soon.
]] We have made great progress in the international fight
against terrorism.
In the next few days, I hope we will continue moving forward
together. We must build a more vibrant economic relationship.
While the United States is the largest investor in Greece, we
want to do more. We want to ensure that Americans can contribute
to lasting Greek prosperity. I therefore have asked our
Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade mission to Greece this
autumn.
We must strengthen our security relationship. We already
have forged solid ties through NATO. The United States will send
$350 million in security assistance to Greece this year; we have
just completed the sale of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-
4
class frigates. We will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E
aircraft to you. These agreements express our determination to
stand by you -- now and in years to come.
We will stand by you, as you stood by us in liberating
Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. Our coalition succeeded in no small
part because Prime Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese) and
the Greek people helped coalition forces move troops and
equipment to the war zone. This kind of support is nothing new.
In the Persian Gulf, as in the two world wars and Korea, Greece
sided with the forces of liberation. //
Greece has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
But now we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy. Although we have no roadmap to guide us
through this new world, we do have a sure compass in principles
forged here: the peaceful settlement of disputes / free
enterprise / an open world economic system and, of course,
democracy.
Here in Greece, you command an especially vivid view of this
world. Here, East meets West. Here, modern and ancient cultures
converge. Here, the New World Order will begin to emerge.
5
To the north, Europe's first post-Cold War crisis has
erupted, as the Balkan states struggle with newfound freedom --
and renewed ancient hatreds.
As an EC country and the most stable Balkan state, you have
a pivotal responsibility in preserving the peaceful development
of democracy. Your Balkan neighbors have turned to you for
guidance and help, and you have responded. You have served as an
example, a guide. You offer stability and hope to this troubled
and turbulent region.
To your east lies a neighbor that also helped liberate
Kuwait. Turkey joined the oil embargo; shut off cross-border
trade, and played a critical role in standing up to Saddam.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greece, Eleutherios Venizelos {el-eff-THAIR-ee-
OS ven-yet-ZEH-los], signed treaties of friendship and commerce
with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray that
these two nations might follow the example set by these giants.
[[ Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. 1] But you also have a
chance to solve the problem of Cyprus. In the new world I have
discussed, this old dispute seems out of place. We can no longer
accept the status quo on Cyprus. Today, I pledge that the United
States will do whatever it can to help Greece, Turkey and the
Cypriot people settle the Cyprus problem -- and do so this year.
6
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present President Karamanlis
[car-a-MON-leese], Prime Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese]
-- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our most sacred
political document, our Declaration of Independence. It was
written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that "Greece was
the first of civilized nations; presenting examples of what man
should be. "
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand near the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us build a world devoted to individual freedom and
worldwide opportunity. Let us stand together against agression,
oppression, tyranny -- and together for cooperation, stability,
and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
7
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZEH-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. Let us join in commerce, in diplomacy, in
security. Let us strengthen our bonds of blood, of trade, of
culture. The American people stand ready.
I look forward to working further with Prime Minister
Mitsotakis and the people of Greece on the issues we have
discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their genius. 11
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amid the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas!//
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 2536485
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 JUL is P2: 27
7/12/91
NOON, MONDAY, JULY :
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
SUBJECT:
JULY 19, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER NK
DARMAN
ROGICH N/C
BRADY
SMITH N/C
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
1Pm HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comment/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN NOON, MONDAY, JULY 15. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
91 JUL 12 Pii 12: 06
Draft one
GPARL. TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees] i Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] i Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be."
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 2536485
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
7/12/91
NOON, MONDAY, JULY :
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
SUBJECT:
JULY 19, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comment/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN NOON, MONDAY, JULY 15. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
On or
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
91 JUL 12 PH12: 06
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees] ; Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] ; Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees]
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be."
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 2536485
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
7/12/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
NOON, MONDAY, JULY ]
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
SUBJECT:
JULY 19, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comment/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN NOON, MONDAY, JULY 15. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comments. Thanks.
Elizabeth Luttig EL
07/15/91
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
91 JUL 12 PH 12: 06
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees]; Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] i Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Aegean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
importance. (Treasury)
interest and And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
(commerce)
terrorism.
Presidential
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
sometime in the Fall. (commerce)
mission to Greece in December We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
it (USTR)
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics --- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be. If
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
Document No. 25364855
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 JUL 15 P2: 36
DATE:
7/12/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
NOON, MONDAY, JULY 1
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
SUBJECT:
JULY 19, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comment/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN NOON, MONDAY, JULY 15. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comment
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
91 JUL 12 PH12: 06
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees] ; Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] ; Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um] ; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
Mollin
X3060
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and.
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be."
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
EY leyf they reos
vig 11E 29 lows
Snow/Grossman/Simon
July 17, 1991
Draft five
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese] Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese] ; Mr. Papandreou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to follow in the footsteps of such great
men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a kind of
sacred awe. All that Americans are / all that Americans stand
for / all that we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the
great city and the great country where democracy was born two
thousand five hundred years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [air-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Aegean Sea. We learn that the great
disciplines -- philosophy, theology, drama, literature,
mathematics, biology, zoology and, of course, politics -- were
born on these shores. We see in your monuments and museums the
seeds from which our republic of freedom grew.
After two thousand five hundred years', mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what your forefathers
2
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
travails of human affairs, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber today with a man
who symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese]. 11
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese]. hosted
President Eisenhower in 1959, and has done business with every
American President since Harry Truman. He restored democracy to
Greece in 1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its
present stature as a bulwark of democracy and stability.
He built firm relations with the West and helped secure
Greek membership in the European Community. He ensured that
Greece would play an important role in the Atlantic Alliance. He
enlarged Greece's international responsibilities, its
international influence, its international importance. //
To honor this great man and to stress the special quality of
our renewed relations with Greece, I would like to invite
President Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese] to join us in Washington
next year for a state visit. I hope you will accept, sir, so
3
the American people can express their gratitude and admiration
for you. //
Today, I also would like to repeat my invitation to another
great man -- a man I admire and respect -- Prime Minister
Constantine Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese]. I have asked the
Prime Minister to make an official visit to our capital. This
trip would let the whole world know that our friendship, like the
ideals that link us, will endure. //
[ I know that the American and Greek governments have had
their share of disagreements in recent years. ]] As I stand here
today, I am happy to say: Our relations are stronger than ever.
// We have tightened our economic ties with agreements on
customs and civil aviation [f We hope to conclude another
agreement on tourism soon. ]] We have made great progress
together in the international fight against terrorism.
With my visit, I know we can make this relationship stronger
still. We can build a more vibrant economic relationship. While
the United States is the largest external investor in Greece, we
want to do more. We want to ensure that American capital and
know-how will be able to contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
I therefore have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a
presidential trade and investment mission to Greece this autumn.
[Economic summit insert, with language about Greek moves to
repatriate profits, stabilize its currency, privatize its
economy, etc. Stress the fact that Greece cannot isolate itself
from a world increasingly bound through commercial and
4
information links, and that we will assist in helping Greece join
in and compete in that world.]
We can strengthen our security relationship. We already
have forged solid ties through NATO. This year the United States
will provide 350 million dollars in security assistance to
agreed
Greece. We have just completed [t the sale of twenty F-16
aircraft and 11 the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We will
and
expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you These
agreements express our determination to stand by you -- now and
in years to come.
You stood squarely with the international coalition that
liberated Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. This kind of cooperation
is not new. In the Persian Gulf, as in Korea and the two world
wars, Greece sided with the forces of freedom.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which military
confrontation is being pushed aside by constructive economic
competition -- a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy. Although we have no road map to guide us
through this world, we have a sure compass in principles both our
nations hold dear: the peaceful settlement of disputes / free
enterprise / an open world economic system / and democracy.
Here in Greece, you command an especially vivid view of this
world. Here in your unique location at this time, it is possible
to see both the challenge and the promise of the New World Order.
To the North, Europe's first post-Cold War crisis has
erupted. The peoples of Yugoslavia struggle to secure newfound
5
freedoms and overcome the pull of ancient hatreds. The
international community, rallied by the bold initiative of the
EC, appeals to the Yugoslavs to chart a new future -- a
democratic future -- through peaceful negotiations. We call upon
the leaders there to spare their people from dreadful civil war.
As an EC country and a stable democracy, you can help
nations -- such as Albania and Bulgaria -- who struggle along the
including y-9 oslavia
road to freedom. Your Balkan neighbors look to you for guidance recent
That
by
your
and help -- and hope. ^ Similarly, the emerging democracies of
to
I
Europe, and peoples throughout the Soviet Union aspire to achieve
and
the ideals and rights first sketched out here in Greece.
To your east lies a neighbor -- another NATO ally -- that
also helped liberate Kuwait. Turkey joined the oil embargo; shut
of cross border trade, and played a critical role in standing up
to Saddam
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago,
Eleftherios Venizelos [EY-ley-f-they-reo VEY-ne-zey-lows] signed
treaties of friendship and commerce with the father of modern
Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray that your two nations might follow
the example set by these giants.
Today, with new leaders of vision, your nations enjoy a
unique opportunity to overcome the misunderstandings of the past.
You can sèttle disputes over rights to the air above and the
Aegean seabed below D You can begin to heal the deep wound that
scars Cyprus -- that divides families and friends on that island.
6
In the new world I have discussed, none of us should accept
the status quo in Cyprus. And today I pledge that the United
States will do whatever it can to help Greece, Turkey and the
Cypriots settle the Cyprus problem -- and do so this year.
In the end, the ties that bind the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, common principles, and common aims.
As I close, I would like to present President Karamanlis
[car-a-MON-leese], President Mitsotakis _meet-so-TAH-keese] and
the people of Greece with a replica of our sacred political
document, the Declaration of Independence. It was written by
Thomas Jefferson, who once observed, "Greece was the first of
civilized nations; presenting examples of what man should be. " //
[presentation]
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand near the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
A New World Order, erected upon timeless ideas born right
here, can help us achieve our dreams of collective security and
individual liberty. Every nation must assume some of the burden
7
of building this order. Every nation must accept its
responsibilities for building a sound, international economy.
Every nation must do its duty to preserve freedom and enterprise.
America and Greece have special responsibilities in this
quest: the United States, as the world's strongest democracy;
Greece, as the world's first.
But if we engage fully in the changing world beyond our
borders, we can build an order in which all nations enjoy
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THAIR-ee-os Ven-yet-ZEH-los]
once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of Ancient
Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than do the
Greek and the American."
That tremendous compliment also outlines our common
challenge: to work even more closely in securing a New World
Order dedicated to freedom and enterprise.
Again, thank you again for the extraordinary honor of
inviting me to address this special session of the Vouli [voo-
lee]. I stand here surrounded by the grandeur and echoes of the
ages -- a proud son of the ideals that your land gave the world.
Like all friends of liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas!
May God bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the ideals that make us one. Thank you.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press secretary
(Athens, Greece)
For Immediate Release
July 18, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN ADDRESS TO THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
Greek Parliament
Athens, Greece
3:49 P.M. (L)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir, for the welcome, and may
I pay my respects to President Karamanlis: Prime Minister Mitsotakis:
President of the Parliament, Mr. Tsaldaris: Mr. Papandreou, who I had
the privilege of meeting not so long ago: and members of the Vouli.
let MP first thank you for the extraordinary honor of
speaking to you. It means a great deal to follow in the footsteps of
such great men as Dwight Eisenhower and General Charles de Gaulle,
who spoke here.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a kind of
sacred awe. All that Americans are, all that Americans stand tor,
all that we hold most dear hac roots right here -- in the great city
and the groat country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the
magnificence of the Parthenon and the Delphi, the cool Aegean Sea.
And we learn that the great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, 20010GY and, of course,
politics -- were born on these shores. I expect all the rest of them
are alive, but I'm sure politics is still alive on these shores. We
see in your monuments and museums the seeds from which our republic
of freedom grew up.
After 2,500 years, mankind is only beginning to grasp the
magnituda of what your forefathers schiound. Through dotens of
generations, through the rise and fall of great empires, through wars
and plaguos, through deprossions and economic revolutions, through
the triumphs and travails of human affairs, one thing has endured --
the dream of democracy.
And SO today. as old despotisms melt away and a
commonwealth of freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say
that our future -- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited -- well, I visited Greece in
1980, and then once again, I believe, 1si '73. : haven't been here
that much lately, but I feel at home here, T have the honor to share
this chamber today with = man who symbolisec ancient Greek principles
and modern Greek courage, President Constantine Karamanlis.
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President
Eisenhower back in 1959, and has done business with every American
President since HArry Truman. He restored democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present staturo
as a bulwark of stability.
He built firm relations with the West and helped secure
Greek membership in the European Community. He ensured that Greece
would play an important role in the Atlantic Alliance. And he
enlarged Greece's internationaPresponsibilities. its international
influence, its international importance.
To honor this great man and to stress the special quality
MORE
- 2 -
of our renewed relations with Greece, I now would like to invite your
President to join us in Washington next year for a state visit, And
I hope you will accept, Mr. President. (Applause.) I hope you will
accept so that the American people can express their heartfelt
gratitude to you, their admiration for you, and their respect for
Greece.
And today, I also want to repeat my invitation to another
great man -- a man I admire and respect -- your Prime Minister,
Constantine Mitsotakis. (Applause.) And I have asked him to make an
official visit to our capital. And this trip would let the whole
world know that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will
endure.
As I stand hore today, I'm happy to say that our
relations are stronger than ever. We have tightened our economic
ties with agreements on customs and civil aviation and tourism.
We've made great progress together in the international fight against
terrorism. And with this visit, I hope that we can make this special
relationship stronger still.
We can build a more vibrant economic relationship. While
the United States is the largest external investor in Greece, we want
to do more. We want to ensure that American capital and know-how
will be able to contribute to lasting Greek prosperity. And I,
therefore, asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a presidential
trade and investment mission to Greece this autumn.
We can strengthen our security relationship. We already
have forged solid ties through NATO. This year, the United States
will provide $350 million in security assistance to Greece. We've
just agreed to lease you two Knox-class frigates. And we will
expodito the chipment of 10 F 4D aircraft to you; will deliver 18
more this fall. These agreements express our determination to stand
by you -- now and in years to come.
You stood squarely with the international coalition that
liberated Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. This kind of cooperation is
not new. In the Persian Gulf, as in Korea and the two World Wars,
Greece sided with the forces of freedom.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which military
confrontation is being pushed aside by constructive economic
competition -- a world in which nations struggle to build and perfect
democracy. Although we have no road map to guide us through this
werld, we have & bude compass in principles that both our nations
hold dear: the peaceful settlement of disputes, free enterprise an
open world economic system -- and underlying it all, democracy.
Here in Greece you command an especially vivid view of
the world. Here in your unique location at this historic time, we
can see the challenge -- and the promise -- of what we refer to as
the new world order.
To the north, Europe's first post-cold war crisis has
erupted. The peoples of Yugoslavia struggle to secure newfound
freedoms and overcome the pull of ancient hatreds. The international
community, rallied by the bold initiative of the EC, appeals to the
Yugoslavs to chart a new future -- a democratic future -- through
peaceful negotiations. No call upon the leaders there to spare their
people from dreadful civil war.
As an EC country and a stable democracy, you can help
nations, such as Albania and Bulgaria, who struggle along the road to
freedom. Struggle they might -- but look back at very recent
history. And who would have predicted that these countries now want
to go down freedom's road -- democracy's road? Your Balkan
neighbors, including Yugoslavia, look to you for guidance and help
and hope.
A kind of youthful optimism flourishes everywhere. The
emerging democracies of Europe, peoples throughout the Soviet Union,
MORE
- 3 -
men and women, young and old, throughout the world, aspire to achieve
the ideals first sketched out here in Greece.
But ideals are important only if they can shape actions.
You understand this. De are encouraged that your government is
advancing new ideas to foster stability in the Balkans and the
Aegean. The opportunity for a new era of accommodation in this
region beckons. With that in mind, I must report that our meetings
-- my meeting with Mr. Gorbachev yesterday was in that spirit of
cooperation as the Soviet Union seeks to do more according to
democratic principles.
I'm hoping that the arms control agreement that we worked
out yesterday with Mr. Gorbachev -- the first to reduce the strategic
arms in history -- proves to be a benefit to all the countries around
the world, particularly in this region.
You and Turkey face a, great challenge: to resolve these
old disputes that divide you. More than 60 years ago, Eleftherios --
and I've got to watch my pronunciation -- Venizelos signed treaties
of friendship and commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal
Ataturk. I pray that your two nations might follow the example set
by these giants.
Today, with new leaders of vision, your nations enjoy a
unique opportunity to overcome the misunderstandings of the past.
You can begin to heal the deep wounds that sear Cyprus, that divides
families and friends on that island.
In the new world that I have discussed, none of us should
accept the status quo in Cyprus. And today I pledge that the United
states Will ao whatever 1t can to help Greece, Turkey and the
Cypriots settle the Cyprus problem, and do so this year.
In the end, the ties that bind the United States and
Greece go far deeper than economic or military necessity. You see,
as many of you know, Greek Americans have enriched our country
encrmously, in every profession, in every region, in every walk of
life. Two distinguished businessmen and old friends who have
accompanied me on this trip -- Alec Kortelas and Alex Spanos -- both
of whom have made a tremendous imprint in our country. And, of
course, our able Ambassador Michael Sotirhos serves our nation well.
And we have subtler ties, too. Cities across America
take their names from such places as Athens and Corinth and Delphi
and Sparta. And near one of my favorite fishing spots lies the town
of Marathon, Florida. And, of course, my country would not exist if
your forefathers had not developed the world's most revolutionary
idea -- democracy. Our founding fathers studied your history closely
and revered deeply the works of the ancient Greeks. Thomas
Jefferson, the author of our Declaration of Independence, once.
observed, "Greece was the first of civilized nations; presenting
examples of what man should be."
Yet we also must remember that the powers of ancient
Greece fell because they could not set aside old hatreds, because
they refused to acknowledge common ties, common principles, common
acts, common aims. We must resolve not to repeat their mistakes.
Tomorrow, I have a wonderful opportunity. I shall visit
the Acropolis and stand near the temples where our ancient
forefathers charted ideals for the ages. And as we gather here
today, let us agree to build a new Acropolis -- a monument not of
marble or steel, but of something far less fragile -- a monument of
deeas and ideals. A new ⑉⑉99 world order erected upon timeless ideas born
right here.
That new world order can help us achieve our dreams of
collective security and individual liberty. Every nation must assume
some of the burden of building this order. And every nation must
accept its responsibilities for building a sound international
economy. And every nation must do its duty to preserve freedom and
MORE
- 4 -
enterprise.
America and Greece have special responsibilities in this
quest. The United States as the world's strongest democracy; Greece
as the world's first.
But if we engage fully in the changing world beyond our
borders, we can build an order in which all nations enjoy prosperity,
democracy and peace.
Bleutherios Venizelos once claimed that "America has
realized the ideals of Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer
to each other than do the Greek and the American."
That tremendous compliment also outlines our common
challenge: to work even more closely in securing a new world order
dedicated to freedom and enterprise.
We live in exciting times. Who would have dreamed that
the changes taking place in the Soviet Union would offer this promise
of freedom and democracy? Who would have dreamed that the captive
nations of Eastern Europe are free and are on the path that you set
many thousands of years ago -- the path to full and free and fair and
open democracy?
so for those that are gloomy about the present, I say you
shouldn't be. There's plenty of room to be optimistic. And I'm
delighted -- I feel more of a sense of optimism coming to democracy's
birthplace.
I want to thank you for the extraordinary honor of
inviting me to address this special session. And I stand here
surrounded by the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals that your land gave the world. And so, like all friends
of liberty, I leave you now, and I must say "zito i ellada." Thank
you very, very much. (Applause.)
Thank you all. Thank you, sir. (Applause.)
And let me just -- please be seated -- but I'd like to
present to your President and your Prime Minister, and really to the
Greek people, a replica of our Declaration of Independence, a
document that symbolizes our profound ties to you and our timeless
debt to the people and the legacy of Greece.
Once again, thank you all very much. (Applause.)
END
4:08 P.M. (L)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 JUL 16 A9: 33
July 15, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER RBP/Qus
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: The Greek Parliament,
Athens, Greece
We have reviewed the attached draft and have no suggested
changes from a policy standpoint. We approve of the draft
remarks in their current form.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 2536485
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
7/12/91
NOON, MONDAY, JULY :
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
SUBJECT:
JULY 19, 1991
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
GRAY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comment/edits on the attached directly
to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
NO LATER THAN NOON, MONDAY, JULY 15. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
91 JUL 12 Pii12: 06
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees] i Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] ; Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be. "
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date:
7/12 91 JULi
TO:
Tony / Bob
FROM:
JOHN S. GARDNER
Special Assistant to the President
and Assistant Staff Secretary
Please see two mina points,
Thanks
Jr
Snow/Simon/Grossman
91 JUL 12 PM12: 07
12
P3:
2
July 12, 1991
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees] i Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] ; Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
?
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
your nation - reace, a
that nation - Cypus?
g.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
?
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be. "
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
Constitution?
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
Snow/Simon/Grossman
July 12, 1991
Draft one
GPARL.TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 18, 1991
3:45 P.M.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-lees] i Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] ; Mr. Papandreaou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to me. to follow in the footsteps of such
great men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
the great country where democracy was born 2,500 years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum [er-RICK-thee-um]; of Delphi
[DEL-fee] and the cool Agean Sea.
We know that great disciplines -- philosophy, theology,
drama, literature, mathematics, biology, astronomy -- were born
on these shores. But we also see in your monuments and museums
the seeds from which our republic grew.
Two thousand five hundred years -- and mankind is only
beginning to grasp the magnitude of what the early Greeks
achieved. Through dozens of generations / through the rise and
2
fall of great empires / through wars and plagues / through
depressions and economic revolutions / through the triumphs and
cataclysms of human life, one thing has endured: the dream of
democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here.
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber with a man who
symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-lees].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis hosted President Eisenhower
in 1959, and has done business with every American President
since Harry Truman. He helped restore democracy to Greece in
1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its present role
as the region's bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantine Karamanlis built firm
relations with the West, and helped Greece join the European
Community. He and subsequent Prime Ministers ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance.
In token of our appreciation of these magnificent
achievements, and out of our desire to build even stronger ties
with the people of Greece, I would like to invite President
Karamanlis for a State Visit next year in Washington. I hope you
3
will accept, sir, and that the American people will get an
opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for your.
lifetime of service to the democratic ideal.
I also would like to repeat my invitation for Prime Minister
Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-kees] to make a working visit to our
capital. I look forward to working with him on issues of mutual
interest and concern. And I want the whole world to understand
that our friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure.
The American and Greek governments have had their share of
disagreements in recent years, but as I stand before you today,
our relations seem stronger and more secure than ever. We have
just concluded economic agreements on customs and civil aviation,
and we hope to negotiate an agreement on tourism soon. We have
conducted fruitful discussions about important trade issues. We
have made great progress in the international fight against
terrorism.
I also have asked our Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade
mission to Greece in December. We understand the absolute
importance of economic growth. We support your goals of
privatizing your economy, stimulating investment, and encouraging
economic growth. We will do our best to ensure that Americans
can contribute to lasting Greek prosperity.
Our nations have forged a solid security relationship. The
United States will send 350 million dollars in security
assistance to Greece this year. We have just completed the sale
of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-class frigates. We- soon
4
will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E aircraft to you. We have
signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-location of
military bases. These various agreements express our
determination to give you our unwavering support -- now and in
years to come.
In the past year, of course, we also have worked closely in
liberating Kuwait from an outside aggressor. The coalition
effort to thwart Saddam Hussein succeeded in no small part
because Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the Greek people helped
coalition forces move troops and equipment to the war zone.
Greece has assisted in all of this century's great conflicts. In
the two World Wars, Korea and the Gulf, Greece supported the
forces of liberation.
Greece also has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
Now, we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy; a world that will benefit increasingly from
cooperation; from shared principles, interests, and
responsibilities.
To the north, the Balkan states struggle with newfound
freedom. They have turned to you for guidance and help, and you
5
have extended the hand of brotherhood. In the troubled and
turbulent Balkans, Greece offers stability and hope.
To your east lies a neighbor that also played an important
role in the coalition that liberated Kuwait. Turkey joined the
oil embargo; shut off cross-border trade. It lent military
facilities and fighters to the fray. It played and continues to
play the major role in Operation Provide Comfort, and has joined
the multi-national rapid-deployment force for the region.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greek democracy, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-
THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY-los], signed treaties of friendship and
commerce with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray
that your nations will follow the example set by these two
giants.
Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. You have made halting
progress toward resolving the issue of Cyprus.
We have supported the United Nations Secretary General in
his Good Offices Mission to resolve the dispute over Cyprus, but
we also understand that this dispute cannot and should not be
resolved by the United States. Too often in the past, your
nation has found themselves trapped between the Scylla and
Charibdis [Silla and ca-RIB-dis] of superpower politics -- denied
the opportunity to shape your own destiny.
6
The United States has no desire to impose its will in
Cyprus, but we believe that old disputes -- such as the one about
Cyprus -- should not linger. Both parties have more to gain than
to lose through cooperation. We will support the quest for a
just and lasting solution in Cyprus, but the responsibility for
reaching that settlement remains that of Greece and Turkey.
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present Prime Minister
Mitsotakis -- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our
most sacred political document, our Declaration of Independence.
It was written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that
"Greece was the first of civilized nation; presenting examples of
what man should be. "
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand outside the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us dedicate ourselves to building a world devoted to
individual freedom and worldwide productivity. Let us stand
7
together against aggression, oppression, tyranny -- and together
for cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy make
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZAY--
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. I look forward to working further with Prime
Minister Mitsotakis and with the people of Greece on the issues
we have discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their own genius.
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amidst the grandeur and echoes of the ages. -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas! //
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the profound ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 15, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH
DAVID DEMAREST
TONY SNOW TS
SUBJECT
ADDRESS TO THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
I) Summary
You will appear before the Greek Parliament at 3:45 p.m. on
July 18. You will talk for approximately 15 minutes. The speech
will be translated simultaneously. You will read from cards; the
facility cannot accommodate a teleprompter.
II) Discussion
You are the fourth head of state to speak before the
Parliament (the Vouli), and the first American President to speak
there since President Eisenhower's address in 1959.
Your address will touch upon the role that ancient Greek
principles (especially democracy) have played in our nation's
development. You will stress importance of building stronger
Greek-American relations. You will discuss Greece's role in
NATO, in the world economy, and in the New World Order. You also
will urge the Greek people to resolve the Cyprus dispute.
Snow/Grossman/Simon
July 15, 1991
Draft two
GPARL. TS
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
THE GREEK PARLIAMENT
JULY 18, 1991
3:35 p.m.
Thank you, President Karmanlis [car-a-MON-leese] ; Prime
Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese] i Mr. Papandreou; members
of the Vouli [VOO-lee].
Thank you for the extraordinary honor of speaking to you.
It means a great deal to follow in the footsteps of such great
men as Dwight Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle.
No American can come to Athens without feeling a sacred awe.
All that Americans are / all that Americans stand for / all that
we hold most dear has roots right here -- in the great city and
great country where democracy was born two thousand five hundred
years ago.
Every American student learns to appreciate the magnificence
of the Parthenon and the Erichtheum (air-RICK-thee-um) ; of
Delphi (DEL-fee) and the cool Agean Sea. We learn that the great
disciplines -- philosophy, theology, drama, literature,
mathematics, biology, astronomy and politics -- were born on
these shores. We see in your monuments and museums the seeds
from which our republic of freedom grew.
Yet mankind is only beginning to grasp the magnitude of what
the early Greeks achieved. Through dozens of generations /
2
through the rise and fall of great empires / through wars and
plagues / through depressions and economic revolutions / through
the triumphs and travails of human life, one thing has endured:
the dream of democracy.
Today, as old despotisms melt away and a commonwealth of
freedom arises around the globe, we can truly say that our future
-- the world's future -- began right here. //
Although I have not visited Greece since 1960, I feel at
home. I have the honor to share this chamber today with a man
who symbolizes ancient Greek principles and modern Greek courage,
President Constantine Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese].
Then-Prime Minister Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese] hosted
President Eisenhower in 1959, and has done business with every
American President since Harry Truman. He restored democracy to
Greece in 1974, and made it possible for Greece to assume its
present stature as a bulwark of democracy and stability.
As Prime Minister, Constantin Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese]
built firm relations with the West, and helped secure Greek
membership in the European Community. He ensured that Greece
would play a pivotal role in the Atlantic alliance. He enlarged
Greece's international responsibilities, its international
influence, its international importance. //
To honor this great man and to stress the special quality of
our renewed relations with Greece, I would like to invite
President Karamanlis [car-a-MON-leese] to visit the United States
next year for a state visit. I hope you will accept, sir, so the
3
American people will have an opportunity to express their
gratitude and admiration for you.
I also would like to repeat today an invitation to another
great man -- a man I trust and respect -- Prime Minister
Constantine Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese]. [[ I have asked the
Prime Minister to make an official visit to our capital in the
near future. This trip would let the whole world know that our
friendship, like the ideals that link us, will endure. // ]]
[[ The American and Greek governments have had their share
of disagreements in recent years, but ]] as I stand before you
today, our relations seem stronger than ever. // We have
enhanced our economic ties with agreements on customs and civil
aviation. [[ We hope to conclude an agreement on tourism soon.
]] We have made great progress in the international fight
against terrorism.
In the next few days, I hope we will continue moving forward
together. We must build a more vibrant economic relationship.
While the United States is the largest investor in Greece, we
want to do more. We want to ensure that Americans can contribute
to lasting Greek prosperity. I therefore have asked our
Secretary of Commerce to lead a trade mission to Greece this
autumn.
We must strengthen our security relationship. We already
have forged solid ties through NATO. The United States will send
$350 million in security assistance to Greece this year; we have
just completed the sale of twenty F-16s; the lease of two Knox-
4
class frigates. We will expedite the shipment of ten F-4E
aircraft to you. These agreements express our determination to
stand by you -- now and in years to come.
We will stand by you, as you stood by us in liberating
Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. Our coalition succeeded in no small
part because Prime Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese] and
the Greek people helped coalition forces move troops and
equipment to the war zone. This kind of support is nothing new.
In the Persian Gulf, as in the two world wars and Korea, Greece
sided with the forces of liberation. //
Greece has upheld the values of democracy, individual
liberty and the rule of law through its steadfast participation
in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Through tough times
and tough challenges, you have helped expose the corruption and
inadequacies of communism.
But now we face a new world -- a world in which dreams of
military conquest have been pushed aside by constructive economic
competition; a world in which nations struggle to build and
perfect democracy. Although we have no roadmap to guide us
through this new world, we do have a sure compass in principles
forged here: the peaceful settlement of disputes / free
enterprise / an open world economic system and, of course,
democracy.
Here in Greece, you command an especially vivid view of this
world. Here, East meets West. Here, modern and ancient cultures
converge. Here, the New World Order will begin to emerge.
5
To the north, Europe's first post-Cold War crisis has
erupted, as the Balkan states struggle with newfound freedom --
and renewed ancient hatreds.
As an EC country and the most stable Balkan state, you have
a pivotal responsibility in preserving the peaceful development
of democracy. Your Balkan neighbors have turned to you for
guidance and help, and you have responded. You have served as an
example, a guide. You offer stability and hope to this troubled
and turbulent region.
To your east lies a neighbor that also helped liberate
Kuwait. Turkey joined the oil embargo; shut off cross-border
trade, and played a critical role in standing up to Saddam.
Now, you and Turkey face a great challenge: to resolve the
old disputes that divide you. More than sixty years ago, the
father of modern Greece, Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THAIR-ee-
OS ven-yet-ZEH-los], signed treaties of friendship and commerce
with the father of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. I pray that
these two nations might follow the example set by these giants.
[[ Today, your nations enjoy a unique opportunity to address
such issues as seabed and air rights. ]] But you also have a
chance to solve the problem of Cyprus. In the new world I have
discussed, this old dispute seems out of place. We can no longer
accept the status quo on Cyprus. Today, I pledge that the United
States will do whatever it can to help Greece, Turkey and the
Cypriot people settle the Cyprus problem -- and do so this year.
6
In the end, the ties that link the United States and Greece
go far deeper than economic or military necessity. My country
would not exist if your forefathers had not developed the world's
most revolutionary idea: democracy. But we also must remember
that the powers of ancient Greece fell because they could not set
aside old hatreds, because they refused to acknowledge common
ties, principles and aims. Where they failed, we will succeed.
As I close, I would like to present President Karamanlis
[car-a-MON-leese], Prime Minister Mitsotakis [meet-so-TAH-keese]
-- and the people of Greece -- with a replica of our most sacred
political document, our Declaration of Independence. It was
written by Thomas Jefferson, who once observed that "Greece was
the first of civilized nations; presenting examples of what man
should be. "
Tomorrow, I shall visit the Acropolis and stand near the
temples where our ancient forefathers charted out ideals for the
ages. As we gather here today, let us agree to build a New
Acropolis -- a monument not of marble or steel, but of something
far less fragile -- a monument of deeds and ideals.
Let us build a world devoted to individual freedom and
worldwide opportunity. Let us stand together against agression,
oppression, tyranny -- and together for cooperation, stability,
and mutual respect.
A New World Order, erected upon these timeless ideals, can
help us achieve our dreams of collective security and individual
7
liberty. It can give all nations an opportunity to enjoy
prosperity, democracy and peace.
Eleutherios Venizelos [el-eff-THERE-ee-ose ven-yet-ZEH-
los] once claimed that "America has realized the ideals of
Ancient Greece. No two elements come closer to each other than
do the Greek and the American."
There can be no higher compliment than this -- and no
greater challenge. Let us join in commerce, in diplomacy, in
security. Let us strengthen our bonds of blood, of trade, of
culture. The American people stand ready.
I look forward to working further with Prime Minister
Mitsotakis and the people of Greece on the issues we have
discussed today -- and more.
May our common devotion to democracy, individual liberty and
free markets hasten the evolution of a New World Order, where
free men and women determine their destinies and give full
expression to their genius. //
Thank you again for the extraordinary honor of inviting me
to address this special session of the Vouli [VOO-lee]. I stand
here amid the grandeur and echoes of the ages -- a proud son of
the ideals your land gave the world. Like all friends of
liberty, I must say: Zeeto ee Hellas!/
May God Bless you, may God bless Greece, and may God bless
the ideals that make us one.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 17, 1991
91 JUL 17 P12: 42
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
STEPHEN G. RADEMAKER
SR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Address: The Greek Parliament,
Athens, Greece, July 19, 1991
Pursuant to Phillip Brady's request, Counsel's Office has
reviewed the above-referenced matter and has no objection to the
proposed presidential address to the Greek Parliament.
CC: Phillip D. Brady