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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. fax
To Nicole Rabner from Regina Rhea re: Wednesday's South Asia
04/25/1995
b(6)
Briefing (partial) (1 page)
002. list
Re: invitees (partial) (1 page)
n.d.
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 20053
FOLDER TITLE:
South Asia [Folder 5]
2013-0534-S
ry1644
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
DRAFT
April 6, 1995
The President
MEMORANDUM FOR / SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER these should becas
cc: NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR TONY LAKE
plus
FROM:
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Deputy Haler Sec stobe Advisor Talbott
RE:
REPORT ON SOUTH ASIA TRIP
Deputy NS Sandy Berger
Thank you for askery me recent to more
Brian Atwil Administrator
was
had tried
AID
I hope that during, my trip to South Asia. I was able to
represent the American people and m convey to both the governments
both yourself
and the people of the countries I visited how important the United
and
States thinks this region of the world is: I also sought to convey
you
how significant we- believe the development of the people of this
region to be, important not only for the futures of their own
countries, but also for our entire global family. I hope also that,
through my visit, Americans at home perhaps-learned more about this
part of the world and, like me, developed new ways of thinking
about the region.
My trip to South Asia was designed to highlight the importance
of investments in people human capital, especially social development
targeted to women and girls, and to demonstrate that the United
States is committed to engagement in this critical region. My
visit to Pakistan was a part of our overall effort to broaden
relations strained in recent years by sanctions. In India, while
investment opportunities are expanding to attract U.S. business,
investments in social programs also remain critical. In the poorer
countries of Nepal and Bangladesh, in which U.S. assistance has
long been the major element in our relationship, improvements,
health and
particularly in population control, are evident. Finally, Sri
Lanka, a more developed small island nation with which we have
uneven relationship
historically had worn ties, has made significant progress in
universal access to education and health care.
Before describing specific activities in the countries I
visited, I would like to underscore some observations:
-- South Asia has the largest number of absolute poor in the
world. It faces enormous challenges in creating a better life for
the great majority of its people.
The countris
-- It is making progress in meeting the challenges. Economies
throughout the region are expanding and private investment is
rising. Progress is also significant in addressing the key
problems of population growth.
-- But progress to date has rested to an important extent, on
improvements in the social sectors - health and education. Broad
based economic growth in the future must include more significant
progress in these areas or it will prove unsustainable. Private
investment by itself is necessary but not sufficient - in South
Asia as well as elsewhere in the world.
myspeechat
-- I underscored this issue in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, in
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
which I said, "I recognize that discussion of such problems as
education and health care for girls and women is viewed by some as
"soft, " labeled dismissively as a women's issue belonging, at best,
single
on the edge of serious debate about all the problems we confront on
space
the edge of the 21st century. I want to argue strongly, however,
setal
that the questions surrounding social development, especially of
women, as discussed at the recent social summit in Copenhagen, are
at the center of our political and economic challenges.
Governments, businesses and citizens must recognize and act upon
that truth for the betterment of nations and our global family. "
-- The empowerment of women must be an important aspect of
development in this and other regions. Women represent over half
of the population of most of these countries and have proven again
and again in the projects I visited how quickly and effectively
they can become income earners when given a chance. No investment
pays greater dividends in a nation's development and productivity
than investments in the education of girls and women.
-- The U.S. has long been engaged in assisting the countries
of the region in development. I met countless individuals who had
been helped in education, in health, in support for creating
private enterprises or NGOs -- by our assistance. The U.S. has
been effective in the past in helping these countries progress and
must remain engaged and effective in the future.
-- U.S. assistance has had a direct impact on the lives and
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
prospects of Asians, but more importantly it has been a catalyst
for further social development (for example, the population program
in Bangladesh) by leveraging aid from other donors and local
governments in expanding effective activities.
-- The U.S. now channels much of its aid to South Asia
through NGOs. Governments remain important, but experience shows
that NGOs can be very effective partners in development. They are
close to the people, accountable to the people and often are
effective advocates for the people. Our government's partnership with NGOs --
our own and indigenous -- must continue to grow, while the U.S.
must remain capable (as it is today) of programming channelling its aid in an
toward
integrated and strategic fashion against overall development
objectives. This is a partnership where the capabilities of our
government and NGOs are complementary.
-- Our bilateral and multilateral aid programs are now
threatened with deep cuts or even elimination (as in the case of
our contributions to the World Bank). These programs absorb less
than 1% of the federal budget, as I observed on my trip, yet their
contributions to our foreign policy are enormous. Cuts of the
magnitude now being considered in Congress could force us to
drastically
reduce
or terminate our aid to South Asian countries -
our Part and
just as we are beginning to see a real impact of that and in those
countries. Other governments would likely follow our lead in
cutting aid budgets.
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
The United States has been of great assistance in this region
for many, many years, and I was pleased to see the results of those
years of effort. The kinds of investments that we have made in the
people of the counties I visited have produced results, and I hope
that my visits to successful programs and projects in the region
helped to highlight the importance of our investments. I also
believe that there are lessons that we can all learn from some of
the projects that I visited.
In each country I emphasized U.S. interest in helping improve
people's lives, particularly the lives of women and girls who still
suffer from cultural prejudice, the lack of government investment
in education for girls, are marginalized and bear the brunt of
poverty. This theme seemed to find resonance as a welcome
Comptement
counterpoint to the recognized concerns for global stability, non-
proliferation, and market access.
My reception was very heartening. Government leaders and
villagers alike went out of their way to make me feel welcome and
to demonstrate the well-spring of respect and affection for the
United States and the values they believe we represent. The local
press was everwhelmingly positive and, I think, predictably
impressed that our delegation braved the subcontinental heat to
undertake such site visits as a village in rural Bangladesh, or
SEWA headquarters in Ahmedabad, India.
While some leaders (most notably Prime Minister Bhutto who had
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
her trip to Washington very much on her mind) were determined to
d speculic
raise bilateral political issues, most used the private meetings to
^
get acquainted, and to share ideas and experiences on the problems
of social development. I was impressed that the top leadership of
appearstoble
these countries has been grappling with the problems of poverty and
women's empowerment to a significant extent. I was also struck by
how much our nation has contributed to the debate and to real
progress over the years through USAID, World Bank and voluntary
programs. Many commented positively on my speech to the UN World
Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen. Women ministers and
non-governmental leaders, in particular, talked about the
significance of the upcoming UN Fourth World Conference for
progress for women and the advancement of their human rights.
It was often remarked during our meetings that it had been a
very long time since the last White House trip to the region.
There was a palpable sense, particularly in the smaller countries,
of pride and relief that the U.S., a country they had long admired
and considered a friend, was finally making an official visit
focussed on direct observation of progress in economic development
and poverty alleviation. On the cusp of the 21st century, the
"good will tour" seemed to have new meaning and undiminished
importance in securing relationships.
I believe the journey helped to renew and revitalize interest
in the United States and make it easier for governments in the
region to support our broader global agenda. From the positive
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
press that the trip engendered in the U.S., we can hope that it
helped to educate Americans on the importance of South Asia as
well.
PAKISTAN
In Pakistan, outside Lahore, I visited a village school
educating girls and a health clinic where I had a chance to talk
with some of the mothers now using the family planning services of
the clinic. At Pakistan's current rate of population growth (fill
in), its population -- already 120 million (check) will double in
28 years (check). This rate of population growth will make
significant economic progress in Pakistan unattainable. The
current government in Pakistan recognizes this, and PM Bhutto
indicated in her discussions with me that she is moving to address
the population issue more vigorously. However, family planning
programs in the past run by the Pakistan government have proven
ineffective - services have been poor, unpredictable and difficult
for Pakistani women to access. A new USAID project is set to begin
to finance family planning and related health and education
services through U.S. and local private voluntary organizations in
an effort to make these services effective.
The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) could not
represent a sharper contrast to the village school I visited. It
is a world class management school (built with seed money from U.S.
assistance together with private and public support from Pakistan).
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
I gave a speech at LUMS (which is attached), and met with some of
its very impressive students to discuss barriers to women in
management. The University is preparing women and men to take
responsible positions in the expanding private sector in Pakistan.
These and other local women I met on my trip were very. dynamic, but
a
very conscious of their roles as pioneers in societies where female
professionals remain rare, and in some quarters, disapproved of
They are proving that change in their roles in society is not
mpossible if approached sensitively. The U.S. has played an
important role in supporting them with programs to educate girls
and women throughout South Asia.
INDIA
In India I attended a meeting in Ahmedabad of the Self-
Employed Women's Association (SEWA), led by the legendary Ela
Bhatt. This is a group of extremely poor women engaged in work
like paper picking and selling fruits and vegetables. They are
both residents of the city of Ahmedabad and the countryside for
miles around it; many walked for hours to come to the meeting with
me. The women have joined together in a trade union and
cooperative which provides them with job training, micro-credit and
opportunities to save together with mutual support and solidarity.
The latter - while intangible - was clearly critical in giving
these women, mostly uneducated, the confidence to take the
initiative to become small entrepreneurs.
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
SEWA has been effective and has had a positive influence on
government, police and programs. I was so pleased that the U.S.
has been able to provide some support to SEWA and private voluntary
organizations like it, for it is these organizations that help
women begin to earn incomes and better their own lives and those of
their families. Without these kinds of efforts (even where
economic policies are supportive of growth), the mass of the
populations of poor countries like the ones I visited will remain
trapped in poverty for the foreseeable future. And women in
particular will remain excluded and disadvantaged, and their
countries severely disadvantaged by their lack of education and
productivity.
Also in India, I visited a model home for children run by
Mother Teresa and toured a school project housed at the Indian
Institute of Technology whose mission is to provide education to
children of the neighboring slums and to empower their mothers
through skills training and community support. Finally, I
addressed the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and a distinguished group of
Indian public and private sector leaders on the topic of investing
in women and girls. In it, I focused on the theme of girls and
women's social development. (The speech is attached.)
NEPAL
Nepal was the poorest country I visited, and one of the very
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
poorest in the world with literacy at only 25%, child mortality at
per
, and life expectancy at 53 years (check). It is one
countries
of the few places where men outlive women. Yet, even here,
enormous progress has taken place over the past three decades since
Nepal opened to the rest of the world.
Health is a particular problem for women in Nepal; 8 out of
100 childbirths result in the death of the mother, usually for want
of proper hygiene. At a small health and family planning clinic in
Kathmandu (financed by a partnership of Save the Children
Foundation, the government of Nepal and USAID), I was given a "safe
birthing kit" that expectant mothers receive. The primitive nature
twine, washand Nazor blue
of the contents of the birthing kit (soap, plastic sheet etc.) say
a lot about conditions in Nepal and how far it has to go to reach
an acceptable standard of living for its citizens. Development
remains the central challenge for Nepal and it is clear that our
assistance plays a key role in that development and in our
relations with the Nepalese.
BANGLADESH
nation
thesize of
Bangladesh is the most densely populated in the world and just
Outside
the crowds that surged around the village I visited in Jessore were
Overwhelming
indicative of the sheer numbers of the populace
But Bangladesh recently thought of as a basket case in
terms of development is increasingly an example of development
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
success. Because of effective family planning services (pioneered
in a project financed first by USAID through the International
Center for Diarrheal Disease Control (ICDDC), which I visited, and
later by a number of other donors), population growth rates have
fallen dramatically in the country -- from 3% to 2.2% at present.
The ICDDC is a world class success story in saving lives of
people suffering from cholera and malnutrition and diarrhea. It is
a prime example of a small USAID investment over many years
leveraging significant support from other partners to attack a
problem that affects people around the world.
One of the most moving events of my trip was a visit to a
small village outside Jessore where the Grameen Bank, founded by
The women u this
Mohammed Yunus, has been active. This had been a very poor village
of untouchables many of whom especially the women- -- had
significantly had improved their incomes and living conditions
through the micro-credit and savings programs of Grameen. This
village was an impressive example of Grameen's success, but not
unusual. Nearly 2 million Bangladeshi's -- most of them women --
have benefitted from Grameen loans, along with many others
benefitting from a variety of micro-credit schemes modeled on the
Grameen approach in other countries, including the U.S. Like
SEWA, which I visited in India, Grameen demonstrated the benefits
of microcredit for women in the reduction of poverty, increasing
employment and promoting social integration. It contributes to
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
women's self-confidence and their decision-making power in the
household and in their communities.
SRI LANKA
My last stop offered a contrast to the other countries I
visited. Sri Lanka has made the most social progress of any
country in South Asia and is, on average, the best off. Its
experience shows how important education and universal access to
health care are, not only as an end in itself, but also in laying
a foundation for healthy growth. (Overall economic growth was
nearly 7% last year.) Low population growth (1.2% per year) has
undoubtedly played a role in facilitating real economic growth as
well as the inclusion of women in the country's economic life.
There I met the only woman bank president in South Asia, as well as
women journalists and TV producers, lawyers, professors and women
rimte wiviting organization
heading (vos) helping other women with training and credit to
improve their lives. If my visit to other countries in the region
highlighted the development challenges and opportunities facing the
region, my visit to Sri Lanka underlined the fact that those
challenges can be met and-overcome and just how important health,
education and the inclusion of women can be in achieving economic
progress anywhere in the world.
PHOTOCOPY
HRC HANDWRITING
fall
8 Asia
receptin
I
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
phone 202/456-6266
fax 202/456-6244
TO
Kim
FROM
Nicole
FAX #
16/2023 x6 2028
PHONE #
# PAGES (with cover)
COMMENTS
I hope This is
final -- sorry for
the headache <
Nicole
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. fax
To Nicole Rabner from Regina Rhea re: Wednesday's South Asia
04/25/1995
b(6)
Briefing (partial) (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 20053
FOLDER TITLE:
South Asia [Folder 5]
2013-0534-S
ry1644
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
SENT BY:
4-25-95 : 16:01 ;
STATE-
94566244; 1/ 1
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
FAX COVER SHEET
DATE 4/25/95
TO:
Nichole Rabner
456-6244
FROM:
Regina Rhea
G/CS
Office of the Conference Secretariat
Room 1318, Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: 202-647-3129
FAX: 202-647-4787
SUBJECT: Wednesday's South Aoia Bricfing
This message, including this cover, contains 1 pages.
COMMENTS:
Attendees will include:
Curtin, Mary T.
[001]
Hendrix, Kathleen
Kotok, Sharon
(b)(6)
Loar, Theresa
Marshall, Ellen
Meary Jeffrey
and Heather Foote
(b)(6)
Alice Miller
(b)(6)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 25, 1995
MEMORANDUM TO: KIM WIDDESS
SOCIAL OFFICE
FROM:
NICOLE RABNER
OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY
RE:
SOUTH ASIA BRIEFING
The following people are additions to the guest list for the
South Asia briefing. Can you please call and invite them. Thank
you.
Ms. Nancy Rubin
244-8247
Ms. Kathy Screedhan
965-8947 (home)
659-8475 (office)
Ms. Linda Tarr-Whelan
387-6030
Ms. Sarah Lai
371-6592
Ms. Regan Ralph
371-6592
Prof. Susan Roth
662-9650
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
25-Apr-1995 06:06pm
TO:
Nicole R. Rabner
I hope
FROM:
Kim B. Widdess
Office of the First Lady
This is
CC:
Marjorie C. Tarmey
helpful.
SUBJECT:
"No Responses" for tomorrow's briefing
Niale
Everyone was called again today to see if they would be able to
attend the HRC Trip Briefing tomorrow at 3pm. Following are the
people who we haven't heard from. If you can help in any way to
get in touch with them, I would appreciate it!
BERLIN, Gwen
Left message
she should call in
BIGGINS, Veronica
We have the wrong phone #
W 404/577-7826
CASTALDI, Mimi
Hasn't called us back 219-6611
CHOCAS, Elaine
Now that we've added her to the list, we
don't have a phone #
COUSINS, Erthrain
No phone #
GOLDSTEIN, Ann
Left message
HEIGHT, Dorothy
Left message
JONES, Elaine
Left message
KIMBLE, Melinda
No phone # On vacation
KUNIN, Madeline
Hasn't returned phone call 401-1000
LOAR, Theresa
No phone # On list sent you last.
MILLER, Jill
Hasn't called back
PERRYMAN, Lavonia
No phone #
RUBIN, Nancy
Left message
TARR-WHALEN, Linda
No phone # 387-6030
If you know if any of these people are coming, please forward the
#1
Additional invitees for the South Asia Briefing:
Tipper Gore, 66640
Skila Harris, 66640
Robin Raphel, Asst. Sec. of State
736-4325
Carol Lancaster, Asst. Administrator, USAID
647-9620
Doris Matsui, 62930
Alexis Herman, 66455
Barbara Wooley, 62155
Jennifer Klein, 62599
Jan Piercy, World Bank, 458-0110
Phillis Oakley, State, 647-7826
Karen Nussbaum, 219-6611
Mimi Castaldi, 219-6611
Iris Burnett, 619-4742
Carol Rasco, 62216
Laura Tyson, NEC
Donna Shalala, 690-7000
Sarah Kovner, 401-3000
Madeleine Kunin, 401-1000
Susan Blumenthal, DHHS, 690-7650
Caren Wilcox, DNC
#2
The following have been invited by ltr and will RSVP:
Marjorie Margolies Mezvinsky
Melinda Kimble
Veronica Biggins
Antonella Pinalto
Lynn Cutler
Linda Tarr-Whalen
Amy Sobel
Theresa Loar
Elaine Shocas
Suzanne George
Gracia Hillman
Erthrain Cousins
Anne Bartley
RCV BY:
G
: 4-18-95 ; 8:50AM :
CCITT G3-
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 2
0 used
was 8
TO:
Maggle Williams
FROM:
Ann Lewis
DATE:
March 31, 1995
These are primarily Council of Presidents members with some additions:
Anne Bryant
American Assoc of University Women
1111 16th St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
F/S
785-7788
tax: 872-1425
Elleen McGrath
American Medical Women's Assoc
801 N. Fairfax St. #400
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-0500
Fax 703549 3864
Virginia Trotter-Betts, JD, MSN. RN.
American Washington, 600 Maryland Nurses DC Ave., 20024 Assoc SW #100 West F/S
554-4444 615-371-0101
fax (203)651-7006
Ellen Toplitz
American Women in Radio and TV
1650 Tysons Blvd.
McLean, VA 22102
703-506-3290
F/S
Pax (703) 506-3266
Christine Benero
F/S
Association of Junior Leagues International
1319 F St., NW #604
Washington, DC 20004
393-3364
F/S
Fax (202)393 4517
Susan Bruck
B'NAI B'RITH WOMEN
1828 L. St., NW #250
Washington, DC 20036
857-1300
F/S
fax 8574380
RCV BY:
i 4-18-85 i 8:50AM ;
CGITT 03->
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 3
Dr. Margaret Batchelor-White
Black Women's Agenda
3501 14th St., NW
Washington, DC 20010
F/S
586-22654
Pax 202 387-659
Audrey Tayse Haynes
BPW 2012 Mass Ave., NW F/S
Washington, DC 20036
293-1100
Pax 202861-0298
Frances Catholics Kissling for Free Choice F/S
1436 U St., NW #301
Washington, DC 20009
986-6093
Fax 202 332-7995
Linda Tarr-Whelan
Center for Policy Alternatives
F/S
1875 Connecticut Ave., NW #710
Washington, DC 20009
387-6030
Fax 202 986 2539
(202)986-2539 F
Leslie Wolfe
Center for Women Policy Studies
2000 P St., NW #508
Washington, DC 20036
872-1770
Pax 296-8962
Center Martha for Burke the Advancement of Public Policy F/S
1735 S St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
Fax 265-6245
Marian Wright Edelman
Children's Defense Fund
25 E St., NW
F/S
Washington, DC 20001
no answer
628-0931 D628 i
Fax 202 628-3580 -D 662-3520
Nancy Chupp
by
Church Women United
110 Maryland Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20002
? F/S
644-8747
no Fax#
-D543-1247
RCV BY:
; 4-19-95 : 9:50AM :
CCITT 03-
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 4
Gloria Johnson
Coalition of Labor Union Women
1126 16th St., NW
F/S
Washington, DC 20036
296-1200
tax 7854563
Kathy Bonk
Communications Consortium
1333 H St., NW #700
F/S
Washington, DC 20005
682-1270
fax 2026822154 202 2154
Ellen Malcolm
F/S
EMILY's List
805 15th St., NW #400
Washington, DC 20036
326-1400
A
Fax 703-522-2214 703-522-2219 R
Pax 326 1415
Ellie Smeal
s/a
Feminist Majority
1600 Wilson Blvd #801
Arlington, VA 22209
Mildred Klefer Wurf
Girls Incorporated
3101 New Mexico Ave. #241
F/S
WAshington, DC 20016
775-8191
50x301652-6240
Dr. Institute 1400 Heldi 20th for Hartmann St., Women's NW #104 Policy Research F/S
Washington, DC 20036
785-5100
Pax 202 833 4362
Becky Caine
League of Women Voters
1730 M St., NW
F/S
Washington, DC 20036
429-1965
fax 202 429 0854
Kathryn Rodgers
NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund
99 Hudson St., #1201
F/S
New York, NY 10013
212-925-6635
fax 212 226 1066
RCV BY:
; 4-19-95 ; 9:51AM ;
CCITT 03->
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 5
Kate Michelman
F/S
NARAL
1156 15th St., NW #700
Washington, DC 20005
973-3000 phone# 204933 3000
973-3097 Fax#
Julia Scott
National Black Women's Health Project
1211 Connecticut Ave., NW #310
F/S
Washington, DC 20036
fax-833-8790
833-8790
(202) 835-0117 phone#
Susan Bianchi Sand
National Committee on Pay Equity
1126 16th St., NW #411
Washington, DC 20038
F/S
331-7343 phone#
fax (208) 331-74061 Susan Katz
National Council of Jewish Women
53 W. 23rd St., 6th Floor
New York, NY 10010
K/S
212-645-4048
Dorothy National 1001 G St., Height Council NW of #800 Negro Women F/S
Washington, DC 20001
for
628-0233
(202)628-0015
Patricia Ireland
National Organization for Women
1000 16th St., NW #700
of
Washington, DC 20038
331-0066
Lavonia
Fairfax Perryman
National Political Congress of Black Women
DOLORES TUCKER
600 New Hampshire Ave., #1125
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 338-0800 ph#, faxt(202)625-0499
Marcia Greenberger
Nancy Duff Campbell
National Women's Law Center
1616 P St., NW #100
Washington, DC 20036
F/S
328-5137
phone# (202) 328-5160
RCV BY:
; 4-19-95 ; 9:51AM :
CCITT 33-
SOCIAL OFFICE:# B
Harriett Woods
National Women's Political Caucus
1211 Connecticut Ave., NW #425
FXS
Washington, DC 20036
faxts
785-3605 phone# (202) 785-H00
Joan Kurlansky
JOHNETH MARSHALL
Older Women's League
666 11th St., NW #700
F F/S
Washington, DC 20001
783-6686 phone#
fax* 202 638-2356
O. CA,W.
Organization Kathy 11912 Dress Andrew of Chinese-American St. temporary Women- F/S
1300 N. St., NW
use
suite 100
thes
(202) 638-0.33 ofh.#
wash., DC 20005
address
Wheaton, MD 20902
8778
(20)638-2196 you
Pamela J. Maraldo, Ph.D., R.N.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
(207)752-3804
810 Seventh Ave.
New York, New York 10019
212-261-4601
015212-247-6453 Julie Burton
Voters for Choice
2604 Connecticut Ave., NW #200
F/S
Washington, DC 20008
588-5200
form 202/588-0600
Cindy Morano
Wider Opportunities for Women
815 15th St., NW #916
Washington, DC 20005
F/S
Judith 638-3143 Lichtman 4885
Women's Legal Defense Fund
1875 Connecticut Ave, NW #710
Washington, DC 20009
F/S
fox 986-2600 202/986-5539
Lesley Primmer (formerly Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues)
Women's Policy, Inc
409 12th St., SW #705
Washington DC 20024
225-8740
F/S
(202) 554-2323
fax-554-3346
Elaine Jones
Director
NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
F/S
1725 K St., NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006
phone 682-1300
F
fax 682-1312
Jill Miller
Executive Director
Dosplaced Homemakers Network
1411 K St.
Suite 930
Washington, DC 20005
F/S
phone 467-6346
fax 467-5366
Beverly Stripling
Executive Director
Young Women's Christian Association
624 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
F/S
phone 628-3636
fax 783-7123
Leah Browning
American Bar Association
7204 Central Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912-6451
phone (301) 270-0436
F/S
fax (301) 270-0321
Mayra Buvinic
President International Center for Research on Women F/S
1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Suite 302
Washington, DC 20036
phone 797-0007
F
fax 797-0020
Carol Capps
Church World Service
110 Maryland Ave., NE
Building Box # 45
F
F/S
Wshington, DC 20002
phone 543-6336
fax 546-6232
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002. list
Re: invitees (partial) (1 page)
n.d.
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Melanne Verveer
OA/Box Number: 20053
FOLDER TITLE:
South Asia [Folder 5]
2013-0534-S
ry1644
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Kerry Kennedy Cuomo
11
S
(b)(6)
[002]
Betty Dooley
/
President
F/S
Women's Research and Educational Institute
1700 18th st., NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009
phone 328-7070
fax 328-3514
Joan Dunlop
President
Y
F/S
International Women's Health Coalition
24 East 21 St.
New York, NY 10010
phone (212) 979-8500
fax (212) 979-9009
Adrienne Germaine
Vice President
p/s
International Women's HEalth Coalition
24 East 21 St.
New York, NY 10012
phone (212) 979-8500
fax (212) 979-9009
Aline Gelbard
Director for International Affairs
Population Reference Bureau
1874 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 520
Washington, DC 20009
phone 483-1100
F/S
fax 328-3937
Debbie Gladstone
Director of Membership
Federation of Women's Clubs
1734 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2990
F/S
phone 347-3168
fax 835-0246
Mary Haney
Haney Associates
4353 Verplank Pl.
Washington, DC 20016
F F/S
phone 966-7737
fax 364-8452
Sister Pat Krommer
Parliamentary Human Rights Foundation
1056 Thomas Jefferson st., NW
Washington, DC 20007
phone 333-1407
fax 333-1275
F/S
Marjorie Lightman
Human Rights Working Group
F/S
305 3rd st., SE
Washington, DC 20003
phone 544-2699
F
fax 546-6589
Gay McDougall
Executive Director
F/S
International Human Rights Law Group
1601 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009
F
phone 232-8500
fax 232-6731
Jill Merrick
F/S
Director of Communications
International Center for Research on Women
1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
F
phone 797-0007
fax 797-0020
Irene Natividad
Chairperson
F/S
National Committee of Working Women
1000 Vermont Ave., NW
Suite 605
Washington, DC 20005
F
phone 371-8323
fax 371-0817
Judge Arlene Pacht
F/S
International Women Judges Foundation
P.O. Box 6288
Washington, DC 20015
Fax markine not
phone 501-8624
fax (301) 986-0184
Note: She is leaving on Friday (4-21) for a week.
answering
Barbara Easterling
Secretary Treasurer
Communication Workers of America
501 3rd St., NW
Washinton, DC 20001
F/S
phone 434-1410
fax 434-1481
Maureen Shea
Director of Women's Outreach
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capital St., SE
F/S
Washington, DC 20003
phone 488-5035
fax 479-5135
Annette Kane
Executive Director
National Council of Catholic Women
1275 K St., NW
Suite 975
Washington, DC 20005
phone 682-0334
F/S
fax 682-0338
Joan Campbell
General Secretary
National Council of Churches
475 Riverside Drive
Room 480
New York, NY 10115
phone (212) 870-2141
F/S
fax (212) 870-2817
Note: She is leaving on 4/19 and will out of town for 10 days.
Maria Antoinetta Berriozabal
1148 West Russel
San Antonio, TX 78201
phone (210) 734-8484
fax (210) 691-5530
1691-4500
/SThis number gets an
[Fax: c/o Dr. Manuel Berriozabal
answering machine
Betty Bumpers
University of Texas at San Antonio] answered Berriozabal. by Dr.
Founder & President
Peace Links
729 8th St., SE
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20003
phone 544-0805
F/S
fax 544-0809
Dear Betty
Pat Rengel
Legislative Counsel
Amnesty International
F F/S
304 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20003
phone 944-0200
fax 546-7142
Mary Purcell
9 Oak Knoll Drive
Wallingford, PA 19086
FF/S
phone (610) 565-0113
fax (610) 892-0750
Donna Shavlick
Director, Office of Women in Higher Education
F/S
American Council on Education
1 Dupont Circle
Washington, DC 20036
phone 939-9390
F
fax 785-8056
with
Lael Stegall
150
F/S
Heyal
Social Change International it,
phone 544-5111
fax
fax
X
Julia Taft
Interaction
4 7019 1717 massAve NW F's
phone 667-8227 ext. 110
Suite 801
fax 667-8236
wash, D.L 20036
Carol Director, Women & Politics Program FS
Yost
The Asia Foundation
1990 M st., NW
Suite 610
Washington, DC 20036
F
phone 223-5268
fax 785-4582
Marie Wilson
Ms. Foundation
120 Wall Street
F F/S
33rd Floor
New York, NY 10005
phone (212) 742-2300 ext. 403
fax (212) 742-1653
SOUTH ASIA BRIEFING GUEST LIST
Elizabeth Smith
Political Director
F/S
American Federation of Teachers
555 New Jersey Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
phone 879-4436
fax 393-6375
Pat Scarcelli
International Vice President
United Food & Commercial Workers Internat
1775 K St., NW
Washington DC 20006
phone 223-3111
fax 466-1562
Anguer
batch
Cathy Collette
Director of Women's Rights
hreindia &
AFSCME
1625 L st., NW
5th floor
Washington, DC 20036
phone 429-5090
fax 429-1197
Marilyn Monahan
Executive Office
Fls
National Education Association
1201 16 St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
phone 822-7017
fax 822-7974
Nancy Donaldson
Director of Legislation
Service Employees International Union
1313 L St., NW
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
phone 898-3365
fax 898-3304
Marta David
Assistant Director
AFL-CIO
FF'S
815 16 St., NW
Washington, DC 20006
phone 637-5104
fax 637-5107
a
Letty Pogrebin
33 West 67th St.
F/S
New York, NY 10023
phone (212) 873-1460
XT
fax (212) 787-5733
Jurate Kazekas
3:40 Dumbarture STreet, hin F/S
phone 342-5404
washington, D.C. 20001
fax 100.) 343 6453
Maria Riley
Center of Concern
<<
3700 13 st., NE
Washington, DC 20017
F/S
phone 635-2757 ext. 34
fax 832-9494
Kathy Thornton
National Coordinator
<
Network
801 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
F/S
Suite 460
Washington, DC 20003
phone 547-5556
fax 547-5510
Betty Friedan
420 7th Avenue
Apt. 1010
States
F/S
Washington, DC 20004
phone 639-0539
fax 357-4439
Bella Abzug
Women's Environment and Development Foundation
845 3rd Avenue, 15th Floor
F/S
New York, NY 10022
phone (212) 759-7982
fax (212) 759-8647
Barbara Arnwine
Executive Director
Lawyers Committe for Civil Rights Under the Law
1400 I st., NW
Washington, DC 20005
phone 371-1212
662
8600
fax 842-3211
not
in
0482
4/20
list
Additions to the Wednesday South Asia Briefing:
FLS
Eleanor Guggenheimer, ph 212/764-6992 or ph 212/831-8443 F/S
232-8121764-04
02
Esther Coopersmith, ph 232-0845
tax
Norma Asnes, ph 212/661-4972; 33 fax 212/628-0873 F/S
Beth Dozoretz, 804/459-5138
S
3030 K Street, NW
Suite 107
++:
WDC 20007
202/944- 4121
Sue Ling Gin, ph 312/243-2882
243-5088 F/S is
Sasha Millstone, ph 789-0585
fait
It
789-1565F
Carol Pensky, ph 301/983-1335
3011983-9524
F1-
Gwen Berlin, ph 305/255-9900 305-666-1350
F/S
Susan Sechler, ph 736-5850
202/775-2622 FIS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
THE FIRST LADY
WHAT:
SOUTH ASIA BRIEFING
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 26, 1995
3:15 p.m.
WHERE:
State Dining Room
# of Guests:
Approx. 100/Closed Press
FROM:
Ann Stock, Sarah Farnsworth
3:00 p.m.
Guests arrive at the East Visitors Gate and are
escorted to the State Dining Room where they are
seated family theatre style.
3:15 p.m.
THE FIRST LADY is announced from the Red Room
and proceeds onto small platform at the south
end of the State Dining Room.
THE FIRST LADY gives remarks from toast
lectern and begins slide show.
Note: Q&A option following slide show
3:45 p.m.
(Approx. time) Upon conclusion of the slide
show, THE FIRST LADY proceeds to the Blue
Room to begin receiving line with guests.
NOTE: Guests proceed from State Dining Room, thru
Red Room to Blue Room and out Green Room into the
Grand Foyer where iced tea, coffee and pastries
will be offered. WH photo only.
4:15 p.m.
(Approx. time) Upon conclusion of the
receiving line, THE FIRST LADY departs.
Guests will depart the East Gate.
REPORT DATE 04/25/95
REPORT TIME 06:45PM
HRC Briefing on Trip to South Asia - Wednesday, April 26, 1995 - 03:00PM
Contact Social Office X7136
MRS. CLINTON
Ms. Bella Abzug
Women's Environment & Development Foundation
Ms. Margaret Adams
Senior Editor & National Affairs Director, Good Housekeeping
Magazine
Mrs. Norma Asnes
New York, NY
Anne Bartley
Washington, DC
Dr. Margaret Batchelor-White
Black Women's Agenda
Ms. Christine Benero
Director, Association of Junior Leagues Internationall
Ms. Gwen Berlin
Miami, FL
Ms. Susan Bianchi Sand
National Commitee on Pay Equity
Hon. Veronica Biggins
Atlanta, GA
Ms. Liz Boyer
Office of the First Lady
Ms. Leah Browning
American Bar Association
Ms. Susan Bruck
B'NAI B'IRTH WOMEN
Ms. Martha Burke
Center for the Advancement of Public Policy
Ms. Iris Burnett
Chief of Staff, USIA
Ms. Julie Burton
Voters for Choice
Ms. Mayra Buvinic
President, International Center for Research on Women
Sister Margaret Cafferty
Executive Director, Leadership Conference of Women
Ms. Becky Caine
League of Women Voters
Dr. Joan Campbell
General Secretary, National Council of Churches of Christ
Ms. Nancy Duff Campbell
Executive Director, Women's Law Center
Hon. Lisa Caputo
Deputy Assistant to the President & Press Secretary to the First
Lady
Ms. Mimi Castaldi
REPORT DATE 04/25/95
REPORT TIME 06:46PM
HRC Briefing on Trip to South Asia - April 26, 1995
Ms. Joan Chase
Washington, DC
Ms. Eliane Chocas
Ms. Nancy Chupp
Legislative Director, Church Women United
Mrs. Esther Coopersmith
Washington, DC
Erthrain Cousins
Hon. Kelly Craighead
Special Assistant to the President & Trip Director for the First
Lady
Ms. Kerry Kennedy Cuomo
RFK Memorial
Ms. Mary T. Curtin
Ms. Lynn Cutler
Senior Vice President, The Kamber Group
Ms. Nancy Donaldson
President, SEIU
Mr. Betty Dooley
President, Women's Research and Educational Institute
Ms. Beth Dozoretz
First Hospital Corporation
Ms. Kathy Dress
Organization of Chinese-American Women
Ms. Barbara Easterling
Secretary-Treasurer, Communications Workers of America
Ms. Karen Finney
Deputy Press Secretary to the First Lady
Ms. Heather Foote
Ms. Betty Friedan
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Ms. Aline Gelbard
Director for International Affairs, Population Reference Bureau
Ms. Suzanne George
Ms. Debbe Gladstone
Director of Membership, General Federation of Women
Professor Anne Goldstein
Ms. Marcia Greenberger
Co-President, National Women's Law Center
Ms. Sara Grote
Office of the First Lady
Ms. Elinor Guggenheimer
New York, NY
Ms. Mary Haney
Haney Associates
Dr. Heidi Hartman
Institute for Women's Policy Research
REPORT DATE 04/25/95
REPORT TIME 06:46PM
HRC Briefing on Trip to South Asia - April 26, 1995
Dr. Dorothy Height
President, National Council of Negro Women
Ms. Kathleen Hendrix
Hon. Alexis Herman
Ms. Gracia Hillman
Executive Director, League of Women Voters
Ms. Patricia Ireland
President, National Organization of Women
Ms. Gloria Johnson
Coalition of Labor Union Women
Ms. Elaine Jones
Director, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
Ms. Annette Kane
Executive Director, National Council of Catholic Women
Ms. Melinda Kimble
Dr. Suzanne Kindervatter
Ms. Frances Kissling
Catholics for Free Choice
Ms. Jennifer Klein
Ms. Sharon Kotok
Sister Pat Krommer
Parliamentary Human Rights Foundation
Hon. Madeleine Kunin
Deputy Secretary of Education, Department of Education
Ms. Sarah Lai
Mr. Neel Lattimore
Deputy Press Secretary to the First Lady
Ms. Marjorie Lightman
Human Rights Working Group
MS. Theresa Loar
Ms. Theresa Loar
Ms. Pamela Maraldo
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Hon. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky
Ms. Jonetta Marshall
The Older Women's League
Ms. Ellen Marshall
Ms. Capricia Marshall
Special Assistant to the First Lady
Hon. Doris Matsui
Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Public
Liaison
Mrs. Donna McLarty
Ms. Jill Merrick
Director of Communications, International Center for Research on
Women
Ms. Kate Michelman
NARAL
REPORT DATE 04/25/95
REPORT TIME 06:46PM
HRC Briefing on Trip to South Asia - April 26, 1995
Ms. Jill Miller
Executive Director, Dosplaced Homemakers Network
Ms. Alice Miller
Ms. Marilyn Monahan
Secretary-Treasurer, National Education Association
Ms. Cindy Morano
Wider Opportunties for Women
Ms. Cheryl Morden
Associate Director, Church World Service
Ms. Alison Muscatine
Speechwriter
Ms. Irene Natividad
Chairperson, National Commitee of Working Women
Ms. Karen Nussbaum
Director, Women's Bureau, Department of Labor
Ms. Carol Pensky
Herndon, VA
Ms. Laviona Perryman
National Political Congress of Black Women
Hon. Jan Piercy
Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director, Office of
Presidential Personnel, Office of Presidential Personnel
Ms. Antonella Pinalto
Ms. Catherine Pinkerton
National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Ms. Lesley Primmer
Women's Policy, Inc.
Ms. Mary Purcell
Wallingford, PA
Ms. Nicole Rabner
Office of the First Lady
Ms. Regan Ralph
Hon. (Ms.) Robin Lynn Raphel
Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Department
of State
Ms. Pat Rengel
Legislative Counsel, Amnesty International
Ms. Maria Riley
Center of Concern
Mr. Kathryn Rodgers
NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund
Professor Susan Roth
Ms. Nancy Rubin
Ms. Patricia Scarcelli
International Vice President, Director, Women's Affairs
Department, United Food and Commercial Workers International
Union
Ms. Susan Sechler
REPORT DATE 04/25/95
REPORT TIME 06:46PM
HRC Briefing on Trip to South Asia - April 26, 1995
Ms. Maureen Shea
Director of Women's Outreach, Democratic National Commitee
Ms. Ellie Smeal
Feminist Majority
Ms. Elizabeth Smith
Political Director, American Federation of Teachers
Ms. Amy Sobel
Hon. Patti Solis
Special Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling for
the First Lady
Ms. Kathy Sreedhar
Ms. Leal Stegall
Social Change International
Ms. Lael Stegall
President, Social Change International
Ms. Beverly Stripling
Executive Director, Young Women's Christian Association
Ms. Marge Tarmey
Executive Assistant
Ms. Linda Tarr-Whalen
Ms. Ellen Teplitz
American Women in Radio and TV
Ms. Kathy Thornton
National Coordinator, Network
Ms. Judith G. Touchton
Deputy Director/OWHE, American Council on Education
Ms. Delores Tucker
President, National Political Congress of Black Women
Ms. Emily Tynes
Deputy Director, Communications Consortium
Hon. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff to the
First Lady
Ms. Caren Wilcox
Democratic National Committee
Hon. Margaret (Maggie) Williams
Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Ms. Marie Wilson
Ms. Foundation
Ms. Harriet Woods
National Women's Political Caucus
Ms. Barbara Wooley
Ms. Carol Yost
Director, Women & Politics Program, The Asia Foundation
Ms. Kimberly Youngblood
SUPPLEMENTAL NEWSCLIPPINGS FROM
THE TRIP OF THE FIRST LADY TO SOUTH ASIA
MARCH 24 - APRIL 6, 1995
The Washington Times
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1995 **
Reuters
So long, Ceylon
Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, wave goodbye at the airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka,
yesterday as they conclude their South Asia tour. They also visited Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
THE WASHINGTON POST
THURSDAY, APRIL 6. 1995
First Lady 'Moved,' "Overwhelmed"
On Asian Journey of Self-Discovery
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter, Chelsea, right, carry trays of flowers to place at a Buddhist temple in Colombo.
1/2
First Lady 'Overwhelmed,' 'Moved'
On Asian Journey of Self-Discovery
about different cultures and coun-
same language-of silence."
By Molly Moore
tries became a journey of self-
But it was also clear that Clinton
Washington Post Foreign Service
discovery both for her and her
was using this trip to readjust her
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, April 5—
daughter, Chelsea. "Chelsea has
own voice, which has been criticized
In a Bangladeshi village of the lowest
been writing many postcards to her
as much too loud in her husband's ad-
of low-caste Hindus-often called
friends to explain in words what this
ministration. The trip was a very pub-
"untouchables"-dozens of children
meant to her," Clinton said.
lic pronouncement that she will spend
stretched their arms to touch the
As for Chelsea's mother, she still
the second half of his term focusing
hands of a beaming Hillary Clinton,
seemed to be struggling to come to
on matters more traditionally associ-
the woman they'd been told was
terms with the sensory overload she
ated with first ladies-women's and
Queen of the World.
experienced on a trip that took her
children's issues.
In villages like Moishahati, where
from extravagant palace dinners to
Responding to suggestions that
government officials and high caste
medical research centers where ema-
Hindus-much less foreigners-sel-
ciated children writhed with the pain
she ignored an opportunity to dis-
dom venture, it is believed that just
of malnutrition and dehydration.
cuss human rights abuses with lead-
ers of nations notorious for them,
touching someone of higher caste will
Clinton said she and Chelsea were
bring more respect and honor to a per-
by the conditions
she said, "I think by talking about
"overwhelmed
son at the lower end of the social scale.
some of the people we met were liv-
girls and women, you're talking
ing in, but also very moved by how
about human rights."
But in a reversal the villagers
couldn't possibly comprehend, it was
people were attempting to make the
"I don't think girls and women get as
the poor inhabitants of the mud and
most of [their] situation
knowing
much attention on a regular basis as
straw huts of the rice-paddy commu-
they have so few of the advantages
some of the well-publicized other in-
we take for granted."
stances of human rights concerns," she
nity who won the respect of the first
She listened to Zahanara Begum
continued. "I believe we have to em-
lady of the United States.
"I've come away overwhelmed,"
tell her how the local Muslim reli-
phasize as much as possible that the
Clinton said of the Bangladeshi vil-
gious leader in her Bangladeshi com-
denial of education, the denial of basic
lagers and dozens of other women
munity refused to pray for the dead
health care and the denial of choices to
she encountered in a 12-day visit
children of women who defied his
girls is a human rights issue."
across the Indian subcontinent that
wishes and joined the Grameen Bank,
Still, in nations sensitive to outside
ended today in Sri Lanka. "What any
which provides loans to some of the
criticism-particularly by Ameri-
of us in America go through is minor
world's poore people.
cans-Clinton found herself cloaked in
in comparison."
She watched as a Pakistani woman,
some of the same silence the teenager
In the first few jet-lagged days of
her arms coated in brown goo,
addressed in her poem. She also wit-
her journey through India, Pakistan,
smashed COW dung into smelly patties
nessed the paradox of nations' run by
Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,
to fuel her cooking fires.
some of the world's most powerful
Clinton recited numerous parallels be-
She watched elementary school
women that still offer girls less educa-
tween programs and problems in the
girls acting out a scene repeated of-
tion, food and health care than boys.
United States and those in South
ten in their homes: A mother telling a
In Pakistan, an ancient fort was
Asia, often sounding as though she
daughter she can't go to school be-
transformed into a magical fairyland to
were plugging her husband's policies
cause she is a girl and is valued less
entertain her, but only 28 percent of
on the campaign trail in Middle Amer-
than her brothers.
the nation's girls are allowed to reach
ica, half a globe and worlds away.
As she prepared to end her jour-
the fifth grade.
But this was alien to the daily lives
ney, Clinton said she was impressed
She rode elephants in the misty
of most of her Asian audiences. Be-
by having "seen women who are be-
shadows of the Himalayas in Nepal,
fore a group of Indian women ragpick-
ginning to find their own voice." She
which has some of the world's most
ers and junk dealers-most of whom
was particularly taken by a poem
breathtaking scenery but where one of
had never ridden in a car-she men-
composed in her honor by New Delhi
every five girls will die before the age
tioned a White House proposal to take
teenager Anasuya Sengupta, and she
of 5 and one woman in 18 will die dur-
away drivers' licenses as punishment
rewrote her last scheduled speech
ing pregnancy or childbirth.
for certain offenses.
here to incorporate part of it:
In India, she toured the Taj Mahal, a
By tour's end, however, what
"Too many women in too
sublime work of architecture in a na-
Clinton first billed as a trip to learn
many countries speak the
tion in which 40 percent of its 900 mil-
lion people live in destitution, accord-
ing to U.N. criteria.
THE WASHINGTON POST
The first lady also grappled with par-
adoxes in her own life. As she preached
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1995
education and self-sufficiency to women
in villages, towns and college lecture
halls, she seemed uncomfortable with a
question posed by a woman member of
Bangladesh's Grameen bank, who
asked: "Do you earn your own income?"
"I am not earning my own income
now that my husband is president," she
replied, noting that in pre-White House
days she sometimes earned more that
her husband. And, she was quick to
add, "I will later again earn my own in-
come."
THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1995
Associated Press
Hillary Rodham Clinton, with her daughter, Chelsea, outside the Kelaniya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Hillary Clinton a Traditional First Lady Now
than 10 percent of the 700,000 babies
a metaphor for the First Lady's
By TODD S. PURDUM
born each year die within 12 months:
newest role, for if Mrs. Clinton is still
A plastic sheet to provide a sanitary
thinking globally, she is acting more
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, April 5 - A
surface, a bar of soap, a plastic disk
locally than ever.
year ago, Hillary Rodham Clinton
to rest the umbilical cord on, a shiny
In stop after stop, she has played
was visiting the biggest, most ad-
razor blade to cut it and a clean cord
the traditional role of First Lady as
vanced hospitals in the Western
to tie it.
wife and mother, emphasizing the
world, proposing to change radically
The kit was a small step that
importance of educating girls and
the way they did business. Last Fri-
might make a big difference, the
women, with her 15-year-old daugh-
day, she sat in a tiny clinic in the
kind Mrs. Clinton has witnessed over
ter, Chelsea, almost constantly by
shadows of the Himalayas and
and over again on her 12-day good-
her side.
learned about its latest innovation:
will tour of southern Asia, which
She has dressed in long sleeves
the "Safe Home Delivery Kit."
ends today. It was also something of
and ankle-length skirts to avoid of-
Inside a small cardboard box were
fending Islam sensibilities. At teas,
the tools intended to reduce infant
WORLD'S GREATEST RED & WHITE WINE $575
mortality in a country where more
delivered anywhere in U.S.A. 212-684-3827 - ADVT
Continued on Page A7, Column 1
1/2
Hillary
Before leaving Bangladesh on
Monday, Mrs. Clinton toured the In-
ternational Center for Diarrheal Dis-
ease Research, a pioneering hospital
Clinton's
that developed an oral rehydration
solution of salts, sugars and grains
that saves an estimated one million
New Role:
lives a year worldwide among vic-
tims of cholera and diarrhea and
that is much less costly than stand-
First Lady
ard intravenous solutions used in the
United States.
"Too many people at home don't
know the positive results that come
Continued From Page Al
from investments like this, and don't
know that something developed in
in speeches and visits to schools and
Bangladesh can save lives in Louisi-
hospitals, she has taken such pains
ana," Mrs. Clinton said in an implicit
to avoid old controversies that she
rebuke of demands by some leading
actually created some new ones,
Congressional Republicans to scale
leading The Calcutta Telegraph to
back foreign aid.
dismiss her as "singularly insensate
Mrs. Clinton also said she hoped to
and solely decorative."
find new ways to replicate models
Mrs. Clinton elliptically acknowl-
from here in the United States.
edged her shifting tone in an inter-
Those include the microcredit lend-
view with reporters traveling with
ing of the Grameen Bank in Bangla-
her here, as she reflected on her
desh, which makes loans to poor
meetings with women ranging from
people with no collateral in exchange
untouchables and ragpickers to
for proposals to generate income, to
prime ministers and presidents like
the Self-Employed Women's Associ-
Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan and
ation in India, which has organized
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumara-
poor women into unions of cigarette
tunga of Sri Lanka.
rollers and vegetable vendors and
created its own bank.
"I think that you have to keep true
to your own beliefs about what is
Mrs. Clinton is honorary chairman
important, and you have to say it
of the American delegation to the
fourth annual United Nations confer-
over and over again," Mrs. Clinton
said. "But you always have to be
ence on women, to be held in Beijing
open to new ways of saying it that
in September, and she hopes to be
perhaps are understood better. And I
able to go if United States-China
think that is truly what's at stake in
relations remain stable.
lots of these settings around the
"I think you could help create a
world."
consensus around some certain bas-
But the First Lady rejected any
ic principles, staying off a lot of the
suggestion that by emphasizing
political disputes that are going to be
what she calls the "human issues" of
between nations and between groups
women and children she had some-
of people," she said. "You know,
how forsaken the concerns about hu-
even if there are disputes of a politi-
man rights and economic develop-
cal nature, there ought to be some
ment that plague this part of the
effort to work toward providing
world.
these basic opportunities."
"I think by talking about girls and
But experience has shown that
women, you're talking about human
many voters tend to look askance
rights," she said. "I think there's an
when Mrs. Clinton plays too great a
absolute correlation there."
policy role in the day-to-day affairs
"I don't think girls and women get
of the Administration, and she doubt-
as much attention on a regular basis
less will have to continue to walk a
as some of the well-publicized other
fine line between pretending she
instances of human rights concerns,
wields no influence and being seen as
and I believe we have to emphasize
too powerful. It is a dilemma she is
as much as possible that the denial
used to, and one that she suggested
of education, the denial of basic
her exposure to women who have
health care, the denial of choices to
suffered great hardships in this part
girls is a human rights issue," she
of the world has helped to place in
said. "Because it is the human poten-
perspective.
tial that we are attempting to de-
"If you venture forth in the world,
velop, and the denying of it, I think,
whether you are a man or a woman,
does violence to the spirit of the
you are going to encounter difficul-
person and to the larger communi-
ty," Mrs. Clinton said. "I mean,
ty."
there is no easy way to live a life of
If Mrs. Clinton has sought to make
action and commitment. And cer-
any broader political point here, it is
tainly when I think about the women
that a region often thought of as
who've been imprisoned, tortured
backward and hopeless has not only
discouraged, barred from involve
benefited greatly from American
ment in educational or professiona
aid, which helped create programs
opportunity - what any of us ir
like the Nepalese birthing kit, but
America go through is minor in com
that people here also have much to
parison."
teach America and the world.
2/2
INTERNATIONAL
'Activist' ideas in a nonthreatening garb: Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, on a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra
Dances With Camels
Hillary Clinton: In South Asia, a search for statements-fashion and otherwise
BY JOE KLEIN
were next to the dancing horses, and just
lining the walks and walls of the ancient
HERE WAS CONFUSION, AS WELL AS
after the six troupes of Punjabi dancers, and
Muslim fort at Lahore, casting fairy-tale
T
mystery, in the air: a breeze, a buzz,
just before the Pakistani orchestra playing
shadows from golden baubles of light. Exot-
a hint of movement. There were
third-rate, 20-year-old disco music
and
ic did not begin to describe it. The First
shouts and flashbulbs now, and
also just before the rose-petal altar, which
Lady approached now, moving along a red
walkie-talkies crackling: "Latti-
stood in the center of a courtyard where an
carpet passing the Punjabi dancers, flanked
more! Lattimore! Where are you?"
open-air dinner for 500 was to be laid on by
by her daughter, Chelsea, and Benazir
"Over by the dancing camels," said Neel
the governor of Punjab-and the camels
Bhutto, prime minister of Pakistan. All
Lattimore, deputy press secretary to Hilla-
were dancing in the midst of thousands
three wore the shalwar kameez, a combina-
ry Rodham Clinton. The dancing camels
upon thousands of small, pungent oil lamps,
tion of long tunic and pants, which-in
32 NEWSWEEK APRIL 10. 1995
The State Department was warning
oquently, how they could balance their am-
against exposed female limbs of any sort on
bitions with the increasingly conservative
this First Lady's trip to South Asia. Times
customs of the country, which most seemed
had changed. The local cultures, especially
to consider a source of cohesion rather than
Islamic ones, had grown conservative.
repression. "We need to establish trust
"The elite women of Pakistan cannot wear
with the [common] people," said a girl who
jeans anymore," an Indian feminist told me
hoped to go into advertising, "so they
later in the week. "Now they must dress
understand we're not their enemies. They
like the common people, the believers."
think that with education, girls will get
Hillary Clinton had lowered the hemlines
out of hand
on several skirts in preparation for the trip.
"That's difficult to do sometimes-estab-
But her fashion statement became the
lish trust," the First Lady replied. Then a
shalwar kameez, which is a curious, contra-
girl asked about the "secularization, the loss
dictory apparatus-and a rather neat meta-
of identity" that came with the new global
phor for the enduring, torturous complica-
economy. Hillary Clinton began tentative-
tions of her public life.
ly: "I worry about it a lot. I tried to speak
Practicality: The shalwar kameez was in-
about it a few years ago
The Politics of
vented by the Sikhs, who wanted to liberate
Meaning! And then, gathering herself up,
their women from the sari in the early 18th
she launched into an extended rumination
century-so they could join the army and
about mullahs, American and Asian; about
go to war against the Muslims. It was easier
"the great struggle" to build a tolerant, but
to ride a horse in tunic and pants.
The combination was adopted by
the Punjabis, the largest ethnic
group in Pakistan, and institution-
alized by the Muslims-when
worn with a dupatta (scarf), it
could seem as prim and furtive as
the burka (the veiled dress of the
truly devout). After the shah was
toppled by the Iranian ayatollahs
in 1979, a nervous Pakistani lead-
ership leaned on the elites, quiet-
ly encouraging the shalwar ka-
meez as required dress for
women. At about the same mo-
ment-in a lovely irony of the
modern world-a new genera-
tion of Indian businesswomen
were adopting the costume be-
cause it was more practical, and
comfortable, than the sari.
Modest and practical, a uni-
IRA WYMAN FOR NEWSWEEK
form for tradition-bound wives
plainer form-has become the required
and women warriors
uniform for Islamic women in South Asia.
hmmm. As she wandered from
These, however, were brilliantly colored,
Pakistan to India to Nepal last
bejeweled and embroidered-t First La-
week, the First Lady seemed to
dy's was red, a gift from Bhutto. She looked
be searching for the rhetorical
dazzling. And she seemed to suppress an
equivalent of the shalwar ka-
astonished giggle as two dancing camels
meez, a way to dress "activ-
bowed before her, then rose and high-
ist" ideas in nonthreatening
kicked together in the soft night air.
garb-for both domestic and
Let us talk about fashion and politics.
overseas consumption. "It's
Thirty-three years ago, Jacqueline Kennedy
one of the most important
came to this part of the world and made a
questions I've been asking
in A delightful Cairo, and serene presence: On
splash by wearing an Indian sari. The sari is
myself," she said, curled on a
Chelsea camel-hopped to the a Great refueling Sphinx stop
a soft and sensual garment, a wrap of cotton
couch in her New Delhi hotel suite
BARBARA KINNEY WHITE HOUSE
or silk that often leaves the arms and mid-
several days after the dancing camels. "I
still "spiritual" response to the "rampant
riff exposed. Hillary Clinton's staff had
think a new language of politics is being
materialism and consumerism
because
studied film and photos of that trip and
born. None of us have it quite right yet, but
many of those who are concerned about the
been surprised, not just by the sari, but by
I'm beginning to see glimmers."
lack of meaning and undermining of family
some of the other clothes Mrs. Kennedy
There were glimmers in a remarkable
life would like to adopt a rigid response to
had worn. "Sleeveless sheaths!" said an
scene at the Islamabad College for Girls,
it
It slowly became clear, as she went
aide. "She rode an elephant in a skirt that
where a group of young women-children
on, that she had drifted into a recollection of
came up above her knee!"
of the elite-wondered aloud, and quite el-
the 1994 election, her health-care humilia-
APRIL 10, 1995 NEWSWEEK 33
INTERNATIONAL
tion, all the awfulness. She was talking
No," the First Lady flashed and her daugh-
loaned them money and gave them the
about America, but the Pakistani girls were
ter was hustled off by aides. One wondered
courage, as one said, "to walk into the vil-
rapt; they clearly understood her meaning.
about the vehemence. Chelsea was a de-
lage council and talk to
the police [who
Indeed, she was reaching them in a way
lightful and serene presence on the trip, a
had, before SEWA, harassed them off the
that she had rarely connected with Ameri-
sure source of pride for her mother. But the
street], and speak our minds." The meeting
cans. But then, these were socially con-
First Lady's insistence that her daughter
went on for an hour; the First Lady was
scious children of the elite, caught in the
never be used as media fodder, admirable
moved-but, she later said, tired. She had
same cultural whipsaw that she was, wor-
in principle, suddenly seemed inflexible,
just finished her final remarks when an old-
ried about how to pursue their ambitions
fiercely dogmatic, a reminder of all that
er woman leaped to the microphone and
without seeming "enemies" of the common
had gone wrong for the Clintons these past
said, "You've come into our courtyard and
folk, without seeming bossy.
few years.
filled our hearts with joy and we will never
Tarted-up exhibits: In April of 1962
But that was only a moment: And there
forget you." Suddenly, the entire throng be-
NEWSWEEK chided Jacqueline Kennedy for
were many others that were much better,
gan to sing. The song was familiar, but elu-
forging a somewhat less sub-
stantive (upper) class alliance
with the South Asians and see-
ing "only the pageantry of the
Indian subcontinent, not its
poverty." No chance of that
with this First Lady. There
were daily visits to villages and
clinics and schools. But it isn't
easy to experience actual pover-
ty on an Official Visit, and these
were tarted-up exhibits-roads
newly paved, open sewers new-
ly retrenched, garbage dumps
(and their human residents)
camouflaged by flimsy walls of
outrageously cheery print fab-
rics-all part of the great South
Asian Poverty Theme Park that
has engaged, and foiled, well-
intentioned Westerners since
Mrs. Clinton's Victorian Meth-
odist precursors were on the
case. In such circumstances it
isn't hard to slip into egregious
uplift mode. Indeed, Mother
Teresa's remarkable New Delhi
orphanage-with its rows of
PHOTOS BY IRA WYMAN FOR NEWSWEEK
well-dressed, ineffably gor-
Cuddling babies, covering heads: The First Lady and
geous and incredibly serene in-
Chelsea at Mother Teresa's orphanage in New
fants in cribs-almost demand-
Delhi, at the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad
ed self-righteous excess, but the
First Lady didn't gush. She cuddled and
moments that could have veered into
rocked several babies, then approached the
self-righteous territory, but didn't. Her
cameras, and retreated into the stiff public
message was feminism and activism, to
perfection that seems almost a reflexive de-
be sure-but clothed in the shalwar ka-
fense against untoward emotions: "Oh,
meez of voluntarism. She proselytized
they're so beautiful," she said, "and I'm so
programs that Newt Gingrich might
pleased because the minister says adoption
adore, nongovernmental programs,
is becoming more and more available."
safe havens run by altruists rather than
A constant struggle for her: seeming hu-
bureaucrats, programs that loaned
man in public, rather than perfect. She is
poor women money to start businesses and
too wary ever to be entirely open, although
take care of themselves.
sive. Slowly, it became clear: they were
there were glimmerings here as well: after a
And perhaps the most powerful memory
singing "We Shall Overcome" in the Guja
few days on the road, the Stockholm Syn-
of Hillary Clinton's first week in South Asia
rati dialect. Hillary Clinton later said she
drome set in, entwining Her Ladyship (as
came at such a place: the Self-Employed
found herself thinking about the great cir-
some of the locals had it) and Her Traveling
Women's Association (SEWA) in Ahmad-
cle-from Henry David Thoreau, who was
Hacks-she was our captive and we were
abad. She sat in a hot, dusty, but mercifully
read by Gandhi, who in turn inspired Mar-
hers-and the atmosphere became down-
covered courtyard, with hundreds of wom-
tin Luther King, whose anthem these wom-
right convivial. The mood changed quickly
en-a third Untouchables, another third
en were now singing. A precisely perfect
one afternoon when television reporters
Muslims; rag-pickers, street vendors, the
thought, of course. But the human reaction
were led to believe they might ask Chelsea
most desperate of the poor-and they told
that accompanied it was far more memora-
about her reaction to the Taj Mahal, which
her about their organization of more than
ble: as they sang, tears welled in Hillary
the wire services had already gotten. "No!
100,000 members, how it unified them,
Rodham Clinton's eyes.
34 NEWSWEEK APRIL 10, 1995
OUTLOOK
Soothing the world -
and people back home
T
he pictures were precisely what the White House hoped for. There was
Hillary Rodham Clinton, international mother figure, stroking the hands
of sweet-faced infants, tending the sick, wearing the traditional shalwar
kameez tunic and pantaloons of Pakistani women and comforting impoverished
villagers throughout South Asia. But the first lady's trip was more than a pub-
lic-relations gambit. Friends viewed her incarnation as goodwill ambassador for
her husband, her country and her gender as part of a longtime quest for self-
fulfillment and, more broadly, a "politics of meaning."
The 20,000-mile, 12-day
mission showed more clear-
ONE WEEK
The first lady
ly than ever that Mrs. Clin-
ton has fundamentally changed the way she de-
has come to
fines her job. Since the Republicans' November
understand
landslide, she seems to have discovered a healthy
sense of her own limits. At least in public, she is no
that self-
longer the know-it-all policy maker who pushed
deprecation
for an unpopular overhaul of the nation's medical
system. Nor is she the moral imperialist who angri-
is an essential
ly condemned health-insurance companies and
Republicans. The overbearing side of her nature
virtue of
may re-emerge, but for now she is all gentle self-
public life.
deprecation. She recently told U.S. News that her
role is, above all, to "be there" for her husband.
On her visits to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Paki-
stan and Sri Lanka, she carefully avoided such
contentious issues as human-rights abuses and nuclear proliferation. In New
Delhi, she called for improved education and health care for women and girls.
She wore native costumes, expressed appreciation for local artists and insisted
that her main purpose was to listen and learn. At a New Delhi orphanage su-
pervised by Mother Teresa, Mrs. Clinton and daughter Chelsea cradled infants
in their arms and praised the nuns for their commitment. Asked in Lahore, Pa-
kistan, if she had a nickname, the first lady replied with a smile: "Some people,
I would imagine, have quite rude nicknames for me."
She had started the week with a dose of self-deprecating humor back home. In
a video that her supporters produced for Washington's glitzy Gridiron dinner,
she portrayed a female Forrest Gump, complete with syrupy Southern accent
and simplistic aphorisms. "My mama always told me the White House is like a
box of chocolates," she drawled. borrowing the movie's most famous line. "It's
pretty on the outside, but inside there's a lot of nuts." Her in absentia spoof was
a smash. "Hillary," said California Gov. Pete Wilson, "was dynamite."
Like her husband, she has come to understand that self-deprecation is an essen-
tial virtue of public life. Says a friend of the Clintons: "It brings them down to scale
when they can laugh at their weaknesses and show they don't think they have all
the answers." Some see the first lady's new humility as an attempt to soften her im-
age just as another presidential election cycle begins. And that it may be. But
there's no mistaking the fact that her sense of limits is in line with America's con-
servative mood. The wonder is that it took her so long.
BY KENNETH T. WALSH
Goodwill tour. In Pakistan, Mrs. Clinton
10
U.S.NEWS & WORLD REPORT. APRIL 10. 1995
WIN MCNAMEE REUTER
onsulted with Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. wore a traditional Islamic scarf to a mosque and watched a villager work a loom.
U.S.NEWS & WORLD REPORT. APRIL 10. 1995
11
CHRONICLES
Firebombs Across Germany
In central Germany, police
THE GOOD NEWS
HEALTH
THE BAD NEWS
arrested four Kurdish mili-
tants in connection with a
The pain reliever ibuprofen
Women who spend four
string of fire bombings target-
can significantly slow lung dete-
hours or less on their feet each
ed at Turkish property across
rioration in some children with
day incur double the average
the country. Over the past
cystic fibrosis, according to a new
number of hip fractures; so do
month, more than 100 Turk-
study. The results were most dra-
those whose mothers suffered a
ish travel agencies, stores,
matic in children ages 5 to 13.
CRONIN
hip fracture, a study of almost
banks, newspaper offices,
10,000 women shows. Taking
mosques, cultural centers and
A test for Parkinson's disease
REPORT
sedatives for many years, con-
meeting halls in 15 German
may detect the illness in its early
suming caffeine and losing
cities have been hit by Molo-
stages, beforè it affects speech and move-
weight also increase the risk.
tov cocktails. Officials suspect
ment. With earlier diagnosis, researchers
the banned Kurdistan Work-
say, treatment will be more effective.
A federal report has found that children
ers' Party, which has waged
born to uneducated mothers are more like-
an 11-year war for an inde-
Testing of gene therapy for prostate-
ly to be mildly retarded than those born to
pendent Kurdish homeland.
cancer patients will begin soon. The pro-
better-educated women. But researchers
cedure will, in theory, spark the body's
also discovered evidence that mild retarda
Carter Mediates Sudan Truce
immune system to hunt down tumors that
tion may be both prevented and treated.
Sudan's Islamic fundamen-
spread from the initial growth in men who
program has been announced to help mild
talist government and south-
have already had surgery.
ly retarded children improve their skills.
ern rebels negotiated a truce
Sources: GOOD New England Journal of Medicine; University of Artzona: AP: American Cancer Society: Johns Hopkins University, AP
with the help of former Pres-
BAD New England Journal of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Preve Emory University
ident Jimmy Carter. The two
sides, which have been fight-
A HAPPY ENDING
ing a 12-year war in which
Winston Who?
more than 1 million people
"Hoop Dreams has done a lot
have died, agreed to a two-
month cease-fire so that
for me. It got me into Michael
health workers could try to
wipe out the parasitic Guinea
Jordan's birthday party."
worm, which causes debili-
-WILLIAM GATES, COLLEGE BASKETBALL
tating disease.
PLAYER AND SUBJECT OF THE NOT-ACADEMY-
First Lady in South Asia
Eleven talented moviemakers won Oscars
AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY
Hillary Rodham Clinton and
for their contributions to Forrest Gump.
daughter Chelsea embarked
The number of times each of them thanked
Honey, I'm Home!
on a 12-day official goodwill
certain people-or neglected to-may
tour of Pakistan, India,
have unintentionally illuminated Holly-
Honey?
Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri
wood's pecking order:
Lanka. The emphasis: pro-
To the surprise of dozens of Americans, the
THOSE MENTIONED
NUMBER OF THANKS
moting the welfare of
marriage of Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett
broke up last week. How does their marital
women and children. Clin-
ton mère et fille toured or-
Winners' spouses 9
tenure compare with other celebrity couples?
phanages, schools and a
Madonna and Sean Penn
women's cooperative, as well
Executive Sherry Lansing and
as the fabled Taj Mahal,
which Mrs. Clinton termed
"everyone at Paramount"
7
Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere
31*
"just haunting."
Director Bob Zemeckis
6
Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra
25
Serious Security
Since the attack that killed
"The talented cast and crew"
5
Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett
21*
two U.S. employees of the
Winners' parents
5
American consulate in
Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio
Karachi, Pakistan, the State
The film's producers
5
Department has provided
Liz Taylor and Conrad Hilton
the diplomatic post with ar-
The Academy
4
8
mored vehicles as well as a
Actor Tom Hanks
4
Shannen Doherty and Ashley Hamilton
security team to train its em-
7
ployees. A State Department
Winners' kids
4
Catherine Howard and Henry VIII
memo obtained by TIME re-
Agents and/or lawyers
3
I
vealed that, in the months.
Screenwriter Eric Roth
2
before the attack, a previous
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson
Winston Groom, the novelist whose book
10 (and counting)
security-training team had
inspired the entire project to begin with
1
been virtually ignored by the
*Separated
TIME Graphic by Steve Hart: Picture Shooting Star
TIME, APRIL 10, 1995
25
The Independent
20 Chaitra 1401. 2 Zilqad 1415
Hillary, you're welcome
Cordial warmth and hospitality, for which Bangladeshis
have proverbial fame, will mark the unofficial but august visit
of U.S. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter
Chelsea to this country. We sincerely wish her three-day so-
journ all happiness, and hope that this will go a long way in
further cementing the bond of friendship that bind the North
American people and their government headed by President
William Jefferson Clinton to that of ours. The first visit to
Dhaka by a U.S. First Lady. this is the fourth leg of Hillary's 12-
day five-country tour of South Asia. It is the remarkable
Grameen Bank (GB), an ideal development model for poverty
alleviation, founded by Prof Muhammad Yunus that has
brought Hillary here. An eminent lawyer, she C hampions the
cause of women and children all over the world. And this is
why we pin much hope on her future contributions to banish
poverty from this planet.
The story of Hillary, says Donnie Radcliffe, is the story of so
many millions of Americans whose immigrant a ncestors, des-
perate for change and chance, left the Old Cour try for a land
across the Atlantic promising opportunity and hope. Dignified
and socially conscious, Hillary the pragmatist has never taken
no for an answer but relished challenge. She kr ew what she
stood for, what her goals were and how to attain them. "I am
particularly adamant that whatever we do, we focus on ma-
ternal and child health care." said she.
It affords us a good measure of honour and pride that the
Clinton family set up a decade ago in Arcansas tl e Good Hope
Fund on the model of the GB. which had its beg nning further
back in 1976 at Jobra village in Chittagong and was replicated
all over Bangladesh as well as in some countries in the East
and the West. People of Rishipara or cobblers' colony at the
remote Mashihati village under Kaliganj thana in Jhenidah zila,
which is not normally visited by any caste Hindu nor by any
respectable local person, is agog with enthusiasm to welcome
Hillary today who will see for herself economica Ily self-reliant
women demonstrating 18 types of income-ger erating work
that has given the GB the rare distinction across the conti-
nents. She will also see some schools run by th e Bangladesh
Rural Advancement Committee.
Prof. Yunus, who says that poverty is the dei ial of all fun-
damental human rights, believes that the scour ge of poverty
can be eliminated from the world once for all. "It does not
need additional resources. All it needs is a firm political deci-
sion to achieve it. If we are willing, we can ever set a date to
make this planet free from poverty," says Prof. Yunus. May his
dream come true and let there be smiles of hap biness on the
lips of every citizen of the world of tomorrow V here poverty
will be an unknown phenomenon. Let that day c me soon.
Friendship is a divine gift. A faithful friend is an image of
God, so goes an old adage. According to a S cripture, iron
sharpeneth iron as a man sharpeneth the count enance of his
friend. Since the independence of this country the United
States government has been generously extending its coopera-
tion to our economic development besides hum: nitarian assis-
tance at times. That a friend in need is a frien I indeed was
amply proved in 1991 when Gen. Stackpole of the U.S. Army
and the military personnel under his commanc came of im-
mense help to the cyclone-hit millions many of whom would
have suffered if timely arrival of relief and succour could not
have been ensured.
While we look forward to American assistance in various
fields, we believe that as in the past, in future too the United
States will at all times stand by the people of this least devel-
oped country (LDC) which is beset with many domestic and
other problems including the outstanding Gange water issue
which directly affects 40 million people of north-western
Bangladesh. Mrs Hillary Clinton will be happy to learn that
Bangladesh has been able to overcome the pas Kissingerian
image of an international basket-case' and all otl er attendants
of underdevelopment. After years of one-party rule, marital
law, short-lived democracy, martial law again and then the
nine-year-long autocracy, the people here have 1 een enjoying
parliamentary democracy since 1991. In January last the
Euromoney described this country as an Emerg ing Tiger. At
such a stage of our socio-economic development American
cooperation will be doubly helpful.
NEWS CLIPINGS FROM THE FIRST LADY'S TRIP TO
SOUTH ASIA MARCH 24 - APRIL 6, 1995
FOREIGN NEWSPAPERS
The
Frontier Post
Date: March 19,1995-
Peshawar
Page: 8
Hillary to discuss regional
issues in Asian trip
WASHINGTON (APP) - Mrs
iting, and if appropriate will ad-
future for children and families
Clinton, on her trip to South
dress those depending on what
is vital to the national interests
Asia, would be ready to discuss
her interlocutors wish to raise."
of developing and developed
the entire range of issues affect-
McCurry said, that in the
countries alike. Increasingly, the
ing relations between the United
preparations for the trip, the
leadership of women plays an
States and her hosts, depending
White House has had "indica-
important role in shaping practi-
on their interest, White House
tions that government are inter-
cal and effective responses to
spokesman Michael McCurry
ested in exploring a range of is-
the global concerns of poverty.
said at the March 17. White
sues that exist bilaterally, as
lack of educational and employ-
House news briefing.
they would with any distin-
ment opportunities, inadequate
That would include security
guished visitor from the United
housing and poor health care."
issues, including renewal of the
States." Mrs Clinton will be ac-
said Mrs Clinton
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,
companied by a delegation, pos-
In December. Mrs Clinton
he said, says a press release on
sibly including security officials.
hosted the symposium on chil-
USIS issued on Saturday.
Pressed on whether the NPT
dren of the Americas in Miami
Mrs Clinton is scheduled to
will come up, he answered, "in
The summit participants dis
visit Pakistan, India, Nepal,
that part of the world that is an
cussed successful models for ad-
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka later
issue we're very keenly interest-
dressing the health and educa-
this month.
ed in, and I wouldn't be sur-
tion needs of children in the
"There has been for some
prised if that subject arises."
hemisphere. Most recently. Mrs
time intense interest in having
In each country Mrs Clinton
Clinton addressed NGO repre-
the First Lady visit that part of
will meet with women represen-
sentative attending the United
the world," McCurry told a
tatives of government and non-
Nations' World Summit on Social
questioner, including sugges-
governmental organisations
Development in Copenhagen
tions that her trip "would really
(NGOs), religious institutions,
and urged governments "to
advance both bilateral relations
education, business and the
recognise that increasing oppor-
and then also issues related to
arts. The First Lady will also
tunities for women around the
regional security and regional
visit communities to see first
world are essential investments
peace efforts. I suspect she will
hand how men and women are
for the future."
have a wide-ranging agenda."
creating a seamless' web of ser-
The First Lady's tour of South
Asked to specify the first
vices as well as training. educa-
Asia affirms the administration's
lady's role in discussing security
tional and economic opportuni-
commitment to sustainable de-
matters, he replied, "she will be
ties which support. empower
velopment in the region and un-
conversant, as first ladies are
and nurture children and their
derscores America's interest in
when they travel. with the range
families.
the social challenges which face
of issues that exist bilaterally
"Providing support, rebuilding
families and children all over the
with the countries that she's vis-
community and protecting the
world.
TheNews
Date: March 21, 1995
Rawalpindi
Page: 1
Hillary discusses
her visit with
Maleeha Lodhi
Meanwhile, Washington Times in
a long piece Monday said the Ameri-
can First Lady is visiting a region
where the most prominent political
leaders are women despite the domi-
nant role of men in those Hindu, Mus-
lim and Buddhist societies.
When Hillary Clinton travels to
South Asia from March 26 through
April 6, she will meet a number of
these women. The paper gave brief
WASHINGTON: US First Lady Hillary
profiles of Prime Minister Benazir
Rodham Clinton who is due to em-
Bhutto, Bangladesh's Prime Minister
bark on a South Asian trip next week,
Begum Khalida Zia, Sri Lankan Presi-
held a meeting with the ambassadors
dent, Mrs Chandrika Kwnaratunga
of the region Monday.
and her mother and Prime Minister
Talking to Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Pak-
Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Sonia Gandhi,
istan ambassador to US, Mrs Clinton
widow of former Indian Premier Rajiv
said she was eagerly looking forward
Gandhi and leading politician nobel
to her firstever 2-day visit of Pakistan
peace prize winner of nearby Burma
beginning March 26. She showed
who is currently under arrest.
keen interest in social sector devel-
It said the prominence of Ms Be-
opment activities in Pakistan, partic-
nazir Bhutto, Mrs Kwnaratunga and
ularly women's uplift programmes,
others is not entirely coincidental.
health care, literacy, population plan-
They belong to prestigious families,
ning, rural development and provi-
are well educated, often in the west,
sion of clean drinking water.
and they succeeded fathers or hus-
Assistant Secretary of State Robin
bands who met brutal deaths. "But
Raphel who will accompany Mrs Clin-
these women are not merely surro-
ton was also present in the meeting
gates for departed fathers and hus-
along with other colleagues from
bands, but strong willed leaders with
State Department and White House
ambition and a sense of duty".-APP
staff.
The Nation
Date: March
Islamabad
Page: Z
In Hillary's visit,
lawyers, Hillary, 47, is the only first
history to
By Ishtiaq Ahmad
lady in the US history to have had a
ISLAMABAD - It was March 26,
prestigious professional career as well-
1964, when Jackoline Kennedy, the
established as her husband's at the
then first lady of the United States, had
time of his election to the presidency.
repeat'itself
visited Pakistan. She was presented a
(Before becoming president, Mr
black horse by Field Marshal Ayub
Clinton was Governor of the Arkansas
Khan, and the Governor of West Paki-
state).
stan had hosted a dinner in her honour.
She was included on the list of Ameri-
She was accompanied by her sister.
ca's most powerful lawyers in recog-
Coincidentally, Hillary Rodham
nition of her membership on corporate
Clinton, the first lady of the US today,
boards and her record as senior partner
will visit Pakistan on the same date 31
at an Arkansas law firm where she was
years after Jackoline's visit. The Pun-
an "innovative litigator," says one lead-
jab Governor will host a dinner in her
ing American journalist Garry Wills.
honour. Whether or
Hillary has spo-
not Prime Minister
ken out on a range
Benazir Bhutto
of priority issues for
Americans and has
plans to gift Hillary
any horse, maybe
been described as
from amongst her
"the most important
White House advi-
husband Zardari's
grand collection of
sor on domestic is-
world's most ex-
sues." Upon taking
pensive horses, is
office, Mr Clinton
not yet clear.
made health-care
Hillary will be ac-
one of his highest
companied by her
priorities and ap-
only daughter Chel-
pointed her to head
his task force on na-
sea.
Ever since Bill
tional health-care
Clinton's take over
reforms.
of the White House,
Hillary Clinton
Hillary has re-
has also been ac-
tive in the interna-
mained quite a con-
troversial figure in America. She has
tional arena and has travelled with the
been criticised for acting frequently as
US president on most- of his trips
the de facto President of the United
abroad, including Russia, France, Ja-
States.
pan, Germany and the Philippines.
Some argue that President Clinton
In South Asia, she will visit Paki-
has taken many of his drastic domestic
stan, India and Sri Lanka. Her daugh-
reforms decisions, such as those per-
ter Chelsea, 16, in the words of Hillary
taining to health-care, restoration of
herself, is "someone who is very much
family values, under the influence of
part of what we do and in the concerns
his wife. Others say that she has every
we share. She had a very good adjust-
right to do so for being the first lady,
ment to living in the White House.
the fact that the majority of the Ameri-
Born on October 26, 1947, Hillary
can people had voted for the person of
entered Wellesley College, near Bos-
Clinton not his wife in elections that
ton, Massachusetts, where she ma-
broughtClintontopowernotwithstanding.
jored in Political Science. She then
Family, work and public service,
enrolled in Yale Law School, in New
Hillary says, are three elements of the
Haven, Connecticut. While at Yale,
balance of life she seeks. It's a goal she
she met Bill Clinton.
apparently continues to achieve in her
Margaret William, chief of staff for
role as President Clinton's closest ad-
the first lady, says, Hillary encour-
visor, strong advocate of women's and
ages everyone to give their opinion.
children's rights, defender of the arts,
She does not like people tip-toing
and activist for social and educational
around her. She is clear that it' impor-
reforms.
tant that people tell her what is work-
Twice named to the National Law
ing. It's even more important that peo-
Journal's list of America's 100 best
ple tell her what is not working."
THE MUSLIM
Date: March 22, 1995
Islamabad
Page: Back
Hillary interested in
Pakistan social issues
WASHINGTON, March 21
Pressed further if she was
(APP): US First Lady, Hillary
bringing up human rights as an is-
Rodham Clinton has said she is
sue in Islamabad, Mr Clinton
interested in discussing what is
said" I do not intend to bring that
being done positively in Pakistan
up. That is not something that is
to promote education for wom-
on my list of issues to address.
en and girls and to deal with vio-
There are many other people who
lence against women.
worked on those issues a very
"I know that the Prime
long time all over the world who
Minister in Pakistan has made
have the portfolio and the
that one of her concerns' Mrs
responsibility."
Clinton remarked during an in-
terview with CNN. She was
Asked why not, Mrs Clinton
responding to a call on phone
replied: "Well, because there are
from Harlet Chaudhry from The
many issues that I am interested
Hague who wanted to know if
in. I am interested in particularly
she would inquire about human
what is being done positively in
rights situation in Pakistan during
Pakistan to promote education
her upcoming visit next week.
for women and girls, to deal with
The First Lady is reaching Is-
violence against women, which I
lamabad on March 26 on a two-
view as a human rights issue. And
day visit to begin a trip to five na-
I know that the Prime Minister of
tions of the South Asian region.
Pakistan has made that one of her
Mrs Clinton said the US State
concerns. So I would like to see-
Department deals with human
before I go telling anyone about
rights issues around the world all
anything, I would like to learn a
the time. She said the United
bit more. I have never been to
States has been a very active par-
South Asia before. And the peo-
ticipant in putting forth concerns
ple who deal with human rights
about human rights in many
and other issues in;the administra-
countries and at the United Na-
tion are experts and they should
tions conference in Vienna.
do so.
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 22, 1995
Islamabad
Page: /
Hillary to take
up women issues
during visit
WASHINGTON (APP)-US first
lady Hillary Rodham Clinton has
said she is interested in discussing
what is being done positively in
Pakistan to promote education for
women and girls and to deal with
violence against women.
"I know that the Prime Minis-
ter in Pakistan has made that one
of her concerns", Mrs Clinton re-
marked during an interview with
CNN.
She was responding to a call
on phone from Harlet Chaudhry
from Hague who wanted to know
if she would inquire about human
rights situation in Pakistan during
her upcoming visit next week. The
first lady is reaching Islamabad on
March 26 on a two-day visit to
begin his trip to five nations of
South Asia region.
Mrs Clinton said the US State
department deals with human
rights issues around the world all
the time. She said the United States
has been a very active participant
in putting forth concerns about
human rights in many countries
and at the United Nations confer-
ence in Vienna.
Pressed further if she was
bringing up human rights as an
issue in Islamabad, Mrs Clinton
said "I do not intend to bring that
up. That is not something, that is on
my list of issues to address. There
are many other people who worked
on those issues a very long time all
over the world who have the port-
folio and the responsibility."
Asked why not, Mrs Clinton
replied: "well. because there are
many issues that I am interested in.
I am interested in particularly what
is being done positively in Pak-
istan to promote education for
women and girls, to deal with vio-
lence against women, which I view
as a human, rights issue.
The Nation
Date: March 22, 1995
Islamabad
Page:
More than just a First Lady
By Our Staff Reporter
lawyer, a strong advocate of wom-
ISLAMABAD-America's 47-
en's and children's rights, an activist
year-old first lady Hillary Rodham
for social and educational reform and
Clinton in many ways is a departure
a devoted mother.
from her predecessors at the White
Recognised as one of her country's
House.
most powerful and 100 best lawyers,
Hillary Clinton is an accomplished
she is America's only first lady to
woman in her own right: a noted
See page 4
More than just a
on Social Development in Copenha-
gen that she called on governments "to
First Lady
recognise that increasing opportuni-
ties for women around the world are
essential investments for the future."
From page 1
At the World Summit, she also an-
have had a successful professional
nounced a fresh US initiative to com-
career at the time of her husband's
bat female illiteracy in Asia, Africa
election to the presidency.
and Latin America.
The first lady's chief of staff said in
As the first lady of Arkansas, Hillary
a Washington Post interview that she
Clinton remained involved in public
"is a person of faith" and "that makes
service activities. In recognition of her
her solid."
professional and personal accomplish-
"So, sometimes you may not agree
ments, she was named Arkansas
with her, but you know that she's
Woman of the Year in 1983 and Ar-
acting from that place, and it allows
kansas Mother of the Year the next
you to follow her leadership."
year.
Hillary Clinton's powerful person-
Time and again she has underscored
ality has made her role as America's
the need "to find the right balance in
first lady a subject continuing debate
our lives."
in the American print and electronic
Being a career woman, the first lady,
media.
a mother and an activist, she continues
The first lady is particularly inter-
to seek this balance herself. However,
ested in health-care and women-re-
she defines her "first responsibility" as
lated issues.
doing "whatever my husband would
In 1993 President Bill Clinton ap-
want me to do that he thinks would be
pointed her to head his task force on
helpful to him."
national health care reform.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, the first
Her commitment to women's em-
lady got her law degree from the pres-
powerment is clearly reflected in her
tigious Yale Law School. At Yale she
addresses on various occasions. Most
met Bill Clinton, a fellow student. She
recently it was at UN World Summit
married him in 1975.
The Nation
Date: March 22, 1995
Islamabad
Page: (
Hillary's visit to be packed with activity
By Qudssia Akhlaque
The first lady's 35-member entou-
Minister. The first lady also plans to
and Faisal Mosque. There is also a
can Ambassador's residence. Invita
rage includes her 15-year-old daugh-
visit a Basic Health Unit in Chak
possibility of her being entertained to
tions have already been dispatched
ISLAMABAD-Hillary Clinton's
ter Chelsea, her only child, and the
Shehzad or Attock.
Pakistan International Airline's sunique
Invitees are prominent citizens includ
two-day visit to Pakistan, her first
Assistant Secretary of State Robin
Sightseeing plans for the first lady
Air Safari to the Karakorams. The
ing a sizable number of women.
ever. will be packed with activity.
Raphel. Security experts, journalists
include visits to Shakarparian, where
Turkish President was treated to the
The next morning (Saturday) Hillar
America's First Lady who starts her
and a few low-level functionaries of
she will plant a tree. Daman-e-Koh,
Air Safari aboard PM's special air-
Clinton will leave for Lahore wher
South Asian visit with Pakistan will
the US State De-
craft during his re-
she will spend an equally busy day
be visiting Islamabad and Lahore. Her
partment will be ac-
cent visit here.
After calling on the Governor of Pur
long itinerary includes receptions,
companying her.
Prime Minister
jab and the Chief Minister she WI
meetings, visits and sightseeing tours.
Hillary Clinton and
Benazir Bhutto
take a tour of the historic city. Earlic
She will land in the capital city early
her entourage will
will host lunch for
in the day she will visit the Burk
morning on March 26 (Friday). She
stay at Islamabad's
her. The 'chosen
Village on the outskirts of Lahore.
will be received at the airport by the
only five-star hotel
ones' will flock the
Later in the evening she will spen
Prime Minister's Special Assistant
where special secu-
PM House to meet
two hours at the Lahore Universit
Shehnaz Wazir Ali and a host of sen-
rity arrangements
the first lady.
Management of Sciences (LUMS
ior government officials and Ameri-
are being made.
In the evening
The first lady will take a tour of th
can diplomats.
During the day
the first lady will
prestigious university that receive
Foreign Secretary's wife, Rana
she will call on the
be hosting a recep-
US $11 million from USAID about
Sheikh, will be the lady-in-waiting.
President and Prime
tion at the Ameri-
See page 4
Hillary's visit to
be packed with
activity
From page 1
couple of years back. Later she will
address a select gathering at a recep-
tion hosted by LUMS at its campus.
American security corps have been
spending long hours with the uni-
versity's administration staff,
working out the logistics of the
first lady's, visit.
The grand finale will be at the La-
hore Fort where the Governor will be
hosting a Shahi-style dinner cum cul-
tural show that will end with spectacu-
lar fireworks.
The first lady and her entourage will
stay at the State Guest House in La-
hore. On Sunday morning they will
leave for New Delhi.
Bad news for the hacks. She will not
be holding a Press conference. And the
extremely tight security measures be-
ing taken will not allow an easy access
to her either.
"There is zero chance that she will
be talking to the Press," American
Embassy sources told The Nation.
An advance American team is al-
ready here working on details of the
first lady's programme and more, im-
portantly, her security.
The Nation
Date: 1.10uch 23. 1995
Islamabad
Page: 11
Biography of Hillary Clinton
WASHINGTON (USIS)-Hillary Rodham Clinton served of the Judiciary Committee of the US House of
as First Lady of Arkansas for 12 years. During that time, she
Representatives to work on the Watergate impeachment
worked as a full-time partner of a law firm, chaired an
proceedings.
education committee that set public school standards in
Hillary left Washington and "followed her heart to
Arkansas, managed a home, and cared for her husband and
Arkansas." She married Bill Clinton in 1975. The couple
child. On many occasions, Hillary Clinton has spoken
both taught on the law faculty of the University of Arkansas
about the need "to find the right balance in our lives". For
at Fayetteville. Their daughter, Chelsea, was born in 1980.
her, the elements of that balance are family, work and public
As First Lady of Arkansas, Hillary continued to work
service.
tirelessly on behalf of children and families. In addition to
Hillary Diane Rodham was born in Chicago, Illinois, on
chairing the Arkansas Education Standards Committee, she
October 26, 1947, daughter of Dorothy Rodham and the late
founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
Hugh Rodham. She and her
She introduced a pioneering
two younger brothers grew
programme called Arkansas
up in Park Ridge, Illinois, as
Home
Instruction
a close-knit family. An
Programme for Preschool
excellent student, she was
Youth, which trains parents
also a Girl Scout and a
to work with their children in
member ofthelocal Methodist
preschool preparedness and
youth group. Hillary enjoyed
literacy. Hillary also served
sports and was always
on the board of the Arkansas
interested in politics.
Children's Hospital. In
She entered Wellesley
recognition of her professional
College in 1965. Graduating
and personal accomplishments,
with high honours, she then
Hillary was named Arkansas
enrolled in Yale Law School.
Woman of the Year in 1983
where she served on the
and Arkansas Mother of the
Board of Editors of the Yale
Year in 1984. Upon taking
Review of Law and Social
nffice, President Bill Clinton
Action. There she met Bill
made health care one of his
Clinton, a fellow student.
highest priorities. He appointed
While at Yale, she developed
the First Lady to head his Task
her strong concern for
Force on National Health
protecting the interests of
Care Reform. Like her
children and their families.
predecessors, Hillary
In 1973. Hillary became a
Rodham Clinton brings to the
staff attorney for the
role of First Lady of the
Children's Defence Fund. A
United States her own special
year later. she joined the
talents, experience, style,
Impeachment Inquiry staff
and interests.
TheNews
Date: March 23, 1995
Rawalpindi
Page: Back
Programme for Hillary's visit finalised
By Tariq Butt
will be conducted around the
will visit the Lahore University of
mosque by Iqbal Ahmad Khan,
Management Sciences and meet
ISLAMABAD: The First Lady of the
Chairman of the Council of Islamic
members of faculty and students.
United States, Hillary Rodham Clin-
Ideology. The day will end with a re-
She will deliver a speech there and
ton, arriving here on Saturday night
ception hosted by the US Ambas-
plant a tree.
for her first-ever visit to Pakistan will
sador John C. Monjo at his resi-
Later, she will visit the Lahore
have an elaborate programme of vis-
dence.
Fort to attend dinner hosted by the
iting different places and meeting
On March 27, the US First Lady
Punjab Governor. In the night, she
dignitaries.
will visit the Islamabad College for
will leave for New Delhi.
According to the final pro-
Girls, F-6/3 where she will be re-
This is her first-ever visit to South
gramme chalked out for her, she will
ceived by Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali,
Asia. Pakistan will be her first stop.
reach here on March 25. The next
Special Assistant to the Prime Minis-
She will also visit Sri Lanka. This is
day she will have coffee with the wife
ter. The principal of the college will
the second visit of any US first lady
of President Farooq Leghari at
conduct her around the institution.
to Pakistan. In 1962, Jackoline
Aiwan-e-Sadr. Later, she will meet
There, she will also witness a cul-
Kennedy came here.
the Prime Minister and have lunch
tural show.
Authorities here are taking ex-
with her at the PM's House. The
At mid-day, she will leave for La-
traordinary measures for the secu-
lunch will be followed by a colourful
hore and will have her lunch on
rity of the First Lady and her en-
cultural programme.
board her special aircraft. Punjab
tourage. Ms Rabin Raphel is also
On the same day Hillary Clinton
Governor Chaudhry Altaf Hussain
accompanying her. They will stay at
will visit the grand Faisal Mosque
will receive her. She will visit a basic
a local five-star hotel. A considerable
where she will be received by the
health unit, a school and a home in
publicity campaign has been built
Chairman of the Capital Develop-
village Burki.
up in the media on the eve of her
ment Authority, Shafi Sehwani. She
In the afternoon, Hillary Clinton
visit.
TheNews
Date: March 25.1995
Rawalpindi
Page: (
Hillary arrives tonight
By Shakil Shaikh
ISLAMABAD: Following 1962 visit of the then US First
Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, US First Lady Hillary Rodham
Clinton reaches here Saturday night for a 60-hour visit
in which the most influential lady will drop ideas of de-
velopment activities for the welfare of women and
health care reforms.
While Foreign Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali finds
no "political significance" of Mrs Clinton's visit to Pak-
istan, official sources told The News that "the focus of
Hillary
her visit will be on two issues: development activities for
the welfare of women; and health care reforms." She is
arrives tonight
head of the US Task Force on Health Care Reforms.
On the first working day of her visit, Hillary Clinton
Continued from page 1
will have informal talks with Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto over a luncheon hosted by the latter. "Their talks
In Islamabad, the US First Lady
will mainly focus around the welfare of women in Pak-
will also visit a model village, a
istan and health care, but since she enjoys prestigious
basic health unit, and Islamabad
reputation in the US as a learned lady the Hillary-Be-
College for Girls and in her address
nazir meeting may touch some political issues and
she will give her personal account
bringing back on track the Pak-US relations strained by
regarding welfare of women in the
many issues," said official sources, adding that "Pak-
US and their participation in all
istani women who have done exceptionally well in the
walks of life.
welfare of Pakistani women will also be present to ex-
Accompanied by a 15-member
change views with the visiting US Lady."
delegation which include "Ker
daughter Chelsea, Hillary, 47, will
Continued on Page 9
also meet President Farooq Leghari,
besides going for sight-seeing and
sapling a plant at Shakarparian.
On the second and last day of
her visit, she will be in Lahore to
visit historic Shahi Fort and the
Governor Punjab will host a dinner
in her honour. She will have meet-
ings with Punjab Governor and
Chief Minister. Hillary Clinton
will also address a selected gather-
ing at the Lahore University of Man-
agement Sciences and her address
is expected to be a guideline both
for the government and the NGO
people how to carry out their activ-
ities pertaining to welfare of
women. She is also likely to visit
Khyber Pass before leaving Pakistan
for her visit to other South Asian
countries.
On her arrival, the US First Lady
will be accorded red-carpet wel-
come and Special Assistant to the
Prime Minister, Shahnaz Wazir Ali
and several other Pakistani digni-
taries and US diplomats will receive
her. Wife of the Foreign Secretary
Rana Shaikh will be the lady-in-
waiting.
The government has made elab-
orate arrangements to host the US
Lady, with tight security to be
enforced wherever she will go in
Pakistan.
The
Frontier Post
Date: March 25, 1995
Peshawar
Page: 1
Hillary arrives today
F.P. Bureau Report
places to be visited by the
ISLAMABAD - On her first
American first lady during her stay
ever visit to South Asia, the first
in Pakistan.
lady of the United States Hillary
The traffic police have been or
Rodham Clinton, is arriving here
dered to ensure that the motor-
tonight (Saturday) amid tight secu-
cade of the dignitary "is not ham-
rity
pered by the public and the route
Islamabad administration has
is kept clear" during its journey
made extraordinary arrangements
from Chacklala to the federal capi-
for safety of the visiting dignitary
tal
and her 43-member entourage,
Special Branch of the Islamabad
which among others include Ms
Police has been instructed to coor-
Rabin Raphel and Chelesa Clinton,
dinate with the Base Commander's
daughter of President Clinton
office for free access of all persons
The administration has been or-
deputed for reception and the
dered to make tight security ar-
VVIP cars close to the aircraft on
rangements at the PAF Base
the tarmac for transportation of the
Chacklala as well at all other
dignitary and her entourage.
The Nation
Date: March 25 1995
Islamabad
Page: 1
Hillary Clinton
arrives today
ISLAMABAD First lady of
USA, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is
reaching Islamabad tonight on a two-
day first ever visit to Pakistan.
Hillary is visiting Pakistan as a part
of her tour to South Asia to gain first
hand knowledge of development ac-
tivities for the welfare of women in the
region, which populates one fifth of
the humanity. On the tour she will also
visit India, Sri Lanka besides Paki-
stan.
She will be received at the airport by
Prime Minister's Special Assistant,
Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Senators, offi-
cials and US diplomats. Foreign Sec-
retary's wife Rana Sheikh will be the
lady in waiting.
This will be the second occasion
that US first lady is visiting Pakistan. It
was Jacqueline Kennedy who toured
See page 4
Hillary Clinton
From page 1
Pakistan for the first time in March
1962. But it took thirty three years for
Pakistan, to again play host to the
spouse of the most powerful man in the
world.
The first Lady's fifteen- member
entourage will include her teen daugh-
ter Chelsea, Assistant Secretary of State
Robin Raphael, Journalists and low
level officials of US State Depart-
ment. The visiting guest will meet Presi-
dent and the Prime Minister of
Pakistan She is expected to visit a
Basic Health Unit in the vicinity of
Islamabad She will go on sight seeing
around Federal Capital and plant a
sapling at Shakarparian.
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, will
host a lunch for the distinguished guest.
The Nation
Date: March 26, 1995
Islamabad
Page:
Mrs. Clinton's visit
MRS. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the US, is on a two-day visit
to Pakistan as part of a tour of some South Asian countries that will also take
her to India and Sri Lanka. The visit has made many people wonder whether
it is worth all the excitement that seems to have overtaken Islamabad. After
all she holds no public office in her own right, and hence it is unrealistic to
expect that she would be able to help resolve, that is if she so desires, the
issues of contention which presently bedevil Pak-US relations. She would act
according to her brief which, according to reports. is to stay clear of the
problem areas and play just the role of a goodwill ambassador. Many
Pakistanis who do not know much about Mrs. Clinton may like to compare
her with Jacqueline Kennedy who came here some 33 years ago presenting
a great image of glitter and glamour but little substance. The fact is that
though Mrs. Clinton's interest in matters of appearance is relatively new and
does not occupy as much of her time and attention as in the case of the famous
Kennedy lady, in terms of intellectual ability, however, she is believed to be
a heavyweight at par with her husband. By his own admission, President Bill
Clinton relies heavily on the First Lady's opinion on all important issues and
concerns facing his administration.
Hence, while in Pakistan, even though Mrs. Clinton may not evince much
interest in policy issues, she is the ears and eyes of her husband. Whatever she
hears and the impressions she gathers from her meetings with people here
may eventually lead to influencing the President's opinion and US policy
towards this country. In that context it is good to note that the people she is
to meet in Islamabad and Lahore are not only government officials but a wide
range of opinion leaders that include women, academics and journalists.
These people might discuss issues of interest to her in a perspective that
government leaders and officials might want to avoid. Since Mrs. Clinton's
areas of interest include children and women's development as also the
welfare of less affluent sections of society in her own country, on a personal
level, the time she spends here may prove to be a particularly enlightening
experience for her.
The Nation
Date: March 26, 1995
Islamabad
Page: /
Hillary
Clinton given
big welcome
on arrival
ISLAMABAD (APP) - A warm
and enthusiastic welcome was accord-
ed to the US First Lady Hillary Rod-
ham Clinton when she arrived here
late Saturday evening on a two-day
visit to Pakistan.
Hillary is visiting Pakistan as a part
of her tour to South Asia to gain first
hand knowledge of development ac-
tivities for the welfare of women in the
region, which populates one fifth of
the humanity.
At the airport, she was received by
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, MNA, Prime
Minister's special Assistant, Shahnaz
Wazir Ali, Senators, officials and US
diplomats. Foreign Secretary's wife
Rana Sheikh will be the lady- in-
waiting.
It was raining when Mrs. Clinton's
special plane arrived. She was pre-
sented a bouquet.
This is the second occasion that a
US first lady is visiting Pakistan. It
was Jacqueline Kennedy who toured
Pakistan for the first time in March
1962.
The first Lady's fifteen- member
entourage includes her daughter Chel-
sea, Assistant Secretary of State Rob-
in Raphael, journalists and officials of
US State Department.
The distinguished guest is sched-
uled to meet President Farooq Ahmed
Leghari and Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto. She is likely to visit a Basic
Health Unit in the vicinity of Islama-
bad. She will go on sight-seeing around
the Federal Capital and plant a sapling
at Shakarparian.
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto will
host a lunch for the distinguished guest.
She is also scheduled to visit La-
hore. She will spend two hours at the
Lahore University of Management
Sciences and address a select gather-
ing at the University campus.
The
Frontier Post
Date: March 26, 1995
Peshawar
Page:
Letter
Welcome,
Hillary!
Sir-On the eve of the arrival
of first lady of the United States to
Pakistan, the whole tour pro-
gramme must already have been
chalked out. One of the places
where the honourable guest is like-
ly to be taken is the historic
Khyber Pass. I am certain that H.
Clinton would be surprised to
know that FATA is perhaps the
only region of the world where
people have no right to vote unlike
the rest of their countrymen. This
area is in dire need of social sector
development. In the not-so-distant
past all the VVIPs were also taken
around to some of the Afghan
refugee camps where all the digni-
taries invariably expressed their
solidarity with the people of
Afghanistan and Pakistan. Now
that the Cold War is over, thanks to
the struggle of these hapless
refugees; the West particularly the
United States has forgotten them
despite the fact that the problem of
Afghanistan still persists.
Regarding the nuclear issue, it
is the Americans who first invent-
ed, produced and used the atomic
bomb against Japanese in the
Second World War. Who is a big-
ger criminal, the United States or
Pakistan who is developing nucle-
ar technology for peaceful purpos-
es and out of its security needs?
GULZAR WAZIR,
Peshawar.
The
Frontier Post
Date: March 26,1995-
Peshawar
Page: Back
Hillary given
rousing
reception
ISLAMABAD (APP) - A warm
and enthusiastic welcome was ac-
corded to the US. first lady Hillary
Rodham Clinton, when she arrived
here late Saturday evening on a 2-
day first-ever visit to Pakistan.
Hillary is visiting Pakistan as a
part of her tour to South Asia to
gain firsthand knowledge of devel-
opment activities for the welfare of
women in the region, which popu-
lates one fifth of the humanity.
At the airport, she was received
by Mr. Asif Ali Zardari MNA.
prime minister's special assistant,
Shahnaz Wazir Ali, host of sena-
tors, officials and US diplomats.
Foreign secretary's wife Rana
Sheikh will be the lady-in-waiting.
It started raining heavily as Mrs
Clinton appeared the special
plane. She was presented a bou-
quet.
The
Pakistan Times
Date: Maich 26,
Islamabad
Page:
Hillary's visit
American First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, currently
on a two-day visit to Pakistan, has a multi-faceted
personality which epitomises an admirable balance
between her domestic responsibilities as a mother and a
housewife and her public role as spouse of the US
President. Born in 1947 in Chicago, Hillary Rodham
Clinton was educated at such prestigious institutions as
the Yale Law School and the Oxford University as a
Rhodes scholar. From early youth, she has been
associated with healthcare, housing and primary education
projects, earning deep respect and admiration in her
hometown Arkansas. She pioneered welfare projects like
the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and the
Home Instruction Programme for Pre-School Youth. She
also served on the board of Arkansas Children's Hospital.
In recognition of her professional and personal
accomplishments, Hillary Rodham Clinton was named
Arkansas Woman of the Year and Arkansas Mother of the
Year in early 1980s. On the strength of her long
experience in welfare and community work, President
Clinton, upon assuming the august office, appointed the
first lady as head of his task force on national healthcare
reform.
Unlike her many predecessors, Hillary Rodham Clinton
wields considerable influence on the US policy-making
process through being a close confident and trusted
advisor of the president. That is why the Clinton White
House has already had a distinct imprint of Hillary. Her
choice of South Asia as the area of her itinerary reflects
the deep interest she has in the region. Accompanied on
her current tour by Assistant Secretary of State Robin
Raphel, the American First Lady is scheduled to hold
talks with Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on a variety of
issues for forging closer Pakistan-US ties. The
opportunity for the face-to-face dialogue between the
American First Lady and Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
is being billed in diplomatic circles as a ground-preparing
exercise for the latter's forthcoming visit to the United
States. Viewed in context of the important position she
enjoys in the US decision-making process, her current
visit to Pakistan symbolises the recent improvement in
Pak-US ties following growing realisation among the
Administration high-ups of the inherent injustice of
discriminatory laws like the Pressler Amendment, the
blanket application of which has proved to be patently
counter-productive. It is to be hoped that the American
First Lady's visit to Pakistan will serve as a harbinger of
closer and fruitful relations between Washington and
Islamabad.
The
Pakistan Times
Date: March 26, 1495
Islamabad
Page: (
At the airport, she was received
Hillary Clinton
by Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, MNA,
Prime Minister's Special Assistant
given rousing
Shahnaz Wazir Ali, host of Sena-
tors, officials and US diplomats.
welcome
Foreign Secretary's wife Rana
Sheikh will be the lady-in-wait-
ing.
ISLAMABAD, March 25: A
It started raining heavily as Mrs.
warm and enthusiastic welcome
Clinton appeared the special
was accorded to the US First Lady
plane. She was presented a bou-
Hillary Rodham Clinton, when
quet.
she arrived here late Saturday
This is the second occasion that
evening on a 2-day first-ever visit
a US first lady is visiting Paki-
stan. It was Jacqueline Kennedy
to Pakistan.
Hillary is visiting Pakistan as a
who toured Pakistan for the first
part of her tour to South Asia to
time in March 1962.
gain first hand knowledge of de-
The First Lady's fifteen-member
velopment activities for the wel-
entourage includes her daughter
fare of women in the region,
Chelsea; Assistant Secretary of
which populates one fifth of the
State Robin Raphael, journalists
and officials of US State Depart-
ment.
The distinguished guest is
scheduled to meet President
Farooq Ahmed Leghari and Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto. She is
likely to visit a Basic Health Unit
in the vicinity of Islamabad. She
will go on sight seeing around
Federal Capital and plant a sap-
ling at Shakarparian.
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto,
will host a lunch for the distin-
guished guest.
She is also scheduled to visit
historic city of Lahore and witness
sprawling lawns and 'dewans' of
the Shahi Fort.
The First Lady will meet Gover-
nor and the Chief Minister of
Punjab. She will spend two hours
at the Lahore University of Man-
agement Sciences and address a
humanity.
selected gathering the University
campus.-APP
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 26, 1995-
Islamabad
Page: 2
PWA welcomes
Hillary
ISLAMABAD (PPI)-Progressive
Women Association (PWA) wel-
comes US first lady Hillary Rod-
ham Clinton. PWA is an organisa-
tion working on women issues, the
basic target of 1995 is to create
awareness and eradication struggle
of domestic and social violence on
women.
The US first lady's visit is fo-
cusing on development activities
for the welfare of women and
health care reforms, "as she is the
head of US task force on health
care reforms. The Pakistani
women expect that as the most in-
fluential lady would certainly be
very interested to know the prob-
lems and issues of her gender
where she is visiting.
The chief co-ordinator of
PWA Shahnaz Bukhari said, "more
than 50 per cent female population
of Pakistan, besides all the issues
of political and other discrimina-
tions, gender seggregation and op-
pression, are the victims of acts of
violence. 79 stove burnt women
victims, is the data collected in 8
months from only 2 hospitals of
the twin cities; this is an alarming
number.
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 26,1995-
Islamabad
Page: i
Hillary arrives
to a warm
welcome
ISLAMABAD (APP)-A warm
and enthusiastic welcome was ac-
corded to the US first lady Hillary
Rodham Clinton, when she arrived
here late Saturday evening on a 2-
day first-ever visit to Pakistan.
Hillary is visiting Pakistan as a
part of her tour to South Asia to
gain firsthand knowledge of devel-
opment activities for the welfare of
women in the region, which popu-
lates one fifth of the humanity.
At the airport, she was re-
ceived by Asif Ali Zardari MNA,
Prime Minister's Special Assistant,
Shahnaz Wazir Ali, host of Sena-
törs, officials and US diplomats.
Foreign Secretary's wife Rana
Sheikh will be the lady-in-waiting.
It started raining heavily as
Mrs Clinton appeared the special
plane. She was presented a hou-
quet.
This is the second occasion
that a US first lady is visiting Pak-
istan. It was Jacqueline Kennedy
who toured Pakistan for the first
time in March 1962.
The first lady's fifteen-member
entourage includes her daughter
Chelsea: Assistant Secretary of
State Robin Raphael, journalists
and officials of US State Depart-
ment.
The distinguished guest is
scheduled to meet President Fa-
rooq Ahmed Leghari and Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto. She is
likely to visit a Basic Health Unit
in the vicinity of Islamahad. She
will go on sight seeing around fed-
eral capital and plant a sapling at
Shakarparian.
Prime Minister Benazir Bhut-
to, will host a lunch for the distin-
guished guest.
She is also scheduled to visit
historic city of Lahore and witness
sprawling lawns and 'dewans' of
the Shahi Fort.
THE MUSLIM
Date: March 26, 1995
Islamabad
Page: 1
Rains dampen
Hillary's welcome
MOBARIK VIRK
ISLAMABAD, March 25: A
heavy cloud burst minutes after
the landing of the plane carrying
the first lady of the United States
of America, Hillary Clinton,
dampened the 'warm welcome'
arranged by the Pakistani
authorities to receive the distin-
guished
guest.
As soon as the stairs were put
into place and all the arrange-
ments were set with spouse of the
Prime Minister, Asif Ali Zardari,
waiting at the foot, a heavy
downpour lashed down, which
disturbed all the arrangements.
The security. including the one
arranged by the Americans them-
selves, was highly alert and they
even didn't allowed the press pho-
tographers to change their posi-
tions despite heavy rain.
Mrs Clinton came out of the
plane under the cover of an um-
brella and was ushered into the
waiting limousine which whisked
Contd. Back Page Col. 6
Hillary arrives
From Page 1
through.
commoners waiting to go in all
The traffic at the busy Faizabad
directions.
her away without any formal
intersection was blocked from all
ceremonies planned for the
sides by the traffic cops who were
The police guard on duty along
occasion.
much more in a miserable condi-
the whole length of the Islamabad
Meanwhile, to ensure a smooth
tion as compared with those wait-
Highway was particularly in a
and unobstructed passage for the
ing in their vehicles to get clear-
pathetic state as they had to keep
motorcade of the VVIP guests,
an v to pass.
a strict vigil all around under a
Mrs Hillary Clinton, the Is-
The 'prestegious' motorcade fi-
heavy downpour to ensure 'max-
lamabad police blocked all traffic
nally appeared on the Highway at
imum security' for the distin-
orr the Islamabad Highway no less
around 12.30 a.m. and the sight of
guished First Lady of the United
than 30 minutes before the con-
flashing red and blue lights
States of America, Madame Hil-
voy was scheduled to pass
brought immense relief to the
lary Clinton.
Hillary vows to make new friends
By Anwar Iqbal and Shakil Shaikh
Hillary, Chelsea and umbrella
ISLAMABAD: US First Lady Hillary
Rodham Clinton said on her arrival
Hillary vows to
in Islamabad midnight Saturday that
make new friends
she was pleased to begin her South
Asian tour from here because Pak-
Continued from page 1
istan and the United States enjoyed
a long history of friendship.
stop in Cairo, Egypt before leaving
"Our nations have enjoyed a long
for Pakistan and for other South
history of friendship and shared in-
Asian countries. The visit is the first
terests, and for that reason I am es-
major solo trip overseas for Mrs
pecially pleased to begin my visit to
Clinton who will highlight US inter-
South Asia from here," said Mrs Clin-
ests in social issues of the develop-
ton.
ing world during stops in Pakistan,
She said two weeks were "far too
India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri
brief a time to absorb the full rich-
Lanka.
ness and vitality of this region of the
Prime Minister Bhutto has ar-
world" but hoped the visit would
ranged a sight-seeing programme
"help Americans and South Asians
and visits to welfare projects for Mrs
gain a greater appreciation of the
Clinton. Daughter Chelsea would
opportunities and challenges that
also accompany Mrs Clinton on
join us as a global family."
some of her visits to schools,
She said in Pakistan she was
mosques and villages.
looking forward to "seeing new
Seventy-two days younger to Pak-
places and making new friends."
istan, Hillary Clinton arrived on a 2-
This, she said, would allow her to
day official visit to Pakistan. Rana
learn more about the "rich dynamic
Sheikh, wife of the Foreign Secre-
history and traditions that you have
tary, Najmuddin Sheikh will be the
lent to the world".
lady in-waiting. Mrs Clinton was clad
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's
in yellow-rain coat.
husband Asif Ali Zardari and her spe-
Today, Hillary Clinton will have
cial assistant Shahnaz Wazir Ali re-
coffee with the wife of President Fa-
ceived Mrs Clinton at the Islamabad
rooq Leghari at the Aiwane Sadr. She
airport.
will have lunch with Prime Minister
Most of the senior diplomats and
Hillary Clinton with her daughter Chelsea coming down from the special
Benazir Bhutto at the PM's House
parliamentarians, representing all
plane on arrival at the Chakiala Airbase. Lightning and heavy downpour ac-
and will witness a cultural show
major political parties, were also
corded her a warm welcome. Asif Ali Zardari, Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali re-
there.
present.
ceived the distinguished guests.-Photo by Tanveer Shahzad
On the same day, she will visit
A heavy rain welcomed the First
Lady as she came out of a special US
mal engagements start from today.
of State for South Asia Robin Raphel,
historic Faisal Mosque and plant a
plane. Ignoring the rain, she came
besides an entourage of staffers, se-
sapling at Shakarparian. In the
Usually visiting dignitaries use Is-
curity agents and members of the
evening, she will host a reception at
forward to receive bouquet from two
lamabad civilian airport but her
the US ambassador's residence.
children waiting for her at tarmac at
plane landed at the nearby military
press corps.
She is visiting Pakistan as part of
Islamabad's military airport but
airport because of some security
Mrs Clinton began the first leg of
her tour to South Asia to gain first-
some welcome ceremonies had to be
concerns.
her ten-day five-nation tour of South
shortened because of the heavy
The First Lady's 15-member del-
Asia. Earlier, she had a four-hour
hand knowledge of development ac-
tivities for the welfare of women in
downpour. She was driven straight to
egation includes her daughter,
her hotel from the airport. Her for-
Continued on Page 5
the region, which populates one fifth
Chelsea and US Assistant Secretary
of the humanity.
International
The News
March 26,1995
Mother,
daughter at
Faisal mosque
By Tariq Butt
SLAMABAD: The US first lady,
fillary Rodham Clinton. visited the
rand Faisal Mosque with her daugh-
er Chelsea Sunday and described
le magnificent masterwork as a
beauty.
"Thank you for sharing the
eauty of Faisal Mosque with
helsea and me and for explaining
le answers to our questions," she
oted in the visitors' book after hav-
g a round of the characteristic ar-
hitectural embodiment, named after
audi King late Shah Faisal and fi-
anced by Saudi Arabia.
Both the mother and the daugh-
er put many questions on Islam.
qbal Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the
ouncil of Islamic Ideology and
hafi Sehwani, Chairman of the Cap-
al Development Authority, who con-
ucted the tour, answered them.
egum Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Special
ssistant to the Prime Minister, ac-
ompanied the distinguished visi-
ors.
Sehwani presented a pearl-stud-
ed necklace to the American first
ady, a golden chain to her daughter
nd a carpet for President Bill Clin-
US First Lady Hillary Clinton with daughter Chelsea visiting Faisal Mosque on Sunday. Also seen in the picture are
on.
chairman CDA Shafi Sehwani, chairman Islamic Ideology Council Iqbal Ahmed Khan and Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali.
As a mark of respect to the holy
lace, Hillary and Chelsea covered
teir heads with scarfs. Both made it
point to keep the scarfs at their
messenger of God.
Sehwani said for the last three
lace whenever they slipped down.
They explained to the mother and
days, his residence was under strict
They first had a round of the
the daughter the timing of the five
surveillance by Americans. In fact,
brawling prayer hall, then moved
prayers. They highlighted the impor-
much before the tour started, the
ut in the spacious compound and
tance of the calligraphy done in the
American officials began collecting
IW the ablution stands. At the time,
main prayer hall and said that the
information about the officials in-
le descending sun cast its beams on
calligraphy mirrors the viewer.
volved in the visit in any way, he
le mosque and the picturesque
The guests asked what time was
said.
uning green Margalla hills.
left for work after saying the five
The local policemen shouted at a
The security was so strict that
prayers. Sehwani explained that ac-
few dozens of people who were
ven the Chief Commissioner of the
cording to Islam, God has sent
standing on the stairs to have a
lamabad Capital Territory, Afzal
human beings to this world for "iba-
glimpse of the guests who were
ahut was not allowed to go inside
dit" and not to make property and
strolling in the compound at that
le mosque when the guests were
assets. "God will reward for their
time. They were asked to go down to
siting. He became very angry with
deeds done in this transitional world
avoid any unpleasant incident.
le security staff for the refusal. In
in the world hereafter."
.ct, Kahut had not been security-
To another question, they said
eared.
the main hall of the Faisal Mosque
The mother and daughter asked
was closed after every prayer. The
ore questions about the religious
women can enter the mosque
se of the mosque and Islam rather
through a separate door. They were
an the architectural masterpiece.
told that nobody prays in the high
hey inquired about how many times
minarets.
e prayers were said in a day.
About an hour before the arrival
They asked how the ablution was
of Mrs Clinton, the prayer hall and
one when water was not available.
the adjoining elevated compound
The News
hey were explained about the
was cleared of the people for secu-
ayyamum" (a form of ablution
rity reasons. The entire venue was in
der certain circumstances when
the control of American security of-
March 1995
ater is not available).
ficials and the local police and plain-
They inquired how Pakistani peo-
clothesmen.
e understand the Quran because it
During the US first lady's visit to
in Arabic language. They were told
Pakistan, the Americans have been
at people understand the holy
extremely security conscious. Before
ok through its translation.
presenting the gifts to the guests,
Iqbal Khan and Sehwani told
the CDA Chairman asked the US se-
em that Muslims respect all
curity personnel to check them. But
ophets including the Jesus Christ
he was told by them that they even
id their belief is that Prophet Mo-
know from where and when these
mmad (PBUH) was the last
presents have been purchased.
Benazir apprises Hillary
of abuses in Kashmir
First Lady praises govt's steps to curb terrorism;
many multinationals to invest in Pakistan
By Shakil Shalkh
Lady conveyed her and Clinton's admiration to the lead-
ership of the prime minister.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto proved her-
"Specially, the president and I appreciate the mea-
self a tough pleader of a national cause whenever an op-
sures your government had taken against terrorism and
portunity falls and she again did it Sunday when she told
those who believe in violence," Mrs Clinton told Bhutto,
US First Lady Hillary Clinton that the core issue of Kash-
according to official sources.
mir should be resolved under UN resolutions.
The US First Lady also informed the premier about
Availing the opportunity, the prime minister went an
the enthusiasm in US pertaining to economic policy of
extra mile to apprise the US First Lady of two important
her government. "A number of US private investors are
issues: resolution of core issue of Kashmir between India
showing interest to take up projects in Pakistan and
and Pakistan; and the main irritants in the Pak-US rela-
there is tremendous interest to come to Pakistan for in-
tions - neither supplying the paid-for defence equip-
vestment," she said. The talks between the two lasted for
ment, including crucial F-16s, nor returning the money.
20 minutes. Following these talks, the two ladies also de-
Ms Bhutto raised these questions before Mrs Clinton
livered speeches at the luncheon.
in formal talks between the two held before the luncheon
While highly praising Mrs Clinton and her efforts for
hosted by the former in honour of the visiting dignitary
noble causes, Ms Bhutto termed her a great leader for
from Washington. Pakistan side was represented by Sec-
the cause of health care and cause of children.
retary Foreign Affairs Najmuddin Shaikh and Additional
"I and the rest of the people of Pakistan have been ut-
Secretary Agha Zafar Hilali while the US side comprised
terty fascinated by the First Lady's heroic efforts to re-
Ambassador John C Monjo and Assistant Secretary of
define the role of women in America, to substantively re-
State for South Asian Affairs Robin Raphel. There were
structure the responsibilities of the office of First Lady,
also some other low-level officials present there.
and to provide caring and sensitive leadership on the key
According to official sources, Ms Bhutto informed
social issues of the modern era."
Mrs Clinton about the brutalities being unleashed on
She described Mrs Clinton as both tough and a great
women in Indian held Kashmir and gross violations of
leader. "We too made a frontal assault on institutional
human rights going on at the hands of Indian security
discrimination against women in our society," the pre-
forces. "There is a dire need to resolve this core issue of
mier added.
Kashmir between the two South Asian nations," stressed
Highlighting the steps her government had taken in
the premier.
different sectors of social welfare, the prime minister
Ms Bhutto indirectly sought Mrs Clinton's help to set-
said, "We have guaranteed that at least ten percent of all
tie Pak-US issue pertaining to defence purchases.
federal bureaucratic jobs will be reserved for the women
"Pressler has not served the purpose; its a blunt law and
of Pakistan. And we have established a women's devel-
even Americans are now realizing that this law is a dis-
opment bank for small female entrepreneurs, a bank run
criminatory piece of legislation which should go. The
by women for women, where men can keep their money
Clinton administration should either deliver the equip-
but cannot borrow".
ment or return the money paid for this equipment, which
She said we have established special women police
included purchases for three forces," Bhutto told the US
stations which were staffed by women. And for the first
First Lady.
time in the history of our nation, women jurists are being
appointed to the highest courts in our land.
The News
March 27, 1995
Page 2
While Ms Bhutto touched upon measures her gov-
ernment has taken or being taken for welfare of women,
About the future plans of her government, Ms Bhutto
children. eradication of drug menace, population plan-
rung, social welfare and campaign against polio, the First
Continued on Page 10
Benazir apprises
Hillary of abuses in Kashmir
Continued from Page 1
emphasis on children. It is an em-
phasis that is the most important in
said her government plans to train a
my personal opinion because by in-
hundred thousand lady health work-
vesting in the education and health
ers to teach family planning and ma-
of children, we are saying that the
ternal health so that women can
future is worthwhile, that every child
make the most fundamental choices
will be given the opportunity to live
of their lives for themselves, and this
up to his or her God-given poten-
is just the beginning for a new Pak-
tial." She stressed that both the
istan.
countries should ensure that women
In her address, Mrs Clinton said,
assume their rightful place and are
"Her visit will reaffirm the partner-
given the opportunities to exercise
ship and friendship between the two
their rights."
countries and also between the peo-
The luncheon was attended by
ple of these countries."
about 46 leading women, including
Showing her delight for this op-
seven Americans, while others rep-
portunity to have the chance to meet
resenting different walks of life.
some of the women who according
They include Begum Nusrat Bhutto,
to her are breaking new ground, she
Noorjehan Panezai, Aisha Jalal, Jus-
lauded the role of the prime minister
tice Talat Yaqoob, Kaneez Fatima
and her leadership. "It has demon-
Yousaf, Akram Khatoon, Shari
strated clearly that this country,
Rehman, Tahira Mazhar Ali, Madam
which has got such a great and rich
Noorjehan, Abida Parveen, Asma Je-
history, has also a great and rich fu-
hangir, Hina Gillani, Jugno Mohsin,
ture."
Amna Paracha, Qulsoom Saifullah,
The US First Lady said, "What Ms
Begum Abbas Khattack, Salima
Bhutto has done to recognize the
Hashmi, Naveed Azfar, Bilqees Edhi,
great potential of this country as
Noorul Huda, Rana Shaikh, Fiza
being tied with the great potential of
Junejo, Samina Pirzada, Nasira
its women is something that makes
Iqbal, Parveen Atif, Navid A Rahat,
common sense and is giving all of us
Rehana Seigol, Nirmeen, Shahid
hope that as we invest in women and
Najma Hussain and many others.
girls, we invest in men, we invest in
The luncheon-was followed by a
the future, we invest in our society."
cultural show, where famous Kathak
She added, "I also want to say a
dancer Naheed Siddiqui performed
particular word of thanks for your
for 20 minutes.
The News
March 27, 1995
page
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto hosted a luncheon in honour of US first lady Hillary Clinton.-Photo by
Shahzad
ans
is
inkih and
US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is escorted by Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
for a lunch hosted by the latter, at the Prime Minister's house in Islamabad on Sunday. - -AP/PTI
NEWS PUNCH
,mi
FIRST
SECOUND
ATTEMPT
ATTEMPT
ONLIFE
ONLIPE
PWA welcomes
Hillary's visit
ISLAMABAD: Progressive Womens
Association (PWA) has welcomed US
first lady, Hillary Clinton, says a
press release. The PWA is an organi-
sation working on women issues and
its basic target of 1995 is to create
awareness and eradication of domes-
tic and social violence against
women, the press release adds.
It says that the US first lady's visit
will focus on development activities
International
for the welfare of women and health
care reforms, as she is the head of
The News
US task force on health care reforms.
The Pakistani women expect that
March 26, 1995
as the most influential lady, Hillary
would certainly take interest in the
problems and issues of womenfolk of
Pakistan.
The chief coordinator of- the
PWA, Shahnaz Bukhari, said "more
than 50% female population of Pak-
istan, besides political and other dis-
criminations, segregation and op-
pression, are the victims of acts of
violence. About 79 stove-burnt
women victims is the data collected
in 8 months from only 2 hospitals of
the twin cities which is an alarming
number."
Looking around
Ghani Jafar
A chance for America
he extent of Pakistani elite's
so far as to state, with full sense of re-
T
self-imposed dependence on
sponsibility, that a strong and stable
This essential identity of the Pak-
As for Pakistan, the dilemma of
the US power structure is
Pakistan can offer the only viable
istani nation is a sine qua non not
the US in transition has already been
being illustrated in gross de-
guarantee for the continued politico-
only of stability within the country
brought to the fore through the si-
tail as the date for our elected prime
economic relevance of the United
but also, proceeding from the same
multaneous working of two conflict-
minister's tour of the land of Uncle
States-together with Britain, Rus-
basis, of Pakistan's exercising a
ing tracks. On the one hand, Wash-
Sam approaches nearer. In all fair-
sian and to a lesser extent France-
healthy, moderating influence on the
ington has of late shown a
ness to the present set of our rulers,
to the entire Muslim stretch between
Muslim world. There really is no
remarkable understanding of Islam-
South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle
basic contradiction between the de-
however, it must be recognised that
abad's security concerns as also of
the hullabaloo is in this case being
East and North Africa.
mands on this count and the (pre-
this country's "moderate" character.
raised more by the non-governing
The tragedy of the moment lies
sumable) Western desire of averting
On the other, Pakistan continues to
sections of the elite, particularly the
not as much in any Western inability
anarchy in the volatile Muslim region
be subjected to any number of desta-
print media, than by the government
to appreciate this key importance of
between South Asia and North Africa.
bilising influences.
itself. The result has been that all of
Pakistan as in this country's own fail-
It is just that the framework of a com-
However, given the larger stakes
Ms Bhutto's seemingly conscious ef-
ure to claim the unique position. Hav-
mon agenda for the purpose has to
involved in Pakistan's strength and
forts at projecting her forthcoming
ing said that, however, it must also be
be clearly defined, understood and
stability, there is no room for such
noted that although the West does
fully respected by both sides. That is
visit in a more respectable framework
ambivalence. Nor does the fast radi-
of bilateral relations between two
seem to have a broad realisation of
necessary not only to set out the ex-
calising situation in large parts of the
Pakistan's potential in this regard, the
tent but also the ground rules, so to
sovereign states, have been of no
Muslim world, not excluding Pakistan
avail.
former is anything but either helping
speak, of a partnership which Pak-
itself, allow much time. It is thus that
No, we cannot possibly underrate
or encouraging the latter to play its
istan has to offer and which is, quite
the forthcoming visit of the Pakistani
the epochal significance of the prime
due role. Consequently, the historic
clearly, the only feasible option avail-
prime minister to the United States
opportunity is slipping away. Nor is it
able to the West.
minister of Pakistan actually having
offers a landmark chance-not in
an opportunity without an attendant
We can for the present dispense
lunch-in person-with President
terms of a photo opportunity for Ms
Bill Clinton-in the White House-on
challenge of stability for much of the
with an account of the potential. As
Bhutto, but for America to translate
April whatever. Hurray! The do is still
Muslim world, including Pakistan.
already stated, Washington does ap-
the pivotal importance of Pakistan
on; nothing to worry about. Even the
Thus, even as any number of for-
pear mindful of it. However, it is the
into a mutually respectable partner-
killing of two Americans in Karachi
mal policy statements by Washington
converse side of the donts which
needs to be emphasised. That takes
world. ship for peace and stability in the
has not changed that. Thank God for
in recent days have gratefully ac-
knowledged Islamabad's "moderating
us back to the inherently moderate
it, and let's also pray that none of His
acts (or otherwise) befalls in the in-
influence" on other Muslim countries,
character of this nation which must
terim to cast even the hint of a
the United States continues to jeop-
not be abused one way or the other.
shadow on the grand event. Let's also
ardise this very role of Pakistan. That
In other words, it is an equally
hope that, unlike the trivial mix-up at
is being done through overt as also
grave mistake to promote religious
the time of General Zia's trip to
covert means, both adding up not
extremism through the sectarian
Washington, President Clinton gets
only to a debilitating effect on Pak-
strife as it is to employ Pakistan as an
the name of Prime Minister Bhutto's
istan's current ability to play its de-
instrument of the Western militaristic
sirable role in the Muslim world but
agenda in the Muslim world. Both
country right.
After all, with so much of democ-
also, in effect, to hastening the pro-
can backfire and, apart from desta-
cess of instability in this entire re-
billsing this country, can'exercise a
racy going around, who would blame
the ever-cheerful Mr Clinton if he
gion.
disruptive influence on the Muslim
were to turn around and ask Ms
Although the present US agenda
lands much beyond Pakistan's fron-
Bhutto how things were back home
for Pakistan is much too multifarious
tiers. As in this case, a pivotal posi-
in Hong Kong? We have not intended
for it to be treated exhaustively in
tion can be made to work either way.
to draw a connection here between
these columns, it is at once striking
That is the threshold on which the
Karachi and Hong Kong, nor would
how Washington has somehow man-
foundations of a new relationship be-
that possibly be the case with Presi-
aged to delude itself into believing
tween Pakistan and the West ought to
dent Hillary, oops, Bill Clinton. Nev-
that the moderate character of this
be raised if a meaningful beginning
toward underwriting stability in the
ertheless, talking of Karachi, we still
country (and not just of the present
Muslim world is genuinely intended.
need to keep our fingers crossed.
"The World's News Leader", yes, who
government which it values so much)
The inclusion of this caveat of sup-
else but the CNN, continues to refer
can withstand all demands and pres-
position is necessitated by Washing-
sures of immoderation.
ton's continued adherence to the self-
to the city where they shot dead two
Unlike the totalitarian 'Islam' of
Americans, as the capital of Pakistan.
inflicting blueprint of antagonising
Saudi Arabia at one end and the sec-
Muslim peoples as being exemplified
International
The only consolation is that news
would at times refuse to be led by the
ularism of Turkey at the other, both
even now through the so-called "dou-
of which have been enforced from
nose, even by this leader.
ble-containment" policy on Iran, not
The News
At any rate, the present writer
above, the Islamic moorings of Pak-
to mention the embargoes on Iraq
hereby invokes the democratic li-
istan have been put in place by the
and Libya.
people of this land as a matter of free
Nevertheless, one can only hope
March 26, 1995
cence to outrageousness in suggest-
ing that the United States should be
choice at the time of independence
that the new political wave within the
more excited than Pakistan at the
from the British colonial empire.
United States to reclaim that great
prospect of Ms Bhutto's visit there.
And, as democratic mandates usually
nation's interests from whosoever
One's audacity in stating this would
go, it wàs a deliberate decision in
has been holding them hostage,
hopefully make some sense as we
favour of moderation as represented
would come to prevail before the
in the person of the undisputed
world is pushed into an avoidable re-
proceed below to clarify it. The up-
shot of the case is that the United
leader. the Quaid-e-Azam. The same
ligious conflagration of unprece-
States needs Pakistan more than we
ethos has time and again been reaf-
dented magnitude.
need them today. We would even go
firmed by the Muslim masses of Pak-
istan at election time.
TheNews
Date: March 27,1995
Rawalpindi
Page: 3
All smiles
Hillary Clinton accompanied by her daughter Chelsea with Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her two children, Bilawal and Bakhtawar.-Photo by Tan-
veer Shahzad
TheNews
Date: March 1995
Rawalpindi
Page: Back
Hillary no longer a stranger to locals
By Mariana Baabar
Amongst the guests who had specially
topics that came up was the setting
flown into the federal capital was
up of a special bank for underprivi-
ISLAMABAD: Hillary Rodham Clin-
Asma Jehangir.
leged people. One of her aides said,
ton, the First Lady of the United
The opposition was represented
"There was instant connection be-
States, visiting Pakistan on a 2-day of-
by deputy leader of opposition, Gohar
tween Ms Bhutto and Mrs Clinton.
ficial visit stresses need to further
Ayub Khan, who was accompanied by
Both are strong women who have
strengthen friendship between the
his ever charming wife Zeb Ayub.
faced adversaries. There was instant
two countries.
Leader of the opposition Nawaz
rapport between them".
Expressing her appreciation for
Sharif had declined to attend.
When asked about her meeting
the warm hospitality she and her
Clad in a black shalwar kameez
with Ms Bhutto, Mrs Clinton who was
daughter Chelsea received, Mrs Clin-
with gold embroidery and doppatta,
listed as one of the top 100 lawyers of
ton said this was very important spe-
Mrs Clinton took out time to meet
the US replied, "She was wonderful
cially for her daughter.
each and every one of the 200 guests
and the meeting was absolutely won-
When a journalist pointed out that
present on Sunday night. There was a
derful".
her's was a more interesting visit to
special hug and kiss for her college
But like all mothers Hillary didn't
cover than writing about the nuclear
friend, Spentha Kandewalla who was
exactly know where her daughter
issue she was quick to respond say-
present with her husband and
was at the moment when someone
ing, "There are many more substan-
brother. Spentha said she was re-
asked for her, "Well I don't know
tial issues rather than politics. This is
cently in Washington on a special in-
where she is exactly but she is hav-
what I will focus in Lahore. Issues like
vitation from Hillary where she had
ing a tremendous time".
women, children, health and other is-
organised a weekend meeting where
Also present were Robin Raphel
sues".
professional women got an opportu-
and two senior members of her en-
Mrs Clinton was speaking at a re-
nity to meet each other. "The topic
tourage - a senior executive at the
ception she hosted Sunday at the res-
was women in the year 2000".
World Bank and another at US aid.
idence of US Ambassador John C
Mrs Clinton for whom public rela-
Even the Americans in town
Monjo. Amongst those the US First
tioning appears to come easy had
were surprised in the subtle manner
Lady had invited and were introduced
something interesting to say to each
in which the secret services around
to her by Monjo, were the COAS Gen-
one of them and thankfully she was
the First Lady operated. "They must
eral Abdul Waheed, CJCSC Farooq
wearing flat black shoes as she spent
simply be the best in the White
Feroze Khan, and the chiefs of Air
hours standing on her feet meeting
House. Not once did they make us
Force and Navy who appeared quite
her guests. As someone remarked,
feel as if we were potential terror-
eager to meet their hostess.
"She has done wonders for relations
ists".
Only the prime minister and pres-
between the two countries and Bill
It is to be recalled that when
ident whom Mrs Clinton had met ear-
Clinton should be thankful to have a
Hillary Clinton's schedule was fi-
lier in the day were absent. Everyone
special ambassador like her".
nalised, the US First Lady soon
else, including Asif Ali Zardari,
Mrs Clinton had a 20-minute one-
started receiving presents from
Begum Nusrat Bhutto and several
to-one meeting with Prime Minister
American Pakistanis, including shal-
cabinet ministers were also invited.
Benazir Bhutto and amongst other
war kameez.
TheNews
Date: March 27,1995-
Rawalpindi
Page: 1
The mother and daughter asked
Mother,
more questions about the religious
use of the mosque and Islam rather
than the architectural masterpiece.
daughter at
They inquired about how many times
the prayers were said in a day.
Faisal mosque
They asked how the ablution was
done when water was not available.
By Tariq Butt
They were explained about the
"tayyamum" (a form of ablution
ISLAMABAD: The US first lady,
under certain circumstances when
Hillary Rodham Clinton, visited the
water is not available).
grand Faisal Mosque with her daugh-
They inquired how Pakistani peo-
ter Chelsea Sunday and described
ple understand the Quran because it
the magnificent masterwork as a
is in Arabic language. They were told
"beauty."
that people understand the holy
"Thank you for sharing the
book through its translation.
beauty of Faisal Mosque with
Iqbal Khan and Sehwani told
Chelsea and me and for explaining
them that Muslims respect all
the answers to our questions," she
prophets including the Jesus Christ
noted in the visitors' book after hav-
and their belief is that Prophet Mo-
ing a round of the characteristic ar-
hammad (PBUH) was the last
chitectural embodiment, named after
Saudi King late Shah Faisal and fi-
messenger of God.
nanced by Saudi Arabia.
They explained to the mother and
Both the mother and the daugh-
the daughter the timing of the five
ter put many questions on Islam.
prayers. They highlighted the impor-
Iqbal Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the
tance of the calligraphy done in the
Council of Islamic Ideology and
main prayer hall and said that the
During the US first lady's visit to
calligraphy mirrors the viewer.
Pakistan, the Americans have been
Shafi Sehwani, Chairman of the Cap-
The guests asked what time was
extremely security conscious. Before
ital Development Authority, who con-
left for work after saying the five
presenting the gifts to the guests,
ducted the tour, answered them.
Begum Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Special
prayers. Sehwani explained that a.c-
the CDA Chairman asked the US se-
cording to Islam, God has sent
curity personnel to check them. But
Assistant to the Prime Minister, ac-
companied the distinguished visi-
human beings to this world for "iba-
he was told by them that they even
dit" and not to make property and
know from where and when these
tors.
Sehwani presented a pearl-stud-
assets. "God will reward for their
presents have been purchased.
deeds done in this transitional world
Sehwani said for the last three
ded necklace to the American first
lady, a golden chain to her daughter
in the world hereafter."
days, his residence was under strict
and a carpet for President Bill Clin-
To another question, they said
surveillance by Americans. In fact,
ton.
the main hall of the Faisal Mosque
much before the tour started, the
was closed after every prayer. The
American officials began collecting
As a mark of respect to the holy
women can enter the mosque
information about the officials in-
place, Hillary and Chelsea covered
through a separate door. They were
volved in the visit in any way, he
their heads with scarfs. Both made it
a point to keep the scarfs at their
told that nobody prays in the high
said.
The local policemen shouted at a
place whenever they slipped down.
minarets.
They first had a round of the
About an hour before the arrival
few dozens of people who were
sprawling prayer hall, then moved
of Mrs Clinton, the prayer hall and
standing on the stairs to have a
out in the spacious compound and
the adjoining elevated compound
glimpse of the guests who were
was cleared of the people for secu-
strolling in the compound at that
saw the ablution stands. At the time,
the descending sun cast its beams on
rity reasons. The entire venue was in
time. They were asked to go down to
the mosque and the picturesque
the control of American security of-
avoid any unpleasant incident.
shining green Margalla hills.
ficials and the local police and plain-
The security was so strict that
clothesmen.
even the Chief Commissioner of the
Islamabad Capital Territory, Afzal
Kahut was not allowed to go inside
the mosque when the guests were
visiting. He became very angry with
the security staff for the refusal. In
fact, Kahut had not been security-
cleared.
TheNews
Date: March 1995
Rawalpindi
Page: 1
Benazir apprises Hillary
of abuses in Kashmir
First Lady praises govt's steps to curb terrorism;
many multinationals to invest in Pakistan
Showing her delight for this op-
portunity to have the chance to meet
By Shakil Shaikh
Lady conveyed her and Clinton's admiration to the lead-
some of the women who according
ership of the prime minister.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto proved her-
"Specially, the president and I appreciate the mea-
to her are breaking new ground, she
self a tough pleader of a national cause whenever an op-
sures your government had taken against terrorism and
lauded the role of the prime minister
portunity falls and she again did it Sunday when she told
those who believe in violence," Mrs Clinton told Bhutto,
and her leadership. "It has demon-
US First Lady Hillary Clinton that the core issue of Kash-
according to official sources.
strated clearly that this country,
mir should be resolved under UN resolutions.
The US First Lady also informed the premier about
the enthusiasm in US pertaining to economic policy of
which has got such a great and rich
Availing the opportunity, the prime minister went an
extra mile to apprise the US First Lady of two important
her government. "A number of US private investors are
history, has also a great and rich fu-
issues: resolution of core issue of Kashmir between India
showing interest to take up projects in Pakistan and
ture."
and Pakistan; and the main irritants in the Pak-US rela-
there is tremendous interest to come to Pakistan for in-
The US First Lady said, "What Ms
tions - neither supplying the paid-for defence equip-
vestment," she said. The talks between the two lasted for
Bhutto has done to recognize the
ment, including crucial F-16s, nor returning the money.
20 minutes. Following these talks, the two ladies also de-
Ms Bhutto raised these questions before Mrs Clinton
livered speeches at the luncheon.
great potential of this country as
in formal talks between the two held before the luncheon
While highly praising Mrs Clinton and her efforts for
being tied with the great potential of
hosted by the former in honour of the visiting dignitary
noble causes, Ms Bhutto termed her a great leader for
its women is something that makes
from Washington. Pakistan side was represented by Sec-
the cause of health care and cause of children.
common sense and is giving all of us
retary Foreign Affairs Najmuddin Shaikh and Additional
"I and the rest of the people of Pakistan have been ut-
Secretary Agha Zafar Hilali while the US side comprised
terly fascinated by the First Lady's heroic efforts to re-
hope that as we invest in women and
Ambassador John C Monjo and Assistant Secretary of
define the role of women in America, to substantively re-
girls, we invest in men, we invest in
State for South Asian Affairs Robin Raphel. There were
structure the responsibilities of the office of First Lady,
the future, we invest in our society."
also some other low-level officials present there.
and to provide caring and sensitive leadership on the key
She added, "I also want to say a
According to official sources, Ms Bhutto informed
social issues of the modern era."
Mrs Clinton about the brutalities being unleashed on
She described Mrs Clinton as both tough and a great
particular word of thanks for your
women in Indian held Kashmir and gross violations of
leader. "We too made a frontal assault on institutional
=
human rights going on at the hands of Indian security
discrimination against women in our society," the pre-
emphasis on children. It is an em-
forces. "There is a dire need to resolve this core issue of
mier added.
Kashmir between the two South Asian nations," stressed
Highlighting the steps her government had taken in
phasis that is the most important in
the premier.
different sectors of social welfare, the prime minister
my personal opinion because by in-
Ms Bhutto indirectly sought Mrs Clinton's help to set-
said, "We have guaranteed that at least ten percent of all
vesting in the education and health
tle Pak-US issue pertaining to defence purchases.
federal bureaucratic jobs will be reserved for the women
of children, we are saying that the
"Pressler has not served the purpose; its a blunt law and
of Pakistan. And we have established a women's devel-
future is worthwhile, that every child
even Americans are now realizing that this law is a dis-
opment bank for small female entrepreneurs, a bank run
criminatory piece of legislation which should go. The
by women for women, where men can keep their money
will be given the opportunity to live
Clinton administration should either deliver the equip-
but cannot borrow".
up to his or her God-given poten-
ment or return the money paid for this equipment, which
She said we have established special women police
tial." She stressed that both the
included purchases for three forces," Bhutto told the US
stations which were staffed by women. And for the first
countries should ensure that women
First Lady.
time in the history of our nation, women jurists are being
assume their rightful place and are
While Ms Bhutto touched upon measures her gov-
appointed to the highest courts in our land.
emment has taken or being taken for welfare of women,
About the future plans of her government, Ms Bhutto
given the opportunities to exercise
children, eradication of drug menace, population plan-
their rights."
ning, social welfare and campaign against polio, the First
Continued on Page 10
The luncheon was attended by
about 46 leading women, including
Continued from Page 1
seven Americans, while others rep-
resenting different walks of life.
said her government plans to train a
They include Begum Nusrat Bhutto,
hundred thousand lady health work-
Noorjehan Panezai, Aisha Jalal, Jus-
ers to teach family planning and ma-
tice Talat Yaqoob, Kaneez Fatima
ternal health so that women can
Yousaf, Akram Khatoon, Shari
make the most fundamental choices
Rehman, Tahira Mazhar Ali, Madam
of their lives for themselves, and this
Noorjehan, Abida Parveen, Asma Je-
is just the beginning for a new Pak-
hangir, Hina Gillani, Jugno Mohsin,
istan.
Amna Paracha, Qulsoom Saifullah,
In her address, Mrs Clinton said,
Begum Abbas Khattack, Salima
"Her visit will reaffirm the partner-
Hashmi, Naveed Azfar, Bilqees Edhi,
ship and friendship between the two
Noorul Huda, Rana Shaikh, Fiza
countries and also between the peo-
Junejo, Samina Pirzada, Nasira
ple of these countries."
Iqbal, Parveen Atif, Navid A Rahat,
Rehana Seigol, Nirmeen, Shahid
Najma Hussain and many others.
The luncheon-was followed by a
cultural show, where famous Kathak
dancer Naheed Siddiqui performed
for 20 minutes.
TheNews
Date: Mauch 27,1995
Rawalpindi
Page: /
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto hosted a luncheon in honour of US first lady Hillary Clinton.-Photo by Tanveer
Shahzad
THE MUSLIM
Date: Mench 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page: 2
Hurdles in US investment in Pakistan being removed
Benazir briefs Hillary
on F-16s, Kashmir issues
AROOSA ALAM
delivery of F-16s or refund of the
amount paid by it to the United
ISLAMABAD, March 26: In a
States.
prelude to her forthcoming visit
Mrs Clinton reportedly told the
to the US, Prime Minister Benazir
Prime Minister that the United
Bhutto received from the Ameri-
States administration is framing
can First Lady Hillary Clinton, as-
such policies which could help re-
surance of stepped-up economic
move hurdle for US companies'
cooperaton. The Clinton ad-
investment in Pakistan despite ex-
ministration was framing policies
istence of the Pressler Amend-
to remove hurdles in the way of
ment. She said the US companies
the US investment in Pakistan,
were enthusiastic to invest in
said Mrs Clinton.
Pakistan because of attractive
The visiting US First Lady, Hil-
package of incentives being
lary Rodham Clinton had
offered by Islamabad.
20-minute talks with Prime
She told the Prime Minister
Minister Benazir Bhutto at PM
that Clinton has very good views
House here Sunday. Foreign
about Pakistan's economic poli-
Secretary Najamuddin Sheikh
cies. She lauded the steps taken by
and Additional Secretary Zafar
Pakistan to open up its economy
Hilaly were present in the infor-
and said President Clinton was
mal talks from Pakistanside while
anxiously waiting for BB's visit to
the visiting First Lady was accom-
the United States in April.
panied by Ms Robin Raphel and
According to the sources the
the US Ambassador to Pakistan,
Prime Minister also explained
John C Monjo.
Pakistan's position on the issue of
Official sources told The Mus-
nuclear non-proliferation. The
lim that the Prime Minister
US First Lady seemed to be great-
briefed Mrs Clinton on various is-
ly impressed but offered no com-
sues of bilateral interest and ex-
ments on any of the controversial
plained Pakistan's position on
issues.
Pressler Amendment. Their dis-
The Prime Minister is learnt to
cussions covered the whole range
have also conveyed Pakistan's
of issues concerning the dis-
serious concern over deteriorat-
criminatory amendment. The
US First Lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea with
ing situation in Occupied Kash-
Prime Minister told the American
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her children in Islamabad
First Lady that Pakistan wants
on Sunday-Staff Photo by ISHAQUE CHAUDHARY
Contd. Page 1/2
THE MUSLIM
Date: Mmch 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page:
1/2
Benazir
From Page 1
mir where Indian occupation
and sensitive leadership on the
forces were engaged in massive
key social issues of modern era.
human rights violations against
She said Mrs Clinton is a role
Kashmiris including women
model for girls and women all
many of whom have been made
over the globe.
victim of gang-rape.
Mrs Clinton in her address em-
She also briefed the US First
phasised that she is visiting
Lady of Pakistan's principled
Pakistan to reaffirm the partner-
stand on the Kashmir issue.
ship and friendship between the
The Prime Minister also ex-
two countries.
pressed concern over violence
Mrs Clinton said Pakistani na-
and terrorism prevalent in the
tion is a beacon for all of them
country and resolved to take ev-
and it has been demonstrated that
ery possible step to eliminate this
Pakistan which has got great and
threat. She again sought United
rich history had a bright and rich
States assistance to deal with this
future.
problem. Mrs Clinton lauded the
She said the Pakistan govern-
stand taken by the Pakistan
ment was doing a lot of work
Government to deal with vio-
from the extension of primary
lence and terrorism.
education to girls to the eradica-
Benazir Bhutto told Mrs Clin-
tion of polio which is being
ton that Pakistan was proceeding
looked at with admiration around
determinedly to root out the
the world. She said as we invest
menace of narcotics, an issue of
in women and girls, it is an invest-
great concern to the United
ment in men, in future and in our
States. In this connection, she
society.
referred to the unprecedented
Mrs Clinton said that much re-
haul of heroin, hashish and charas
mains to be done in every society
and elimination of heroin facto-
to ensure that women assume
ries in Tribal areas.
their rightful place and given op-
Later, speaking at a banquet
portunities to exercise their
hosted by the Prime Minister in
rights.
honour of the visiting dignitary,
She referred to the Prime
she said her government has
Minister's speech in Cairo and
launched a frontal attack on in-
described it as an event of great
stitutional discrimination against
importance. She praised the
women in the society.
Prime Minister for doing much to
The Prime Minister recounted
recognise the great potential of
the measures taken by her
Pakistan. She also praised her for
government to improve the lot of
playing a leading role in expand-
womenfolk. She said 10 per cent
ing opportunities for women in
federal bureaucratic jobs have
Pakistan.
been reserved for women. A
APP adds: The US First Lay, Hil-
women development bank has
lary Rodham Clinton has said the
been established for small en-
United States and Pakistan "have
trepreneurs which is being run by
enjoyed a long history of friend-
women. Men can deposit money
ship and shared interests".
there but cannot take loans.
In her arrival statement, she
She said women police stations
said, while in Pakistan, she was
have also been set up to check
looking forward to seeing new
domestic violence directed against
places and making new friends,
women.
"and, also to learning more about
She said for the first time in
the rich, dynamic history and tra-
Pakistan's history women jurists
ditions that you have lent the
have been appointed to the
world".
highest courts.
Mrs Hillary Clinton said,
The Prime Minister referred to
"Good evening, and thank you
her speech made at the Cairo
for coming out to greet us. Our
Population Moot and said she
nations have enjoyed a long his-
wants a Pakistan where every
tory of friendship and shared in-
'pregnancy is planned and every
terests, and for that reason I am
child is conceived as a nourished
especially pleased to begin my
life.' She said these were not just
visit to South Asia here in
hollow words but her govern-
Pakistan.
ment has planned to train 100,000
"Two weeks is far too brief a
women health workers in family
time to absorb the full richness
planning. She said this is just a be-
and vitality of this region of the
ginning for a new Pakistan.
world. But I hope my visit will
help Americans and South Asians
She said Pakistan and the Unit-
gain a greater appreciation of the
ed States can work together to
opportunities and challenges that
lead the world into a new era
join us as a global family", she
where people are guided by self-
said.
imposed limits to their own
"In Pakistan, I look forward to
dreams.
The Prime Minister paid rich
seeing new places and making
new friends, and also to learning
tributes to Mrs Clinton for mak-
more about the rich, dynamic his-
ing heroic efforts to re-define the
tory and traditions that you have
role of women in America by res-
lent the world. Thank you for af-
tructuring the responsibilities of
the office of the First Lady. She
fording me this wonderful oppor-
tunity to visit your beautiful
praised her for providing caring
country", she added.
THE MUSLIM
Date: March 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page:
Hillary meets
outstanding ladies
of Pakistan
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD, March 26: In the
colourful surroundings and splen-
dour. of..the Prime Minister
House, some of Pakistan's most
distinguished women had the rare
opportunity of meeting on Sun-
day the First Lady of the United
States, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The assemblage of over 50
prominent women who have
blazed a new trail in various fields
of life in Pakistan included politi-
cians, judges of the superior
Hillary meets
judiciary, writers and poets, pilots,
From Page 1
singer said she had heard about
film stars, scientists, lawyers, mu-
Madam Nur Jehan and Lata Man-
sicians, painters, educationists, ar-
First Lady was dressed in black
geshkar being the top most play
chitects, editors and human rights
long skirt and turqoise jacket. Her
back singers of the sub-continent.
campaigners.
daughter Chelsea was dressed in
The Madam was in an upbeat
Prominent among them were
fawn-coloured long skirt and
mood and much elated. While in-
Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Dr
jacket.
troducing Zil-e-Huma, the Prime
Nurejehan Panezai, Kishwar Na-
On arrival, Mrs Clinton was in-
Minister said that she was follow-
heed, Asma Jehangir, Madam
troduced to the distinguished
ing in the footsteps of her mother.
Nur Jehan and her daughter Zil-
guests.
Prime Minister Bhutto's three
e-Huma, Ayesha Jalal, Tahira
Madam Nur Jehan and her
children were present in the
Mazhar Ali Khan, Khalida Rashid,
singer daughter Zill-e-Huma
luncheon.
Nasira Iqbal, Talat Yaqoob Sher-
were introduced to the visiting
ry Rehman, Jugnu Mohsin,
dignitary by Prime Minister
Giving her impressions about
Akram Khatoon, Samina Pirzada,
Bhutto. Madam Nur Jehan's in-
her meeting with Prime Minister
Abida Parveen, Naheed Siddiqui,
troduction was perhaps the lon-
Bhutto and the US First Lady,
Bilqees Edhi, Nurul Hudda Shah,
gest one. While introducing her
Madam Nure Jehan told The
Shirin Pasha, Salima Hashmi and
the Prime Minister described her
Muslim that she was immensely
Ayesha Rabia.
as the Nightingale of Pakistan
pleased over the honour bestowed
Some of the prominent wom-
who was a source of pride to the
on her by the Prime Minister. She
en including novelist Bapsi Sidh-
said this was the first time that she
country.
wa, the former Ambassador
Ms Hillary Clinton apparently
was invited to a high-profile state
Shaista Ikramullah, poet Zohra
well-briefed about the.renowned
reception.
Nigah, Khawar Mumtaz, lawyer
Shaheen Sardar Ali and labour
leader Kaneez Fatima had
declined the invitation but
without giving any reason.
At the banquet table, Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto sat to the
left of Hillary Clinton while Be-
gum Nusrat Bhutto was on her
right.
Prime Minister Bhutto was
dressed in white 'Dupatta' and
'Shalwar' and red 'Kameez.' The
Contd. Page 4 Col. 6
THE MUSLIM
Date: March 2711995-
Islamabad
Page: (
Hillary, Chelsea visit
Faisal Mosque
ISLAMABAD, March 26 (APP):
remained at the mosque for about
The US First Lady Hillary Rod-
forty minutes.
ham Clinton and her 14-year old
Earlier on her arrival at the
daughter, Chelsea, Sunday visit-
mosque the US First Lady
ed the Shah Faisal Mosque - a
received a warm welcome.
landmark of Islamic architecture.
Among others, US Ambassador
Special Assistant to the Prime
and Mrs John C Monjo as well as
Minister Begum Shahnaz Wazir
the other members of Mrs Hillary
Ali, Chairman, Islamic Ideology
Clinton's entourage were also
Council (IIC), Iqbal Ahmed Khan
present.
and Chairman of the Capital De-
velopment Authority (CDA),
Shafi Muhammad Sehwani ac-
companied the guests.
The Clinton family is stated to
be highly religious, having a par-
ticular regard for Muslim rituals
and teachings.
The questions they inquisitive-
ly asked pertained to the basics of
the Islamic teachings and rituals,
mainly "the importance of pray-
er, sanctity of the institution of
mosque, prayer timings, Namazis
frequenting the Faisal Masjid and
if women offered their prayers
separately." Later, Ms Lisa Capu-
to, Press Secretary to the US First
Lady, briefed newsmen. Hillary
Clinton explained that Clintons
believed in the Bible and in the
Christ first, "then Muhammad
(Peace Be Upon Him), the (Last)
Prophet." She told the newsmen
that Chelsea had studied Islam in
school. "She, therefore, had
knowledgeable questions to ask."
It was 'Zuhr' time. The guests
The
Frontier Post
Date: March 27,1995 -
Peshawar
Page: I
ISLAMABAD: Hillary Clinton (R) and her daughter Chelsea pose
for photographs at the Faisal mosque here Sunday. - AFP photo
The
Frontier Post
Date: March 27, 1995
Peshawar
Page:/
PM, Hillary discuss
Pressler, Kashmir
ISLAMABAD (APP) - The US first lady. Hillary
it to Pakistan and South Asia". She referred to the
Rodham Clinton called on Prime Minister, Benazir
heroic efforts of Hillary Clinton "to redefine the role
Bhutto at the prime minister house Sunday.
of a women in America" - in restructuring the of-
The prime minister remained with Mrs. Clinton
fice of the first lady and by providing caring and
for 20 minutes, before she hosted a luncheon in her
sensitive leadership on the key social issues of the
honour at the PM's house.
modern era.
The distinguished guest said that she and
"Women, who take on tough issues" and those
President, Clinton were great admirers of Prime
touching out new territory, were often on the re-
Minister, Benazir Bhutto. She said, her husband
ceiving end of ignorance, she said, quoting from the
greatly welcomed the principled stance the prime
words of lady Margaret Thatcher.
minister had taken on terrorism and violence.
She described Mrs Clinton as a great leader - "a
She also said that there was a great enthusiasm
great leader for the cause of healthcare, a great
in the United States for the economic policies of
leader for the cause of children. a great leader. for
Bhutto's government. A number of investors had ex-
investing in future, a great leader and a great role
pressed willingness for investing in Pakistan, she
model to girls and to the women, all over this plan-
added.
et".
On the occasion. the prime minister informed
On coming into power 17 months ago, the prime
Mrs Clinton of the measures taken by her govern-
minister said, "we too, made a frontal assault on in-
ment for the uplift of the womenfolk in the society.
stitutional discrimination against women in our so-
She said, Pakistan has also taken ceaseless and
ciety. We have guaranteed that at least 10 per cent
effective measures against the drug menace.
of the federal bureaucratic jobs would be reserved
The prime minister also informed Mrs Clinton of
for the women of Pakistan".
the various steps taken in the social welfare sector
In this context, she referred to the establishment
including the massive and successful campaign
of the first women's bank, the special women police
against polio.
stations and induction of women in judiciary.
Population planning. she stated, was another pri-
The prime minister said, both Pakistan and the
ority of the government. A number of steps had
United States standing side by side "can lead all of
been taken to provide higher education to the wom-
the world into a new era - an era, where people are
en.
only constrained by the self-imposed limits of their
On Kashmir. the prime minister alluded to the
own dreams".
brutalities being committed against the women
"The name of lady Hillary Rodham Clinton has
there. She emphasised the need for a solution of the
earned a special place of honour in the history. Mrs
issue in accordance with the UN resolutions.
Clinton is a symbol to all women, everywhere - in
On the Pressler Amendment, the prime minister
the East and in the West". Women can run corpora-
pointed out that US should either supply the F-16s
tions and households. They can be great lawyers
for which Pakistan had paid or return the money.
and still be great mothers, she said.
Speaking at the luncheon. the prime minister
She compared Hillary Clinton with Eleanor
said, "it is an honour for me, prime minister of a
Roosevelt. "It is my honour to welcome you into our
Muslim nation. to welcome the first lady on her vis-
homes and into our hearts", she added.
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 27,1995
Islamabad
Page: /
Pressler Law, Kashmir figure in talks
Benazir, Hillary dream
women world order
ISLAMABAD (APP)-Visiting
tending medical aid and facilities
We have guaranteed that at least
US First Lady Hillary Clinton Sun-
to the mother and the child. The
ten per cent of the federal bureau-
day said, "Women are breaking
population welfare is a sector
cratic jobs would be reserved for
new ground, availing new opportu-
which is being given importance,
the women of Pakistan."
nities" everywhere in the world.
she stated.
In this context, she referred to
Speaking at a luncheon hosted
She referred to the heroic ef-
the establishment of the First
in her honour, she described Prime
forts of Hillary Clinton "to redefine
Women's Bank, the special
Minister Benazir Bhutto as "bea-
the role of women in America" -
Women Police Stations and induc-
con for all of us."
in restructuring the office the first
tion of women in judiciary.
She said, Pakistan not only had
lady and by providing caring and
The Prime Minister referred to
a rich past but great future ahead.
sensitive leadership on the key so-
her address to the UN Conference
"And we are especially pleased
cial issues of the modern era.
on Women and Development in
to reaffirm the partnership and
"Women, who take on tough
Cairo, last year where she had said
friendship between our two coun-
issues" and those touching out new
"I dream of a Pakistan and of Asia.
tries, and also between the people
territory, were often on the receiv-
of a world where every pregnancy
of our two countries", she said.
ing end of ignorance, she said.
is planned and every child con-
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
quoting from the words of lady
ceived, is nurtured, loved, educat-
in her speech said her government
Margaret Thatcher.
ed and supported. "These were not
remained committed to uplift of
She described Mrs Clinton as a
ideal words", she said, stating my
the womenfolk and healthcare of
great role model to' girls and to the
government has planned to train a
the child, as of the other less privi-
women, all over this planet.
hundred thousand lady health
leged sections of the society.
On coming into power 17
workers in family planning and
She referred to the in hand pro-
months ago, the Prime Minister
maternal health so that women can
gramme to train 100,000 lady
said, "we, too, made a frontal as-
make their most fundamental
health visitors in Pakistan, who
sault on institutional discrimina-
choices of their lives for them-
would prove instrumental in ex-
tion against women in our society.
Continued on Page 11
Pakistan Observer
Date: Mench 27, 1995-
Islamabad
Page: 1/2
remains to be done in every soci-
Women order
cty, both in our countries to ensure
that women assume their rightful
From Page 1
place and are given the opportuni-
ties to exercise their rights." She
selves. And, this is just a beginning
said. she was very optimistic by
the beginning for a new Pakistan."
what I see happening in the world.
she said.
Earlier the Pressler Law, Kash-
The PM said, both Pakistan
and the US standing side by side
mir dispute. government's crusade
"can lead all of the world into a
against marco-barons, measures to
new era an era, where people are
eliminate terrorism and strategy for
only constrained by the self-im-
uplift of women in Pakistan came
posed limits of their own dreams."
under discussion when Hillary
Ms Clinton describing the
Clinton called on Prime Minister
Benazir Bhutto at the Prime Min-
commonalties between the two
ister House Sunday. During the
countries said, "I find that so much
meeting which lasted twenty min-
keeps us in common as we move
utes, Ms Clinton greatly admired
together to define our lives. That, it
the Prime Minister and appreciat-
is much more keeping in common
ed the policies of her government.
than keeping us separate that we
Ms Clinton told Bhutto that her
need to emphasise together", she
husband welcomed the principled
stated.
stand taken by her on terrorism and
"And. it is a great privilege to
violence. Referring to the econom-
be here with all of you. I also want
to thank the Prime Minister, pub-
ic policies of the government of
Pakistan, the US First Lady said
licly; for her efforts on behalf of
women and girls. Not only here in
the willingness expressed by the
American investors to invest in
Pakistan but around the world.
Pakistan was reflective of the keen
Your speech in Cairo was an his-
toric event of great importance. It
interest being evinced in the Unit-
ed States about the economic poli-
was looked to by women all over
the world. And, I have heard that
cies of the Pakistan government.
Bhutto reiterated Pakistan's
as I have travelled and visited with
desire to have cordial and warm re-
women. What you have done to
lations with the US.
recognise the great potential of
On Kashmir, Bhutto briefed
your country being tied with the
Ms Clinton about the atrocities
great potential of its women is
something that makes common
being committed by the Indian se-
sense and is giving all of us hope
curity forces against the innocent
Kashmiris in held Kashmir and
that as we invest in women and
girls. we invest in men, we invest
called for the solution of the prob-
lem in accordance with the UN
in future. we invest in our society",
resolutions.
she said.
Referring to the Prime Minis-
ter's emphasis on children, Ms
Clinton said. "it is most important
Exchanging views with the
in my personal opinion. Because,
distinguished guest on the implica-
tions of the Pressler Law on Pak-
by investing in the education and
istan, the Prime Minister reiterated
the health of children. we are say-
that the United States should either
ing that the future is worthwhile.
That. every child will be given the
deliver the F-16s for which pay-
opportunity to tie up to his of her
ment had already been made or re-
God-given potential. I know, much
turn the money.
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 27,1995
Islamabad
Page:
United States First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton shares a joke with Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during a luncheon hosted in her hon-
our by the latter at the PM House Sunday.-Pakistan Observer photo by Tariq Aziz (More photos on City } ages)
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page: I
An excited hush fell over the
Hillary evokes
three top Pakistani figures as Ms
Clinton and her daughter reached
new spirit at
the scene. Chairman CDA Shafi
Sewhani, Begum Shahnaz Wazir
Faisal Mosque
Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime
Minister and Chairman Council of
Islamic Ideology Iqbal Ahmad
MUJTABA AKHTER
Khan looked excited as they
watched the distinguished guests.
ISLAMABAD-US First Lady
Dressed in ankle-length dark
Hillary Clinton along with her
blouse and green shirt, the plump-
daughter Chelsea Sunday visited
ish, pleasant-faced Hillary walked
the artistically designed, Faisal
in the Mosque with her head cover
Mosque to enjoy the panoramic
with a dopatta. Clutching at a
view by having a close look at the
shawl, the elegantly dressed
resplendented white holy place.
Chelsea also wrapped her honey
Security measures in and
coloured-haired as she entered the
around the mosque were tightened
holy mosque. "Hey its fantastic"
against any possible trouble. All
shouted Chelsea as she looked up
roads and lanes leading towards
at the minarets. Both the mother
the Faisal mosque were cordoned
and daughter were impressed. A
off by the police in plain clothes.
clutch of camera lenses snapped
The special security officials who
Chelsea's high voltage smile and
took the entire control of the area
her pretty face that flushed with
did not even allow entrysto the
excitement.
Imam of the Mosque Dr Anis
Blinking in amazement both
Ahmad during the First Lady's
the mother and daughter praised
visit. A swelling crowd of faithfuls
the beauty of the Mosque. Young
were made to step out of the
Chelsea who treated life as a
mosque against their wish to offer
merry-go-round has rich knowl-
prayers there. The police in plain
edge of Islam. She chose Islam as
clothes didn't permit Islamabad
Continued on Page 11
Chief Commissioner Kahut to
reach the scene either. He stood as
solemnly as a stone and then stag-
gered wearily looking everywhere
except the Mosque.
Hillary
From Page I
her favourite subject during her
study at school.
During her visit she bent down
to touch the holy. place of Mosque
as mark of respect. Ms Clinton and
her daughter spent 35 minutes in
the mosque. CDA chief Sewhani
presented them a gold-necklace. il
precious carpet and some costly
gifts. The two respected females
left the mosque after which Na-
mazis were allowed to enter for
prayers.
Pakistan Observer
Date: March 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page: 1
US first lady Hillary Clinton escorted by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto for a walk after lunch hosted in
honour of the former by the latter at Prime Minister House on Sunday.-Pakistan Observer photo by
Tariq Aziz
The
Pakistan Times
Date: March 1995
Islamabad
Page: 1/2
Stance on Kashmir
(Continued from page 1, col. 7)
the establishment of the First
"I find that so much keeps us in
UN resolutions.
Women's Bank, the Special
common as we move together to
On the Pressler Amendment, the
Women Police Stations and in-
define our lives. That, it is much
Prime Minister pointed out that
duction of women in judiciary.
more keeping in common than
US should either supply the F-16s
The Prime Minister said, both
keeping us separate that we need
for which Pakistan had paid or
Pakistan and the United States
to emphasise together", she stated.
return the money.
standing side by side "can lead all
"And, it is a great privilege to be
Speaking at the luncheon, the
of the world into a new cra-an
here with all of you. I also want to
Prime Minister said, a number of
era, where people are only con-
thank the Prime Minister, pub-
schemes had been taken up in
strained by the self-imposed lim-
licly, for her efforts on behalf of
hand to ameliorate the lot of the
its of their own dreams."
women and girls. Not only here in
Pakistan but around the world.
women, which had remained ne-
glected over the past.
"The name of lady Hillary Rod-
Your speech in Cairo was a his-
She referred to the in hand pro-
ham Clinton has earned a special
toric event of great importance. It
gramme to train 100,000 lady
place of honour in the history.
was looked to by women all over
health visitors in Pakistan, who
Mrs. Clinton is a symbol to all
the world. And, I have heard that
would prove instrumental in ex-
women, everywhere-in the East
as I have travelled and visited
tending medical aid and facilities
and in the West". Women can run
with women. What you have done
to the mother and the child.
corporations and households. They
to recognise the great potential of
She referred to the heroic efforts
can be great lawyers and still be
your country being tied with the
of Hillary Clinton "to redefine the
great mothers, she said.
great potential of its women is
role of women in America"-in
Speaking at the luncheon hosted
something that makes common
restructuring the office of the First
in her honour, she described Prime
sense and is giving all of us hope
that as we invest in women and
Lady and by providing caring and
Minister Benazir Bhutto as "a
sensitive leadership on the key
beacon for all of us". She said,
girls, we invest in men, we invest
social issues of the modern era.
Pakistan not only had a rich past
in future, we invest in our soci-
-"Women, who take on tough is-
but a great future ahead.
ety", she said.
sues" and those touching out new
"And we are especially pleased
Referring to the Prime Minister's
territory, were often on the receiv-
to reaffirm the partnership and
emphasis
on children, Mrs.
ing end of ignorance, she said,
friendship between our two coun-
Clinton said, "it is an emphasis
quoting from the words of lady
tries, and also between the people
that is most important in my per-
Margaret Thatcher.
of our two countries", she said.
sonal opinion. Because, by invest-
She described Mrs. Clinton as a
The US First Lady said, during
ing in the education and the health
great leader-a great leader for the
her stay in Pakistan, he would
of children, we are saying that the
cause of healthcare, great leader
have the opportunity to meet some
future is worthwhile. That, every
for the cause of children, a great
of the women who have excelled
child will be given the opportunity
leader, for investing in future, a
in various fields.
to live up to his or her God-given
great leader and a great role model
"Thank you for warm welcome,
potential. And, the work that you
to girls and to the women, all over
and thank you for your leadership.
are doing from the extension of the
this planet.
Leadership on behalf of your na-
primary schooling to girls, the
'On coming into power 17
tion which has been such a beacon
eradication of polio-all of it, is
months ago, the Prime Minister
to all of us, as it has demonstrated
being looked out with great inter-
said, "we too, made a frontal as-
clearly that this country which has
est and admiration. I know, much
sault on institutional discrimina-
got such a great and rich history,
remains to be done in every soci-
tion against women in our soci-
has also a great and rich future.
ety, both in our countries to ensure
ety." We have guaranteed that at
And, we are especially pleased to
that women assume their rightful
least ten per cent of the federal
be here to reaflirm the partnership
place and are given the opportuni-
bureaucratic jobs would be re-
and friendship between our two
ties to exercise their rights".
served for the women of Paki-
countries, and, also, and belween
She said, she was very optimistic
stan".
the peoples of our countries", Hil- by what 1 scc happening in the
In this context, she referred to
lary Clinton said.
world.-PPI/APP
The
Pakistan Times
Date: March 27,1995'
Islamabad
Page: 1
US First Lady eulogises Pak policies
PM reiterates stance on
Kashmir, Pressler law
ISLAMABAD, March 26: The Pressier Law, Kashmir
elaborated that social amenitie
dispute, government's crusade against narco-barons,
are being brought to the village:
measures to eliminate terrorism and strategy for uplift of
of Pakistan and in this regard
women folk in Pakistan came under discussion when the US
within the next ten years, All
Pakistani villages will be electro
First Lady Hillary Clinton called on Prime Minister Benazir
fied.
Bhutto at the Prime Minister House on Sunday.
On Kashmir, the Prime Ministe:
During the meeting which lasted government. A number of steps
alluded the brutalities being
twenty minutes, Mrs. Clinton
had been taken to provide higher
committed against the women 31
greatly admired the Prime Minis-
education to the women. The fe-
the occupied Kashmir. She -
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto along with First Lady Hillary Rodham and her
ter and appreciated policies of her
male graduates were now able to
phasised the need for a solution de
daughter Chelsea coming out of Prime Minister House after the lunch which the
government.
secure various positions and jobs.
the issue, in accordance with the
Premier hosted in honour of US First Lady.-PT Photo by Iqbal Zaidi
Mrs. Clinton said her husband
The Prime Minister further
(Continued on page 9, col. 1)
greatly welcomed the principled
stance the Prime Minister had
2
taken on terrorism and violence
She also said that there was a
great enthusiasm in the United
States for the economic policies of
Ms. Benazir Bhutto's government.
A number of investors had ex-
pressed willingness for investing
in Pakistan.
On the occasion, the Prime
Minister informed Mrs. Clinton of
the measures taken by her gov-
emment for the uplift of the wom-
enfolk in the society. She informed
Mrs. Clinton of the various steps
taken in this behalf.
She said, Pakistan has also taken
ceaseless and effective measures
against the drug menace A law
had been passed for seizure of the
drugs and a number of major and
bold drug confiscation raids had
taken place.
The Prime Minister also in-
formed Mrs. Clinton of the van-
ous steps taken in the social wel-
fare sector including the massive
and successful campaign against
polio, Population planning, she
stated, was another priority of the
The Nation
Date: March 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page: 2
Hillary Clinton and Chelsea inside Faisal Mosque
Hillary Clinton's security staff and their luggage in the
Mosque.-The Nation photos
Hillary, Chelsea visit Faisal Mosque
By Our Staff Reporter
Their expressions showed they were
Equipped with the high-tech walky
seemed impatient to tell too much in too
mesmerized by its splendour. Wearing
talkies, they mistrusted the local secu-
short a time. CDA Chairman Shafi
ISLAMABAD-US First Lady
a green jacket, Hillary was seen an-
rity agencies even more. They were
Sewhani was acting as if he was the
Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chel-
swering inquisitive queries of Chelsea.
kept at a distance of about 40 feet. But
man who had built the mosque. The
sea seemed fascinated by the grandeur
Local newsmen never got the chance
then they had reasons to doubt the
only relaxed person among the team of
of Faisal Mosque when they visited the
to know what exactly did Chelsea say
professionalism our pot bellied secu-
hosts was probably Iqbal Ahmad
Mosque on Sunday evening.
about the Mosque. Her staff was extra
rity personnel displayed. So cautious
Khan, who probably did not have any-
Obviously, they had been briefed
careful in not letting any news hack go
were the US staff that they changed
thing at stake to worry about. His only
well about the Islamic ethos. With
closer than 20 feet. With a rope encir-
their visit plan on the last minute.
concern as the Chairman of the Islamic
scarfs on their heads, both visited one of
cling them. they kept the whole crowd
Shahnaz Wazir ATI looked exces-
Ideology Council was to see that every-
the world's biggest mosques barefoot.
away from them.
sively awed by Mrs Clinton. She
body entered the premises barefoot.
The Nation
Date: Manch 27,1995-
Islamabad
Page: 1
e
ISLAMABAD: US First Lady Hillary Clinton with Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at a luncheon in her honour at Prime Minister House
on Sunday.-Staff photo by Mian Khurshid
(More pictures on Pages 2 & 4)
The Nation
Date: March 27,1995
Islamabad
Page:
1/2
US can help Pakistan for population welfare
From page 1
informed Mrs. Clinton of the various
"Women, who take on tough is-
i-Azam University, Begum Akram
she arrived one hour late. When one
steps taken in this behalf.
sues" and those touching out new ter-
Khatun. Mrs. Aisha Jalal and Ms.
guest remarked: "One thought at least
She said: "Pakistan has also taken
ritory, were often on the receiving end
Sherry Rehman.
the American's would be punctual."
ceaseless and effective measures
of ignorance, she said, quoting from
The other noted ladies attending the
Aitzaz Ehsan quipped." But now they
against the drug menace." A law had
the words of lady Margaret Thatcher.
luncheon included Ms. Melanne
are in Pakistan!" adding "Americans
been passed for seizure of the drugs
She described Mrs. Clinton as a
Verveer, deputy chief of staff: Ms. lisa
in Pakistan tend not to go by the rules."
and a number of major and bold drug
great leader-"A great leader for the
Caputo, press secretary; Ms. Jan Pierry
When Mrs Clinton made an appear-
confiscation raids had taken place.
cause of healthcare. A great leader for
of world bank and Ms. Rabin Raphel,
ance she surprised all guests with her
The Prime Minister also informed
the cause of children. A great leader,
Assistant Secretary of State from the
quick transformation. She was clad in
Mrs. Clinton of the various steps taken
for investing in future. A great leader
visiting side; as well as Mrs. John C.
an exquisite shal Kameez suit with
in the social welfare sector including
and a great role model to girls and to
Monjo.
a matching dupatta that she had bought
the massive and successful campaign
the women, all over this planet".
From the Pakistan side. the other
from a local boutique. She looked stun-
against polio.
On coming into power 17 months
noted ladies included Begum Shahnaz
ning and seemed quite at ease in the
Population planning, she stated, was
ago, the Prime Minister said, "We too,
Wazir Ali, Dr. Mrs. Ashraf Abbasi.
Pakistani outfit. A picture of charm
another priority of the government. A
made a frontal assault on institutional
Senator Faiza Junejo, Begum Kulsoom
and elegance, the First Lady captured
number of steps had been taken to
discrmination against women in our
Saifullah, Bilquees Edhi, Madam Noor
many hearts.
provide higher education to the women.
society. We have guaranteed that at
Jahan, Abida Parveen, Asma Jehangir,
Overwhelmed by the warm recep-
The female graduates were now able
least ten per cent of the federal bureau-
Naheed Khan, Shahnaz Butt,Aisha
tion she received on the first day of her
to secure various positions and jobs.
cratic jobs would be reserved for the
Jalal, Madiha Gohar, Samina Pirzada,
visit to Pakistan she said: "I want to
The Prime Minister elaborated that
women of Pakistan".
Noorul Huda Shah, Anita Ghulam Ali,
express my appreciation for the hospi-
social amenities were being brought to
In this context, she referred to the
Naheed Azfar, Tahira Mazhar Ali
tality extended to me and my daughter.
the villages of Pakistan and in this
establishment of the First Women's
Khan, Jugnu Mohsin, Khalida Rashid
This is a very special and important
regard, within the next 10 years, all
Bank, the special Women Police Sta-
Judge of the Peshawar High Court,
visit."
Pakistani villages would be electri-
tions and induction of women in judi-
Mariam Qaisar, Civil Judge
The First Lady individually greeted
fied.
ciary.
Rawalpindi, Asghari Maqsood, Amina
all the guests, a gesture that was much
On Kashmir, the Prime Minister al-
The Prime Minister referred to her
Peracha, Rehana Saigal, Victoria
appreciated. Endless handshakes and
luded the brutalities being committed
address to the UN Conference on
Schofield and Kishwar Naheed.
smiles marked the evening. The Ameri-
against the women in the Occupied
Women and Development in Cairo,
Earlier, the US First Lady, Hillary
can security corps were alert but unob-
Kashmir. She emphasised the need for
last year where she had said 'I dream
Rodham Clinton, has said that the
trusive and polite. There was no push-
a solution of the issue, in accordance
of a Pakistan and of Asia, of a world-
United States and Pakistan "have en-
ing or shoving.
with the UN resolutions.
where every pregnancy is planned and
joyed a long history of friendship and
Shehnaz Wazir Ali, the minister in
On the Pressler Amendment, the
every child conceived, is nurtured,
shared interests."
waiting, also clad in a black outfit
Prime Minister pointed out that US
loved, educated and supported'.
In her arrival statement, she said,
stood by Mrs Clinton as she was intro-
should either supply the F-16s for which
"These were not idle words", she said,
while in Pakistan, she was looking
duced to the long queue of invitees.
Pakistan had paid or return the money.
stating. my government has planned to
forward to seeing new places and mak-
Women activists and NGO repre-
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said
train a hundred thousand lady health
ing.new friends, "and, also to learning
sentatives were quite visible.
here Sunday that her government is
workers in family planning and mater-
more about the rich, dynamic history
APP adds: The U.S. First Lady,
committed to uplift living standard of
nal health so that women can make
d-traditions that you have lent the
Hillary Rodham Clinton called on
womenfolk and healthcare of the child,
their most fundamental choices of their
world".
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at the
as of the other less privileged sections
lives for themselves. And, this is just a
The US First Lady arrived late Sat-
Prime Minister House Sunday.
of the society.
beginning- the beginning for a new
urday evening on a two- day visit of
The Prime Minister remained with
Speaking at a luncheon she hosted in
Pakistan", she said.
Pakistan, as the head of a 15-member
Mrs. Clinton for 20 minutes, before
honour of the visiting US First Lady
The Prime Minister said, both Paki-
delegation.
she hosted a luncheon in her honour.
Hillary Clinton, at PM House,
stan and the United States standing
Mrs Hillary Clinton said, "Good
Mrs. Clinton expressed great admi-
1s.Benazir Bhutto said, a number of
side by side "can lead all of the world
evening, and thank you for coming out
ration for the Prime Minister, person-
schemes had been taken up in hand to
into a new era- an era, where people
to greet us. Our nations have enjoyed
ally, and for Pakistan, as well as for the
ameliorate the lot of the women, which
are only constrained by the self-im-
a long history of friendship and shared
policies of the government, said an
had remained neglected in the past.
posed limits of their own dreams".
interests, and for that reason I am
official spokesman.
She referred to the inhand pro-
"The name of lady Hillary Rodham
especially pleased to begin my visit to
The US First Lady said that she and
gramme to train 100,000 Lady Health
Clinton has earned a special place of
South Asia here in Pakistan.
President Clinton were great admirers
Visitors in Pakistan, who would prove
honour in the history. Mrs. Clinton is a
"Two weeks is far too brief a time to
of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
instrumental in extending medical aid
symbol to all women, everywhere-in
absorb the full richness and vitality of
She said that her husband greatly
and facilities to the mother and the
the East and in the West."
this region of the world. But I hope my
welcomed the principled stance the
child. The population welfare is a sec-
Women can run corporations and
visit will help Americans and South
Prime Minister had taken on terrorism
tor which is being given importance,
households. They can be great lawyers
Asians gain a greater appreciation
and violence.
she added.
and still be great mothers, she said.
of the opportunities and challenges
She also said that there was a great
"It is an honour for me, Prime Min-
She compared Hillary Clinton with
that join us as a global family," she
enthusiasm in the United States for the
ister of a Muslim nation, to welcome
Eleanor Roosevelt. is my honour to
said.
economic policies of Benazir's gov-
the First Lady to her visit to Pakistan
welcome you into our homes and into
"In Pakistan, I look forward to see-
ernment. A number of investors had
and South Asia", she said.
our hearts", she added.
new places and making new friends,
expressed willingness for investing in
She referred to the heroic efforts of
The Prime Minister and the US First
and also to learning more about the
Pakistan, she added.
Hillary Clinton "to redefine the role of
Lady were flanked on the dining table
rich, dynamic history and traditions
On the occasion, the Prime Minister
women in America" in restructuring
by Begum Nusrat Bhutto, MNA,
that you have lent the world. Thank
informed Mrs. Clinton of the measures
the office the first lady and by provid-
Noor Jahan former deputy
you for affording me this wonderful
taken by her government for the uplift
ing caring and sensitive leadership on
chairperson Senate: Dr. Kaniz Fatima
opportunity to visit your beautiful coun-
of the womenfolk in the society. She
the key social issues of the modern era.
Yousuf, former vice chancellor, Quaid-
"try," she added.
The Nation
Date: March 27, 1995-
Islamabad
Page: 1
Benazir informs Hillary of stance on Valley, F-16s issue
US can help Pakistan in
population welfare
Pak economic policies, stand on terrorism lauded
By Qudssia Akhlaque
(Monday) in Lahore about these is-
Ahmed Leghari, at the Awan-e-Sadar
sues," she said.
and had coffee with her and about 50
ISLAMABAD- The United States
"The invisible issues are probably
women. In the afternoon she attended
First Lady Hillary Clinton and Prime
the most important issues but not the
a lunch hosted by Prime Minister
Minister Benazir Bhutto agreed that
ones that make headlines," she ob-
Benazir Bhutto at the Prime Minister
the US could help Pakistan in the areas
served.
House. After lunch she was enter-
of population welfare and human re-
Asked if the United States would
tained with a performance by Nahid
source development.
ever have a woman President, the First
Siddiqui, Pakistan's famed classical
During their 20-minute meeting, Mrs
Lady said: "I think we will. But prob-
dancer. A host of other well-known
Clinton and Prime Minister Bhutto
ably sometime within the next 20
artists, including Madam Nur Jehan,
discussed a wide range of issues. Ms
years." Asked if she would ever run in
Tahira Sayed and Abida Parveen were
Bhutto informed her about her govern-
the Presidential elections, she said
also invited to the Prime Minister's
ment's initiatives to improve the state
smilingly: "Never."
lunch to meet the First Lady.
of women in Pakistan.
Mrs Clinton believed that the parlia-
From the PM House Mrs Clinton
Mrs Clinton was particular inter-
mentary system as opposed to the Presi-
went to the Faisal Mosque.
ested in learning about the govern-
dential form of government had done a
In the evening America's First Lady
ment's efforts to educate the country's
better job in permitting women to rise
hosted a reception at the American
female population, and the role of
to the top. Asked if she for evern run
Embassy Compound to meet promi-
women in Pakistan's development.
for the Presidential race, she said smil-
nent Pakistani citizens. The reception
She later told this correspondent at a
ingly: "Never."
was attended by over 400 people in-
reception that during her current visit
America' First Lady Hillary Clinton
cluding diplomats.
she would emphasise the need for in-
spent a busy day in the capital city on
Mrs Clinton's punctuality was duly
vesting in human infrastructure. hu-
Sunday.
noted by guests who were eager to
man capital and development of peo-
She started her day by calling on
meet the First Lady. Although the host,
ple. "I am going to talk tomorrow
Pakistan's First Lady, Begum Farooq
See page
1/2
The Nation
Date: March 27, 1995
Islamabad
Page: /
US First Lady Hillary Clinton (L) and her daughter with Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her children outside the PM House
after the luncheon hosted in honour of Hillary Clinton.-Staff photo
The Nation
ate: March 27, 1995
Islamabad
Page: 9
Mrs Hillary Clinton, The First Lady of United States, being wel-
comed by Mr Qasim Jafri, General Manager of Islamabad Marriott
Hotel, during her stay at the hotel.
y
I-
e
d
e
1
Mrs Hillary Clinton with President S. D. Sharma at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. - HT
:
photo by Girish Srivastava
piex
III
Pak raises Kashmir, Pressler with Hillary
ISLAMABAD, March 28 (IANS)
ated a good environment on the eve
Minister briefed her on human
instrument and has not served the
Pakistan brought up Kashmir and
of Prime Minister Banazir Bhutto's
rights violations in the "Indian-
purpose. Therefore, it should go.
the Pressler Amendment with First
visit to the United States."
administrated" Kashmir. "There is
Washington should either deliver
Lady Hillary Clinton, hoping that its
Most of the First Lady's engage-
a dire need to resolve the core issue
the equipment to Pakistan or return
view-will reach President Clinton
of Kashmir between the two South
ments were cultural, social and non-
the money paid for," the Prime
ahead of Primary Minister Benazir
political. She tried to get across to
Asian neighbours," Ms Bhutto was
Minister told Mrs Clinton.
Bhutto's visit next month.
the maximum number people in a
quoted as telling the guest.
Since she is considered as the ears
Mr Clinton travelled to India last
short time. She watched cultural
Another most important issue on
and eyes of her husband, Pakistani
night after her two-day visit, her first
shows, met politicians, academics
which she spoke related to the non-
officials are hoping she would con-
to the South Asia.
and women leaders in different
delivery of military hardware and
vey to him what she heard and the
sphares and visited schools, a basic
the 38 F-16 aircraft for which Pakis-
"We attach a great importance to
impressions she gathered from her
her visit which has created warmth
health unit and historical places in
tan has paid over $1.2 billion caused
meetings, eventually leading to in-
and goodwill in the Pak-US rela-
Islamabad and Lahore.
by the application of the Pakistan-
fluencing the President's opinion
tion, Foreign Minister Sardar
However, during her 20-minute
specific Pressler law. "It is a blunt
and US policies towards Pakistan.
Aseff Ahmad Ali said. "It has cre-
meeting with Ms Bhutto, the Prime
The Hindustan Ti
Hillary goes from
cradle to cradle
Accompanied by her daughter
HT Correspondent
Chelsea, Mrs Clinton warmly cud-
NEW DELHI, March 28
dled infants at an orphanage run by
The US First Lady Hillary
the Missionaries of Charity. She was
Rodham Clinton today said the pur-
escorted by Minister-in-waiting
pose of her visit to India was to learn
Margaret Alva, US Ambassador
Frank Wisner and US Assistant
more about its heritage and culture
and that her country had a lot to
Secretary of State Robin Raphel.
learn from and share with this
"I'm touched by the sight of these
ancient civilisation.
innocents," she said while moving
India, she remarked, was a mar-
from cradle to cradle during her 20-
vellous example of love and affec-
minute stay in the nursery. Later,
tion where diverse peoples live in
Mrs Clinton and Chelsea joined the
harmony with one another.
nuns and inmates in singing a hymn
Here on the second leg of her five-
in the courtyard outside the nursery.
nation South Asia tour, Mrs Clinton
She then went around the packed
kicked off her three-day sojoum by
children's home and shook hands
visiting an orphanage and a school
with the kids attired in their colour-
for underprivileged children in the
ful best.
Capital besides getting a first-hand
Thereafter, the First Lady was
account of issues confronting
ushered into the chapel by the Sis-
women in this country.
ters for a private prayer session.
This was in line with her primary
Mrs Clinton also met some Amer-
concerns, championing as she has
ican couples who have adopted chil-
been the cause of women and chil-
dren from the orphanage. She don-
dren and helping them assume their
ated beds, heaters and blankets to
rightful place in society.
the centre, saying "it is important to
realise that with a lot of love and
groups immediately
good organisation and planning,
one can take care of orphaned chil-
dren"
The Missionaries of Charity were
also promised a house in Washing-
ton to run an adoption centre there.
At a luncheon meeting with some
eminent women at Roosevelt
House, the residence of the US
Ambassador, in the afternoon, the
First Lady focussed on social issues
concerning women, children and
families.
Among those present to hear her
views were Mrs Shobhana Bhar-
atiya, film-maker Mira Nair, dan-
sense Mrinalini Sarabhai and Mrs
Maya Ray, wife of Indian Ambassa-
dor to the US S. S. Ray. She was also
acquainted with the issues concern-
ing women in India.
Later in the afternoon, Mrs Clin-
ton went around a school for under-
privileged, Prayas Foundation for
Integrated Learning. A cultural
function was put up by the school,
creating an authentic village atmos-
phere.
Addressing the gathering, she
said what has to be kept uppermost
in mind is that children are an im-
portant resource to the society as a
whole. "I love India and will go back
with fond memories," Mrs Clinton
Mrs Hillary Clinton with inmates of Mother Teresa's orphanage in New Delhi on Tuesday
said amidst applause.
morning. Her daughter Chelsea, is on extreme right. - PTI photo
In her speech, she also touched
upon the significance being attached
to her visit as it was expected to
further help develop Indo-US rela-
tions.
The Hindustan Times March 29,1995
Hillary's plea for women's empowerment
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
What would have been a
Mrs Basavarajeshwari, was also
global economy.
initial grant to expand girls'
NEW DELHI
memorable morning at the Rajiv
being pummelled and denied
"And if consumerism is the
education would be provided to
Gandhi Foundation was marred
entry, till a woman activist
primary message being
NGOs, both American and Indian.
T
HE FIRST LADY OF
by ugly scenes as people fought
rescued her and pointed out that
transmitted, the explosion in
While supporting economic
the US, Hillary Clinton,
to get admission into Jawahar
she was a minister.
material expectations will put
reforms, the First Lady said that
was at her scintillating
Bhavan. The Foundation and the
There was also pandemonium
additional demands on
they are rarely sufficient to
best at the Rajiv Gandhi
American Embassy had invited
inside Jawahar Bhavan. While
institutions. ranging from the
achieve sustainable development.
Foundation this morning. She
far more people than could be
many could not gain admission
family to the government, that are
In the US too, she said, there was
spoke from her heart and sought
seated in the auditorium. People
into the auditorium, others who
unlikely to be met quickly or
a debate on the role of
to bring women to the
were asked to be in their seats by
did get in could not get a seat. Mr
fully.'
government in supplying social
centre-stage of the development
10.40 a.m., but by 10.30 a.m. the
Chidambaram could be seen
Though women form 50 per
services because of the
debate. Delhi's glitterati turned
hall was full.
pacing up and down. Many
cent of the population, in country
recognition that not all people are
up in full force to listen to her.
The outer gates of Jawahar
people had to squat in the
after country they have been
equipped to share the rewards of
Mrs Clinton also had an
Bhavan were locked, and
first-floor verandah of Jawahar
denied access to education, health
the newly emerging economy.
hour-long meeting with Prime
ministers, MPs and
Bhavan, and hear Mrs Clinton On
services, jobs and political and
Mrs Clinton spelt out the five
Minister Narasimha Rao. She
representatives of various
a closed-circuit monitor.
civil rights. Pleading their casè,
key commitments needed to
then joined him at lunch and
embassies were turned away.
But there was pin-drop silence
Mrs Clinton pointed out that
achieve the goal of social
continued the discussion. The
Angry Welfare Minister Sitaram
when Mrs Sonia Gandhi stood up
"where women prosper,
development for women. She
conversation covered a large
Kesari was walking away from
to welcome Mrs Clinton. The
countries prosper".
asked business leaders to be
number of issues concerning
the auditorium in a huff,
First Lady spoke about the
Extolling the many virtues of
socially responsible, as depleting
social development. They dwelt
protesting loudly, when one of
fast-changing world and the
women's education, and pleading
natural or human resources could
on the status of women in the two
the security guards recognised
challenges that still remain- of
for better health-care facilities for
destroy markets and undermine
countries, and spoke of the ways
him and allowed him in. Fifty
deep poverty and putting people
women, Mrs Clinton announced
people's confidence in them.
and means of empowering them.
others, including diplomats,
first during the current period of
that India would be the first
Along with government and
Mrs Clinton stressed the need to
plunged in after him. Renuka
economic and political transition.
country to benefi from the $ 100
business, NGOs- with their
expand women's access to
Chowdhry, MP, was engaged in a
The vast majority of people, she
million USAID Girls' and
tenacity and deep sense of
education, health care and other
verbal duel, and was seen being
pointed out, were not prepared
Women's Education Initiative
commitment- must play a central
development sectors.
jostled. The Minister for Women,
with the skills needed in the new
announced in Copenhagen. An
role in the development process.
Indian Express
March 30, 1995
Hillary Clinton with Prime Minister Narasimha Rao at his residence on Wednesday. Express photo
by R.K. Dayal
Indian Express
March 30, 1995
Metro
W DELHI
IN GOOD COMPANY: Priyanka Gandhi with Chelsea, daughter of US President Bill Clinton and
Hillary Clinton, at the Rajiv Gandhi foundation on Wednesday. Express photo by R.K. Dayal
Indian Express
11.01.20 Cc
Girl's poem moves Hillary
Making a point in silence, eloquently
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI
T
00 many women
in too many countries
speak the same language
of silence.
My grandmother was always sil-
ent-
always aggrieved-
only her husband had the cosmic
right
(or so it was said)
D
to speak and be heard.
n;
These thoughts led a Delhi col-
g
th
lege girl to pen them in the form
4.
of a poem, very aptly named Sile-
is
nce. So moved was US First
by
Lady Hillary Clinton that she
pl
chose to recite it at a meeting
organised by the Rajiv Gandhi
cl
Foundation here on Wednesday.
The poem, penned by
21-year-old Anasuya Sengupta,
C
a third year student pursuing a de-
gree in Economics at Lady Shri
S
Ram College, is not about things
f
abstract or mundane - it encapsu-
lates, in very simple but haunting
effective words, the plight of the
Indian woman.
Anasuya was part of the select
audience which had gathered at
Jawahar Bhavan to listen to Ms
Clinton. She could not believe
her ears when the US First Lady
C
started reciting her poem. "I had
a feeling that she would use exce-
rpts from my poem in her spe-
S
ech, but I never thought she
a
would read out the entire
poem," she gushed.
The words that swayed Ms Cli-
nton were not a result of any
painstaking effort by the young
poetess. These were the spontan-
eous outpouring of a woman dis-
turbed by the poor status of
women in society. "We had deci-
ded to invite Ms Clinton to our
college during her visit to the
country. But the plan fell thro-
ugh and our principal, Ms Meena-
kshi Gopinath, hit upon the idea
of presenting her a memento in-
stead," Anasuya said, adding, "I
was requested to write a poem
for the US First Lady as a souve-
A beaming Anasuya Sengupta with Dr Meenakshi Gopinath, the principal of Lady Shri Ram College,
nir."
New Delhi. Express photo by Sanjay K Sharma
Daughter of an IAS officer.
Anasuya has had an affinity with
tural division of the British Coun-
In fact, she is one of the few pe-
nces and the college.
words since her childhood. "My
cil. She was the youngest
ople in India who have written
atmosphere," remarked a proud
works have been published in qu-
contributor for two consecutive
plays in English," she claimed,
Dr Meenakshi Gopinath, princi-
Indian express March 30,1995
ite a few magazines, especially
years- 1993 and 1994.
adding that her father, even tho-
pal of Lady Shri Ram College,
periodicals catering to child-
ugh a bureaucrat, was a director
about her student. Her words
ren." she mentioned. Her talent
The young poetess attributes
of plays.
were not wide off the mark. Ana-
in penning off her thoughts came
her way with words to her par-
suya was adjudged the best all-ro-
to the fore at the annual poetry
ents. "My mother is a noted wri-
"I would attribute her versati-
und student of the college for the
competition organised by the cul-
ter. playwright and educationist.
lity to her genetics, circumsta-
year 1994-95.
Hillary harps on
social responsibilities
FE NEWS SERVICE
human resources destroys markets
NEW DELHI. MARCH 29
and undermines peoples confidence
in businesses. The world needs
The world now needs socially
socially responsible business leader-
responsible business leadership
ship now more than ever." Hillary
more than ever. buttressed with
told Indian intellectuals. Members of
the expansion of conditions
Padiament and diplomats.
required for democracy and
The meeting was chaired by
market economies. United
Sonia Gandhi. chairperson of
States first lady Hillary Clinton
Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Late
said on Wednesday. laying
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's
down a five-point agenda for
daughter Priyanka. who makes
Governments and businesses to
rare public appearances. wasalso
achieve the goal of social devel-
present.
opment for women.
The Jawahar Bhawan main
Clinton. who spoke to a
hall was jampacked and the
cheering audience at Jawahar
organisers had to put up two
Bhawan. headquarters of the
close-circuit television sets for
Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. said.
those dignitaries who could not
every Government must invest
be accommodated,
more resources in the education
Member of Parliament
and health care of children.
Renuka Chaudhury was heck-
especially girls. It should take
led and pushed around by secu-
precedence over competing
ritymen. Despite her-pleas that
budgetary demands.
she was a Member of Parliament
Businesses should be made to
and possessed an Invitation card
increasingly ognise that the social
issued by the organisers.
costs of doing business have medium
Chaudhury was not allowed to
Prime Minister Narasimha Rao greeting Hillary Rooham
and long term economic conse
enter the main gates of Jawahar
Clinton at P M House in New Delhi. FE photo by Sunil Saxena
quences. "Depleting natural or
Bhawan.
Financial Express
March 30, 1995
1aj moves the First Lady
From Vishal Thapar
without its share of drama, spills and
preference for coverage and photo
frills. Just as Mrs Clinton and
opportunities. left a bitter taste. It
Chelsea were posing for photo-
left a sneaking suspicion that the
AGRA. March 30
graphers and TV crew seated on the
visit was aimed more at the Amer-
Emperor Shah Jahan's passionate
marble bench with the Taj in the
ican audience than anyone else.
outpouring of grief in marble at the
backdrop, Gups, an Associ-
death of his beloved Mumtaz Mah-
ated Press photo journalist, fell off
This led to heartburn, and it took
al, for centuries the icon of ro-
the plinth into the fountain pool
some persuasion by the US staff to
mance, so moved the First Lady of
with an almighty thud. The Lady
keep the Indian Press at bay.
the United States of America that it
gasped. There was a flurry of activ-
was with obvious regret that she
There was bonhomie in the
ity, the response typically Amer-
concluded her visit to the Taj Mahal
ican. Gups was visibly in pain, had a
American camp. Its journalists had
today. "I don't feel like leaving the
jackknife, was pulled out to slit his
a group photo session with the First
place," she repeatedly told her
trousers to examine the injury, and
Lady, who, in quite a relaxed mood,
hosts.
was immediately sent away after
even shared aguffaw or two with
Resplendent in a magenta dress,
putting ice packs on his bruises.
them. However, she enjoyed some
Ms Hillary Rodham Clinton went
quiet moments with Chelsea even in
around this ode to endless love,
Agra District Magistrate Yogesh
the thick of all the bustle and excite-
which had prompted a rather impas-
Kumar and Senior Superintendent
ment.
sive Polish President Lech Walesa to
of Police Rizwan Ahmed, gallantly
say that "Love is very creative,
escorting the First Lady, were
Meanwhile, an unofficial curfew
though very expensive" during his
politely asked by protocol officials
was imposed by the authorities in
visit here last year. But Hillary was
to stay behind.
areas around the Taj this morning.
made of different timber. For her, it
The visitors made no bones about
Security arrangements were elabo-
was 90 minutes of pure delight
the fact that the tour was an all-
rate. Lawyers seeking the establish-
savouring the vision of beauty.
American affair. All others were
ment of a High Court bench in Agra
Those expecting quotable quotes
accommodated only to the extent
also staged a sparse protest, but
form the articulate First Lady, just
deemed fit. In the light of similar
were detained by the police. jawans
as the cathartic remark of the Prin-
experiences in the New Delhi leg of
of the 411 Parafield Company of the
cess of Wales, Lady Diana, in
the tour, the continued denial of ac-
Army inspected the Taj for explo-
February 1992 at the portals of the
cess to the Indian Press, the Amer-
sives before the arrival of the dignit-
mausoleum that the sight was a
ican paparazzi being openly shown
ary.
"healing experience", had to be dis-
appointed, though. All of poise and
panache, she went around with
daughter Chelsea, escorted by the
Minister-in-waiting Ms Margaret
Alva, Ms Maya Ray wife of the Indi-
an ambassador to the US, and Ms
Achala Moulik, Director-General
of the Archaeological Survey of In-
dia (ASI).
But it wasn't as if the visit was
The
tindustan Times
March 31, 1995
certify Hillary disproves
in
absc.
com
such
Abominably Yours,
a WASHINGTON,De
always 31.
svst
dates.
no"
H
illary is coming to town. You mean
the gentlemanly ways of the taller
Hillary may come CELEBRATE for Koraput TRIBAL HERITAGE fe
our Hillary? He of Hillary and
one of the Sagarmatha duo. He
TO
Tenzing? The lanky one? The one who
was not given to steely ways, he
Hillary praises Bangla non-profit bank
peers out of New Zealand's five pound
brought education to the Sherpa
note?
of Khumbu and Solu. He kept his word
unfolding, it will not be long before
Nope. Hillary Rodham Clinton, First
with Tenzing and refused to divulge info
Edmund will be invited to endorse Bill's
Lady of the United States of America. The
on who topped Chomolongma first.
bid for re-election, and our Everesteer
lawyer from Little Rock, Arkansas. She of
And then came this woman, Rodham
might even be invited to stump with the
Hillary and Bill. She, you see, of
Clinton, with chaos in her wake. It is quite
President in the New Hampshire
Whitewater.
a bitter pill. Our calm, well-ordered lives
primaries.
Well how dare she? To begin with,
lay shattered. Hillary never meant Hillary
Don't do it, Sir Ed! You are made of
we have been confused since the day HRC
any more. A lady from a little rock of a
sterner stuff! You do not need the media
began grabbing the headlines, for since
town in an underdeveloped Midwestern
and the way the Arkansans do!
then we have had to re-read all news
state had managed to dislodge the man
Meanwhile, what do we do with
items to check which 'Hillary' they're
who had conquered the biggest rock of
HRC as she relentlessly wings her way
referring to. Hillary headlines in the past
them all.
hither? Together with her visa form, the
were always about He Hillary. He might
And now, even the Rising Nepal,
USA First Lady should be asked to fill the
be a New Zealand bee-keeper, and I for
flagship paper of the land of Sagarmatha,
following.
gives precedence to Ms. Hillary over Mr.
WELCOME TO THE HIMALAYA. KINDLY TICK ONE
one was never invited to even one honey
BEFORE YOU PASS THROUGH CUSTOMS:
tasting session, but all Himalayans were
Hillary in its headlines. Hillary the He,
A)
CHANGE YOUR NAME
proud whenever he made news.
though hardly a headline monger, is now
B)
USE 'MRS. CLINTON'
Then, three years ago, the other
reduced to reference by qualification,
c)
GO UNDER 'Ms. CUNTON'
D)
LEAVE THE HEADLINES TO SIR ED BY CON-
Hillary, the feminine Hillary, arrived to
such as "Sir" Edmund, or Hillary
VINCING HUSBAND BILL NOT TO RUN AGAIN.
cloud up matters. New Zealand and
"the Everesteer".
There is always the possibility that
Himalayan media were no match against
The problem, of course, is not so
the First Lady will pull rank and
the American media jagannath (you mean
much Sir Ed's as of the rest of the five
diplomatic immunity and refuse to tick
juggernaut? yes I mean jagannath). She
billion humanity, which is having to get
any or all of the above. She might cause a
came up with a health plan to make
used to the word all over, just because
diplomatic incident and embarrass a
Americans fighting fit; changed her
back in the Sixties at Yale
Communist
hairstyle and went classic; posed, some
Law School a rising-star Bill
government which
would say suggestively, for Vogue; and sat
Clinton fell for a young
wants so much to be
in on policy meetings at the Oval Office.
woman, surname Rodham.
cuddled by Uncle Sam.
She was steel; a far cry from our mellow
And why is Rodham
If the First
giant from Maori country.
Clinton now making a foray
Lady will not play ball
into the international arena, I
or jog along, we should
ask you, flying all the way to
fight fire with fire by
the Social Summit in
immediately flying in
Copenhagen and then to
Sir Ed. Our man can
South Asia? Hypothesis A:
fight the good fight
she wants to log the
without the aid of spin
maximum distance between
Bill's Hillary
doctors and photo
herself and the scandal-
opportunities. We have to bring back
sniffing pandits inside the Beltway.
Edmund the Everesteer, if only to show
Hypothesis B: (following on A) in order
that we can do without the new,
regain her earlier can-do image, Bill's
improved marketed version.
spouse needs all the props she can belay.
Meanwhile, we must
So, she has come here to raid on the
head Hillary off at
goodwill that exists here for Sir Ed.
the Lamjura Pass,
HRC needs to show the American
before she arrives
Our Hillary
audience that she is not the manipulative
in Khumjung to
player The Washington Post paints her to
hug Sherpa
With the headlines she made, the
be, and that the world beyond the Eastern
children studying
First Lady changed our response to
Seaboard is able to discern her kinder,
in the school built
'Hillary'. The term had always denoted
gentler edges. As I see the scenario
by-Hillary!
52
March/April 1995 HIMAL
Hillary arriving today
By: A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu. Mar. 30:
The first lady of the United
States Hillary Rodham Clinton
is arriving here tomorrow at the
start of a three-day visit to
Nepal.
US: First Lady to
Her Majesty Queen
visit Chitwan
Aishwarva Rajya Laxmi Devi
Shah is receiving the wife of the
clinic and a women's craft
U.S. President Bill Clinton at
exhibition.
the Tribhuvan International
On Saturdav. Mrs. Clinton
Airport.
will fly to Chitwan National
Mrs. Clinton, accompanied
Park for a private visit.
by her daughter Chelsea, is
Mrs. Clinton who speaks
currently on a twelve-day tour
about the need for finding the
of five South Asian countries.
"right balance between family.
Their Majesties the King and
work. and public service" was
the Queen will receive in
born in Chicago. Illinois on Oct.
audience the visiting dignitary
26. 1947. After graduating with
at the Narayanhity Royal Palace
high honours from Wellesley
later on Friday.
College. she enrolled in the Yale
Mrs. Clinton will 'call on
Law School where she was to
Prime Minister Man Mohan
meet her future husband.
Adhikari at his office at Singha
During her time Mrs. Clinton
Durbar the same afternoon.
has worked as a full-time
The first lady will end her
partner of a law firm and is one
first day's hectic schedule in
of the few first ladies to have
Nepal by attending a tea
had an independent professional
reception with prominent
career.
Nepalese women from various
Mrs. Clinton has been very
fields. The function is being
active. in issues of children,
hosted by U.S. ambassador
families and education. After
Sandra Louise Vogelgesang.
taking office, President Clinton
During her stay in
appointed the first lady to head
Kathmandu. Mrs. Clinton is
his task force on National
expected to visit several
Health Care Reform.
important social and cultural
Mrs. Clinton will leave
sites. including a health care
Kathmandu for Dhaka on April
See US. Page 8
US First Lady Hillary Clinton
2 to start the fourth leg of her
South Asia tour. She has already
visited Pakistan and India.
Introducing for the FIRST TIME
In KATHMANDU VALLEY
Comprehensive
Health Check-up
PACKAGE A Rs. 350/-
The Rising Nepal
PACKAGE B Rs. 600/-
PACKAGE C Rs. 850/-
March 31,1995 31,
PACKAGE D Rs. 1, 000/-
Facilities : Medical, Surgical
Consultation, X-Ray, ECG, USG,
Cancer & AIDS Scanning &
Computerised Blood Check-up.
Registration
7:00 8:00 AM
For further details,
contact: CARE
HOSPITAL Bagh
Kathmandu
Tel : 227735/227934
Hillary's goals: family, work,
By Dian McDonald
Washington-Hillary
Rodham
catalyst for the growth of the arts.
Clinton's contributions as America's first
The first lady has spoken out on a range
public service
lady reflect her special talents and interests
of priority issues for Americans and has been
and also her desire "to find the right balance"
described as "the most important White House
in life. Family. work and public service.
adviser on domestic issues." Upon taking
Clinton says. are the three elements of the
office, the president made health care one of
balance she seeks. It` a goal the apparently
his highest priorities and appointed the first
continues to achieve in her roles as the
lady to head his task force on national health
president's closest dviser, strong ad vocate
care reform in 1993. In that role, she held
of women's and children's rights, defender
unprecedented consultations with legislators
of the arts. activist for social and educational
and a wide range of experts and discussed the
reform. and devoted mother.
issue in congressional testimony for which
Twice named to the National Law
she was widely praised.
Journal's list of America's 100 best lawyers.
The first lady also has been active in the
Clinton, 47. is the only first lady in US
international arena and has traveled with the
history to have had a prestigious professional
president on most of his trips overseas,
career as well-established as her husband's
accompanyi him to Japan, Russia, Belarus,
at the time of his election to the presidency.
Itay, France, England, Poland, Latvia,
Assessing role as first lady, Clinton
Germany, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
says she is "trying to give people reasons
She has addressed issues of global concern
for hope about our future" and "to help in
and has served as US emissary and
any way I can to support the president" both
spokesperson on missions abroad. Last year
in "solving the problems America is facing
she headed the US delegation to the Winter
today and in reaching out to people to make
Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, in
them feel invol in the life ofour country."
February and later attended the inauguration
She defines her "first responsibility"
of Nelson Mandela as president of South
as doing "what ever my husband would
Africa.
want me to do that he thinks would be
In remarks to the US Embassy staff
helpful to him". "It may be something of
while in Pretoria, Clinton poignantly
great moment. but more likely it's just to
described what she had felt when Mandela
kick back. have a conversation or even play
"spoke of inviting three of his former jailers
a game of cards and just listen to him
to come to his inaugural ceremony." He "told
ruminate," she said in a US News and
us more about himself and his vision of South
World Report interview. "I mean, whatever
Africa than probably most of the campaign
it takes to be there for him. I think is the
speeches he made so eloquently during the
most important things I have to do."
last months. That real change must start from
Clinton also underscored her desire
the inside first. That we have to change our
to continue working on health-related
hearts and our minds before we can change
The Kathmandu Post
issues. particularly women's health and
the conditions we find around us," she said.
matters that affect the research that goes
On another overscas trip, Clinton March
March 31, 1995
nto women's diseases and problems." The
8 addressed the UN World Summit on Social
irst lady also has emphasized her desire to
Development in Copenhagen where she
e "a voice for children," declaring that
1082
announced a new US initiative to fight female
how we treat our children should be front
illiteracy in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
.nd center of our national agenda."
In a March 14 address to the UN. Conference
Hailing the arts and humanities as "an
on Women and the United Nations, Clinton
ntegral part of what we call America," she
called on the United Nations to play a
urging the continuation of bipartisan US
leadership role in helping women around the
overnment support for the nation' sculture.
world assume their rightful places in society.
an address to the president's Committee
"There is no panacea, no magic bullet
the Arts and Humanities last December.
that will suddenly empower women or free
10 sald federal cultural funding serves as a
people from the bondage of inhuman living
conditions." Clinton said. "Progress depends
Cheiseeas imprested in dance. especially
on our working together in partnership to
ballet. and attends Sidweil Friends Senools
create conditions around the world that cnable
in Washington The presidem and first tady
women. men and children to reach their God-
are grateful that the media. for the most pm.
given potentials and Nourish within their own
have respected their wish that Chelsea be
families and societies.
allowed to lead a private life. Chelsen is
Last December, in an address in Miami
"someone who is very much part of what WC
to the First Ladies' Symposium on Children of
do and in the concerns we share." the first
the Americas, Clinton urged the nations of the
lady said in a Parade Magazine interview
Western Hemisphere to act to guarantee the
"She's had a very good adjustment 10 life "
future of the region's 130 million children.
the White House. IVC. vc actually had more
Clinton, a former member of the law
family time together because. is I've told
1.10 di the University of Arkansas at
1111 friends. the president kind of In is above
Fayetteville, is "one of the more important
the store, and we manage to have dinner
scholar-activists of the last two decades, says
together practically every night."
journalist Garry Wills. She was included on
Daughter of Dorothy Rodham and the
the list of America's most powerful lawyers
late Hugh Rodham. owner of a drapery-
by The National Law Journal in recognition of
making business. the first lady was born in
her membership on corporate boards and her
Chicago, Illinois. on October 26. 1947. She
record as senior partner at an Arkanas law firm
and her two brothers grew up in Park Ridge.
where she was an "innovative litigator. Wills
Illinois. a middle-class suburb of Chicago.
recalls. "In her fields of estate law, child
An excellent student, she enjoyed sports and
custody, and children's rights, she was, for
was always interested in politics.
instance, the first trial lawyer in Arkansas to
In 1965. she entered Wellesley College,
conduct the examination by satellite of a
near Boston, Massachusetts, where she
witness in a hospital outside the state." Wills
majored in political science. She was
notes in an article in The New York Review.
president of the student body in her senior
In 1983, as head of the Arkansas
year and was the first student in the school's
Education Standards Committee, Clinton
history to deliver a speech at commencement
spearheaded an initiative to improve the quality
ceremonies. Graduating with high honors.
of public education. Appointed to that post by
she then enrolled in Yale Law School, in
her husband, then governor of the state, Clinton
New Haven, Connecticut. where she served
recommended the establishment of teacher
on the Board of Editors of the "Yale Review
competency testing and the state later passed a
of Law and Social Action." While at Yale.
law, instituted in 1985. allowing teachers tobe
she met Bill Clinton. a fellow student.
dismissed if they failed to demonstrate adequate
Margaret Williams, chief of staff for
reading, writing, and math skills. In recognition
the first lady, says "Hillary encourages
of her educational reforms, Clinton received
everyone to give their opinion. She doesn't
the Arkansas Press Association's first
like people tip-toeing around her. That is not
headliner-of-the -year award in 1984.
her style. One of the things that I like about
While serving as first lady of Arkansas,
working with her is that she is clear that it's
she also introduced a pionecring programme
important that people her what is working.
called Arkansas' Home Instruction Programme
It's even more important that people tell
for Preschool Youth, which trains parents to
their what's not working." She's a person of
work with their cbildren in preschool
faith, "Willams said in a Washington Post
preparedness and literacy. She was on the
interview. "And it makes her solid and
board of the Arkansas Children's Hospital and
confident. So. sometimes you may not agree
organized the state's first neonatal care unit
with her. but you know that she's acting
and a helicopter service, called Angel One,
from that place. and it allows you to follow
that brought emergency care to people living
her leadership."
in outlying rural areas.
The Clintons' 15 - year-old daughter.
(USIS feature)
The Kathmandu Post
March 31,1995 20f2
Hillary arriving today
By a Post Reporter
KATHMANDU - The US First
Lady Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton is
arriving here later today from India for
a three-day visit of Nepal as part of a
wider tour of South Asia.
Her Majesty the Queen is to
receive Mrs Clinton, who is being
accompanied by herteen-age daughter
Chelsea Clinton. at the airport.
This is the first ever trip to Nepal
by a serving US First Lady.
Mrs Clinton has been an active
and highly skilled lawyer during most
US first lady Hillary Rodham
of her publi career, especially arguing
Clinton
for children's rights. education and
During the 12 years Bill Clinton
health care.
was governor of Arkansas, Mrs
Born in 1947 Oct in Chicago, she
Clinton worked as a full-time partner
began her public service in
in a law firm, chaired an education
Washington, DC, in 1973, but later
committee, managed a home and cared
"followed her heart to Arkansas"
for her husband and child, the
where she married Bill Clinton in
biography adds.
1975.
Since Bill Clinton assumed the
The two had met earlier during
US Presidency in January 1993, he
their years at Yale Law School. "While
has made health care reform one of his
at Yale, she (Mrs Clinton) developed
highest priorities and appointed his
her strong concern for protecting the
wife to head a task force to achieve
interests of children and their families,"
that goal.
her official White House biography
But Clinton's health care package
says.
collapsed in Congress last year,
WE HEARTILY WELCOME & WISH
THE FIRST LADY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MRS. HILLARY CLINTON
A PLEASANT STAY IN THE
HIMALAYAN KINGDOM
AQUA
HUNDRED
I
Mineral Water
MAC/AMN/1123
The
Kathmander Post
Hot/Cold Water Despenser
Member
Aqua Minerals (Nepal) Pvt. Ltd.
March 31, 1995
Pacific Building, First Floor,
IBWA
Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel : 227149, 232454, Fax : 227397
HC Dugar
Telex : 2754 DUGAR NP
Group
Gopal Chitrakar/GS
Their Majesties the King and Queen receiving in audience US first lady Mrs. Hillary Clinton at the Narayanhity Royal Palace,
Friday.
Hillary arrives to busy schedule
occasion were Mrs Sahana lady Mrs. Clinton launched
mothers and small children.
Kathmandu. Mar. 31 (RSS):
United States Ambassador to
Pradhan. Ambika Shrestha,
distribution of a "safe birth kit"
immunisations,
oral
Nepal Sandy Vogelgesang
Yanzi Sherpa, Meera Bhattarai,
at a health clinic at Kalimati
rehydration. and family
hosted a tea in honour of U.S.
Dr Aruna Uprety, Dr Rita Thapa
this afternoon.
planning.
first lady Hillary Rodham
and other distinguished
On the occasion Mrs.
The clinic currently has over
Clinton at Dwarika's Village
Nepalese women.
Clinton said that the safe birth
12,000 registered patients.
Hotel this afternoon.
Earlier Mrs. Clinton viewed
kit developed by the private
with 1.000 new patients
At the function Mrs.
with interest an exhibition of
sector and approved by His
registered in the first three
Clinton met with distinguished
handicrafts organised at the
Majesty's Government is of
months of 1995 alone.
Nepalese
women from
premises of Dwarika's Village
great significance.
Nepal suffers from high
various walks of life.
Hotel by Nepalese women
Mrs. Clinton acquired
infant mortality largely due to
On the occasion Mrs
information about the health of
unsafe birth practices and
entrepreneurs.
Clinton spoke of the need for
At the exhibition the U.S.
women and children who come
Nepalese women have A
improvements in the family
first lady was presented Dhaka
to the clinic for treatment. the
maternal mortality rate of about
850 per 100,000.
life of women.
shawl on behalf of WEAN, the
use of family planning devices
She has come to Nepal to
and immunisation.
The safe birth kit consists
Women Entrepreneurs
listen to Nepalese women and
Association of Nepal by Mrs
The first !ady was briefed on
of the basic materials needed in
learnt what they have to 'say,
Shyam Badan Shrestha.
the activities of the clinic by
the home, where most Nepalese
she said and lauded the spirit of
The exhibition features
its managing director Mrs.
births occur and is expected to
enterprises shown by them.
handicrafts produced by WEAN.
Pushpa Bhandari.
helps family members and
Ambassador Vogelgesang
Janakpur
The Kalimati Clinic
traditional birth attendants
Women's.
Development Centre. Tansen. established in 1960 by spouses
assure that mother and child
said the first lady's visit to
Nepal would see exchanges of
Bead Cooperative. the Deaf of American diplomats in
Iive.
views and experience she also
Women's Cooperative and
Kathmandu provides affordable
The kits are produced by a
said mortality rates for women
Humla
Women's
Bead
health care for the general
company owned and operated
were high worldwide.
Cooperative.
public. focussing primarily on
by Nepalese women, The kit, if
Also present on the
Meanwhile.
American
first
preventive
health
care
for
successful in Nepal. could be
produced for use throughout
South Asia. according to the
United States Information
Service.
The Rising Nepal April 1,1995
MRS. CLINTON
WE ARE HONOURED
TO HAVE YOU AS
OUR GUEST,
WELCOME TO NEPAL.
MOMENTO APPARELS ( PI LTD.
Nepal's Largest Garment Manufacturer
& Exporter to USA
ess, Kathmandu, Phone: Editorial 222252, Advertisement 227493, Distribution 220835, Accounts and P1
The Rising Nepal April 1995
Their Majesties
receive Hillary
Courtesy call
in audience
Kathmandu, Mar. 31 (RSS):
Kathmandu. Mar. 31 (RSS):
US first lady Mrs. Hillary
Their Majesties the King
Rodham Clinton paid a
and Queen received in audience
courtesy call on Prime Minister
first lady of the United States of
Manmohan Adhikari at the
America Mrs. Hillary Rodham
latter's office in Singha Durbar
Clinton at Narayanhity Royal
today.
Palace this evening.
On the occasion they
discussed matters of mutual
United States Ambassador
interest. Home Minister K.P.
Sandra Vogelgesang was also
Sharma Oli and high ranking
present on the occasion.
government officials were also
present on the occasion.
The US Assistant Secretary
Her Majesty
of State for South Asia Robin
Raphel and US Ambassador
welcomes
Sandra L. Vogelgesang were
also présent.
Hillary
Kathmandu, Mar. 31 (RSS):
Departure
American first lady Mrs.
Kathmandu, Mar. 31 (RSS):
Hillary Rodham Clinton arrived
Deputy Prime Minister
here this afternoon by a special
Madhav Kumar Nepal and his
jet aircraft on a three-day visit
entourage left Tokyo for Hong
to Nepal.
Kong this morning local time,
according to the Føreign
She was welcomed by Her
Ministry here.
Majesty the Queen at the VVIP
They were given a warm
bay of Tribhuvan International
send off at the airport by the
Airport. Also present on the
Japanese Ambassador to Nepal
occasion was Her Royal
and. Mrs. Yoshida, director
Highness Princess Shruti Rajya
Yoshihiko Kamo of the
Laxmi Devi Shah.
Japanese Ministry of Foreign
Home Minister K.P. Sharma
Affairs and several other
Oli, American Ambassador to
officials.
Nepal Sandy Vogelgesang and
Also present were Charge
senior officials of His
d'Affaires Purushottam Lal
Majesty's Government were,
Shrestha and Mrs. Shrestha.
likewise present. Accomp-
anying the first lady are her
daughter Chelsea and 16
journalists.
The Rising Nepal
April 1,1995
We would like to
extend our cordial
welcome to
U.S. 1st lady
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
in Nepal.
Garments Association II Nepal
The Kath mandu Post
April 1995
NEW SLINE
Hillary granted
audience
KATHMANDU (RSS) - Their
Majesties the King and Queenreceived
in audience First Lady of the United
States of America Mrs Hillary Rodham
Clinton at Narayanhity Royal Palace
this evening.
United States Ambassador Sandra
Vogelgesang was also present on the
occasion.
Meanwhile US First Lady Mrs
Hillary Clinton paid a courtesy call on
Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari
at the latter's office in Singha Durbar
Friday. the occasiont they discussed
matters of mutual interest.
Kathmandu, Saturday, April 1, 1995 (Chaitra 18, 2051)
The Kathmandu Post
41195 2-63
Her Majesty the Queen receiving Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Friday. Also seen in the picture are
HRH Princess Shruti and Chelsea Clinton, daughter of US President Bill Clinton.
Post Photo/Bikash Rauniyar
Queen welcomes
US First Lady
Nepal, could be produced for use
By a Post Reporter
throughout South Asia", the
statement says.
KATHMANDU The US First
The clinic currently has over
Lady Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton
12,000 registered patients with 1,000
arrived here at noon Friday from
new patients registered in the first
India for a three-day visit of Nepal.
three months of 1995 alone.
Her Majesty the Queen and Her
The safe birth kit consists of the
Royal Highness Princess Shruti
basic materials needed in the home,
received Mrs Clinton, who is being
where most Nepalese births occur
accompanied by her teen-aged
and is expected to help family
daughter Chelsea Clinton, at the
members and traditional birth
airport.
attendants assure that mother and
Hillary is the first serving US
child live.
First Lady to visit Nepal. Her present
Despite the tight security
trip is part of a wider tour of South
surrounding her arrival, Hillary
Asia, having already visited first
unexpectedly was greeted by agroup
Pakistan, and then India.
of United Peoples' Front (UPF)
She is scheduled to fly to Dhaka,
supporters waving black flags as
Bangladesh, on Sunday and from
her motorcade was passing
there to Sri Lanka in the last leg of
Sinamangal, on the way to the city
her South Asia tour.
center.
Soonafter her arrival here, Hillary
Several of the protesters,
dropped in at a Kalimati Clinic run by
including Hisila Yami, leader of
local women and supported by
UPF womens' wing, were arrested
American WomenofNepal(AWON)
by police. They were protesting
a volunteer group, to launch the
"US' imperial policies in Peru and
distribution of "safe birth kit".
elsewhere", a press statement signed
An US Embassy press statement
by Dr Baburam Bhattarai on behalf
released on the occasion says, the
of Committee in Support of Peruvian
affordable, easy-to-use kit is
Revolution, Nepal, said.
designed to help family members
First Lady Hillary Rodham
and traditional birth attendants to
Clinton also met over tea with
ensure that mother and child live
prominent Nepalese women and saw
after delivery.
local crafts produced by grass-roots
"This top quality product made
organizations devoted to improving
its market debut with the visit of the
the status of women.
First Lady. The kit, if successful in
(SeeQueen page 8)
Queen: Clinton
(Contd from page 1)
Visiting The Dwarika Hotel, an historic Newari establishment owned
and operated by one of Nepal's few women entrepreneurs, the First Lady
met with women politicians, journalists, entrepreneurs, and leaders of
prominent non-government organizations (NGO).
In the relaxed hour-long meeting, Mrs Clinton listened to the participants
describe their personal experiences as they rose to the top of their professions
and the challenges that women in Nepal continue to confront.
The event also featured an exhibit of Nepalese handicrafts produced by
ceoperatives of women. Mrs Clinton toured the display of six different
organizations of women craft producers. The group included the well-
known Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (WEAN). the Janakpur
Women's Development Centre, the Association of Craft Producers, as well
as women's groups from eastern and western Nepal. The local crafts
featured included paintings, ceramics, weaving and embroidering.
The Kathmandy Post
4/1/95 10f 2
Hillary learns how
Nepali mothers
deliver babies
KATHMANDU, Apr 1: US first
million is one of only three coun-
lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
tries in the world where women
brought her diploamtic push for
have a shorter life expectancy
better treatment for women on
than men.
Friday to the mountain kingdom
Their literacy rate is less than
of Nepal, one of the world's poor-
20 percent, compared to about
est and most male centred coun-
55 percent for men, and in rural
tries, reports Reuter.
areas they work longer hours
At an airport welcoming cere-
than men.
mony in the shadow of the
In a remote Himalayan nation
Himalayas, she was greeted by
where 10 out of every 100 babies
Queen Aishwarya and her daugh-
die in infancy, Hillary Rodham
ter Shruti.
Clinton visited a clinic Friday
She then plunged into an agen-
where women can get a life-sav-
da that included a visit to a health
ing little red box to help protect
clinic, a luncheon with leading
mothers and children.
women and an audience with
The "safe home delivery kit" -
King Birendra.
little larger than a pack of ciga-
The wife of US President Bill
rettes contains a sheet of plas-
Clinton, on a 12-day goodwill visit
tic, a piece of string, a razor blade
to South Asia with daughter
and soap for use by Nepali
Chelsea, also planned some recre-
women who traditionally give
ation in Nepal - a private week-
birth at home.
end safari at royal Chitwan
"Something like this, as we
national park, 110 km (66 miles)
know around the world, can
south of Kathmandu.
make enormous difference if it is
She said the purpose of her
available," the first lady said.
two-day visit to Nepal was "not
Mrs. Clinton, whose 12-day
only to experience the natural
tour of South Asia is centred on
beauty of this majestic country,
the needs of women and chil-
but also to gain a deeper under-
dren, listened attentively as
standing of its people and its cul-
health experts at the Kalimati
ture".
Clinic described the sorry condi-
Of the 10 highest mountains in
tions under which Nepali moth-
the world, nine including the
ers often deliver babies.
8,848 metre (29,028 ft) Mount
"All the deliveries are done in
Everest, are entirely or partly
unclean situations, and when we
within Nepal's borders. It is one
say unclean situations, it is really
of the world's 10 poorest coun-
dirty," said Rukmini Charran
tries.
Shrestha, managing director of
"Because the status of women
Maternal and Child Health
and children around the world is
Product.
of special concern to me, I hope
The women-owned company
to learn more about the experi-
was set up to assemble and dis-
ence of those groups in Nepal
tribute the delivery kits, which
and to exchange ideas with
were developed with support
women leaders here", Clinton
from the Nepali government, aid
said in a statement.
from the United States and help
Nepal, with a population of 20
from private relief groups.
The Independent
April 2,1995
Warm reception awaits
Jessore waits
Hillary Clinton today
eagerly for
rurai women.
US First Lady
Hillary Clinton will flew to
Jessore tomorrow to see some
From Jamir Ahmed
projects of the "Grameen Bank
and the "BRAC". She will visit
JESSORE, Apr 1: United
the ICDDR. B and will have
States First Lady Mrs Hillary
some other engagements.
Chinton will spend busy day in
During her visit to Dhaka.
Jessore Monday on the second
Mrs. Clinton will meet Presi-
day of her maiden unofficial
dent Abdur Rahman Biswas
visit to Bangladesh to see the
and Prime Minister Begum
socio-conomic development of
Khaleda Zia.
womenfolk in rural
She will also meet woman
Bangladesh initiated by
representatives of government,
Grameen Bank, BRAC, Banchte
NGOs, religious and educational
Sckha, concerned Women for
institutions, business and the
Family Planning-all NGOs.
arts.
On her arrival at Jessore
The American Embassy in
airport in the morning she will
Dhaka will host a reception in
be accorded a red carpet recep-
her honour where she will-meet
tion From airport she will
Hillary Clinton
leading political leaders of gov-
straight drive to Rishipara of.
A warm reception awaits
crnment and opposition par
Mashihati under Kaligani
nited States First Lady Mrs
ties, top civil and military offi
thana to see the performance of
fillary Rodham Clinton when
cials and community leaders.
two units Grameen Bank of vil-
he arrives in Dhaka today
She is expected to leave
lages Mashihati and Phulbari.
Sunday) on a three-day unelli
Dhaka on April 4.
She will attend the monthly
tal visit. reports BSS.
meeting of Samabaya, Samities
Foreign Minister A.S. M.
under Grameen Bank projects
lostafizur Rahman and his
and review their achievements.
Here Mrs Clinton will inau-
ife will greet the American
first Lady at the airport.
gurate an exhibition of handi-
This is the first time that
crafts, knitting bamboo cane
he wife of a President of the
products, poultry birds and cat-
Inited States is visiting
telheads funded by Grameen
Bangladesh.
Bank for economic develop-
ment of untouchables:
Mrs. Clinton will arrive in
)haka from Kathmandu where
On her way back to Issore
he flow from New Delhi. Ear-
sadar Mrs Clinton and party
ICE, she visited Pakistan on the
irst leg of her, four-nation
will stop at Churamankati and
South Asian trip.
visit primary school at
Mrs. Clinton an eminent
Uttarpara where nonconven-
rwyer in her country, is in-
tional education was imparted
olved with different socio-
by BRAC.
conomic welfare activities.
She will also visit
a
She attended the recent So-
Satellite clinic run by
ial Summit in Copenhagen
Concerned Women for Family
where she made particular
Planning.
nention about Bangladesh in
he context of the role by
Grameen Bank" in the uplif of
Diplomatic push in Nepal
Then she will visit village
Dogachi to see a projects of
Banchte Sckha working for so-
Hillary to exchange
cio, economic development of
distressed and divorced women.
Here she will enjoy a cultural
ideas with women
programme on legal aid for vio-
lation against women.
Then she will visit
katiimandu, April. I: U.S.
Panchbaria Government
of Kathmandu.
First Lady Hillary Rohman
Primary School to see the
Clinton brought her diplomatic
She said the purpose of her
two-day visit to Nepal was not
achievement of Food for
push for better treatment for
Education Programme of
women on Friday to the
only to experience the natural
Bangladesh Government.
Mountain Kingdom of Nepal,
beauty of this majestic country,
one of the world's poorest and
but also to gain a deeper under-
Meanwhile, all necessary
most male entred countries, re-
standing of its people and its
arrangement's have been com-
culture".
ports Reuter.
pleted to accord rousing recep-
At an airport welcoming
"Because the status of
tion to Mrs Hillary who will be
ceremony in the shadow of the
women and children around
accompanied by daughter
Himalayas, she was greeted by
the world is of special concern
Chelsia and high US officials at
Queen Aishwarya and her
to me, I hope is learn more
every places. Grameen Bank
daughter Shruti.
about the experience of thos
Prof Younus, BRAC Executive
She then plunged into an
egroups in Nepal and to ex-
Director Fazle Hossain Abed
agerida that included a visit to a
change ideas with women lead-
and others concerned are al-
health clinic. a luncheon with
ers here. Clinton said in a
ready in Jessore to make the
leading women and an audience
statement.
visit memorable. of the distinguished Lady
with King Birendra.
Nepal. with a population of
The wife of US President
20 million is one of only three
Bill Clinton. on a 12-day
countries. in the world where
goodwill visit to South Asia
women have a shorter life ex-
with daughter Chelsea. also
pectancy than men.
planned some recreation 111
Their literacy rate is less
Nepal-a private weekend sa-
than 20 percent. compared to
The Bangladesh
an at Roval Chitwan National
about 55 per cent for men. and
Park. 110 kin (66 miles) south
in rural areas they work longer
Times
hours than men.
April 2,1995
Encounter with rural Bangladesh
A visit Hillary Clinton is unlikely to forget
by Mahfuz Anam
This writer had a chance to
Mashihati has become the
see the programme and events
destination of hundreds of vil-
that the US First Lady will see
lagers from all around. not to
next Monday. during her visit
mention of the different
to the Grameen Bank project
batches of US Secret Services
site.
from Washington. and of our
MASHIHATI (Baro Bazar,
own security people, diplo-
Kaliganj. near Jessore). April
mats. protocol people. gov-
1: 11 is a cobblers' colony that
ernment officials. etc.
no caste Hindu or any re-
As the demonstration con-
spectable local person would
treplece of all the develop-
normally visit. The water from
ment work of Grameen Bank
its tubewell is not to be used
that Mrs Clinton has come all
by anybody other than people
the way from the United States
from this lowest of low castes.
to see. Mashihati dazzles today
But all that seems like light-
with a stunningly well planned
years away.
exhibition site that will show
Thanks to the Grameen
rural Bangladeshi women per-
Bank's development work. and
forming 18 types of different
its accidental selection as
income-generating work that
The Grameen Bank's exhibition hall at Mashihati, Jessore, which will be visited by US First
Hillary Clinton's visit site,
See Page 12 Col 7
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton tomorrow.
- Star photo
The Daily Star
April 2,1995
1.77
An unforgettable visit
From Page One
has made the Grameen Bank
Chelsea. This is followed by
visits to the 18 stalls which
such a phenomenal success
will show the Grameen women
the world over.
working in handloom. pottery.
As planned. it will be a
toy making. cane work, Nakshi
Monday that Hillary Clinton
Kantha work, weaving Gram-
will perhaps never forget. She
een Check, fish nets. jamdani
will alight from her motorcade
sarees, etc.
a hundred yards from this vil-
Then comes the grand fi-
lage. and walk through a typi-
nale. At the centre of the exhi-
cal Bangladeshi muddy rural
bition site is a superbly de-
road. to a welcoming party of
signed 1 by the chief engineer
singing and dancing children.
of the Grameen Bank, Ashraf)
She will then meet members
(all women) of Grameen Cen-
open air circular assembly hall
(see picture) where Mrs Clin-
tres No 15 and 22 of this area.
Here she will be face to face
ton will engage in a dialogue
with the Grameen Bank's
with the destitute rural
women borrowers, that she is
women, most whom begged or
likely to remember forever.
worked in other people's
houses for a living. and who
It is very unlikely that she
will have. ever before, been in
have now become self-employ-
ers. generating enough surplus
the company of so many
women. who are so disadvan-
income to send their children
to school. eat nutritious food,
taged. have so much to strug-
help out their husbands if need
gle against, have so many im-
pediments to contend with.
arises. and in some cases. buy
homesteads with Grameen
work so hard, to get so very
housing loans. There is a rare
little: and yet are so full of en-
and refreshing forthrightness
ergy. so devoid of complaints.
in all of them. and an excep-
so very generous. so open. so
tional exuberance which is
positive about a bright future,
what makes each one of them
and confident that they will
so remarkably inspiring.
surely get there.
Then Mrs Clinton goes to
The US First Lady will see
the actual exhibition site, to be
in these rural women the
welcomed by a superb perfor-
strength that makes this coun-
mance of children's songs.
try endure all the vicissitudes
dances. and play-acting. They
of nature. and the inner re-
will sing a special song written
silience that gives us courage
by them to welcome Hillary
to come out from it all. fight-
Clinton and her daughter
ing.
ICC operation
The Daily Star
April 2,1995
20f2
Grameen Bank offers lessons
we can learn, says Hillary
WASHINGTON, Apr 1: First
children have healthy futures and
part of the world strategically.
Lady Hillary Clinton's upcoming
they get the education they need?
There's a lot at stake for the entire
visit to five South Asian countries
And that certainly is what I tried
world. There are a lot of Ameri-
is for the purpose of "learning as
to do promoting health care, be-
can interests at stake. We've had a
much as she possibly can about
cause I was particularly con-
number of successful trips there
the kinds of issues she has always
cerned about children. And what
already by Secretary Brown and
cared about, human issues," says
I'm hoping is that not only here at
Secretary O'Leary promoting
USIS.
home but abroad that all of us will
business. And I think that the
In an interview this week on
recognise that as we move into
president feels that this is a part
CNN's "Late Edition", Mrs. Clinton
this global economy, we have to
of the world that needs our atten-
said, "I want to see some of the
tion, and I was delighted to be
programmes that they are doing
See also page 3
asked to go to talk about some of
there trying to help children and
be very conscious and aware of
these human issues.
women and very poor people pull
what we are doing or not doing
CNN: Now, you have said on
themselves up, take opportunity
on behalf of our children and
many occasions, and you re-
by giving it to them through
other vulnerable people.
peated it recently in Copenhagen
credit and other approaches, and
CNN: Why Asia?
and New York, in one way or an-
see what I can learn." She said she
Mrs. Clinton: Well, the State
other, that women in many socie-
is particularly interested in the
Department and the administra-
ties around the world have been
Grameen Bank in Bangladesh
tion are very, hopeful that our re-
marginalised.
which extends credit primarily to
lations with South Asia, the five
So what exactly are you hop-
women, and these women then
countries that I'm going to be vis-
ing to accomplish? Are you going
are able to take better care of
iting, will continue to be
to go over there and rattle their
themselves by establishing small
strengthened. This is an important
cages, if you will, to say, you
businesses.
know, "Change the way your so-
Following are excerpts of an
cleties work"?
unofficial transcript of Mrs. Clin-
Mrs. Clinton: No.
ton's interview:
CNN: What are you trying to
CNN: A year ago you were on
do?
the Hill championing the cause of
Mrs. Clinton: No, not at all. I'm
health care reform here in the
going to learn as much as I possi-
United States. Now you're five
bly can about what is being done
days away from leaving on this
there, what they are doing to help
major trip to Asia, to India, Paki-
themselves. There are some won-
stan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri
derful programs in all five of these
Lanka. What is the first lady up to?
countries that are aimed at giving
Mrs. Clinton: Well, I think it's
women the education they need,
all pretty much the same kinds of
the skills that they require to take
issues that I've always cared about
care of themselves and their fami-
now for more than 25 years, and
lies. I'm particularly interested in
that I guess you could describe
the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh
are the human issues. I mean,
which extends cre dit primarily to
what do we do to make sure that
See Page 16 Col 4
The Independent
April 2,1995
page 10f
Grameen Bank offers
From Page 1 Col 6
their husbands, it I elps the larger
gether, listening to each other.
women, and these women then
society.
CNN: After all is said and done.
are able to take better care of
So I'm particular y interested in
so much has been written about
themselves by establishing small
speaking with WOI en and learn-
you. What do you think -- and you
business. In fact, you know, we,
ing from women in these five
are such a lightning rod, have
when my husband was governor
countries about wt at they are do-
been. What does the public still
of Arkansas, followed the exam-
ing, because I think there are di-
not understand about Hillary Clin-
ple of the Grameen Bank and set
rect links. And we saw that when
ton, do you think?
up such a fund in Arkansas deal-
we were in Denm ark as to how,
Mrs. Clinton: Well, I don't
yes, the more developed coun-
know what the answer to that is. I
ing with poor peop le in our state.
So I think there are lessons we
tries need to be aware of what is
think probably, though, people
can learn. I'm not : bout to go and
happening, but we also need to
keep trying to assign a label or a
try to tell anybody what to do. I
understand that a lot of these
stereotype to me to sort of fill in
think that is not my role. I think
countries, and particularly the
the blanks, and I think that does a
it's presumptuous even if some-
women in these countries, are do-
disservice to many women who,
one were to suggest it. I do be-
ing some rather remarkable things
like me, have worked both in the
lieved that as the vorid becomes
for themselves.
home and outside the home, have
more competitive. we also be-
CNN: More ahead on the first
been active in their communities,
come more connected. And we
lady's family and her faith. Hillary
have our own opinions and feel-
need to be respectful of each
Rodham Clinton is our guest dur-
ings about matters, are trying to
other. We need to learn from
ing this special Late Edition,
do the best we can. So I think of-
each other's cultures. An I think
which will continue after this.
tentimes what comes across is
that will help us be sure that we
Mrs. Clinton: (From videotape)
just, you know, one element of
have a global community.
I think that prayer and faith are
my life. And it would be like tak-
CNN: You have: pointed out
the province of the family. And I..
ing a snapshot of many women at
specifically that omen bear the
believe that what we ought to be
a certain point in that woman's
brunt of poverty and illiteracy
trying to figure out how to do is
day and say, "Aha, she's a mom"
around the world.
to get prayer back in the family.
because you see her with her
Talk a little bit about that and
CNN: Mrs. Clinton, we've
children, or, "Aha, she's a career
what is being don: or what you
talked a lot about family here and
woman" because you see her at
would like to do to change that?
the big issue of family. But
work. I mean, I think we
Mrs. Clinton: W-ll, you know,
there's your family, too. And I
CNN: Men don't have that prob-
that's true in our ountry as well,
think a lot of people are very in-
lem, do they?
that the poorest OI the people in
terested in how the president of
Mrs. Clinton: Not as much.
our country are single women
the United States and the first
CNN: Even if they try to strug-
with their childrer. And that is a
lady, with a teenage daughter,
gle in the same way and connect
pattern that unfortunately holds
make the family work with all the
the same many dots on the page.
throughout the wo Now, luck-
pressures of the time, of the of-
Mrs. Clinton: You know, I re-
ily our people are nowhere near
fice,, and the responsibilities of
member years ago reading in
as impoverished IS the billion
the ceremonial.
some advice column that, you
people who live at a totally abso-
Mrs. Clinton: Well, we work
know, women who worked in of-
lute poverty level, ess than a dol-
very hard at it, and it is something
fice should never have pictures of
lar a day of inco1 e around the
that both my husband and I take
their families in their office be-
world. And there are very many
extremely seriously and always
cause that might lead people to
people who are I ow convinced
have. I mean, we make time for
think they weren't serious about
that if we help ty investing in
our family. We try, as hard as it is,
work. But men should always
women, for wome 1 to take some
to have at Least one meal together,
have pictures of their families be-
responsibility anc have some
usually dinner. Sometimes that
cause that would make everybody
power over their own futures,
doesn't work out, but we try very
think they were well-rounded. I
that is not only god d for the men;
hard to make it happen. We
mean, that's absurd. I mean, men
it helps their children, it helps
spend time playing games to-
and women together are strug-
gling to define their roles as hus-
bands and wives, as mothers and
fathers, as workers, as citizens.
We ought to be helping each
other. We ought not to be stereo-
typing one another. And we cer-
tainly ought not to be saying to
women, 'One choice is the right
choice, and if you choose this,
you're okay. But if you choose
something else, you're not.' That
is not fair, and it does a great dis-
service to the richness of
women's lives today.
Israelis pound
The Independent
Apr. 2,1995
page 20f2
DHAKA
SUNDAY 2 APRIL 1995
Here and There
Why Grameen Bank
fascinated Clintons
When President Bill Clinton was Governor of
residents in Chicago's minority neighborhoods.
Arkansas, he met Muhammad Yunus, founder of the
The Arkansan programme, which is known as
Grameen (rural) Bank, a revolutionary Bangladeshi
the good faith fund, now supports new and existing
organisation that extends credit primarily to
local business in small towns in southern Arkansas.
women who wish to establish small business.
In addition, Grameen-based projects and hundreds
Yunus' scheme was so simple and compelling
of other micro enterprise businesses are bettering
that Clinton decided that the Grameen system
American communities in 44 states and the District
would benefit businesses in southern Arkansas,
of Columbia.
which had been hard hit by declining jobs in agri-
According to Julia Vindasius, executive director
culture and industry.
of Arkansas's good faith fund, the US version of
And earlier this month in Copenhagen at the UN
Grameen Bank finances primarily local retail and
World Summit on Social Development, Hillary
service-oriented businesses: truckers, beauticians,
Rodham Clinton reported that the Grameen Bank
auto repair, furniture upholstering and building
"has not only
enterprises, small gro-
improved the immedi-
cery stores, lawn care
ate circumstances of
businesses and pho-
thousands of families,
tographers.
it has also fostered a
Women who obtain
greater sense of pur-
loans can work in the
pose and community
home as seamstresses,
among the people.
crafters, caterers, laun-
The bank believes that
dresses, music teach-
if you give people
ers and child care
access to credit and
givers.
ask them to take
The
US-based
responsibility, in
Grameen projects are
return they will
also tackling the tech-
achieve greater eco-
nological challenges of
nomic and social inde-
the 20th century by
pendence," Mrs.
sponsoring computer-
Clinton said.
oriented enterprises
Muhammad Yunus
and providing training
believes that "credit is
in technology and
a human right and the
management.
poor are your best
"Business training has
credit risk." The non-
probably been one of
profit Grameen Bank
the key innovation
provides small loans
(of) American pro-
to the poorest women
grammes," Vindasius
in rural areas in
says. But despite dif-
Bangladesh. The bank
ference of approach,
also lends to farmers
Grameen
pro-
and fishermen.
These rural women striving to change their lot
grammes around the
Grameen's first loan through Grameen Bank loan.
-Independent
world all share the
was made in December 1976 for approximately 250
peer-group borrowing principle. If any member of a
US dollar to assist 15 people. There were no written
group defaults, no member can ever again borrow
The Independent
contracts.
from the bank. By getting borrowers to monitor
Now, 19 years later, Grameen Bank operates in
each other, Grameen has consistently been able to
more than half the villages of Bangladesh, serving 2
recover about 98 per cent of its loans.
million borrowers with more than 1,000 branches.
On March 24, Hillary Rodham Clinton began the
The average lqan is 100 dollars, a considerable sum
most extensive good will trip to South Asia by a US
in Bangladesh. The payback rate is 98 per cent.
first lady in nearly two decades. Her two-week jour-
As a result of the Yunus-Clinton meeting, the
ney will focus on humanitarian issues in Pakistan,
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation asked the
India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Shorebank Corporation of Chicago to help create a
In. each country, Mrs. Clinton will meet with
new bank holding company in Arkansas modelled
women representatives of government and non-
on the Grameen system. Shorebank had been the
government organisations (NGOs), religious institu-
sponsor of the first US Grameen community devel-
tions, education, business and the arts.
opment programme which was designed to help
-USIS feature
Clintons' support helped launch
Grameen loan system in U.S.
by Joanne L Nix
When President Bill
Clinton was governor of
Arkansas, he met
Muhammad Yunus, founder
of the Grameen (rural)
Bank. a revolutionary
Bangladeshi organization
that extends credit primar-
ily to women who wish to
man right and the poor are
establish small businesses
you best credit risk.' The
Yunus' scheme was so sim-
non-profit Grameen Bank
ple and compelling that
provides small loans 01 the
sponsor of the first U.S.
Clinton decided that the
poorest women in rural ar
Grameen community devel
Grameen system would
eas in Bangladesh. The
opment program which was
benefit businesses in south
bank also lends to farmers
designed to help residents In
ern Arkansas, which had
and Ashermen,
Chicago's minority neigh-
been hard hit by declining
Grameen's Arst loan was
borhoods
jobs in agriculture and in
made in December 1976 for
The Arkansan program,
dustry.
approximately $250 to as-
which is known as The Good
And earlier this month
sist 15 people. There were no
Faith Fund. now supports
in Copenhagen at the UN
written contracts.
new and existing local busi-
World Summit on Social
Now, 19 years later,
nesses in small towns in
Development. Hillary
Grameen Bank operates in
southern Arkansas. In addi-
Rodham Clinton reported
more than half the villages
tion. Grameen-based pro-
that the Grameen Bank has
of Bangladesh serving 2
jects and hundreds of other
not only Improved the im
million borrowers with
micro enterprise businesses
mediate circumstances of
more than 1,000 branches.
are bettering American
thousands of families. it
The average loan is $100, a
communities in 44 states
has also fostered a greater
considerable sum in
and the District of
sense of purpose and com-
Bangladesh The payback
Columbia.
munity among the people.
rate is 98 per cent.
According to Julia
The bank believes that if
As a result of the Yunus-
Vindasius, executive direc-
you give people access to
Clinton meeting. the
tor of Arkansas's Good
credit and ask them to take
Winthrop Rockefeller
Faith Fund, the U.S. version
responsibility. in return
Foundation asked the
of Grameen Bank finances
they will achieve greater
Shorebank Corporation of
primarily local retail and
economic and social inde
Chicago to help create a new
service-oriented businesses:
pendence. Mrs. Clinton
bank holding company in
truckers, beauticians. auto
said.
Arkansas modelled on the
repair. furniture upholster-
Muhammad Yunus be-
Grameen
system.
ing and building enter-
lieves that "credit is a hu-
Shorebank had been the
prises, small grocery stores.
The BangladeshTimes
April3,1995 page 1082
up such a fund In Arkansas
dealing with poor people In
our state."
Mrs. Clinton explained
that the work of the
Grameen Bank is an exam-
ple of the type of program
she hopes to investigate dur-
tor each other, Grameen has
ing her South Asia visit.
consistently been able to re-
"I'm going to learn as much
cover about 98% of its
as I possibly can about what
lawn care businesses and
loans.
is being done there and what
photographers.
On March 24, Hillary
they are doing to help them-
Women who obtain loans
Rodham Clinton began the
selves," she said. particu-
can work in the home as
most extensive goodwill trip
larly in terms of helping
seamstresses, crafters,
to South Asia by a U.S. first
women get access to lending
caterers, laundresses, music
lady in nearly two decades.
and investment capital.
teachers and child care
Her two-week Journey will
"The Grameen Bank is
givers.
focus on humanitarían is-
absolutely changing lives
The U.S.-based Grameen
sues in Pakistan, India,
and changing communt-
projects are also tackling
Nepal, Bangladesh and Srl
ties." says Patricia Young.
the technological chal-
Lanka.
the national coordinator
lenges of the 20th century by
In each country. Mrs.
for the U.S. National
sponsoring computer-ori-
Clinton will meet with
Committee for World Food
ented enterprises and pro-
women representatives of
Day. Young, who describes
viding training in technol
government and non gov
herself as a believer In
ogy and management
ernment organizations
Yunus and the Grameen
'Business training has
(NGOs). religious institu
Bank, volunteers as a con-
probably been one of the
lions, education. business
tact for Muhammad Yunus
key Innovation (of)
and the arts.
when he visits the United
American programs,
During a live televised
States.
Vindasius says.
Interview March 19, Mrs.
She explains that Yunus
But despite difference of
Clinton said that she is
worldwide campaign has re-
approach. Grameen pro-
particularly interested in
sulted in the establishment
grams around the world all
the Grameen Bank in
of operating replications of
share the peer-group bor-
Bangladesh. "In fact, you
the Grameen Bank in 40
rowing principle. H any
know." she told a CNN TV
countries Working on
member of a group defaults,
reporter. when my husband
hunger means working on
no member can ever again
was governor of Arkansas,
poverty and when you find
borrow from the bank. By
(we) followed the example of
an answer you want to share
getting borrowers to moni-
the Grameen Bank and set
it. she said.
The Bangladesh Times
April 3,1995
page 2qz
Face to Face with
Rural Bangladesh
Left to Grameen Bank (GB), Moishahati village of
Kaliganj, 10 miles outside Jessore, may not have
been chosen for Hillary Clinton's visit today. But if
the preparation for the visit, the 18 exhibition stalls
and the grand pavilion at the centre are any indica-
tion of what awaits the American First Lady, the
accidental choice of Rishipara of Moishahati can be
considered Godsend. It puts Bangladesh's best face
forward, for it has rural women, and the most
underprivileged class, as the two vital elements
that the GB programme addresses here.
Mrs Clinton is scheduled to spend an hour and a
half at this site. But it is quite possible that she will
find her dialogue with our simple village women
so interesting that she will want to spend more
time here.
The Grameen Bank members that she will meet
are eager to tell her all about what they are doing.
But with equal eagerness they want to know what
she does. "I want to ask her whether or not she
raises poultry in her house, said one when Prof
Yunus wanted to know, Saturday, what they were
going to ask her. "Will she give dowry when she
marries off her daughter?" asked another. "What
does she do if her husband beats her up?" another
woman wanted to know. "Doesn't-her husband
mind that she has come so far away without him?"
"Does she live on her husband's money, or has she
her own source of income?" In all her travels
Hillary Clinton will never have faced such ques-
tions. We hope she really has a good time today.
An active member of the Grameen Bank. From working at
This correspondent accompanied Grameen Bank
other people's houses for a living, today she owns her own
house.
- Star photo
founder Prof Mohammed Yunus and Deputy
Managing Director Khaled Shams during their
visit to the site on Saturday to make sure everything
was ready to" welcome the American First Lady,
when she comes face to face with rural Bangla-
desh today.
The Daily Star
April 3,1995
page 1 0f 6
The IX the path Hillary ( linton will walk down to visitMoishabat illage where the Grameen
exhibition site IS located
- Star photo
Grameen Bank members making élay toys and figures Using good quality paint these
products fetch substantial additional income.
- Star photo
The Duily Star
Jane 2 of 6
These power Tooms cost Tk 1.2 lakh each Grameen Bank members can procure these
machines on a lease-purchase scheme.
Star-photo
Earthen ware. still the most preferred sutensits in rural Bangladesh. Photo show 7. potters at
work. Grameeti members have taken to pottery hitherto a totally male domain! - Star photo
Women weaving bamboo mats. The Grameen Bank provides loans as capital for such
enterprises.
Star photo
Thatched houses are being replaced with such houses at Moishahatrealled rúral housing
w
supported by Grameen housing loans.
Star photo
The Daily Star
page 4 066
Grameen Bank founder Pro Md Yunus and Deputy Enaging Director Shaled Shams
briefing the members Safurday about Hillary Clinton's visit
Star.photo
/
/
/
fhe SUS cially made Hindly Dinton and Chelsea/The visitors will sit of the empty
bent bus and talk is Grumeen Bank members.
Star photo
The Daily sta
Page 50f6
Women giving fma
hildrend
TRUE
The Daily Star
page 6 86
Sunday, April 2, 1995
The current visit by Hillary Clinton to Bangladesh is the
first ever by any US First Lady. That she has made it
THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS
possible on her part to make this trip of "goodwill" nature
28/1 TOYNBEE CIRCULAR ROAD. DHAKA-1000
to this country will bear out her deep convictions in the
causes she has espoused at various international forums.
Sunday, April 2, 1995
Her recent initiative at the World Summit for Social
Chaitra 18. 1401 BS Shawal 29. 1415 Hijn
Development in Copenhagen merits here mention. At that
summit, she announced a major new US initiative which
Welcome Hillary
aims to improve the education of women and girls in
developing countries. The US programme sets aside about
US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives in Dhaka
$100 million for a ten-year period which she hopes Williead:
today (Sunday) on a three-day goodwill visit. Bangladesh
to a 20 per cent increase in the number lot
extends a hearty welcome to the distinguished visitor — an
complete primary education and a 20 per cent increase in
ardent advocate of the rights of the underprivileged, the
the number of women who are functionally literate
women and the children. Accompanied by her 15-year-old.
There is no denying that progress for empowering women
daughter, Chelsea, the US First Lady, during her visit, will
or freeing people from the bondage of inhuman conditions
see the development activities of some government and
worldover depends on international cooperation 1 work-
non-government organisations here in Bangladesh. This
ing together in partnership - to create conditions around
paper hopes that Hillary Clinton's visit to Bangladesh will
the globe that enable the underprivileged 1 women, men
help strengthen the cause that she has so ardently been
and children - to reach their potential and flourish within
advocating and also cement further the existing friendly
their respective families and societies. This paper believes
relations between Dhaka and Washington.
that the visit to South Asia by the US First Lady who is her
The current visit to South Asia by the US First Lady is
husband's closest political adviser and a strong advocate of
significant in view of the region's endemic poverty prob-
women's and children's rights, will contribute a: lot to
lem. One-fifth of the global population inhabit this región
strengthening such international cooperation.
where there is also the world's largest concentration of
poverty. Deprivations of the underprivileged, the women
and the children coexist in South Asia, with its massive
poverty problem. Viewed in this context, the South Asian
economic landscape can be considered: an appropriate
setting for the US First Lady to appreciate the dimensions
of the poverty-related problems for the redress of which shè
has been calling for international actions. Also, the visit is
an opportunity for her to fathom the efforts that are in place
in South Asia at both governments and non-governmental
levels for improving the conditions of living for the teem-
ing millions in this region,
The South Asian countries have all undertaken reforms
aiming at creating opportunities for market-oriented com-
petitive economic growth and also for flourishment of
private initiatives by facilitating the accèss, on the part of
the underprivileged, to the market. Such reforms are now
underway in South Asia, though the pace and speed of the
same vary depending upon specific circumstances in indi-
vidual countries. During her visit to Bangladesh, Hillary
Clinton will have the opportunity to get a first-hand view
of the situation here. The dimension of poverty problem in
Bangladesh is so vast that economic reforms, without
targetted interventions by both the government and the
NGOs in harness, will not succeed much in making a dent
in the abysmal conditions of living that the vast millions
face in their day-to-day life. Such interventions in recent
years have yielded some good results and the same should
be supported now on a wider scale for the success of
poverty alleviation programmes.
xpressmail
Views expressed are not necessarily shared by the Editor,
Poverty Alleviation
Unfortunately signs of desertifi-
and Hillary Clinton
cation prevail in westem region.
There is acute siltage of rivers,
"Poverty alleviation" a phe-
Draught, floods and absence of
nomenon has now been the
storage facilities of water aggra-
concern of all countries -both rich
vate the sufferings of the villagers.
and poor. Bangladesh's Grameen
There is pulling back of 80 per
Bank can claim to be a model for
cent of project money to donor
the alleviation of poverty of the
countries. Ninety-five per cent of
Third World women and the poor.
development budget depend on
When in Bangladesh the rich in
foreign loans. Thirty-eight of
cities are defaulters to repay the
foreign exchange earnings are
loan worth US$ 9 billion taken
spent in debt servicing. All these
from commercial banks, the poor
help create low purchasing power
in villages are never got such
of our people. Besides women
preveledge for the last 18 years
particularly at villages with no
since the birth of Grameen Bank.
jobs, unemployment add to it
The above opinion was given in a
adversely.
letter to the daily Washington
Few NGOs are successful in
Post" by no lessi
a person than
creating jobs. to rural women.
the US President Bill Clinton.
Successful trade courses, voca-
The fact deserves to be consid-
tional training, scientific approach,
scientific demarcation of: areas,
ered with more importance and
work, research and finally explo-
emphasix It may be so that the
ration of markets - local and
process of making and implement-
international, can primarily be
ing the decisions has been
responsible for it. To enrich it,
leanings towards biasedness,
activities in this regard need to be
autocracy and accountability
Whereas in the lower level,
more competitive, broad-based,
not selectives in the long run.
particularly at village level, it may
not be so.
Widespread imparting of primary
education, trade courses, man-
Poverty may be the outcome
power, vocational and manage-
due to challenges by nature and
ment training for small-scale
man. Widespread ignorance, lack
business, scientific selection of
of skill, "illiteracy, absence of jobs,
works, production and above all
in a nut shell, are responsible for
information and training for
depriving people of food, clothing,
marketing - local and interna-
shelter, little basic healthcare
tional - will help a great deal in
services. Bangladesh is primarily
alleviating poverty.
an agro-based country having a
In this context, we urge upon
very limited quantity of cultivable
US First Lady Hillary Rodham
land. Imports of industrial prod-
Clinton to kindly look into it.
ucts, consumer goods are signifi-
cantly colossal. Massive ecologi-
Md. Anwarul Afzal
cal imbalance has now-a-days
Ex-Secretary, Rajshahi Univer-
been prominent mainly due to
sity Central Students' Union,
acute shortage of water and also
Khateswar Raninagar, Rani-
deforestation.
nagar, Naogaon.
Don't keep It bottled up!
Write to:
Expressmail
08/1 Toynbee Circular Road (2nd floor), Dhoka-1000
The Financial Express
April 21995
PRICE:TK
Welcome Hillary
From Page I Col. 8
chaired an education committee
of the Grameen Bank and the
that set public School standards in
BRAC.
Arkansas. managed a home. and
She will visit the ICDDR'B and
cared for her husband and child.
will have some other engage-
On many occasions. Hillary
ments.
Clinton has spoken about the need
The United States First Lady is
"to find the right balance in our
expected to meet President Abdur
lives." For her. the elements of the
Rahman Biswas and Prime Minis-
balance are family. work. and
ter Khaleda Zia.
public service.
She is expected to leave the city
In 1973. Hillary became a staff
on April 4.
attorney for the Children's Defense
As an excellent student and a
Fund. A year later. she joined the
girl scout. Hillary Rodham Clinton
intpeachment Inquiry staff of the
enjoyed sports and was always in-
Judiciary Committee of the. US
terested in politics.
House of Representatives to work
She met Bill Clinton, a fellow
on the Watergate impeachment
student. in Yale Law School in
proceedings.
Welcome
1965. Later. she left Washington
As First Lady of Arkansas.
and "followed her heart to Arkan-
Hillary continued to work tire-
sas."
lessly on behalf of children and
Hillary!
Hillary. married Bill Clinton in
families. In addition to chairing] the
1975.
Arkansas Education Standards
The couple both taught on the
Committee, she founded the
A warm reception awaits United
law faculty of the University of
Arkansas Advocates for Children
States First Lady Hillary Rodham
Arkansas at Faytteville. Their
and Families.
Clinton when she arrives in the
daughter, Chelsea, was born in
She introduced a pioneering
city Sunday on a three-day
1980.
programme called Arkansas
unofficial visit, reports BSS.
Hillary Diane Rodham was
Home Instruction Programme for
Foreign Minister ASM Mostafi-
born October 26. 1947, in Chi-
Preschool Youth, which trains
zur Rahman and his wife will
cago, Illinois, daughter of Dorothy
parents to work with their children
greet the American First Lady at
Rodham and the late Hugh
in preschools preparedness and lit-
the airport.
Rodham. She and her two younger
erary.
This is the first time that the
brothers grew up in Park Ridge,
Hillary also, served on the board
wife of a president of the United
Illinois, as a close-knit family.
of the Arkansas Children's Hospi-
States is visiting Bangladesh.
Hillary entered Wellesly Col-
tal. In recognition of her profes-
Hillary Clinton will arrive in
lege in 1965. Graduating with high
sional and personal accomplish-
Dhaka from Kathmandu where
honours. she then enrolled in Yale
ments, Hillary was named Arkan-
she flew from New Delhi. Earlier,
Law School, where she served on
sas Women of the year in 1983
she visited Pakistan on the first leg
the Board of Editors of the Yale
and Arkansas Mother of the year
her four-nation South Asian
Review of Law and Social Action.
in 1984.
Γip.
There she met_ Bill Clinton, a
Upon taking office, the Presi-
She an eminent lawyer in her
fellow student.
dent made health care one of his
ountry, is involved with different
While at Yale, she developed a
highest priorities. He appointed
ocio-economic welfare activities.
strong concern for protecting the
the First Lady to head his Task
She attended the recent social
interest of children and their
Force on National Health Care
summit in Copenhagen where she.
families.
Reform. Like her predecessors,
made particular mention about
Hillary Clinton served as First
Hillary Rodham Clinton brings to
Bangladesh in the context of the
Lady of "Arkansas for 12 year.
the role of First Lady of the United
ole by Grammen Bank in the
During that time. she worked as a
States her own special talents,
plift of rural women.
full-time partner of a law firm.
experience. stvle. and interests.
Hillary Clinton will flew to Jes-
Monday to see some projects
See Back Page Cok I
The Financial Express
April 211995
4 THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS
WORLDWATCH
Ji el L S n
KATHMANDU: US First Lady Hillary Clinton bows in a tradi-
tional Asian greeting while meeting a woman at a local crafts fair
in Kathmandu March 31.
--
Reuter
I
T is a rare honour for us that
Hillary Clinton begins a
three-day visit of Bangladesh
In the Footsteps
involved in the programmes for
the poor and needy people. It is
that concern that brings her to
today. Unotficial though, it is a
Bangladesh. The couple's com-
great occasion for Bangladesh.
Since our Liberation in 1971. we
of the Kennedys
mitment to the affirmative action
programmes like that of the
had one other such visit of as
Kennedys' endear them to us. We
much importance. that of US
welcome her in our midst with all
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger
Hillary Clinton carries the idealism
our warmth and sincerity. We
on October 30, 1974. After- Kiss-
know she is not visiting us holding
inger. during the subsequent 22
and concern displayed by John
any official position. but she is our
years. we had much lesser mortals'
and Edward a decade apart,
most welcome guest nonetheless.
such as Vernon Walter and Jean
Addressing the veterans of the
Kirkpatrick, two US Permanent
writes Mohiuddin Ahmed
Second World War last summer in
Representatives to the UN
the beach of France, President
gracing us with their visits in early
Clinton had said the immortal
1980's. John C. Whitehead,
1971 to the refugee camps set up
gabandhu Sheikh Mujibur. Rah-
words, "You are the forces of
Deputy Permanent UndereSecre-
along the borders in India to
man is not even uttered or
freedom. When you were young,
tary of the US State Department
accommodate millions of our
mentioned in our state controlled
you have saved the world, the
was second highest ranking
people driven out by Pakistani
radio, and television. or for that
world is enjoying 50 years of
official after Kissinger to visit
military rulers still brings back to
matter, in anything official!
freedom because of your heroism.
Bangladesh in mid 80's. Robert
our memory sufferings of our
The people of Bangladesh are
We are the children of your
Flatten -- Bangladesh Desk
people of those days of blood and
poor. And, that attracts many
sacrifice."
Officer in the US State Depart-
fire. I have still got in my collec-
people to this country. But what is
Then his speech in Port-au-
ment came calling during the later
tion some of those news clippings
not understood in many countries
Prince, just two days ago last
years of Lt. Gen. Hussain Mu-
and photographs showing Senator
is that we have a tradition for
Friday, on the occasion of transfer
hammad Ershad and was received
Kennedy visiting the relief camps
about 100 years of electing our
of command from American
in state by our fallen President. All'
in heavy downpour and ankledeep
representatives. In many affluent
forces to the UN forces reiterating
Americans any American for
mud. Senator Kennedy could not
countries of the world. people
his commitment to Democracy
that matter were important to
bear the sights of dying and dead
have not seen à ballot paper or a
and human rights are of as much
him. Their visits gave him respect/
children ind those make-shift
polling booth, much less an
inspiration to us as to those in
ability and photo opportunities.
camps, photograph showing
eléction. We are so much more
Haiti and all over the world.
Then the-latest visitor in the series
him turning away his face.
advanced in this respect!
We fought in 1971 in our War
from the USA before Hillary
Senator Kennedy's open, con-
Ambitious and adventurous
of Liberation so that we could live
Clinton was Robin Raphel, Assis-
demnation of Pakistan military
generals like those ihr Latin
in peace, happiness and dignity.
tank Secretary of State for South
regime during the visit of the
America and Africa have had
But we continue to remain poor
Asian Bureau in the State Depart
refugee camps for the blood bath,
derailed
our
democracy
and
and with hardly any progress,
ment last year Raphel is other-
in Bangladesh forcing ultimately
freedom several times during the
economic or otherwise. We should
wise known as FOB, that is thiend
10 millions of our people to run
past 20 years and some of the
not remain this poor and illiterate
of Bill (Bill, of course, means Bill
away from their homes and safety
colonels and majors killed our
if our resources and foreign aid
Clinton):
cost him the visa that was given to
Rather of the Nation, his wife, his
were not misallocated and mis-
Wife of former American vice
visit Pakistan after India. After the
three sons, (one was only 10
managed. We had overthrown a
president Dan Quayle had visited
withdrawal of the visa by the
years) and the two daughters-in-\
dictator in a people's upsurge in
us in the middle of 1991, after the
Pakistani military junta Senator
law (one was pregnant), among
the December of 1990 and then
disastrous cyclone of April that
Kennedy could not come to
others. These killers have not been
got an elected government which,
year.
Bangladesh to see how 75 million
tried in any court. Rather. they
we thought, would be accountable
Besides these visits of the
people were living in terror.
have been glorified with diplo-
and transparent. But the account-
officials we had some Senators
President Nixon and Henry
matic assignments in our embas-
ability of our government is more
and Congressmen also visiting*
Kissinger did not support us in our
sies abroad.
a. misnomer than a practice of
Bangladesh since our liberation,
War of Liberation 24 years ago.
Bill Clinton was inspired by a
democracy. We do not have a
most prominent of them being
And Hehry Kissinger was not all
handshake with President John,
functioning and effective Parlia-
Senator Edward Kennedy and
love for Bangladesh during his
Kennedy in the White House lawn
ment which is now nearly dead
Congressman Stephen Solarz.
visit in 1974 either. But we had the
when Clinton was a school lad of
following the resignation of all the
Senátor Kennedy came to visit us
support of people like Senator
only 17 years. have seen the clip
members of our opposition parties.
soon after our liberation with his
Kennedy, Senator George
of that famous television film
The resigning members, 147. in
nephew Joseph P. Kennedy, the
McGovern, Senator William
several times since Clinton had
number, are about half of the
latter now a prominent Congress-
Saxbe and, Senator Engene
announced his candidacy for the
Parliament.
man in his own right and in the
MaCarthy and many other
office of the President in 1991
Our state controlled televisión
great family tradition. Congress-
leaders in politics and churches,
John Kermedy had inspired many
and radio are the best examples of
man Solarz was the last legislator
education and human rights
millions all over the world. As a
an unresponsive government. Our
to visit us and that was in the late
campaign. We sincerely remem-
young man of 19. I too. had
TV does not tell anything about
80's.
ber the contribution, support and
tremendous admiration for this
the continuing fertiliser crisis,
Stephen Solarz had played an
prayers of all those Americans
American President. His hand-
soaring foodgrain prices and
important role in. our fight to get
across the USA Their prayers
some look, his beautiful wife and
police killing of 7 (seven) poor
back our democracy from Ershad
had sustained us in our war of
the two childrens looking like
farmers two weeks ago in several
and the coterie of his generals, the
survival.
butterflies seem to me to be an
places of Bangladesh their
bureaucrats and the politicians,
We were sustained in our in-
ideal family.
unforgivable crime having. been
most of them rejected by the
domitable spirit by people like
their demand for fertiliser at the
people. Solarz visited Bangla-
George Washington, Thomas
The youthful look of President
government fixed price!
desh, and met our leaders includ-
Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln,
Clinton, the elegance of Hillary
Our longest days is not yet over
ing the present Prime Minister
The Declaration of American
and the charris of their daughter
either. Our battle for freedom
Khaleda Zia and the leader of the
Independence was a source of
Chelsea résemble the Kennedy
continues freedom from hunger,
biggest opposition party, Awami
great inspiration to us, as to any
family. Vice President Al-Gore,
illiteracy and diseases. Our fight
League
He
had
also
an
other people in any other part of
his wife Tipper and their children
for dignity for the farmers, work-
Washington
DC
April,
the world. "Pursuit of happiness
are assets to Clinton presidency
ers and everybody goes on.
1988 an open hearing of the
and living in and with dignify and
The spontaneous dance of the two
And we know "we shall over
House Foreign Affairs Sub
in freedom were our aims also as
women. Hillary and Tipper,
come someday". And we know
Committee on Asia and the Pacific
it was in the American War of
immediately following the nomi-
we have the support of Hillary,
of which he was the Chairman.
Independence.
nation of their. husbands on the
Clinton in our struggle. She
The hearing was on democracy,
We also had our own George
stage of Madison Square Garden
demonstrates this with her visit to
human rights and how to make'
Washington who inspired and led
where the Democratic Party had
Bangladesh today.
election in Bangladesh credible.
us to our freedom. But whereas
held its convention in the summer
The writer is former Director
Senator Edward Kennedy
the American George Washing-
of 92 is one of my memorable
General, Ministry of Foreign
comes from the most distin-
tom is given place of honour
experiences of New York City.
Affairs, former Deputy Permanent
guished and well known political
everywhere- in the USA. our
Hillary Clinton is a distinguish
Representative, the Bangladesh
family of the USA. His visit in
George Washington - Ban-
guest from the USA. She has been
Mission to the UN, New York
Hillary the most colourful
American First Lady
re
NDEPENDENT
ident
Hillary Rodham Clinton IS from today
lary Rouham Clinton has
ideed. at one point in the con-
called many things since she
reation. ie First Ladv even SUD-
ne America First Lady. To
initted to a brief examination of
ercest critics she is a radical
her faith:
teminist: to her most ardent
"Do you believe in the Father.
numirers she IS a disciplined politi-
Son and Holy Spirit?
call operative. an eloquent advo-
"Yes."
cate who needs no notes when
"The atoning death of Jesus?"
speaking. In softer profile. Mrs.
"Yes."
Clinton comes across as a well-
"The resurrection of Christ?'
organised working mother and
"Yes."
her husband's closest confidant.
The interview was conducted
But long before she was a
in the Map Room around a
Democrat. a lawyer. or a Clinton.
makeshift folding table that
Hillary Rodham was a Methodist.
looked like it had just been
And that, say those who know her
cleared of dishes. Mrs. Clinton's
now as well as those who knew
aides were fearful that no matter
her when, is the way the First
what she said, she would be
Lady is best understood. She
accused of trying to manipulate
thinks like a Methodist. talks like a
her public image. She glanced
Methodist and wants to reform
down often at her hands. She hesi-
society just like a well-Sunday-
tated to name her favourite Bible
schooled Methodist church-
passages, convinced she'd be mis-
woman should. "I am," she told
understood: "If I quote a Bible
NEWSWEEK in an exclusive inter-
Scripture. people are always look-
view at the White House recently,
ing for the hidden meaning in it."
"an old-fashioned Methodist."
Or. worse, that her words might
In any other place, from almost
be turned against her in the latest
any other woman, such an admis-
rush to judgement.
sion would be insignificant.
British roots: Can this Hillary
Americans want their First Family
Clinton be real? Though conserva-
to be religious. but not strongly
tives may doubt her religious con-
so.
victions. and liberals wish them
As Ronald Reagan understood-
away, Hillary Rodham Clinton is
and Jimmiy Carter painfully
as pious as she is political.
learned-vague belief firmly held
Methodism. for her, is not just a
is the most appropriate White
church but an extended family of
House religion. Politicians may
faith that defines her horizons.
not care and the media may scoff.
Through her father's family, she
but the Clintons are perhaps the
can trace her roots back via her
most openly religious First Couple
grandparents stories to early 19th.
this century has seen. The presi-
century England and Wales- close
dent is a hvmnhumming, sermon-
to the beginnings of the original
loving. liberal Southern Baptist
Methodist movement. Her mother
who studied under the Jesuits at
taught Sunday school. Though her
Georgetown and feels at home in
father was seldom seen at First
any kind of pew.
United Methodist Church in Park
But Mrs. Clinton is cut from
Ridge, Illinois. where Hillary grew
old. less expressive Methodist
up, she vividly recalls that "he
Hillary beaming a smile just hours before she left for journey
stock. and these days she feels
that takes her to Bangiadesh todav.
said his prayers kneeling by his
like a battered woman. Her public
bed every night of his life. until he
role has diminished. and she's
had (his) stroke."
being blamed for the failure or
The First Lady is a Methodist DV
health-care reform in a bitter
choice as well as bv chance. Of
political season Meanwhile, evan-
the three Rodham children only
gels of the religious right scorn
Millary continued to attend
her as a Marv Magdalene. while
pundits in the secular press
ridicule her spirituality as flaky
New Age blather. All this has
aught her a great deal of sympa-
for Christian rundamentansts.
he Indexendent
them. she relieves sne has to
ACT neonie premiunces
April Z 995
page 1 of z
to attend church. joined the inter-
paign to reform Arkansa's public
Sunday services as an adolescent.
century social gospel, which hods
denominational chapel society
schools. savs the Rev. Clinton
"She's really 2 self-churched
that Christians have been commis-
and took a year of required Bible
Burleson. her former pastor in
woman." says the Rev. Donald
sioned to build the Kingdom of
study - an experience, she says
Little Rock, was "grounded in
Jones. her former youth minister.
God on earth.
"I'm very grateful for."
Methodist social concerns. That's
who developed his privileged sub-
She also read Motive, a now
who Hillary is. She's not a woman
urban students' social consciences
As a bright, well-educated
defunct magazine for college-age
who would be in harmony with
by taking them to visit migrant
woman growing up in the turbu-
Methodists. "I still have every
[Methodism's conservative] evan-
workers' children. More than
lent '60s, Hillary Rodham defied
issue they sent me," Mrs. Clinton
gelical movement.
other Protestants, Methodists are
that generation's rebellious stereo-
says. But the issue she remembers
Perhaps, but after two years in
still imbued with the turn-of-the-
type. At Wellesley, she continued
best contained an article by a
the White House, Mrs. Clinton is
Methodist theologian, Carl
showing another side of her
Oglesby, called "Change or
Methodist self.
Containment." "It was the first
The religious books she reads
thing I had ever read that chal-
are mostly by popular evangelical
lenged the Vietnam War," Mrs.
and spiritual-guidance authors,
Clinton recalls. Partly because of
like Tony Campolo, Father Henri
that war, she switched from being
Nouwen and the Rev. Gordon
a Goldwater Republican to a
Mac-Donald, and the only reli-
McGovern Democrat. But she
gious magazine she sees these
remained a devout Methodist.
busy days is Christianity Today, an
Although the United Methodist
evangelical weekly. She says she
Church had by then dropped
also keeps a copy of "The Book of
most of its traditional taboos
Resolutions of the United
against alcohol and dancing.
Methodist Church" in her private
Hillary was conservative in her
quarters, along with the Bible.
social habits.
The two volumes reflect her
In a letter to Jones from col-
search for religious balance. "I
lege, she wrote that she was hav-
think that the Methodist Church,
ing "as much fun as any good
for a period of time, became too
Methodist can." Even today, says
socially concerned," she says,
Jones, "when Hillary talks it
"too involved in the social gospel,
sounds like it comes out of a
and did not pay enough attention
Methodist Sunday-school lesson."
to questions of personal salvation
That should be no surprise. In
and individual faith.
Arkansas, Hillary taught Methodist
It is, for me, both a question of
The American First Lady leaving President Clinton alone for a
Sunday school. She also attended
grace and of personal commit-
few minutes to pause and ponder over some burning world
church regularly and, in the
ment."
issues in Washington recently.
Methodist tradition of favouring
lay preachers, she spoke often at
church gatherings on "Why I am a
United Methodist." Even her cam-
Independent
page 2 of Z
April 2, 1995
Hillary with the UN Secretary-General Dr. Boutros-Boutros Ghali in New York recently.
APPEAL
HILLARY CLINTON US FIRST LADY IS MOST
WELCOME IN DHAKA
CITY. REQUEST VISIT
THE NEAREST GENEVA
AND MARKET CAMPS
WHERE THE MOST
WRETCHED STRANDED
PAKISTANIS OF THIS
CENTURY HAVE BEEN
LIVING FOR THE LAST
24 YEARS. VIOLATION
OF HUMAN RIGHTS
RAMPANT. CHASTITY
OF WOMENFOLK NOT
SAFE. ALL APPROACH-
ES FAILED. KINDLY
SPARE FEW MINUTES
OUT OF YOUR BUSY
SCHEDULE TO SEE THE
CONDITION YOUR-
SELF AS SEEING IS
BELIEVING.
ALHAJ M. NASIM KHAN
LEADER OF STRANDED PAKISTANIS
AND CHIEF PATRON, SPGRC
GENEVA CAMP, MOHAMMADPUR, DHAKA.
The Morning Sun
A journey from
Arkansas
A profile
WASHINGTON. Apr 1 (USIS):
As an excellent student and a
When President Bill Clinton was
girl scout. Hillary Rodham
governor of Arkansas. he met
Clinton enjoyed sports and was
Muhammad Yunus. founder of
always interested in politics, re-
the Grameen Bank. a revolu-
ports UNB.
lionary Bangladeshi organiza-
Hillary was born on October
lion that extends credit primarily
26 in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois.
women who wish to establish
She and her two younger broth-
mall business.
ers grew up in Park Ridge,
illinois. as a close-knit family.
Hillary entered Wellesley
College in 1965. Graduating
Journey Arkansas
with high honours. she then en-
rolled in Yale Law School, where
poorest women in rural areas in
she served on the Board of
Contd from page 1
Yunus' scheme was so simple
Bangladesh. The bank also
Editors of the Yale Review of Law
and compelling that Clinton de-
lends to farmers and fishermen.
and Social Action. There she met
cided that the Grameen system
As a result of the Yunus-
Bill Clinton, a fellow student.
would benefit businesses in
Clinton meeting, the Winthrop
She met Bill Clinton, a fellow
southern Arkansas. which had
Rockefeller Foundation asked
student, at Yale Law School in
the Shorebank Corporation of
1965. Later. she left
been hard hit by declining jobs in
agriculture and industry.
Chicago to help create a new
Washington and "followed her
bank holding company in
heart to Arkansas."
And earlier this month in
Copenhagen at the UN World
Arkansas modelled on the
Hillary married Bill Clinton in
Grameen system. Shorebank
1975.
Summit on Social Development.
Hillary Clinton reported that the
had been the sponsor of the first
The couple both taught on the
Grameen Bank has not only im-
US Grameen community devel-
law faculty of the University of
proved the immediate circum-
opment programme which was
Arkansas at Fayetteville. Their
stances of thousands of families,
designed to help residents in
daughter. Chelsea, was born in
it has also fostered a greater
Chicago's minority meighbour-
1980.
sense of purpose and community
hoods.
While at Yale, she developed a
among the people. "The bank
The Arkansan programme.
strong concern for protecting the
believes that if you give people
which is known as the Good
interests of children and their
Faith Fund, now supports new
families.
access to credit and ask them to
take responsibility. in return they
and existing local business in
Hillary Clinton served as First
will achieve greater economic
small towns in Southern
Lady of Arkansas for 12 years.
and social independence." Mrs
Arkansas. In addition.
During that time. she worked as
Clinton said.
Grameen-based projects and
a full-time partner of a law firm.
Muhammad Yunus believes
hundreds of other micro enter-
chaired an education committee
that "credit is a human right and
prise businesses are bettering
that set public school standards
the poor are your best credit
American communities in 44
in Arkansas. managed a home,
risk." The non-profit Grameen
states and the district of
and cared for her husband and
child.
.
Bank provides small loans to the
Columbia.
The Morning Sun
April 2,1995
Enamoured with its success.
gency and ethnic violence.
illary Clinton has aireadv rep.
Bangladesh poses no such
ned the model in Arkansas
problems to the top international
state in US.
figures. Nonetheless. the
Hillary Clinton is expected to
American government is taking
be very busy on Monday. She will
no chance and all arrangements
fly to the north-western town of
have been completed yesterday
Jessore from where she will drive
for the arrival of the First Lady.
to Rishipara village. There she
She will arrive shortly after 2
vill see how the poor
pm in the afternoon.
Bangladeshi womenfolk have
The security in Dhaka and
changed their life-style by gener-
Jessore is something rare in this
ating income with the help of a
small bank credit.
country". said an official request-
anonymity but he adds "what
She is also expected to observe
is the beauty of this is that there
how women. looked down upon
is no much evidence of this on
by the conservative male-domi-
he ground - it is more invisible".
nated society, have broken the
Security has been tightened
taboo and established them-
-
selves as partners equal to their
menfolk.
manifold compared to what was
done during the visit of former
She will also see some more
vice-president Dan Quale's wife
NGO projects in the area. She
here in the wake of catastrophic
will visit the nearby
cyclone in early. 1991.
Churamankathi village where
Hillary Clinton carries with her
BRAC. rated as the biggest NGO
importance much more than be-
in the world. is running a number
ing the wife of the American
of non-formal schools mainly for
president as the prominence she
girls.
enjoys in the administration is
But the Grameen Bank and
wellknown. Her role in the presi-
BRAC are facing fierce criticism
dential election and before that
from some Islamic clerics who
to the run-up to the nomination
believe that the NGOs are en-
of the democratic party was
Hillary Clinton
couraging the women to beak
something more influencing than
away from Islamic conservatism.
most other first ladies.
A group calling itself Anti-islam
While announcing the visit of
and Anti-state Activities
his wife to South Asia last month.
arrives today
Resistance Committee held a
President Bill Clinton called his
rally in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on
wife the best imaginable emis-
Saturday to denounce the gov-
sary to delivery a message to the
ernment for allowing NGOs to op-
region that his administration's
Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives
The US embassy will hold a re-
erate freely in Bangladesh. One
concern for those countries is
in Bangladesh today (Sunday) in
ception for Hillary Clinton on
of their leaders also criticised
deeper than traditional geopoli-
Hillary Clinton for only seeing the
ICS.
the penultimate leg of her 12-day
Sunday which is expected to be
our of South Asia. on a two-day
attended by leading politicians.
NGO projects during her visit.
cocooned in tough security.
intellectuals and senior govern-
NGO representatives said the
imprecedented goodwill and a
ment officials.
Islamic group held the rally at
worldwide concern for the under-
The US First Lady will also
the place where a rally of the
privileged women.
hold a reception on Monday ex-
poor people was to be held on the
Billed as a private visit. the
clusively for women where Begum
same day. But the government
Zia and opposition leader Sheikh
did not permit them to, hold such
vife of the American president is
Hasina are likely to be the
rally.
expected to stay in the
prominent guests. Begum Zia will
A US security squad worked in
Sonargaon Hotel rather than in a
also host a dinner for her on
close liaison with their
state guest house to illustrate the
Monday evening.
Bangladeshi counterparts to
point.
Hillary Clinton has already.
work out a full-proof security ar-
And vet her two-day stay in
visited Pakistan. India and
rangement for the American First
Bangladesh would have all the
Nepal. She flies off to Colombo
Lady.
ormalities of an official visit.
on Tuesday on the last leg of her
Commandos and sharpshoot-
list page col-6
12-day swing across south Asia
ers will take up posts around the
The Morning
during which her major theme
Minister A S M
Sonargaon Hotel resulting in
Suri
was to underline international
Mustalizur Rahman is likely to
some occasional restrictions on
concern for underprivileged
traffic in the nearby areas.
receive her when she arrives in
women and children.
Dhaka from Kathmandu by a
An advance security team was
1995
special US Air Force plane.
But the main focus of trip ap-
here long before when Ms
Her daugther. Chelsea. and
parently is Bangladesh. She is
Hillary's visit was being consid-
the remainder of the 60 members
expected to study the operation
ered and later security teams ar-
of the Grameen Bank. a non-
of her entourage would also be
rived here much ahead of the ar-
received by appropriate political
government organisation (NGO)
rival of the First Lady. Unlike
leaders and officials.
which has achieved an economic
other south Asian countries.
She is due to meet Bangladesh
miracle in the rural countryside
where security for VIPs are a
President Abdur Rahman
by an innovative credit pro-
great hazard because of insur-
Biswas on Sunday and Prime
gramme for the poor.
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia the
following day.
As First Lady of Arkansas, Hillary
Hillary keen
continued to work tirelessly on be-
half of children and families. In
in politics
addition to chairing the Arkansas
Education Standards Committee,
As an excellent student and a girl
she founded the Arkansas Advocates
scout. Hillary Rodham Clinton en-
for Children and Families.
joyed sports and was always in-
She introduced a pioneering prog-
terested in politics, reports UNB.
ramme called Arkansas' Home In-
She met Bill Clinton, a fellow
struction Program for Preschool
student, in Yale Law School in 1965.
Youth, which trains parents to work
Later, she left Washington and "fol-
with their children in preschool pre-
lowed her heart to Arkansas." Hill-
paredness and literacy.
ary married Bill Clinton in 1975.
Hillary also served on the board of
the Arkansas Children's Hospital. In
BWF welcomes
The couple both taught on the Law
faculty of the University of Arkansas
recognition of her professional and
at Fayetteville. Their daughter,
personal accomplishments, Hillary
Hillary's visit
Chelsea, was born in 1980.
was named Arkansas Woman of the
President of Bangladesh Women
Hillary Diane Rodham was born
year in 1983 and Arkansas Mother of
Forum (BWF) advocate Ferdousi
October 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illi-
the year in 1984.
Sultana today welcomed the visit of
nois, daughter of Dorothy Rodham
Upon taking office, the President
US First Lady Ms Hillary Rodham
and the late Hugh Rodham. She and
made health care one of his highest
Clinton and her dauthter Chelsea to
her two younger brothers grew upin
priorities. He appointed the First
Bangladesh, reports BSS.
Park Ridge, Illinois, as a close-knit
Lady to head his Task Force on
In a statement, the BWF President
family.
National Health Care Reform. Like
expressed the hope that this visit of
Hillary entered Wellesley College⁻
her predecessors, Hillary Rodham
the US First Lady would surely
in 1965. Graduating with high hon-
Clinton brings to the role of First
contribute to realising rights of the
ors, she then enrolled in Yale Law
Lady of the United States her own
oppressed women of the developing
School, where she served on the
special talents, experience, style, and
world.
Board of Editors of the Yale Review
intrests.
"We are sure that your unflinching
of Law and Social Action. There she
stand in favour of the oppressed
met Bill Clinton, a fellow student.
women will show them a ray of hope
While at Yale, she developed a
in their life," she said in the state-
strong concern for protecting the
ment.
interests of children and their fami-
lies.
Hillary Clinton served as First
Lady of Arkansas for 12 years. Dur-
ing that time, she worked as a full-
time partner of a law firm, chaired an
education committee that set public
school standards in Arkansas, man-
aged a home, and cared' for her
husband and child.
On many occasions, Hillary Clin-
ton, has spoken about the need "to
find the right balance in our lives."
For her, the elements of that balance
are family, work, and public service.
In 1973, Hillary became a staff
attorney for the Children's Defense
Fund. A year later, she joined the
Impeachment Inquiry staff of the
Judiciary Committee of the US
House of Representatives to work on
the Watergate impeachment pro-
ceedings.
The Bangladesh observer
April 2,1995
SUNDAY APRIL 2. 1995
tions.
The US Embassy will host a recep-
tion in honour of the US First Lady
n
where she will meet leading political
1.
leaders. top civil and military offi-
a
it
cials and eminent figures in business
:s
and professions.
The US First Lady, who addressed
e
the recent UN World Summit on
:.
Social Development in Copenhagen
as
ta
praised the role of th Grameen Bank
d
in the uplift of rural women in
id
Bangladesh. She will fly to Jessore
on Monday to see some of the
a-
h
Grameen Bank projects and educa-
tional programmes run by BRAC,
the leading NGO in the country.
In her live teleyised interview by
CNN on March 19, Mrs Clinton said
that she was particularly interested in
the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.
Prof Mohammad Yunus who re-
ceived world accolade for his innova-
tive idea of the Grameen Bank to
help the rural poor people, became a
personal friend of President Clinton
and Mrs. Hallary Clinton.
Before leaving for Colombo on
April 4 at the last leg of her current
South Asian tour the US First Lady
will visit the ICDDR,B, the unique
reserach institute of its kind in the
developing world working in the
fields of diarrhoeal diseases, cholera,
nutrition, population control, sanita-
tion and AIDS. The internationally
known ICDDR,B has technical re-
search collaboration with the Uni-
Warm welcome
versity of John Hopkins, University
of Michigan, University of California
in the USA and it is funded by
donors like USAID, Ford Founds-
tion and Population Council.
awaits Hillary
Diplomatic Correspondent
The US First Lady Hillary
under President Clinton towards
Rodham Clinton will be accorded a
Bangladesh and other South Asian
warm reception when she arrives in
countries. Mrs Clinton started her
Dhaka today (Sunday) on a three-
South Asia trip on March 24 focus-
day visit to Bangladesh, the first by
sing on humanitarian issues in Pakis-
the wife of an American President.
tan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and
She will fly from Kathmandu by a
Sri Lanka.
special flight on the fourth leg of her
During her three-day sojourn
current 12-day five-country tour in
here, the US First Lady will meet
South Asia covering Pakistan, India,
President Abdur Rahman Biswas
Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda
Foreign Minister A.S.M. Mostafi-
Zia.
zur Rahman and his wife will receive
Mrs Clinton, who is an eminent
the US First Lady Hillary Clinton at
lawyer in her country and working
the airport. She will be accompained
for the cause of the women and
by her daughter Chelsea and a team
children around the world, will hold
of senior officials and the US media.
an exclusive meeting with the leading
The Bangladesh
Though termed as an unofficial
women representatives in bureaucra-
Observer
visit, the trip of the US First Lady is
cy, religious and educational institu-
being considered as the growing in-
tions. NGOs, human rights organisa-
terest of the US Administration
See Page 10 Col. 2
April 2, 1995
'Human issues' focus of Hillary's trip
WASHINGTON Apr 1: US
on behalf of our children and
set up such a fund in Arkansas
First Lady Hillary Clinton's cur-
other vulnerable people.
dealing with poor people III
rent visit to five South Asian
CNN: Why Asia?
our state.
countries including Bangladesh
MRS CLINTON: Well. the
So I think there are lessons
is for the purpose of "learning
State Department and the ad-
we can learn. I'm not about to
as much as she possibly can
ministration are very hopeful
go and try to tell anybody what
about the kinds of issues she
that our relations with South
to do. I think that is not my
has always cared about. human
Asia. the five countries that I'm
role. I think it's presumptuous
issues. savs di USIS press re-
going to be visiting. will con-
even if someone were to sug-
lease.
tinue to be strengthened. This
gest it. I do believe that as the
In an interview March 19
is an important part of the
world becomes more competi-
on CNN's Late Edition." before
world strategically. There's a
live. we also become more
setting out on this trip which
lot at stake for the entire
connected. And we need to be
has already taken her to India.
world. There are a lot of
respectful of each other. We
Pakistan and Nepal. Mrs
American interests at stake.
need to learn from each
Clinton said. "I want to see
We've had a number of
other's cultures. And I think
some of the programmes that
successful trips there already
that will help us be sure that
they are doing there trying to
by Secretary Brown and
we have a global community.
help children and women and
Secretary O'Leary promoting
CNN: You have pointed out
very poor people pull them-
business. And I think that the
specifically that women bear
selves up. take opportunity by
president feels that this is a
the brunt of poverty and illit-
giving it to them through
part of the world that needs
eracy around the world.
credit and other approaches.
our attention. and I was
Talk a little bit about that
and see what I can learn." She
delighted to be asked to go to
and what is being done or what
said she is particularly inter-
talk about some of these
you would like to do to change
ested in the Grameen Bank in
human issues.
that?
Bangladesh which extends
CNN: Now. you have said on
MRS CLINTON: Well, you
credit primarily to women.
many occasions, and you re-
know. that's true in our coun-
and these women then are able
peated it recently in
try as well. that the poorest of
to take better care of them-
Copenhagen and New York. in
the people in our country are
selves by establishing small
one way or another. that
single women with their chil-
businesses.
women in many societies
dren. And that is a pattern that
Following are excerpts of
around the world have been
unfortunately holds throughout
an unofficial transcript of Mrs
marginalized.
the world. Now, luckily our
Clinton's interview:
So what exactly are you
people are nowhere near as
CNN: A year ago you were
hoping to accomplish? Are you
impoverished as the billion
on the Hill championing the
going to go over there and rat-
people who live at a totally ab-
cause of health care reform
the their cages. if you will, to
solute poverty level. less than a
here in the United States. Now
say, you know, "Change the way
dollar a day of income around
you're five days away from leav-
your societies work"?
the world. And there are very
ing on this major trip to Asia.
MRS CLINTON: No.
many people who are now
to India. Pakistan. Bangladesh.
CNN: What are you trying to
convinced that if we help by
Nepal. Sri Lanka. What is the
do?
investing in women. for
first lady up 10?
MRS CLINTON: No. not at
women to take some respon-
MRS CLINTON: Well. I
all. I'm going to learn as much
sibility and have some power
think it's all pretty much the
as I possibly can about what is
over their own futures. that is
same kinds of issues that I've
being done there. what they
not only good for the women:
always cared about now for
are doing to help themselves.
it helps their children, it helps
more than 25 years. and that I
There are some wonderful
their husbands. it helps the
guess you could describe are
programmes in all five of these
larger society.
the human issues. 1 mean.
countries that are aimed at giv-
So I'm particularly inter-
what do we do to make sure
ing women the education they
ested in speaking with women
that children have healthy fu-
need. the skills that they re-
and learning from women in
tures and they get the educa-
quire to take care of them-
these five countries about what
tion they need? And that cer-
selves and their families. I'm
they are doing, because I think
tainly is what I tried to do
particularly interested in the
there are direct links. And we
promoting health care. be-
Grameen Bank in Bangladesh
saw that when we were in
cause I was particularly con-
which extends credit primarily
Denmark as to how. yes. the
cerned about children. And
to women. and these women
more developed countries
what I'm hoping is that not
then are able to take better
need to be aware of what is
only here at home but abroad
care of themselves by estab-
happening, but we also need to
that all of us will recognize
lishing small businesses. In
understand that a lot of these
that as we move into this
fact. you know. we. when my
countries. and particularly the
global economy. we have to be
husband was governor of
women in these countries. are
very conscious and aware of
Arkansas. followed the exam-
doing some rather remarkable
what we are doing or not doing
ple of the Grameen Bank and
things for themselves.
The Daily Star
Amil 2,1995
NO. DA 731
CHAITRA 19, 1401 BS,
DHAKA SUND
Warm welcome
From Page One
Two bullet-proof limousines
Warm welcome awaits
have dready been Hown 111 for
her use. A special communica-
tions link has also been set up
with Washington. it is learnt.
the US First Lady
Over 100 rooms have been re-
served for the use of the visit-
ing US entourage at the So-
nargaon Hotel. A special co-
By Staff Correspondent
ordination office of the US
Embassy has also been set up
A warm welcome awaits US
there.
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clin-
After her arrival today. Mrs
ton when she arrives in the
Clinton will pay a courtesy call
capital this alternoon at 2-15
on President Abdur Rahman
on a three-day visit to Bang-
Biswas at the Bangabhaban.
ladesh.
The US Embassy in the city
Foreign Minister A S M
will hold a reception this
Mostafizur Rahman and his
evening at 7 in her honour.
wife will receive the distin-
which will be attended by a se-
guished visitor at the Zia
lect gathering.
International Airport.
The invitees also include
The entourage of Hillary
leading politicians from the
ruling party and the opposition
Editorial on Page-4
parties. top civil and military
officials. intellectuals and oth-
Clinton will comprise nearly
60 members including a 20-
er community leaders.
member media-team.
fomorrow. Hillary will fly
Hillary and the members of
10 Jessore in the morning
her entourage. which include
where she will see the work-
her daughter Chelsea. will be
ings of Grameen Bank projects.
staying at the Sonargaon Hotel.
The trip will take her to
This is for the first time
Rishipara village at Mashihati
that a US first lady is visiting
by road from Jessore.
this part of the world. On
She will also go to Chu-
March 24. Hillary began her
ramankathi village to see a
extensive goodwill trip to
BRAC-run non-formal primary
school. She will return to
South Asia.
Dhaka in the afternoon.
Although Hillary does not
hold an official position in the
The US First Lady will hold
US administration. her visit
a reception exclusively for
will carry all the trappings of a
women leaders at the US em-
state visit that is expected to
bassy tomorrow at 5:30 pm.
forge even closer ties with
Some 25 distinguished women
leaders who are known for
South Asia. particularly Bang-
their work in different fields
ladesh.
A three-laver security blan-
have been invited.
ket has been put into force for
Hillary Clinton will meet
the US First Lady. This in-
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda
Zia at her Hare Road office.
cludes members from the US
Secret Service. the FBI and lo-
She will also be hosted a din-
cal security personnel.
ner by the Prime Minister at 8
pm.
See Page 12 Col 3
US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary will visit the ICDDR.
B on April 4 at 10 in the morn-
ing. She will leave for Colombo
at 10-45 am on the last leg of
her current South Asian tour.
Although Hillary holds no
official position in the US ad-
ministration, "the way she ful-
fills her role as the first lady
marks a real departure," wrote
a leading US commentator re-
cently. President Clinton con-
sults her on political policies
and trusts her as his closest
adviser. he wrote.
Hillary will arrive in Dhaka
from Kathmandhu on the
fourth leg of a five-nation
South Asian tour.
The Daily Star Horil2.1995
The Daily Star
Founder-Editor: Late S. M. Ali
Dhaka, Sunday, April 2, 1995
Welcome to Hillary
Whatever maybe the official label put on it -
she no doubt deserving the trappings of a state
visit as the US First Lady - we prefer to describe
her visit as the magic name Hillary's pilgrimage
to where the Clinton family's heart has always lain
Bangladesh. She and her daughter Chelsea are
arriving here because of the magnetising pull of
Prof. Yunus' Grameen Bank. It is not just a
Bangladeshi celebrity bringing them here; for,
they have met him quite a few times over, and
could have done so anywhere else if they wished.
In fact, ft is the much broader concern for the
under privileged women and children which Prof
Yunus has himself addressed tangibly to set a
trend in rural revolution that has drawn her to
his sites of some remarkably pioneering projects.
The Clinton family has been fond of Prof Yunus
and his work without the slightest hint of patro-
nisation and, that is where the genuineness of
their love for the Grameen Bank lies almost as an
article of faith. Their setting up of the good Hope
Fund modelled on the Grameen concept a decade
ago in Arkansas followed by the replication of the
same in some other countries, have proved that
the task of serving the poor is frontierless and
indivisible.
So we see in her visit a rare kind of a prospect
for bridge-building not only between the people
of the USA and that of Bangladesh but also in
terms of globalisation of poverty concerns which
have been addressed rather inadequately so far by
the world leadership.
It does us proud that she tied up her South
Asian visits keeping Grameen Bank and
Bangladesh in focus." In diplomatic parlance, her
trip reflects the measure of importance South
Asia as a region has been enjoying with the White
House lately.
For our part, we shall be content with her
contributions to global awareness-building on
child welfare and women empowerment issues.
Hearty welcome to Hillary. Chelsea and other
members of the US contingent.
Imphalos of the Empire: Savage War of Peac
Waliur Rahman
More people below poverty line live in this area than the entire planet taken together. Hillary Clinton's
encounter with poverty and its benighting impact on human beings will be far removed from Rhode's Empire
of 'bread and butter and an untouched area of inviting the initiative of men of character and leadership.'
Clinton's
H
love for Albert Camus
and Picasso is not for
nothing : she is deeply cons-
cious that plague never dies or
vastly exaggerated compared
disappears* it hides itself in
to the power of Ideas'. This
everything only to reappear.
lessly for the gigantic task of
The mindless destruction of
and an untouched area of invit-
was certainly at the back of her
reaching health care to all the
the Spanish Civil War left in its
Ing the initiative of men of
mind, when the US First Lady
wake a scar on human spirit
American homes is prompting
character and leadership.' Her
addressed the UN World
her to take interest in the
perpatitive journey in the
Summit of Social Development
soon degenerated into the
world's poor.
wasteland of Second World
'Omphalos of the Empire' (Pax
in Copenhagen on March 8
If you don't build the castle
War. Guernica's savage and
Britannica) will bring her to
where she announced new
of peace in human minds. ef-
emotional vignette is always a
the world moulding Itself in
American Initiative to fight fe-
fort to build peace in the world
reminder of man's beastiality
post - 1947 as independent
male illiteracy in Asia, Africa
outside will be infractious. The
US First Lady's resolve to ac-
states. India the mightiest and
and Latin American to ensure
to man
cept this challenge is to be
most energetic is the veritable
women's empowerment.
First Lady Hillary Clinton
power house of synergy: implo-
Forty thousand children die
embraces the vision of activist
seen in her present visit to an
sion of economic libertarian
everyday. Three days' death
and compassionate govern-
area which boasts itself of in-
policies are beaconing her to
toll of children is equivalent to
ment of her husband - she
habiting 1.2 billion people -
wants to play a more solid and
about one fifth of the world
the 21st century. Pakistan's
the total people annihilated in
population. This is the samè
self-inflicted wound of righ-
Hiroshima and Nagasaki! Thus
meaningful role. The role of
teousness is stalling her
a total of 15 million children
Daily
first lady was more difficult in
18th and 19th centuries. Abi-
area which the Cambridge
movement forward. Their nu-
perish every year!
historian, John Seeleys thou-
gail Adams was taunted with
ght as an immense 'Majestas
clear programmes deprive
Born on the blood of three
the US First Lady has chosen
the derisive name 'Mrs. Presi-
Romanna Pacis' established
them both of scarce resources.
million martyrs, the new na-
to visit Bangladesh, primarily.
Sri Lanka is surging ahead in-
tion of Bangladesh did not do
dent? But 20th century has
at the invitation of Prof. Mo-
given them more leeway.
among two hundred and fifty
spite of a bloody ethnic war.
all that badly as the WB statis-
hammad Yunus who as the
Woodrow Wilson's second wife
million of human beings
The new government of Ms.
tics show: The GDP growth
Stare
Chief of Grameen Bank is on a
Edith Bolling Galt encoded and
Thomas Earlyle, Benjamin
Disraeli, Cecil Rhodes all
Chahdrika Kumaratunga has a
was 7% with small Industries
mission to attack the problems
decoded sypher messages.
accounting for 17%. People liv-
enumerated above.
developed this romantic and
big advantage she is experi-
Eleanor Roosevelt was the
menting with ideas - and she
Ing below poverty line was
Economic security for
imperial sensitivity. The
genteel, sophisticated - per-
will succeed.
50%, unemployment 15%, and
Bangladesh cannot be ensured
Primrose League with its
fect mate for her husband.
motto 'emporium et libertas',
In Bangladesh we have
external debt was only $
without empowering women.
some problem - we seem to
690m. dollars. But today the
Jacqueline Kennedy gave a
Grameen Bank is just doing
certain sophistication to the
together with Disraell's Crystal
have run out of ideas. The US
proportion of population living
that. Other NGOs such as BRAC
Palace speech of 1872 made
office with her background of
First Lady would do well to
below absolute povertyline is
and Proshika are also engaged
Imperialism a powertul force
characterised by a drive to
note that the HDI ranking of
86% in Bangladesh, 40% in
French culture. love for the
in the same direction. They
Sri Lanka is 90, with 135 for
India and 32% in Pakistan. She
arts and the finer things of life.
are responding. The most dis-
'occupy, fortify, grab and brag'.
Barbara Bush was the beloved
India, 132 for Pakistan and
will note that in Bangladesh in
advantaged and benighted in
But today's answer Is to be
first lady.
146 for Bangladesh.
1992. 600000 children died
Bangladesh have proved that
found in 'Imperium in Imperio'
Hillary Clinton gives the
In the happenstance of her
before the age of 5, 48 million
they are more credit-worthy
- power is higher dispensa-
people did not have access to
impression of discarding the
tion and not In the chivalery
being in 'a rats alley' of politi-
than the most affluent in the
Cinderella syndrome once you
cal reflection, she may realise
health services. 30 million
society.
and swashbuckling Don
get the Prince Charming. you
that In this sub-continent con-
people consumed less than
Hillary Clinton was much
live happily ever after.
Quixote of Jennyson's Idylls of
sensus politics is in the re-
1000 calorie per day, per
moved during her recent Ital-
the King 1
She eschewed the cere-
treat, at least in this moment.
capita, 42 million. adults are il-
lan journey at the massacre at
mony and the ritual of the
More people below poverty
Nelson Mandelas here will be
literate, 11.5 million children
the Abbey of Monte Cassino:
line live in this area than the
camelot White House and has
hard put to invite their former
under five are malnourished
over 60 thousand died: and
chosen to take on the chal-
entire planet taken together.
Jailers to attend Inaugural cer-
and five million children in the
later at Nettuno and Anzio
lenge of the problems both in
'Hillary Clinton's encounter
emoniest But the religion of
primary schoolage were out of
where thousands of American
America and the world at
with poverty and its benighting
peace and ahimsa Buddhism
school. It is a grim picture. It
marines lie in peace in the
large. The same idealism that
impact on human beings will
be far removed from Rhode's
flourished in this very South
is no wonder. therefore. that
military eemeteries. This is
prompted her to strive relent-
Asia.
Empire of 'bread
Bangladesh always
Hillary calls
on Biswas
a model of self
US First Lady Madam
Hillary Rodham Clinton called
on President Abdur Rahman
reliance: Hillary
Biswas and Begum Biswas at
Bangabhaban Sunday after-
noon, reports BSS.
Welcoming Mrs Hillary
The United States First
this opportunity.
Clinton in Bangladesh, Presi-
Lady, Ms. Hillary Rodham
Ilillary Clinton's vist to
dent Biswas said that her visit
Clinton, Sunday paid glowing
Bangladesh is the first ever by a
would further strengthen the
tributes to Bangladeshi people
President wife of the United
existing excellent bilateral re-
as a model of 'self-reliance and
States.
lations between the two coun-
She is known to have ex-
tries He gave an outline of the
resilience" reports BSS.
"I have long admired the dc-
pressed her keenness several
functioning of the judicial sys-
termination and creativity of
times carlier to visit this coun-
tem and legal profession in
Bangladeshi people", she said
try.
Bangladesh. In this connection,
in a statement upon arrival
In the recent world social
he asserted that rule of law has
here on a three-day visit.
summit in Copenhagen, she
bewen prevailing in the country
"This nation has always
made particular mention about
and briefed Mrs Clinton about
been a model of self-reliance
Bangladesh in the context of
the democratic process and the
and resilience, one whose suc-
laudable efforts being made by
functioning of the democratic
cesses in building a free society
the "Grameen" Bank in the
institutions in Bangladesh.
and a vibrant economy have
uplife of women and rural de-
President Biswas said that
much to teach the world", the
velopment.
government efforts are being
American Prestdent's wife said.
Mrs. Clinton, herself an em-
supplemented by the NGO's for
She expressed the hope that
inent lawyer, is known for her
alleviating poverty and cn-
during her stay, she will learn
penchant for social, welfare ac-
hancing mass literacy in the
more about special efforts being
Livities.
rural areas.
made to help women and chil-
According to an earlier re-
Mrs Hillary Clinton said
dren achieve their full poten-
port: A warm welcome was
that she is very much interested
given to the United States First
to see some of the rural devel-
tial in life.
Ms. Clinton said it is a great
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
opment projects including
privilege on her part to visit
when she arrived here Sunday
those of Grameen Bank and
this country as a part of her
afternoon on a three-day visit.
added that they are trying to get
tour of South Asia and she
Foreign Minister A.S.M.
ideas from Bangladesh for
thanked all of the people of
Mostafizur Rahman, and his
helping the poorer section of
Bangladesh for affording her
Contd. on page 8 col. 2
the people in the United States:
She said that they are keen;ly
observing the development of
Bangladesh through demo-
cratic processes. She showed
keen Interest in the opportuni-
Hillary
tics of legal, profession prevail
ing In the country.
Contd. from page 1
Contd. on page 8 col. 6
wile welcomed the wife of
President Bill Clinton, who
flew in here in a special plane
from Kathmandu. The United
Hillary meets
States ambassador David N.
Contd. from page 1
Merill and his wife were pre-
sent.
Minister-in -attendance and
She is accompanied by her
State Minister for Women and
daughter Chelsea.
Children's Affairs, Begum Sar-
The American First Lady is
wari Rahman was present.
currently on a swing of live
Besides, Secretary to Presi-
Souith Asian countries.
dent Ataul Ataul Haq, Foreign
Bangladesh is the penulti-
Secretary Farook Sobhan, Mil-
mate hop of the trip.
itary Secretary to the President
A red carpet rolled down as
Major General Sardar Md Ali
the aircraft carrying the First
Hasan, US Ambassador David
Lady and others touched the
Merril. Asstt. Secretary of
VVIP terminal of the Zia
State, Ms Robin Raphel, Deputy
International Airport.
Chief of Staff Ms Melanne
State Minister for Women
Verveer were among those pre-
Affairs Begum Sarwari
sent on the occasion.
Rahman was present at the air-
port.
Two tiny tots greeted Mrs.
Clinton with bouquets and she
affectionately patted them.
Resplandent in a dark dress,
Hillary Clinton was quickly
conducted to the wiating car by
the United States security pco-
ple. The car has been specially
low in for the visit.
The Banglerdesh Times
April 2,1995
Dhaka Monday, April 3, 1995
To an Uncrowned World Empress
Zazabar Osman
Truth is life and death like light and shade:
Truth is creation and destruction like day and night:
But yet human desire never ends in diurnal life:
Man is the supreme truth of creation. and men's
Deeds reflect in the visage of unending power:
Creator happily lives in creation, and in jocund mood
Directs the worthiest creation to love the unworthy one:
The "have not" seeks the sympathy of the "Have" and
The depressed longs for the favour of the affluent.
Man and humanity are the greatest truth
In the brazen field of the earth, and the worshippers.
Of truth and beauty are the greatest friend
Of mankind and the finest creation of Almighty,
God freely moves in all hearts of the worshipper
Of truth and beauty - to serve the depressed
Humanity and suppressed populace means
To serve the greatest truth that remains
Insipid and invisible in human heart;
Man's desire means God's desire. God and man,
Man and God are in no way separable one.
0 Uncrowned world Empress move in every
Heart. move in every shed - move from west
To East. from North to South and abate the sufferings
Of the wretched and fulfill the desire of God.
One day this war-trodden world will smile
In joy with the touch of its worthiest son
And the pain of the depressed life will go on
The wane: the snow-clad fields of Siberia.
The pungent sands of Sahara and the alluvial
Land of the Far-East will leap up in mirth:
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Good conscience will prevail upon the bad one
Love of the inmates of this planet, and will have
And the pain of a thousand years' depressed
The love of the greatest power that controls
Humanity will speak in glee to a new lease
Heaven and Earth - a centre of all powers.
or life': man will embrace man forgetting
All caste and creed-that day we will hear
After completion of the works of this world, you
The song of life and humanity in all the
will go to the region of an unknown star
Discording fields of the ether and the earth.
Crores of light years away this planet,
Where deeds alone shine forgetting transience of life:
Ether finds no distinction between a man and a man
In that far off country of the invisible star, lies
In the mystery of creation. God's desire remains
No racial feuds and distinction of nations:
Insipid and unexpressed.- light haunts shade.
In that far off region. lies eternal serenity
Shade haunts light - all come by turn.
And harmony of life-ever green nature.
And all go by turn in diminishing way,
Eternal spring, sportive and dancing fairies,
But the greatest truth plays diabolic role
Walk jovially with serene lustre of democracy;
With time and etemity sitting in His golden throne.
Who render service to mankind and go there,
Shine in their own splendour, pride and glory:
0 the uncrowned world Empress. the divine
When the infinite touches, finite becomes intransient.
Soul. remember your past in dream's kingdom and
In soul's empire and set yourself to the service
One day. the obscure fields of the world will be
Or humanity: 0 be a worshipper of mankind
Illuminated with the bright light of democracy
And move from church to mosque. from temple to
And peace, and in that divine flood of light.
The Morning Sun
Pagoda and dedicate yourself to the cause of the
the fairies of the heaven will bathe and sing
Greatest cause. to the desire of the greatest desire.
The eternal song of divine life and deeds:
0 if you leave behind the truest deeds and
When soul, the king of body will eschew its den
Love mankind. you will shine in the sky
Pulse-beat will be stopped soul. the representative
Of this planet like an evening star with a
or divinity-not of caste and creed of the earth.
Serene look: the moon will smile, the sun
Will be coming again and again in various forms.
Will be eclipsed-light and shade will walk
Together, but you will move from Niagra to
If the world be burnt under the burning sun.
Nippon. from Siberia to Falkland with divine deeds
If mankind be vanished from the surface of the
And desire. love and respect for mankind:
Earth by the ever cruel behest of the ether,
You will live in rock. hill, sand, water, air and
Nothing but deeds will remain in full lustre:
Light of this earth with the Whirl of time,
If you love the soil. the air and the sky
0 be merged in the entity of eternal beauty
Of the earth, you will have the immense
And truth. and serve the truest purpose of God
Mrs Clinton's trip
Hillary Rodham Clinton's visit to Bangladesh
comes at a time when the country's women are
engaged in an uphill battle against the forces of
obscurantism. A group of elements has just
called for a ban on the activities of NGOs, and
that is a sure sign that there are people in this
society who obviously feel threatened at the
erosion of their authority. Many of the NGOs
have over the years done a remarkable job in
transforming the lives of Bangladesh's women.
That basically has been an injection of the spirit
of independence and confidence in women who,
in an earlier time, were condemned to life without
things lively.
Mrs Clinton's particular experience will be
coming to a country whose politics is dominated
by women. The hereditary bit apart, a good
measure of credit must go to the nation's prime
minister and the leader of the opposition for the
courage with which, they have restored the base
for democracy. That is the positive aspect of
societal life Hillary Clinton will observe. And yet
she must remember that not long ago, a feminist
writer was forced into exile by elements not
taking kindly to her expression of opinion. In
this country, women have been stoned in
medieval fashion. Mrs Clinton will be told the
story of Noor Jahan. If her attention holds, one
could tell her the tragic tales arising out of the
demands made by men tempted by the wealth of
their in-laws.
The wife of Bill Clinton goes beyond the mere
calling of the politically ceremonial. She has
appreciated the value of the individualistic.
Which is why her visit comes wrapped in
substance. We welcome the US first lady. More
importantly, we cheer the arrival of a person who
knows where she stands on the issues.
The Morning Sun
April 3,1995
The lady with the Message
Saved Eqbal Rezvi
The First Lady of USA Hillary
after President Clinton felt that
0 harbinger of peace. work for
Rodham Clinton now on a visit to
the US has given scant attention
one country.
Bangladesh was given a rousing
in the recent years to South Asia.
One nation and one religion-
Hillary's visit apparently is unof-
this earth is for
reception. She will be visiting a
number of development projects
ficial. yet it has been given an
One race and one religion-
official colour. She was received
of Grameen Bank and BRAC
human and humanity.
apart from other engagements.
at the ZIA international airport,
Humanity is the cardinal thing
Dhaka by the Foreign Minister A
of human race.
She will hold a reception exclu-
S M Mostafizur Rahman and his
sively for women leaders at the
In two other poems dedicated
wife.
US embassy this afternoon.
to President Clinton -Come See
About 25 distinguished women
Prof Yunus told a weekly that
and Love You and I poet
in different fields, including
Hillary will meet the borrowers of
Zazabar Osman wished that the
those engaged in social and
Grameen Bank and exchange
American President will make
views with them. She will be ac-
time to visit this impoverished
community service and NGO af-
fairs have been invited to attend
quainted with the banking activ-
country. But he says, at least
the reception. Widely known as
ities of the Bank. Being the wife
the visit of Hillary Clinton has
of the US President she is an im-
partly fulfilled his desire. He
a champion of women empow-
erment, her visit has given a new
portant person. While visiting
wished Hillary Clinton will carry
the different people-oriented and
back with her the message of
impetus to those working in the
poverty' alleviation projects of
peace, goodwill and fraternity of
field of women development and
Grameen Bank and BRAC she
the peace loving people of
children affairs. Although Hillary
holds no official position in the
will have a better idea regarding
Bangladesh and impress upon
this poverty stricken region. She
the American leader to visit
US administration, the way she
is an important personality in
Bangladesh and share the sen-
fulfils her role as the First Lady
USA by virtue of her personal ca-
timents and good wishes of the
marks a real departure. com-
ments a leading US writer re-
reer and identity. So her beliefs
toiling people of this land.
cently. According to the writer
and thoughts will definitely in-
During her visit to India Hillary
President Clinton consults her on
fluence other people of USA and
Clinton spoke to vegetable ven-
dors and embroidery workers in
political issues and trusts her as
a sweltering tent in the industrial
his closest adviser.
Hillary arrived in Dhaka from
even President Clinton. thus
Kathamndu on the fourth leg of
city of Ahmadabad organised by
commented Prof Yunus.
Self-employed Women's
a five nation South Asian tour.
The visit to Bangladesh of the
Association (SEWA). Its chief 62-
She is visiting Bangladesh at the
First Lady was welcomed by an
year old Ela Bhatt, a follower of
invitation of Prof Muhammad
eminent poet of English Zazabar
Mahatma Gandhi is trying her
Yunus. Founder-Managing
Osman. After submitting a poem
best to ensure better treatment
Director of Grameen Bank. The
dedicated to Hillary Clinton he
for the often oppressed. illiterate
rural revolution initiated by Prof
mentioned the names of his po-
women who struggle to provide
Yunus actually influenced her to
ems in which he invited
for their families. The members
make the present visit. On a visit
President Clinton to visit
of SEWA narrated to Hillary their
to the USA in January this year
Bangladesh. In his collection of
past woes and sufferings and
Prof Yunus invited the First Lady
poems "Harbinger of Peace."
how SEWA has changed their life
to visit Bangladesh and have a
published recently he called
pattern. A young women told the
personal glimpse of the different
Clinton "Harbinger of peace"
First Lady, "now they can fear-
development projects for the
Addressing the President he
lessly walk into the village
landless and poor women taken
said:
council and speak our minds
up by his Bank. It is relevant to
0 harbinger of peace, we hear
there."
point out here that the link be-
the reverberation
Hillary Clinton is visiting
tween the US President's family
Of your promise sitting far
Bangladesh at a moment when
and the Grameen Bank is more
away from you:
political confrontation is taking a
than a decade old. It was in the
Peace and prosperity walk
serious turn. There is no iota of
mid-eighties when Bill Clinton as
side by side
doubt that her visit will be a
Governor of Arkanasas invited
Like truth and beauty. War
source of encouragement to all
Prof Yunus to initiate a Grameen
and peace are like
those organisations working for
Bank Project called "Good Hope
Fire and water. War cracks
poverty alleviation and removed
Fund" in Little Rock. Later simi--.
have been
of gender discrimination from
lar other projects on Grameen
Never lauded by the wise.
this country obsessed by vile and
Bank model were introduced in
rather they are damned:
malicious propaganda of extrem-
nany other countries including
ist elements. At least Hillary will
he USA. The invitation to the
tell the women that they are
First Lady by Prof Yunus
strong, they can never be a bur-
worked. The White House then
den and can become positive
recided to take special advan-
economic components if properly
ige of Hillary's trip to the region
organised.
The Morning Sun
Hillary's help sought
Harkin Bill costs
jobs of 50 thousand
Some 50,000 child labourers
Khurshid said concept of hu-
have been retrenched from the
man rights and welfare varies in
country's garments sector follow-
developed and developing coun-
ing the introduction of Harkin's
tries. "To maintain subsistence
Bill in US Congress: without
level in our country where most
taking rehabilitation measures
people live below the poverty level
for them.
is a real human right," the trade
This was discolsed at a work-
union-leader observed.
shop in Dhaka on Sunday where
More than one crore under-
the speakers appealed to the
aged labourers work in different
authorities concerned for
sectors in Bangladesh for their
rehabilitation of the hapless
subsistence, Khurshid informed
I children. reports UNB.
the function.
The much-talked Harkin's
Only about 7,000 out of more
1 Bill, formally known as Child
than 50,000 child labourers re-
S Labour Deterrence Act 1994,
moved from garment factories
if
was introduced in early 1993 to
are getting education provided
prohibit import of commodities
jointly by the government. ILO.
0- manufactured with child labour.
UNICEF and BGMEA in Dhaka
0-
Bangladesh's burgeoning
and Chittagong he said, adding
1
garments sector, which exports
more facilities should be ex-
d
readymade garments worth
tended for the rest.
or
nearly two billion US dollars an-
The Federation President
nually-about half the volume
urged the government and inter-
te
going to the United States-has
national organisations to take
r-
freed almost all the factories
long-term rehabilitation pro-
n-
from child labour since October
gramme for the jobless children.
er
31 last year in a bid to retain the
Like Food for Education' pro-
US market. About 60,000 chil-
gramme, the government has to
ise
dren were employed in this sec-
provide Tk 700 monthly for a re-
by
tor.
trenched garment sector child
of
"The bill has been introduced
labourer for education and liveli-
IC-
for serving coterie interest ne-
hood, Khurshid said.
ct
glecting the fundamental rights
He also urged the governments
le
of children working for food and
of USA and Canada to increase
shelter." said Barrister Nazmul
their garments quota for
ne
Huda, MP, while inaugurating
Bangladesh to enhance the em-
ly
the workshop on "Child and
ployment opportunities for mil-
S,
Female Labour in the
lions of unemployed women.
r-
Development of Bangladesh and
0
Human Rights".
Law against
-
Barrister Huda, a former
e Minister for Information, hoped
Contd from Page-1
e
that visiting US First Lady
the country and the rest is in the
Hillary Rodham Clinton would
pipeline.
-
see herself the condition of chil-
The meeting discussed the in-
1 dren and women in Bangladesh
troduction of an anti-hoarding
:
and assist actively for their well-
law while Food Minister said the
being.
government was examining the
No controversy arises when
issue.
children in developed countries
A draft policy on food was also
work on holidays. But children in
discussed in the meeting.
developing nations, 'working
The meeting was also in-
merely for food, are put on dock
formed that the draft policy
and vehemently criticised. "It's
would be finalised with the
very much unfortunate." said
recommandations basing on the
Huda.
opinions of the standing commit-
Bangladesh Garments Sramik
Lee members and a "workshop to
Federation organised the work-
be held at the national level in
The Morning Sun
shop at the Engineers'
this connection.
Institution auditorium in city
The members of the committee
which was also addressed by its
including Abu Abbas MP.. MA
President Mohammad Khurshid
Matin MP and Mosharaf
Alam and Brother Jarlath D'
Hossain MP attended the meet-
Souza.
ing,
Hillary Clinton receiving Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at the American Embassy in city on
Sunday:
Poverty alleviation
Poverty
Contd from Page-1
success acclaimed
from Bangladesh in the field of
family planning Grameen Bank
and some other development
US First Lady Hillary Rodham
The US First Lady said she
models.
Clinton on Sunday acclaimed
and her husband know that
Hillary Clinton was all praise
the remarkable progress
Begum Zia's government has
for Bangladesh soldiers saying
achieved by Bangladesh in the
achieved remarkable progress in
they have been doing wonderful
fields of family planning, educa-
the fields of family planning, ed-
jobs at different peacekeeping
tion and poverty alleviation. re-
ucation, poverty eradication and
missions.
ports BSS:
other programmes.
She said she is going out of
Praising the leadership of
She/said she is happy and de-
Dhaka to get herself acquainted
Begum Zia, the US First Lady
lighted to be in Bangladesh and
with nation building activities in
said that she conveyed US
is impressed by the wonderful
the country by meeting people
President Bill Clinton's thanks to
and warm hospitality. She said
there.
the Bangladesh Prime Minister-
she was looking forward to com-
Earlier on her arrival at the
for her commendable support to
ing to Bangladesh for a long
Baridhara embassy premises.
UN peacekeeping missions
time:
the Prime Minister was received
across the world.
Mentioning that Grameen
by Hillary Clinton and US.
Hillary Clinton was making a
Bank and some other rural de-
Ambassador David N Merrill. As
brief address at a reception ac-
velopment programmes have set
Begum Zia and Hillary Clinton
corded to her by the US Embassy
an example in the developing
entered the reception lounge and
in Dhaka in the evening. Prime
countries. the US First Lady said
stood at the raised platform to
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at-
her country has much to learn
give audience to the guests the
tended the reception.
Last page col-6
US Ambassador made an intro-
ductory speech.
The US First Lady exchanged
pleasantries with the guests.
Begum Zia greeted them.
US Assistant Secretary of
The Morning Sun
State MS Robin Raphel. political
leaders, high civil and military
officials. distinguished citizens of
April 3,1995
Bangladesh and diplomats were
present at the reception.
Bangladesh has much
Bangladesh
Staff Correspondent
Contd from page 1
two countries.
Tuesday morning, Hillary is
He gave an outline of the
Hillary Rodham Clinton showered effusive praise
her entourage. landed at the ZIA at 3-10 PM.
scheduled to visit the
function of the judicial system
on Bangladesh. saying its successes in building a
Sunday was a day of all formalities for Mrs
International Centre for
and the legal profession in
free society and vibrant economy have much to
Clinton. She called on Bangladesh President
'Diarrhoeal Diseases Research,
Bangladesh.
teach the world. as she arrived in Dhaka on
Abdur Rahman Biswas. Later. she hosted a re-
Bangladesh. which has made
Hillary Clinton said she is very
Sunday to a hearty reception by her hosts.
ception where she met Prime Minister Begum
significant contribution in com-
much interested to see some of
"I have long admired the determination and cre-
Khaleda Zia and the main opposition leader
bating water-borne epidemics
the rural development projects.
ativity of the Bangladeshi people." she said in a
Sheikh Hasina - the country's most powerful
globally.
Begum Biswas. Minister-in-
written statement made available to newsmen.
women politicians.
She is also expected to meet
Attendance State Minister for
"This nation has always been a model of self-re-
Today (Monday) she will fly to Jessore in south-
the local press at the Zia
Women and Children's Affairs
liance and resilience. one whose successes in
western Bangladesh to see some rural areas where
International Airport before her
Begum Sarwari Rahman, David
building a free society and vibrant economy have
poor women have fought poverty by working along-
departure.
N Merril, US Assistant Secretary
much to teach the world." the US First Lady said.
side their menfolk. These they were able to do with
Hillary's tour is the first top-
of State Robin Raphel and
She indicated that the highlight of her two-day
the help of Grameen Bank. a rural bank which has
level visit from the United States
Deputy Chief of Staff Melanne
visit to Bangladesh was to see how the hitherto im-
accomplished an economic miracle by extending
which is showing growing Interest
Verveer were among those pre-
poverished women in the countryside had success-
credits particularly to poor women. She will also see
in South Asia, home to nearly one
sent.
fully fought poverty by working together with their
few non-formal schools run by BRAC, another and
billion people. apparently for its
menfolk to raise the standard of living.
perhaps the world's biggest, non-government or-
potentials for development.
my stay. I hope to learn more about the
ganisation.
A White House spokesman
A meeting of
special efforts being made to help women and chil-
UNB adds : She will visit communities to see first
told the press in Dhaka that
dren achieve their full potential in life." Mrs Clinton
hand how men and women are creating a "seam-
"Mrs Clinton is very excited about
2 Hillarys
said.
less" web of services as well as training, educa-
her trip to Bangladesh.
KATHMANDU, Apr 2 (Reuter):
Bangladesh Foreign Minister A S M Mustafizur
tional and economic opportunities which support,
Mrs Clinton's visit to
US first lady Hillary Rodham
Rabman and his wife welcomed Hillary Clinton
empower and nurture children and their families.
Bangladesh as well às other
Clinton today met Sir Edmund
and her daughter Chelsea at the Zia International
On her return from Jessore, Hillary will attend a
countries of the region is part of
Hillary, the first man to climb the
Airport. Two small children presented her bouquets
dinner to be hosted in the evening in her honour by
the US administration's continu--
world's highest mountain Everest
of roses.
Begum Khaleda Zia at the Prime Minister's 30
ing: effort to develop and
located in Nepal.
The 707 Boeing with stars and stripes on its tail.
Hare Road residence.
strengthen US relationships in
"She is a charming lady. I en-
the aircraft carrying the US First Lady and
Before leaving for Colombo on
Last page col-
this increasingly important part
joyed the meeting," Sir Edmund,
of the world.
a 75-year-old New Zealander,
Earlier, after her arrival in the
told Reuters.
city Mrs Clinton called on
The meeting dubbed a
President Abdur Rahman
"Hillary-meets-Hillary" encounter
Biswas at the Bangabhaban.
was Clinton's last engagement
Welcoming Mrs Clinton in
before she left the Himalayan
Bangladesh, President Biswas
kingdom for Bangladesh. the
said that her visit would further
next leg of a South Asian tour
strengthen the existing excellent
that has already taken her to
bilateral relations between the
Pakistan and India.
The Morning Sun
April 1995
The Daily Stare
April 2,1995 20f2
the same place we understand.
where five hundred years ago.
the Turkish buccaneer Bar-
barossa (red beard) command-
ing the fleet of Ottoman Sultan
Suleiman II with two thousand
men came to have a glimpse of
the most famous beauty of the
time, Giulia Gonzaga!
The Americans in the
cemeteries did not perhaps
see a Glulia Gonzaga, but they
saw peace. wrested from
Hitler's aggression. The First
Lady knows well that the peace
can very easily be lost in the
quicksand of political
bankruptcy and the quagmire
of poverty and hopelessness.
Her visit to the sub continent
will bring her face to face with
this reality.
The only superpower with
a six-and-a-half trillion dollar
GDP, America can bequeath a
permanent legacy to the world
so that the agony of Monte
Cassino of the silence of Net-
tuno do not haunt us anymore.
A Wellesley graduate and a
methodist, the First Lady has
abiding faith in the innate
goodness of human beings, its
unbounded potential. As Presi-
dent Clinton is privy to her
thought that there is always a
tomorrow with hope, we can
also learn from her that poll-
tics is the art of the possible.
An a priori condition of the
culture of democracy and civil
society Is tolerance. Didn't Ci-
cero say, one should not listen
to those who maintain that po-
lilical enemies merit bound-
less hatred?
Omphalos of the modern
day sort is it Pax Americana?
A very. hearty welcome to
Bangladesh.
The writer is former
Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy
and Switzerland and Additional
Foreign Secretary.
DA-310
CHAITRA 20, 1401
DHAKA, MONDAY, APRIL
Hillary lauds remarkable progress in poverty alleviation
US First Lady praises
Khaleda's leadership
US First Lady Hillary
accorded to her by the US cm-
country has much to learn from
speech.
Rodham Clinton Sunday ac-
bassy in Dhaka Sunday
Bangladesh in the field of fam-
The US First Lady ex-
claimed the remarkable
evening. Prime Minister Begum
fly planning, Grameen Bank
changed pleasantrics with the
progress achieved by
Khaleda Zia attended the recep-
and some other development
guests. Begum Zia greeted them.
Bangladesh in the fields of
tion.
models.
US Assistant Secretary of
family planning, education and
The US First Lady said she
Hillary Clinton was all
State Ms Robin Raphel, polits
poverty alleviation, reports
and her husband President Bill
praise for Bangladesh soldiers
cal leaders, high civil and mili-
BSS.
Clinton know that Begum Zia's
saying they have been doing
tary officials, distinguished cit-
Praising the leadership of
government has achieved re-
wonderful jobs at different
izens of Bangladesh and diplo-
Begum Zia, the US First Lady
markable progress in the fields
peacekeeping missions.
mats were présent at the recep-
said that she would like to con-
of family planning, education,
She said she is going out of
tion.
vey US President Bill Clinton's
poverty alleviation and other
Dhaka to get hersell acquainted
thanks to Prime Minister
programmes.
with nation-building activities
Khaleda Zia for her commend-
She said that she is happy
in the country by meeting peo-
able support to UN peacekeep-
and delighted to be here in
plc there.
ing missions across the world.
Bangladesh and impressed by
Earlier on her arrival at the
Hillary Clinton was making
the wonderful and warm hospi-
Baridhara embassy, the Prime
a brief address at a reception
tality. Shc said that she was
Minister was received by the US
looking forward to come to
First Lady Hillary Clinton and
Indo-Nepal talks
Bangladesh for a long time.
US ambassador David Merril.
on friendship
Mentioning that she knows
As Begum Zia and Hillary
that Grameen Bank and some
Clinton entered the reception
treaty fail
other rural development pro-
lunge and stood at the raised
grammes had set an example in
platform to give audience to the
The
the developing countries, the
guest. The US, ambassador
US First Lady said that her
made a brief introductory
3, 1995
ZILQUAD 2, 1415
121
Hillary Clinton welcomes Prime Minister Begum Khaleder Zia at the reception hosted by
the American Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday.
The Banklade
Hasina
GB ready to
exchanges
receive guest
at Moshihati
views
JHENIDAH. Apr 2 (UNB):
Opposition leader Sheikh
Grameen Bank has set up 19
Hasina exchanged greetings with
stalls in Rishiparà at Moshihati
US First Lady Hillary Clinton
village of Kaliganj thana on the
and welcomed her visit to
occasion of US First Lady Hillary
Bangladesh during a private
Rodham Clinton's visit here
conversation at a reception at
Monday-
the US Embassy on Sunday
Founder of the Bank Prof
evening, reports UNB.
Muhammad Yunus will take the
During the tete-e-tete, Hasina
distinguished guest around the
exchanged views with Hillary
area where tight security has al-
Clinton on condition of women
ready been imposed by the US
and children in Bangladesh as
secret service agents and local
well as poverty and environmen-
Special Security Force.
tal issues facing the country.
The stalls displayed products
Hillary expressed her keen in-
and activities how Grameen
terest in development of women
Bank is helping to Improve con-
and children, and protection of
ditions of the poor, particularly
human rights. The US First Lady
women and children.
also underscored the need for
The displays include rice-
setting up more schools to
Last page col.7
Last page co1-6
Hasina
GB ready
Contd from page-1
Contd from page-1
spread women education.
husking cane and bamboo
works, kantha stitching embroi-
A press release of Awami
League said Hasina told the US
dery. weaving of Jamdani saree
First Lady that they (AL) have
and grameen checks, production
of imitation Jewellery. and nurs-
been waging movement for en-
suring people's voting right in the
ery plants.
interest of democracy and politi-
A Totue-shaped bamboo bench
cal stability.
has been specially made on
which the American First Lady
In this context, Hasina men-
tioned that\ fundamental and
will sit with daughter Chelsea
and talk to the women who have
human rights were being denied
here by blocking the path for
improved their living standard
holding trial of the killers of
with help from Grameen Bank.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
During her trip to Moshihati,
wife of the US President will visit
Rahman. the press release
some houses built with Grameen
added.
Bank loans and also see the tm-
The Awami League President
hoped that Mrs. Clinton's visit
proved sanitation facilities set
here would be "pleasant and
up with assistance from the or-
fruitful". She appealed for con-
ganisation.
timued US aid and assistance to
Itinerary of the American First
Bangladesh.
Lady's day-long visit also include
Through the US First* Lady,
witnessing physical display and
cultural show presented by the
Haşina also sent her greetings
children of the families under the
and good wishes to President Bill
Clinton and invited him to visit
Grameen Bank programme.
In
Bangladesh.
Uttarpara
of
Churamankathi in Jessore dis-
Abdus Samad Azad. Tofael
Ahmed, SAMS Kibria and Abul
trict. Hillary Clinton will see the
The Morning Sun
April 3, 1995
Hassan Chowdhury also at-
functioning of a non-formal
tended the reception from Awami
school run by BRAC and the ac-
League.
tivities of Dogachhia Mukta
When contacted. SAMS Kibria
Mahila Samity project by an-
other NGO, "Bachte Shekha"
said Hasina's discussion with
Hillary seemed to have been
(Learning to Live).
Mrs Clinton will also be ap-
"very cordial".
prised of the governthent's "Food
for Education" and the Girls'
Stipend programmes during her
visit to Baliadanga in
Panchbaria of Jessore.
Rural development programmes termed models
US has much to learn
Hillary
By Staff Correspondent
US First Lady Hillary Rod-
ham Clinton has said the rural
development programmes of
Bangladesh are models for
developing countries.
The United States has
much to learn from Bangladesh
about family planning. the Gra-
meen Bank and other develo-
pment models. said President
Bill Clinton's wife. who arrived
in Dhaka yesterday on a three-
day visit.
Mrs Clinton also conveyed
her husband's thanks for
Dhaka's support to United
See also Page 9
Nations peacekeeping mis-
sions across the world. She
was all praise for Bangladesh
soldiers doing duty under UN
peacekeeping operations.
Hillary Clinton was speaking
at a reception in the city
hosted by the US Ambassador
at his Baridhara residence.
which was also attended by
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda
Zia.
Mrs Clinton also said she
and her husband knew that
Begum Zia's government had
achieved remarkable progress
in the fields of family planning.
education. poverty alleviation
and many other programmes.
US Assistant Secretary of
State Ms Robin Raphel. politi-
cians. high civil and military
officials. diplomats and mem-
bers of the elite attended the
reception late in the afternoon.
Earlier. soon after her ar-
rival. Mrs Clinton called on
President Abdur Rahman
Biswas at the Bangabhaban in
the afternoon.
Welcoming her. President
Biswas expressed the hope
that her visit would further
strengthen the excellent
bonds between Dhaka and
Washington.
Giving an outline of the
Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter Chelsea at the Zia International Airport on their
country judicial system. the
arrival on a three-day visit vesterday.
- Star photo
See Page 12 Col 3
The Daily Star
page 1 of 2 April 3,1995
Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomes Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at the reception
hosted by the American Embassy in Dhaka yesterday to mark the visit of the US First Lady.
- PID photo
US has much to learn : Hillary
From Page 1
President told the US First
Rahman was present during
touched down at the Zia
Lady that there is rule of law in
the audience with the Pre-
International Airport at 3:10
the country and democratic
sident.
yesterday alternoon.
institutions are functioning.
Today. Mrs Clinton and
Foreign Minister A S M
The President also appreci-
members of her entourage
Mostafizur Rahman and Mrs
ated the role of the NGOs in
have a busy schedule. They will
Rahman greeted the US First
supplementing government ef-
leave early this morning for
Lady at the gangway.
forts to alleviate poverty and
Moishahati. in Kaliganj thana of
A red carpet was rolled out
expand mass literacy.
Jessore district. to see a
at the VVIP terminal for the
Mrs Clinton. herself an ac-
Grameen Bank project.
distinguished guest. who ar-
complished lawyer. discussed
She will also visit a non-
rived on the fourth leg of her
the prospects for the profes-
formal school run by the
five-nation South Asian swing.
sion in Bangladesh with the
Bangladesh Rural Advancement
On arrival. Mrs Clinton ex-
President. She said the United
Committee (BRAC) at Uttar-
pressed her admiration for the
States is keenly observing the
para of Churamankathiand a
Bangladeshi people and lauded
women's development progra-
them as a model for self-re-
development of Bangladesh
through the democratic pro-
mme of Banchte Shekha. an
liance and resilience.
NGO. at Dogachia of the
She would learn more about
cess. She also said that she was
interested to see quite a few
district.
special efforts being made to
rural development projects
She will also witness a joint
help women and children
during her short trip with a
exercise by contingents of the
achieve their full potential. the
view to getting fresh Ideas to
US and Bangladesh Air Force
US First Lady said in a state-
help the poorer section of the
at the BAF Base in Jessore.
ment issued upon her arrival.
Arrival
State Minister for Women
American society.
Minister-in-attendance and
Affairs Begum Sarwari Rahman
State Minister for Women and
Earlier. Hillary Clinton and
Foreign Secretary Faroog
Children Affairs Begum Sarwari
her daughter Chelsea were
Sobhan. US Ambassador in
given a warm welcome when a
Dhaka David N Merrill and Mrs
special US Air Force plane
Darlene Merrill were also pre
sent at the airport.
Two little children pre-
sented Hillary and Chelsea
The Daily Stan
Clinton with bouquets on the
tarmac after being introduced
page 20f2
to the line o! presentees.
Shortly alterwards. Hillary
April 1995
Clinton usded n special
limousine guarded by securi-
tymen which took her in the
Sonargaon Hotel where -he
vill
Hasina exchanges
pieasantries with
Mrs Clinton
Awain League chef Sherkh
Hasma exchanged greetings
with us First Lady Hillarv
Clinton and welcome her visit
to Bangladesh during a private
conversation at a reception at
the US Embassy yesterday
evening. reports UNB.
During the 10-minute tete-
e-tete. Hasina exchanged views
with Hillary Clinton on the
condition of women and chil-
dren in Bangladesh. as well as
poverty and environmental is-
sues facing the country.
Hillary meets
The Awami League presi-
dent hoped that Mrs Clinton's
visit here would be "pleasant
Hillary
and fruitful." Hasina. through
KATHMANDU. Apr 2: US
See Page 12 Col 3
First Lady Hillary Rodham
Clinton today met Sir Edmund
Hillary. the first man to climb
Hasina-Hillary
the world's highest mountain
the Everest located in Nepal.
From Page 1
"She is a charming lady. I
the US First Lady. also sent
enjoyed the meeting." Sir
her greetings and good wishes
Edmund. a 75-year-old New
Reception at
Zealander. told Reuters.
President Bill Clinton.
US Embassy
AL leaders Abdus Samad
The meeting dubbed a
Azad, Tofael Ahmed. S A M S
"Hillary-meets-Hillary" en-
The visiting US First Lady.
counter was Clinton's last en-
Hillary Rodham Clinton. held.a
Kibria and Abul Hassan Chow-
gagement before she left the
reception at the American
dhury also attended the re-
ception.
Himalayan kingdom for Bang-
Embassy at Baridhara in the
ladesh. the next leg of a South
city yesterday evening. reports
When contacted. SAMS
Kibria said Hasina's discussion
Asian tour that has already
UNB.
taken her to Pakistan and
It was attended by Prime
with Hillary seemed to have
India.
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia
been very cordial.
Clinton returned from a
and some of her cabinet col-
jungle safari weekend in
leagues. and opposition leaders
Nepal's foothill forests to meet
- Awami League president
the man who scaled the 8,848-
Sheikh Hasina. Jatiya Party
metre (29.028 feet) Everest in
leader Barrister Moudud
1953 with Nepal's Tenzing
Ahmed and Jamaat-e-Islami
Norgay Sherpa.
leader Matiur Rahman Nizami.
June Hillary. the mounta-
US Ambassador in Dhaka
ineer's wife. presented Clinton
David N Merrill. Mrs Darlene
with a book on Sagarmata. a
Merrill and senior diplomats of
local name for the Everest.
the mission were also present.
Her husband now runs a
Mrs Clinton greeted each of
trust that does work to help
the guests who also included
the Sherpa community. the
representatives of leading
famed Himalayan porters and
NGOs. women organisations.
shepherds. in the district
bureaucrats. journalists and
where the Everest is located.
the elite.
The Dally Star
April 1995
DAILY NEWS. TUESDAY APRIL 04, 1995
Hillary Clinton
(Contd. from page 1)
Kumaratunga at Tem-
India, Bangladesh and
ple Trees.
Nepal. She will be ac-
She will visit the
companied by her
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vi-
daughter Chelsea, Assis-
haraya and the 'Samata
tant Secretary of State
Sarana' Home tomorrow
for South Asian Affairs
before leaving the island.
Robin Raphel and
She is also expected to
several other senior of-
meet many prominent
ficials.
Lankan women during
Elaborate security
her stay here.
arrangements have been
Mrs.Clinton is on the
made for her visit by the
last leg of a South Asian
U.S.Secret Service in
tour which has already
collaboration with the
taken her to Pakistan,
Sri Lankan police.
US First Lady Hillary Clinton walks with Nepalese
Queen Alsshwarya upon her arrival in Katmandu
March 31. Mrs. Clinton's arrival in Nepal marked
the third country in her 12-day goodwill tour
through south Asia.(Reuter)
Page 8
US First Lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea were greeted by the children of Mashihati village in
Jhenidah where they went to acquaint themselves with the grassroots level operation of Grameen Bank on
Monday. Founder of the widely acclaimed NGO Prof. M. Yunus is also seen among the children-Times.
Times
Hpr 3,1995
Hillary Clinton talking with Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia before the dinner
hosted by the Prime Minister at her Hare Road office in honour of the US First Lady
on Monday.
Hillary visits NGO projects in Jessore
US to give aid for spread
of female education
PANCHBARIA (Jessore), Apr
fit.
moved from Arkansas state to
3 : The visiting US First Lady
She moved from one class of
the White House when Mr Bill
Ms Hillary Rodham Clinton
the school to another and
Clinton became President of
disclosed here today that the
talked freely with the students.
United States had a plan to ex-
the United States. She also
Later, Ms Clinton together
tend Assistance to Bangladesh
with her daughter Chelsea went
shared her experiences of the
to spread female education.
visits to other South Asian
to the adjoining Panchbaria
Talking to BSS Ms Clinton.
countries like India, Pakistan
Secondary Girls High School
expressed her satisfaction over
and Nepal with the students of
and spent sometime with the
the level of awareness of
the school.
students of Class VII. She also
women in Bangladesh.
introduced her daughter, a
Then Ms Clinton on her way
Earlier, Ms Clinton was
to Dhaka drove in a motorcade
tenth grader. to the students of
greeted by thousands of people
the class.
to the airport where she posed
of the adjoining villages as she
In her introductory remarks
for group photographs with
entered the premise of Panch-
Bangladeshi and US Airforce
she said, showing the world
baria-Balidanga Government
Crew.
map, "I have come all the way
Primary School.
Ms. Clinton and their
from our country to acquaint
State Minister for Women
daughter Chelsea were seen off
myself better with your condi-
and Children Affairs Ms Sar-
at the Jessore airport by Chief
tion and enhance my experi-
wari Rahman and Secretary
of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal
ences about your country. She
Primary and Mass Education
Altaf Hùssain Chowdhury, se-
wanted to know from the stu-
Division Kazi Rakibuddin
nior civil and military offi-
dents the subjects taught in
Ahmed received the US First
cials.
their classes. Some of the stu-
Lady at the school gate. As Ms
MASHIHATI VILLAGE
dents promptly replied to the
Clinton entered the St hool
According to another re-
where Food-for-Education I'l
queries of the US First Lady.
ports It was Indeed a memo
gramme had been introduced
She frankly narrated her
last year, students welcomed
experiences how their family
her with physical training dis
play and songs.
Ms Sarwari 'Rahman and
Kazi Rakibuddin briefed Ms
Clinton about the favourable
Bangladesh Times
impact of the food-for-educa-
tion programme to reduce
dropouts and increase enrol-
April 1995
ment in primary schools. She
10f 2
was told that a family having
two school-going children and
belonging to underprivilleged
sections of society are given 20
kg wheat a month while a fam-
ily with one school-going child
is given 15 kg wheat a month
out of a total of 387 students of
US to give aid for spread
Contd. from page 1
we are proud of Chelsea."
students had their lessons
Referring to observations of
simultaneously with time for
rable experience for the people
one of the members Ms Clinton
fun. singing, dancing. acting
of this remote village, 20 miles
said she would convey her invi-
and games.
from Jessore, as the US First
tation to President Bill Clinton
Ms. Clinton had words of
Lady Ms. Hillary Rodham
to visit Bangladesh at his con-
praise for the performance of
Clinton visited them
venient time.
the programme of BRAC. Mr
Mashihati, Jhenidah today.
Ms. Clinton showed interest
Abcd presented Ms. Clinton
Ms Clinton together with
in some of the products
with a video cassette on the
her daughter Chelsea spent
displayed in stalls under a
school programme.
more than an hour in the sultry
beautiful thatched roof. All the
CWFP CLINIC
Chaitra with the otherwise ne-
glected people of this quiet vil-
products put on display in 18
Later, Ms. Clinton walked
stalls were manufactured by
lage to better acquaint hereself
through the "Kutcha" road
members of the Bank. The
braving scorching heat to visit
with the grassroot operations
of the country's Grameen Bank.
products included jamdani
a satellite clinic run by
saree, bamboo and cane
Prof M Yunus who' is the
Concerned Women for Family
furniture, brass wares, etc. One
founder of the widely acclaimed
Planning (CWFP) in the same
of the Gramcen members
NGO, received Ms. Clinton and
village.
showed her the technique to
As she was walking with her
introduced her to the members
wear a saree. She was given
daughter the people of the
of the bank.
Earlier, minor children be-
some local products as gifts.
village gathered on both sides
longing to the village greeted
Narrating experiences to
of the road to have a glimpse of
become a Grameen Bank
the US First Lady. She waved to
Ms. Clinton heartily with songs
member Ms Najma said. "Some
the people smilingly.
and physical training (PT) dis-
well-to-do members of society
Executive Director of CWFP
play. She was visibly impressed
with the performance of the
discouraged me to become a
welcoming Ms Clinton to the
member. They wanted us to be
clinic premises narrated
tiny tots and exchanged greet-
ings with them. She was thank-
permanently dependent living
different aspects of ongoing and
on their left-overs." She said,
ful to the villagers for their
perspective programmes. She
"Association with the Bank has
said CWFP was responsible for
long wait for her. Minister in
given me a new identity and
distributing contraceptives to
waiting Ms. Sarwari Rahman,
made me self-reliant in
women and providing health
who is State Minister in charge
society. She boastfully
and nutrition education
of Women and Children Affairs,
recalled her experiences when
services to mothers and
was present. As her motorcade
members of such families were
children.
drove from airport to the
seeking their cooperation. Ms.
She further informed Ms.
village hundreds of people
Najma has another identity as
Clinton that CWFP was
greeted her waving hands from
a member of the Union
operating 22 project sites
both sides of the rohd.,
Parishad. She was informed
covering a total of about 3.4
Deputy Head of Mission of
that dowry practice and divorce
million population.
US Embassy James Nach and a
rate had gone down In the arca.
BSS adds the us
White House press team were
During the course of free and
Bangladesh Joint training
among others who accompa-
frank exchange of views with
programme designed to
nied the US First Lady.
the members of Grameen Bank
enhance the knowledge and
Talking freely with some of
Ms Clinton said." Today you
capabilities of Bangladesh Air
the members of Grameen Bank
have learnt how to take
Force personnel in acromedical
Ms. Clinton said, "I have heard
collective decision. It will take
operation for mass cvacuation
about the bank 10 years before.
you a long way," she observed.
during natural disaster is in
Now I have come to learn from
As Ms Clinton entered the
progress at the BAF Base,
you how the bank has benefit-
venue of the stalls tiny tots
Matiur Rahman here according
ted you to become self-relaint
received her singing gambhira,
to an ISPR press release.
in society."
jari and other folk songs
A joint team of experts from
Ms. Shefali, S Ambia and
reflecting the cultural heritage
the United States Air Force and
Ms. Rina narrated their stories
of rural Bangladesh.
the Bangladesh Air Force along
to the visiting US First Lady
BRAC SCHOOL
with their aircraft and
how they have been benefitted
According to another report
helicopters are taking part in
becoming associated with the
from Churamankathi, Jessore,
he programme.
Grameen Bank. Rina who is
it was a pleasant surprise for
chairman of a group said with
the children of BRAC school
confidence," before becoming
when the US First Lady Ms
Grameen Bank member I was a
Hillary Clinton with her
pauper. Today I have a house, a
daughter Chelsca visited them,
few head of cattle and poultry
here today.
birds. I also send my children
The children and local
to school and follow the disci-
people greeted them heartily by
plines of the bank."
clappings and singing.
She dwelt at length the long
As she entered the school
story of the gradual enhance-
premises BRAC Executive
ment of the ceiling of Grameen
Dircetor Fazle llasan Abed
Loan with the improvement of
received her.
her financial condition.
He briefed her how the
Ms Clinton also replied to
programme of Non-Formal
some of the queries of the
Primary Education (NFE)
Gramcen Bank members.
introduced by BRAC had been
In reply to one of the ques-
started with 22 schools in 1985.
tions she said," I have started
The number of such schools
Bangladesh Times
earning since I was 13. Some-
today is 29 thousand covering
times my income exceeded the
55 out of 64 administrative
Apr.3,1995 3,
income of my husband. I have
districts of the country.
stopped earning since moving
Mamata Rani Biswas, a
2 of 2
to the White House when my
teacher of the school narrated
husband became the President."
to the US First Lady the
Responding to another
functioning of the school.
question she said, "I wish I
Replying to Ms Clinton's query
could have one or two more
Mamata said the school timing
children. But we are so happy
was flexible suiting the needs of
with our daughter that we
the children in their families.
thought of taking no more child
She was further informed that
Water withdrawal causes environmental damage : Khaleda
Hillary all praise for Food
for Education programme
Visiting US First Lady Mrs
Zia at 30, Hare Road just before
Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister A S M
Hillary Rodham Clinton
attending the dinner given in
The US journalists, she
Mustafizur Rahman, US
Monday highly appreciated
her honour by Begum Zia:
said, would convey the mes-
Assistant Secretary of State
Bangladesh's Food for
Prime Minister Begum
sages of achievements and ex-
Robin Raphel, Principal
Education Programme terming
Khaleda Zia welcomed Mrs
cellent work being donc by the
Secretary to the Prime Minister
it as a unique venture, reports
Clinton when she along with
Bangladeshis in various fields
ANM Eusuf, Foreign Secretary
BSS.
her daughter Chelsea reached at
to the American people to better
Farooq Sobhan and US
"I do not know whether such
6:45 pm at Hare Road to attend
understand the aspirations of
Ambassador in Bangladesh
an excellent programme exists
the dinner.
the people of Bangladesh.
David N Merril were present.
in anywhere in the world," Mrs
During the talks, the US
Prime Minister Begum
After the talks, the Prime
Clinton said while narrating
First Lady, said that she was
Khaleda Zia briefly apprised
Minister introduced Mrs
her experience to Prime
impressed with all the pro-
Mrs Clinton her government's
Clinton with the guests at the
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia
grammes she saw in Dhaka and
socio-economic development
dinner. Political leaders,
after visiting a number of so-
Jessore. She was particularly
activities for the benefit of the
diplomats, and representatives
cio-economic development
enthusiastic about the Food for
people.
from different professional
projects.
Education Programme as she
Begum Zia said food produc-
bodies attended the dinner.
She had a meeting with
believed the venture would be
tion could have been even better
Mrs Clinton witnessed a
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda
very effective in spreading lit-
had there been no shortage of
cultural show after dinner.
cracy among the rural masses.
water and prevalence of
The US First Lady lauded
drought condition in the north-
the cooperation existing be-
ern parts of Bangladesh.
tween the government and non-
The Prime Minister said
government organisations,
there had been serious envi-
saying they were supplementing
ronmental damages caused due
each others' efforts in various
to diversion of water during the
socio-economic development
dry scason from the upstrcams
projects.
of international rivers. It was
Expressing her happiness
important, Begum Zia said, to
over the scenic beauty and
solve this problem.
landscopes of Bangladesh Mrs
Ms Clinton expressed the
Clinton said that she was im-
hope that this problem would
pressed to see the excellent use
be solved by Bangladesh and its
of the land under cultivation in
neighbour through discussions.
the countryside.
Ms. Hillary also com-
The US First Lady said the
mended participation of
US journalists accompanying
Bangladesh's armed forces in
her had widened their experi-
the UN peace koeping forces In
ence by what they saw today in
various parts of the world.
Hasina fails to
Hasina fails to
Contd. from page 1
have private
not eager about political
matters.
meeting with
According to another
source, after the US Embassy
Hillary
expressed its inability
regarding the matter Awami
Awami League Chief Sheikh
League made contacts with US
Hasina's efforts for a private
Assistant Secretary of State
meeting with the visiting US
Robin Raphel, who is also
First Lady Hillary Clinton
travelling with Ilillary
failed, it has been learnt from
Clinton, for a private meeting
reliable sources, says Media
for only five minutes but she
Syndicate.
also expressed her Inability to
According to sources.
keep the request.
Awami League tried its utmost
Enraged Awami League chief
to arrange a private meeting
Sheikh Hasina informed the
between Sheikh Hasina and
US embassy that she would not
Hillary Clinton but US
be attending the reception
Embassy officials informed
arranged by the Embassy. The
them that they were unable to
US Embassy left embarrassed
do anything in this regard.
at this and made special
They were told that the US First
requests to her to attend the
Lady was visiting Bangladesh
reception. Sheikh Hasina then
Bangladesh Times
at the invitation of Prime
agreed to attend the reception
Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to
on condition that she would do
observe the condition of women
SQ after Prime Minister Begum
and children in the country and
Khaleda Zia had left the venue.
also the progress achieved in
Accordingly she attended the
rural areas. and that she was
reception arranged by the US
Contd. on page 8 col. 5
Embassy Sunday and talked to
Hillary Clinton for a few
minutes.
THE BANGLADESH OBSERVER
DHAKA TUESDAY APRIL 4 1995
Welcome To Hillary
In Bangladesh
Amid the warmest welcome of the people, US First Lady
Literary giants like Swift have long been dead and buried. But
Hillary Rodham Clinton arrived in Dhaka Sunday. This is the first
the social problem of poverty with the newly created Irelands across
ever visit to Bangladesh of an American First Lady. Behind the
the third world remains. These lots of women and Children stay at
hilarious warmth with which she has been received in Bangladesh is,
the centre of social development in these poverty-ridden parts of the
in the main, the fact that she somehow remains almost naturally
world. South East Asia including Bangladesh is the most representa-
identified with this country because, chiefly, of her interest in
tive part of the region-and the problem. In concrete terms the
children and women, or children and their mothers.
problems in the main are: literacy, health care and the decay and
And we can assure her she will see quite a few of them (to use an
death that follows from hunger and undernourishment and so on. It
uncharacteristic Bangladeshi understatement). So many of them
affects nearly 80% of the populations-only to indicate in passing
indeed will come her way, not wholly literally, because she would be
the actual size of the problem, besides the potential.
moving along roads and in transports that will keep her away from
The ironic part of the scene is that national governments are,
the actual (physical) human landscape represented by those in whom
either from misconceived notions of development, inadequacy of
she is so profoundly interested-women and children.
resources, used* as an excuse, or) simple lack of interest in the
The human scene will be seen replicated nearly all over the
grass-roots welfare problems of the nation, have been found less
South Asian region she has planned to tour-India, Pakistan, Nepal,
than interested in overcoming the problem, the Copenhagen summit
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It wears about the same features to be
and the declaration in which it has urged national governments to do
attractive to those whose feelings for these twin classes of humans
at least 20% of their spending on poverty notwithstanding.
are genuine. And we state with a real sense of pride that Mrs
It is in such facts that Mrs Hillary will discover her area of action
Hillary's are immaculately so, for it has been an integral part not
-beyond those of her noble theoretic ones. The great thing about
only of her social interests but of her academic ones too. She has
the honoured visiting US First Lady is that at least here is a lady,
allowed them to grow with her, which is what has drawn her so close
holding a high socio-political position, interested, beyond question,
to the people of this country.
in a real third world problem. She could, if she willed, do a lot to
We feel tempted not to leave off and indulge in the generalities
make the aid receiving 3rd world countries abide by conditions set by
of welcome to our honoured guest. We instead are trying to add
giver countries: the main one would be-yes, a string attached to
some fuel to the flames, (if that is the phrase to use). The flame is
it-that top priority would be given to poverty alleviation in these
her warm interest in the welfare of children and women, and the fuel
countries, with tangible results in this respect for eligibility for
we are trying to provide is to place before her the reality of children
continued aid.
and women's problems in Bangladesh. To' prevent that almost
In a word, social development in these S. Asian countries, is so
effortlessly translating into a cliche, we would point out, in a
great a problem that laverages like this need to be used by the World
nutshell, that this is a gigantic third world problem, and one as big, if
Bank, IMF and the donor countries. Mrs Hillary Clinton as the First
not bigger, for Bangladesh.
Lady of America could help a lot in this matter. This we say because
We appreciate deeply her interest in Mr Yunus' Grameen Bank
we believe she means serious business in respect of welfare of
and his idea of welfare for women (plus children) as part of a plan to
women and children.
alleviate poverty. It is working well and, we hope, if allowed to
operate as it has started to do, it could do a lot to provide rélief.
Yet, we do not pretend to accept that this will more than scratch
the problem of poverty-or, for that matter, of children and mothers
in this country. If, even so much may have been done or is being
planned (in theory), so much inevitably remains as the greatest
challenge to Afro-Asian LDCs (least developed countries). Bang-
ladesh, like eighteenth century Ireland. is one of them with her
women and children. Of Irish poverty Jonathan Swift has drawn a
lurid picture in his classic performance. as the greatest ironist in
literature in his Modest Proposal. We have no Bangladeshi edition
of Swift, nor has S. Asia.
US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton talking to the members of Grameen Bank during her visit of Grameen Bank
activity at village Mashihati in Jhenaida district on Monday. She is flanked by her daughter Chelsea and Grameen
Bank Managing Director Dr. Mohammad Yunus.
The Bangladesh Obsener
1995
Hillary impressed with Grameen Bank
MASHIHATI (Jhenidah). Apr.
improvement of her financial condi-
of the stalls tiny tots received her
3:-1t was indeed a memorable ex-
tion.
singing Gambhira. Jari and other
perience for the people of this re-
Ms. Clinton also replied to some of
folk songs reflecting the cultural
mote village, 20 miles from Jessore.
the queries of the Grameen Bank
heritage of rural Bangladesh.
as the US First Lady Ms. Hillary
members.
Rodham Clinton visited them here
In reply to one of the questions she
Visits BRAC school
Hillary
today, reports BSS.
said, "I have started earning since I
It was a pleasant surprise for the
Ms. Clinton together with her
was 13. Sometimes my income ex-
children of BRAC school when the
From Page 1 Col. 4
daughter Chelsea spent more than an
ceeded the income of my husband. I
US First Lady Ms. Hillary Clinton
It was important, Begum Zia said,
hour in the sultry Chaitra with the
have stopped carning since moving
with her daughter Chelsea visited
to solve this problems.
otherwise neglected people of this
to the White House when!my hus-
them here today.
Ms Clinton expressed the hope
quiet village to better acquaint her-
band became the President".
The children and local people
that this problem would be solved by
self with the grassroot operations of
Responding to another question
greeted them heartily by clappings
Bangladesh and its neighbour
the country's Grameen Bank.
she said, "I wish I could have one or
and singing.
through discussions.
Prof. M. Yunus. who is the found-
two more children. But we are so
As she entered the school premises
Ms Hillary also commended parti-
er of the widely acclaimed NGO,
happy with our daughter that we
BRAC Executive Director Fazle
cipation of Bangladesh's armed
received Ms. Clinton and introduced
thought of taking no more child
Hasan Abcd received her.
forces in the UN peace keeping
her to the members of the bank.
We are proud of Chcisea".
He briefed her how the program-
forces in various parts of the-world.
Earlier, minor children belonging
Referring to observations of one of
me of Non-Formal Primary Educa-
Foreign Minister ASM Mustafizur
to the village greeted Ms. Clinton
the members Ms. Clinton said she
tion (NFE) introduced by BRAC
Rahman. US. Assistant Secretary of
heartily with songs and physical
would convey her invitation to Presi-
had been started with 22 schools in
State Robin Raphel, Principal
training (PT) display. She was visibly
dent Bill Clinton to visit Bangladesh
1985. The number of such schools
Secretary to the Prime Minister
impressed with the performance of
at his convenient time.
today is 29 thousand covering 55 out
A.N.M. Eusuf, Foreign Secretary
the tiny tots and exchanged greetings
Ms. Clinton showed interest in
of 64 administrative districts of the
Farooq Sobhan and US Ambassador
with them. She was thankful to the
some of the products displayed in
country.
in Bangladesh David N Merril were
villagers for their long wait for her.
stalls under a beautiful thatched
Mamta Rani Biswas, a teacher of
present.
Minister in waiting Ms. Sarwari Rah-
roof. All the products put on display
the school narrated to the US First
After the talks, the Prime Minister
man, who is State Minister in charge
in 18 stalls were manufactured by
Lady the functioning of the school,
introduced Ms Clinton with the
of Women and Children Affairs, was
members of the bank. The products
Replying to Ms. Clinton's query
guests at the dinner. Political lead-
present as her motorcade drove from
included Jamdani saree, bamboo and
Mamata said the school timing was
ers, diplomats, and representatives
airport to the village, Hundreds of
cane furniture, brass wares etc. One
flexible suiting the needs of the
from different professional bodies
people greeted her waving hands
of the Grameen members showed
children in their families.
attended the dinner.
from both sides of the road.
her the technique to wear a saree.
Ms. Clinton had words of praise
Ms Clinton withnessed a cultural
Deputy head of mission of US
She was given some local products as
for the performance of the program-
show after dinner.
embassy James Nach and a White
gifts.
me of BRAC. Mr. Abed presented
House Press team were among
Narrating experience to become a
Ms. Clinton with a video cassette on
others who accompanied the US
Grameen Bank member Ms. Najma
the school programme.
First Lady.
said, "some well-to-do members of
Later, Ms. Clinton walked through
Talking freely with some of the
society discouraged me to become a
the "Kutcha" road braving scorching
members of Grameen Bank Ms.
member. They wanted us to be per-
heat to visit a satellite clinic run by
Clinton said, "I have heard about the
manently dependent living on their
Concerned Women for Family Plan-
bank 10 years before. Now I have
left-overs". She said, "association
ning (CWFP) in the same village.
come to learn from you how the bank
with the bank has given me a new
As she was walking with her
has benefited you to become self-
identity and made me self-reliant in
daughter the people of the village
reliant in society".
society". She boastfully recalled her
gathered on both sides of the road to
Ms. Shefali. S. Ambia and Ms.
experiences when members of such
have a glimpse of the US First Lady.
Rina narrated their stories to the
families were seeking their coopera-
She waved to the people smilingly.
visiting US First Lady how they have
tion. Ms. Najma has another identity
Executive Director of CWFP wel-
béen benefited becoming associated
as a member of the Union Parishad.
coming Ms. Clinton to the clinic
with the Grameen Bank. Rina, who
She was informed that dowry prac-
premises narrated different aspects
is chairman of a group said with
tice and divorce rate had gone down
of ongoing and perspective program-
confidence, "before becoming Gra-
in the area.
mes. She said CWFP was responsible
meen Bank member I was a pauper.
During the course of free and
for distributing contraceptives to
Today I have a house. a few head of
frank exchange of views with the
women and providing health and
cattle and poultry birds. I also send
members of Grameen Bank Ms.
nutrition education services to
my children to school and follow the
Clinton said, "today you have learnt
mothers and children.
disciplines of the bank".
how to take collective decisions. It
She further informed Ms. Clinton
She dwelt at length the long story
will take you a long way". she
that CWFP was operating 22 project
of the gradual enhancement of the
observed.
sites covering a total of about 1.4
ceiling of Grameen loan with the'
As Ms. Clinton entered the venue,
million population.
The Bangla observese
April411995
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia receiving Hillary Rodham Clinton at the dinner hosted by her
in honour of the US First Lady at the PM's Hare Road office on Monday.
Food for education
PM's dinner for US First Lady
Contd from Page-1
was. received by the Prime
had widened their knowledge
Minister and together they gave
Food for education
about Bangladesh and were
some time to the photographers
moved by the excellent works
for a picture session.
being done by Banbgladeshi
Attired in black skirt and light
people.
green tops, the First Lady also
a unique project
She said she was also im-
had a multi-coloured scarf
pressed while flying over the
around her shoulders. The Prime
countryside. "I saw excellent
Minister was wearing a light yel-
US First Lady Hillary Rodham
the US First Lady.
land and cultivation here."
low sarec.
Clinton on Monday lauded vari-
The US First Lady said she
Briefing the US First Lady on
After the talks, the Prime
ous development efforts in
was very much impressed by the
her government's development
Minister took the US First Lady
Bangladesh, especially the gov-
ongoing development pro-
programmes, Begum Zia said the
to an open ai dinner party, at-
ernment's Food for Education
grammes in Bangladesh and
country's food production would
tended by Ministers, MPs, diplo-
Programme. reports UNB.
called the cooperation-between
have been better had there been
mats, politicians, vice-chancel-
"How did the project begin? I
the government and NGOs as ex-
no scarcity of water caused by
lors of different universities. rep-
don't believe there is any such
cellent.
drought in the northern part of
resentatives of various profes-
programme in the world." an of-
She acclaimed the perfor-
the country.
sions. and senior civil and mili-
ficial quoted Hillary Clinton as
mance of the Bangladesh Army
She said the country had also
tary officials.
saying during a meeting with
as UN peacekeepers and ex-
experienced serious environmen-
The Prime Minister introduced
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda
pressed her happiness over the
tal degradation due to unilateral
the guests to the US First Lady.
Zia.
cooperative relations between
withdrawal of water upstream
Begum Zia. Hillary Clinton,
Clinton had 15 minutes of
Bangladesh Air Force and the US
during the dry season. "It is very
Foreign Minister ASM Mostafizur
The with the Prime Minister a:
Army.
important to resolve the prob-
Rahman. Dr Kamal Hossain,
her Hare Road office from 6.45
Hillary Clinton said the US
Prof Mohammad Yunus and US
nm before joining a dinner
journalists accompanying her
e US First Lady hoped that
Ambassador in Dhaka David N
equm Zia hosted in honour of
Last
the water problem would be re-
Merrill shared the same table at
solved by Bangladesh and her
the dinner.
neighbour.
Later. the US First Lady en'
Earlier on her arrival at the
joyed a musical soiree presented
lare Road office. Hillary Clinton
by noted artistes of the country.
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Water issue to be solved
thru talks, hopes Hillary
Visiting US first Lady Ms Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday highly
widened their experience by what they saw in Bangladesh.
appreciated Bangladesh's food for education programme terming it as
The US journalists. she said. would convey the messages of
1 unique venture. reports BSS.
achievements and excellent work being done by the Bangladeshis in
1 do not know whether such an excellent programme exists in
various fields to the American people to better understand the
anvwhere in the world." Ms Clinton said while narrating her
aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Begum
experience to Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia after visiting a
Khaleda Zia briefly apprised Ms Clinton her government's socio-
number of socio-economic development projects yesterday.
economic development activities for the benefit of the people.
She had meeting with Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at 30.
Begum Zia said food production could have been even better had
Hare Road last night. just before attending the dinner given in her
there been no shortage of water and prevalence of drought condition
nonour by Begum Zia.
in the northern parts of Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia welcomed Mrs Clinton when
The Prime Minister said there had been serious environmental
she along with her daughter Chelsea reached at 6:45 PM at Hare
damages caused due to diversion of water during the dry season from
Road to attend the dinner.
the upstreams international rivers. It was important. Begum Zia said.
During the talks. the US First Lady. said that she was impressed
to solve this problem.
with all the programmes she saw yesterday in Dhaka and Jessore.
Ms Clinton expressed the hope that this problem would be solved
She was particularly enthusiastie about the food for education
by Bangladesh and its neighbour through discussions.
programme as she believed the venture would be very effective in
Ms. Hillary also commended participation of Bangladesh's armed
spreading literacy among the rural masses.
forces in the UN peace keeping forces in various parts of the world.
The US first lady lauded the cooperation existing between the
Foreign Minister ASM Mostafizur Rahman. US Assistant Secretary
government and non-government organisations. saying they were
of State Robin Raphel. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
supplementing each others' efforts in various socio-economic
A.N.M. Eusuf. Foreign Secretary Farooq Sobhan and US Ambassador
development projects.
in Bangladesh David N Merrill were present.
Expressing her happiness over the scenic beauty and landscapes
After the talks. the Prime Minister introduced Ms Clinton with the
of Bangladesh. Ms Clinton said that she was impressed to see the
guests at the dinner. Political leaders. diplomats. and representatives
New Nation (Independent)
excellent use of the land under cultivation in the countryside.
from different professional bodies attended the dinner.
The US first lady said the US journalists accompanying her had
Ms. Clinton witnessed a cultural show after dinner.
US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton talking to the members of Grameen Bank during her visit of Grameen Bank activity at village
Mashihati in Jhenaida district yesterday. She is flanked by her daughter Chelsea and Grameen Bank Managing Director Dr
Pontical Commentary
also seen it lush green vegetation,
tough: they cannot afford to be
its meandering rivers (some with
easy-going housewives looking
Hillary's visit an
dry beds though). its changing
after the White House kitchen and
countryside. She has met the
taking care of the children only.
people whose creativity and re-
The present day first lady is a
silience she praised upon arrival
close adviser of her husband's
here. Her words of praise were
indelible imprint
administration and exercises great
most flattering. She has instilled a
influence on decision-making. The
sense of new confidence in the
pressure of living under the in-
people: she has won their heart.
tense scrutiny of the media can at
Special Correspondent
Wherever she has gone. she made
Mrs Clinton's visit to this part
times be unbearable. Mrs Nancy
The US First Lady Mrs Hillary
il a point to visit projects on
of this world will help open up this
Reagan in her memoirs. "My Turn"
women and children: Mother
Rodham Clinton leaves here today
region where the United States. to
has lamented. "Life in the White
for Sri Lanka at the end of a brief
Teresa's orphanage in New Delhi
quote a report, "has some of its
House is magnified: The highs
and a handicraft exhibition in
but hectic tour of Bangladesh.
weakest national security. busi-
were higher than I expected. and
The Indian ocean island will be
Kathmandu. In Bangladesh. she
ness and social links." By decid-
the lows were much loweri"
the last country on her current
met government and opposition
ing to undertake this very impor-
Controversies swirl around first
day South Asian sojourn-the
leaders at a US Embassy recep-
tant. if tiring, tour of five countries
ladies. And Mrs Clinton, despite
tion in Dhaka. Prime Minister
first ever to be undertaken by an
of the subcontinent, Mrs Clinton
her intellectual ability and political
American president's wife. From
Begum Khaleda Zia graced the
has shown political sagacity and
foresight. has not been above con-
this point of view, if not for any
occasion. It was gracious of the US
diplomatic acumen. Her visit has
troversy. But in her case, the me-
other consideration. the visit is
First Lady to receive the Prime
struck a new chord: She has built
dia in her country has not been as
will leave an indelible
Minister personally. Mrs Clinton
a psychological bridge between
unforgiving as they have been in
imprint on the mind of the peo-
had also time for a tete-e-tete with
the United States and South Asia.
the case of some other first ladies.
ples of the South Asian subconti-
opposition leader Sheikh Hasina.
She saw for herself the changing
She may may have taken a politi-
nent.
She devoted almost the whole
economic, social and political
cal battering in the failure of the
For Mrs Clinton it is the first in-
of Tuesday. the second day of her
landscape of this huge geographi-
administration's health care bill
ternational tour of any significance
stay in this country. to seeing de-
cal entity in one go as she jetted
but Americans by and large hold
without her husband. But she is
velopment projects outside of
from one country to another. Her
her in esteem for her many quali-
an important person in her own
Dhaka. She flew to Jessore. and
visit has come at a time when the
ties of head and heart.
Bangladesh at a tea party held at the residence of US Ambassador in Dhaka yesterday.
right. A Yale law graduate with
braving the scorching sun. visited
subcontinent is virtually in fer-
Her goodwill mission of South
professional excellence. Mrs
projects run by Grameen Bank.
ment: Almost endless ethnic vio-
Asia will be one more feather in
Hillary Clinton is suave. scholarly
BRAC and another NGO. The
lence in Pakistan's commercial
her hat.
and politically mature an indis
Clintons are great admirers of
capital, Karachi; armed insurrec-
pensable asset for her husband
Grameen Bank's innovative rural
tion in Kashmir and prime minis-
During her tour of the subconti-
banking system which has been
ter Narasimha Rao's declining po-
nent- she has tried to keep as
replicated in different countries of
litical fortune following election
lown protile as possible- she has
the world as a way of poverty alle-
debacle in several key states: a
focused on women's and chil-
viation and empowerment of
small demonstration in commu-
dren's issues of which she is an
women. They became familier with
nist-run Nepal's capital
outspoken and effective
the working of Grameen Bank
Kathmandu greeted her upon ar-
spokesperson. She has never
after their meeting with Professor
rival there: and a political impasse
shied away from issues of public
Yunus in Little Rock. Arkansas
in Bangladesh. After she visits Srl
interest even at the risk of getting
when President Bill Clinton was
US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton exchanging views with the distinguished ladies involved in woman development activity in
involved in controversy. She was
governor of that state. Since that
Lanka on the last leg of her tour.
she will have met three heads of
the driving force behind the
eventful meeting, the Clinton
Clinton administration's now de-
couple have become champions of
government who belong to her
the Grameen Bank philosophy
gender. and another politically
feated health plan.
The only other First Lady to
that "credit is human right and
strong woman in India who may
visit this subcontinent was Mrs
the poor are your best credit risk."
be waiting in the wings. In
Bangladesh. she has met the
Jackie Kennedy. who toure
Again. since that meeting some
country's two most powerful
Pakistan and India in 1962. But
ten years ago. Mrs Hillary Clinton.
ladies: The prime minister. Begum
that visit was marked by the per-
then the first lady of little known
Khaleda Zia and Awami League
sonal charm of Mrs Kennedy. and
Arkansas state. had been looking
chief Sheikh Hasina who. until her
the media commented mostly on
forward to visiting Grameen Bank
voluntary resignation In
her wardrobe and her camel rid-
projects in Bangladesh. Finally.
December last. was the leader of
ing skills. But Mrs Clinton's visit.
her wish has been fulfilled.
the opposition in Parliament.
by contrast. is like a business tour
on
tough
issues
like
US First Lady sings the praises for Food for Education Programme
ater figures in
Hillary-Khaleda
talks
US First Lady Hillary Rodham
Clinton Monday lauded various
development efforts in Bangla-
desh. especially the government's
Food, for Education Programme.
reports UNB.
"How did the project begin I
don't believe there is any such
programme in the world." an
official quoted Hillary Clinton as
saying during a meeting with
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Clinton had 15 minutes of talks.
with the prime minister at her Hare
Road office from 6.45 pm before
joining a dinner Khaleda Zia
hosted in honour of the US First
Lady.
The US First Lady said she was
very much impressed with the
ongoing development pro-
grammes in Bangladesh and
called the cooperation between the
government and NGOs as excel-
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia receiving Hillary Rodham Clinton at the dinner hosted in honour of the
lent.
US First Lady by the prime minister at her Hare Road office Monday.
She acclaimed the performance
-PID photo
of the Bangladesh Army as UN
peacekeepers and expressed her
happiness over the cooperative
Hillary-Khaleda
relations between Bangladesh Air
From Page 1 Col. 3
together they gave some time to
Force and the US Army.
degradation due to unilateral
the photographers for a picture
Hillary Clinton said the US
withdrawal of water upstream
session.
journalists accompanying her had
during the dry season. "It is very
Attired in black skirt and light.
widened their knowledge about
important to resolve the problem."
green tops, the First Lady also had
Bangladesh and were moved by
The US First Lady hoped that
a multi-coloured scarf around her
the excellent works being done by
the water problem would be
shoulders. The prime minister was
Bangladeshi people.
resolved by Bangladesh and her
wearing a light yellow saree.
She said she was also impressed
neighbour.
After the talks. the prime minis-
while flying over the countryside,
Earlier on her arrival at the Hare
ter took the US First ady to an
"I saw excellent land and cultíva-
Road office. Hillary Clinton was
open air dinner party. attended by
tion here."
received by the prime minister and
ministers. MPs. diplomats, politi-
Briefing the US First Lady on
cians. vice-chancellors of different
her government's development
universities. representatives of
programmes Khaleda Zia said the
various professions. and semoi
country's food production would
have been better had there been no
civil and military officials.
scarcity of water caused by
drought in the northern part of the
country.
She said the country had also
Financial Express
experienced serious environmental
See Back Page Col. 4
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of the school marrated to the US
I've started earning
Narrating experiences to be-
about the favourable impact of the
come a Grameen Bank member
First Lady the functioning of the
food-fcr-education programme to
Ms Najma said, some well-to-do
school. Replying to Ms Clinton's
reduce dropouts and increase en
members of society discouraged
query Mamata said the school
roulment in primary schools. She
timing was flexible suiting the
since I was 13
me to become a member. They
was told that a family having two
wanted us to be permanently de-
needs. of the children in their
families. She was further informed
school-going children and belong
Ms Shefali, S Ambia and Ms
pendent living on their left-overs."
ing to underprivileged sections of
MASHIHATI (Jhenaidah). Apr 3
She said, association with the
that students had their lessons
society are given 20 KG wheat a
Rina narrated their stories to the
(BSS): It was indeed a memorable
bank has given me new identity
simultaneously with time for fun.
visiting US First Lady how they
month while a family with one
experience for the people of this
and made me selfreliant in soci-
singing, dancing, acting and
have been benefitted becoming
school-going child is given 15 KG
remote village, 20 miles from
ety." She boastfully recalled her
games.
wheat a month. Out of a total of
associated with the Grameen
Jessore, as the US First Lady Ms.
Bank. Rina who is chairman of a
experiences when members of
Ms Clinton had words of praise
387 students of the school. 244
Hillary Rodham Clinton visited
such families were seeking their
for the performance of the pro-
enjoy the benefit.
group said with confidence." be-
them here today.
cooperation. Mrs Najma has an-
gramme of BRAC. Mr Abed pre-
She moved from one class of the
fore becoming Grameen Bank
Ms Clinton together with her
member I was a pauper. Today 1
other identity as a member of the
sented Ms. Clinton with a video
school to another and talked freely
daughter Chelsea spent more
cassette on the school pro-
have a house, a few head of cattle
union parishad. She was informed
with the students.
than an hour in the sultry Chaitra
that dowry practice and divorce
gramme.
and poultry birds. Also send my
Later, Ms Clinton together with
with the otheriwse neglected
children to school and follow the
rate had gone down in the area.
her daughter Chelsea went to the
people of this quiet village to hel-
disciplines of the bank."
During the course of free and
adjoining Panchbaria Secondary
ter acquaint herself with the
She dwelt at length the long
frank exchange of views with the
grassroot operations of the coun-
members of Grameen Bank Ms
story of the gradual enhancement
US to help
Girls High School and spent some
time with the students of class
try'
Grameen Bank.
of the ceiling of Grameen loan with
Clinton said." Today you have
VII. She also introduced her
if M Yunus who Is the
learnt how to take collective deci-
the improvement of her financial
spread female
daughter. a tenth grader, to the
founder of the widely acclaimed
sions. It will take you a long way."
students of the class.
condition.
NGO. received Ms Clinton and
she observed.
Ms Clinton also replied to some
As Ms Clinton entered the
education
In her introductory remarks
introduced her to the members of
of the queries of the Grameen
she said, showing the world map,
the
b a n k
Bank members.
venue of the stalls tiny tots re-
PANCHBARIA (Jessore). Apr 3
I have come all the way from our
Earlier, minor children belonging
In reply to one of the questions
ceived her singing gambhira. Jarl
(BSS): The visiting US First Lady
country to acquaint myself better
to the village greeted Ms Clinton
she said," have started earning
and other folk songs reflecting the
Ms Hillary Rodham Clinton dis-
with your condition and enhance
heartily with songs and physical
since I was 13. Sometimes my
cultural heritage of rural
closed here today that the United
my experiences about your coun-
training (PT) display. She was
income exceeded the income of
Bangladesh.
States had a plan to extend assis-
try." She wanted to know from the
Ivew Nation (Independent)
visibly impressed with the per-
my husband. I have stopped
Visits BRAC school
tance to Bangladesh to spread
students the subjects taught in
formance of the tiny tots and ex
earning since moving to the White
Report from Churamankathi
female education.
their classes. Some of the stu-
changed greetings with them. She
House when my husband became
says: It was pleasant surprise for
Talking to BSS special corre-
dents promptly replied to the
the President."
the children of BRAC school when
spondent Nurul Huda MS Clinton
queries of the US First Lady.
was thankful to the villagers for
their long wait for her. Minister III
Responding to another ques-
the US First Lady Ms. Hillary
expressed her satisfaction over
waiting Sarwari Rahman, who is
tion she said." I wish I could have
Clinton with her daughter
the level of awareness of women in
She frankly narrated her expe-
State Minister in charge of Women
one or two more children. But we
Chelsea visited them here today.
Bangladesh.
riences how their family moved
and Children Affairs. was present.
are so happy with our daughter
The children and local people
Earlier. Ms Clinton was greeted
from Arkansas state to the White
As her motorcade drove from air-
that we thought of taking no more
greeted them heartily by clap-
by thousands of people of the ad-
House when Mr Bill Clinton be-
port to the village hundreds of
child. We are proud of Chelsea."
pings and singing.
joining villages as she entered the
came President of the United
people greeted her waving hands
Referring to observations of one
As she entered the school
premise of Panchbaria-Balidanga
States. She also shared her expe-
from both sides of the road.
of the members Ms Clinton said
premises BRAC Executive
Government Primary School
riences of the visits to other South
Deputy head of mission of US
she would convey her invitation to
Director Fazle Hasan Abed re-
premises.
Asian countries like India.
President Bill Clinton to visit
ceived her.
embasy James Nach and a White
State Minister for Women and
Pakistan and Nepal with the slu-
House press team were among
Bangladesh at his convenient
He briefed her how the pro-
Children Affairs Ms Sarwari
dents of the school.
others who accompanied the US
time.
gramme of non-formal primary ed-
Rahman and Secretary Primary
First Lady.
Ms Clinton showed interest in
ucation (NFE) introduced by
and Mass Education Division Kazi
Talking freely with some of the
BRAC had been started with 22
Then Ms Clinton on her way to
some of the products displayed in
Rakibuddin Ahmed received the
Dhaka drove in a motorcade to the
members of Grameen Bank Ms
stalls under a beautiful thatched
schools in 1985. The number of
US First Lady at the school gate.
airport where she posed for group
Clinton said." I have hard about
roof. All the products put on dis-
such schools today is 29 thou
As Ms Clinton entered the school
chotographs with Bangladeshi
the bank 10 years before. Now I
play in 18 stalls were manufac-
sand covering 55 out of 64 admin-
where food-for-education pro-
and US Airforce crew.
have come to learn from you how
tured by members of the bank.
istrative districts of the country
gramme had been introduced last
Ms Clinton and their daughter
the bank has benefitted you to
The products included Jamdani
year. students welcomed her with
Chelsea were seen off at the
become If-reliant in society."
saree, bamboo and cane furni-
physical training display and
Jessore Airport by Chief of Air
ture, breas wares etc. One of the
songs.
Staff Air Vice Marshal Altaf
Grameen members showed her
Hussain Chowdhury. senior civil
the technique to wear a saree. She
and military officials.
Hillary denied a seat in Harvard
Special to the INDEPENDENT
PART TWO
In the While House family
to listen to a speech by the civil
quarters, the ethos is more
rights leader the Reverend Dr.
Methodist than Baptist. Liquor is
Martin Luther King Jr., to whom
served-something a staunch
Jones introduced the teenages
Southern Baptist would hesitate
backstage. Sensing Clinton's insa-
to do. But you have to ask for it,
tiable intellectual curiosity, Jones
which is the moderate Methodist
lent her books by the theolo-
way. On Sundays it's Methodist.
gians Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
not a Baptist, church the First
Reinhold Niebuhr, and Paul
Family most often attends. And
Tillich as well as J.D. Salinger's
14-year-old Chelsea Clinton is
novel The Catcher in the Rye.
being raised a Methodist.
Despite her association with
The Methodist ethos extends
children from lessprivileged
to politics as well. The First
backgrounds and her exposure
Lady's speech in April 1993 call-
to a variety of philosophies,
ing for "remodelling society by
Clinton remained, like her par-
redefining what it means to be
ents, staunchly Republican, cam-
human in the 20th century" may
paigning enthusiastically for
have startled some listeners, but
Barry Goldwater in the presiden-
its ambitious optimism was fully
tial campaign of 1964. After grad-
consonant with the Methodists'
uating in 1965 from Maine South
liberal social creed. Indeed. Mrs.
High School in the top 5 per cent
Clinton's many speeches defend-
of her class, which voted her the
ing the universal healthcare COV-
student most likely to succeed,
erage resonated with the moral
Clinton enrolled at the all-female
rhetoric of resolutions adopted
Wellesley College, near Boston,
by the church's governing
Massachusetts, where she
General Conference. Her
promptly became head of the
favourite adjective is a Methodist
local chapter of the Young
byword: inclusive, "Hillary views
Republicans. It was not long,
the world through a Methodist
however, before the turbulence
lens," say the Reverend Jones,
of the late 1960s reinforced the
who is still a welcome guest at
teachings of her youth minister
the White House, "And we
and led her slowly leftward in
Methodists," he adds wryly,
The US President and his wife Hillary showing warmth in per-
her politics. The assassinations of
"know what's good for you."
sonal relations
Malcolm X in 1965 and of Dr.
Despite what some critics
Political friend : If the
believe, the First Lady is not
An outstanding student,
Martin Luther King Jr. and
Kennedy era was Camelot and
markedly feminist in her religion.
Clinton excelled in nearly every
Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, cou-
the Reagan White House a
She thinks abortion is "wrong
endeavour she undertook. She
pled with the violence Clinton
ranchero on the Potomac, the
but, like her husband, she says,
maintained good grades, earned
witnessed at the Democratic
Clinton presidency-in the figure
"I don't think it should be crimi-
Girl Scout merit badges and DAR
National Convention in Chicago
of its formidable First Lady-is
nalized." She does not follow
(Daughters of the American
in the summer of 1968, dove-
Washington's
Methodist
Revolution) community-service
tailed with her keen sense of
feminist theology and seems
Moment. And Methodists have
unaware of the upheaval its most
awards, played the piano, took
social justice to convert her
waited a long time for the
radical exponents have created
ballet lessons, engaged in com-
wholeheartedly to the democrat-
moment to arrive. With more
among Methodists in the name of
petitive sports, and performed
ic party. She campaigned for
members (8.8 million) than the
greater inclusiveness.
household chores for an extra
Eugene McCarthy for president
Episcopalians, Presbyterians,
potato with dinner rather than
in 1968, worked to enroll more
As long as they are in the
Congregationalists and American
While House, the First Family has
for an allowance. A highly skilled
black students at Wellesley,
Baptists combined, the United
elected to worship at Foundry
member of the debating team
organised the school's first teach-
Methodists dominate mainline
United Methodist Church, less
and a participant in the student
ings on the Vietnam War (which
American Protestantism and its
than a mile away. There they
government in high school, she
turned into antiwar protests),
chief ecumenical agency, the
find spiritual support from pastor
was a National Merit Scholarship
and wrote her senior thesis on
National Council of Churches.
J Philip Woganman, a liberal
finalist and a member of the
poverty and community develop-
social-ethics professor who tries
National Honour Society. During
But the last time the Methodists
ment.
he says, to be "prophetic" in his
the summers she worked as a
or the mainline had a political
In 1969 Clinton graduated
friend in the White House was
sermons "without embarrassing
lifeguard at a municipal swim-
from Wellesley with a bachelor's
during the Great Society phase of
the president." Generally the
ming pool. Even as a teenager,
degree in political science. As
she displayed a predilection for
the Johnson administration.
First Family slips into the same
president of the student govern-
pew, three rows down from the
social activism. Spurred by the
ment, she was selected by her
Jimmy Carter confided mostly in
Reverend Don Jones her youth
front off the right center aisle.
classmates to deliver the school's
fellow Southern Baptists. The
minister at the First United
first student commencement
Reagan-Bush administrations
It's a mixed congregation in a
Methodist Church, she organised
assiduously courted the emer-
mixed urban neighbourhood. As
baby sitting services for local
address. immediately following a
gent religious right-and ignored
Wogaman proudly points out,
migrant workers. Taking his
speech by Senator Edward W.
what they regarded as the reli-
young singles and married cou-
white, middle-class charges into
Brokke. a liberal Republican
gious left, as represented by the
ples usually sit up front on the
Chicago's inner-city neighbour-
from Massachusetts. After shock-
mainline churches liberal
far left, gays prefer the far right.
hoods, Jones introduced them to
Washington lobby. Significantly,
African-Americans congregate in
black and Hispanic youth in an
that lobby is housed on Capitol
the center and older white con-
effort to eradicate prejudice
1/2
Hill in the Methodist Building.
gregants-including Senate
among his pupils. On one occa-
Republican leader Robert Dole
sion. the two groups of young
and his wife. Elizabeth-favour
people discussed the relevance
the sections near the door. Very
of Picasso's painting Guernica to
inclusive. Very Methodist. Very
their own lives; on another day,
1062
ing her audience by castigating
Brooke for the irrelevance of his
remarks. she spoke about her
classmates' college experience in
terms of what it had meant to
them personally. "We are, all of
us, exploring a world that none
of us understands and attempting
to create within that uncertain-
ty," she told her fellow graduat-
ing seniors. "But there are some
things we fell, feelings that out
prevailing, acquisitive, and com-
petitive corporate life, including,
tragically, the universitites, is not
the way of life for us. We're
searching for more immediate,
ecstatic, and penetrating modes
of living," Clinton's words and
her photograph were published
in Life magazine. The national
publicity she received through
the article and through her victo-
ries as a contestant on the televi-
sion quiz show College Bowl
enhanced her already impressive
resume and helped to ensure
that she would have her pick of
the best law schools.
Clinton enrolled at Yale Law
School, in New Haven,
Connecticut, after a Harvard pro-
fessor told her that his university
did not need any more female
students. At Yale she served on
the editorial board of the now-
defunct Yale Review of Law. and
Social Action and presided over a
mass meeting that was called in
the spring of 1970 to formulate a
response to the trials of the Black
Panthers Ericka Huggins and
Bobby Seale, which were then
underway at a courthouse near
the university. Recalling the cam-
pus atmosphere at the time in a
speech to other Yale alumni in
October 1992, she said that
"there was a great amount of fer-
ment and confusion about what
was and wasn't the proper role
Hillary with Indian PM P.V. Narasimha Rao just before her visit to Bangladesh
of law school education We
would have great arguments
212
NE
Hillary honours Yunus
an INDEPENDENT report
While strolling in a village near Chittagong
Yunus' bank as a more effective antidote to poverty
University in 1976, a Bangladeshi economics profes-
than traditional give-aways. When Yunus had his for-
sor had an idea that ultimately would dramatically
tuitous idea in Jobra 19 years ago, half a world away
improve the lot of many of the world's diligent poor.
Hillary Clinton already was working in her own way
Watching a woman weave cane chairs,
on behalf of the poor.
Muhammad Yunus asked her how much she earned
In 1976, her young husband had just been elected
for a day's work.
the Arkansas attorney general. As an adjunct profes-
The young professor, born to a prosperous busi-
sor of law at the University of Arkansas, she directed
ness family, was
the school's legal aid
stunned to learn that
clinic, which served
after paying a money
the state's poor.
lender the weaver was
In the following
left with only a pit-
year, she founded and
tance.
presided
over
Moved by her
Arkansas Advocates
plight, Yunus came up
for Children and
with a plan to help the
Families, a non-profit
rural poor by lending
group whose mandate
without collateral.
was to identify the
Starting small, his
problems facing low.
Grameen Bank loaned
income children.
a total of 1,000 taka to
When her husband
10 people in the vil-
was elected governor
lage of Jobra.
for the first time in
The bank has grown
1978 Mrs. Clinton
to some two million
already was on the
borrowers in more
board of the
than
34,000
Children's Defence
Bangladesh villages.
Fund.
Ninety-four per cent of
Her major effort
the borrowers are
during her husband's
women. The bank has
presidency was con-
served as a model for
sidered by some a per-
development workers
sonal failure. She and
in 70 other countries,
Democratic Party lead-
including the United
ers were unable to
States.
drum up sufficient support for the Clinton adminis-
American First Lady Hillary Clinton greeted an old
tration's health-care package, which was rejected by
friend when Yunus gave her a first-hand look at his
Congress.
famed bank's operations in Bangladesh.
But Mrs. Clinton showed keen interest in Yunus'
When her husband was governor of Arkansas in
Grameen health project, which would charge village
the 1980s, Bill Clinton asked Yunus to replicate his
families a small fee for treatment and could eventual-
small-loans project in that state, one of America's
ly become self-financing.
poorest. So Yunus helped establish the Good Faith
Inevitably, Mrs. Clinton's visit to a Grameen Bank
Fund in the Arkansas town of Pine Bluff.
project site, a village near Jessore, was carefully
Some US experts doubted if Arkansas would line
orchestrated. She saw village women performing a
up for such small loans as the project could offer.
variety of income-producing work such as pottery
Yunus was not surprised when they were proved
making and cane weaving.
wrong.
She and her daughter, Chelsea, 15, were wel-
"Academics have their ideas about the world and
comed by singing and dancing children.
the reality is so different," says Yunus. who puts his
Security, provided by US Secret Service agents as
faith in the "capability of human beings.
well as Bangladeshi units, will be exceptionally tight.
President Clinton, who has deemed Yunus worthy
On her visit in Bangladesh Mrs. Clinton was told
of the Nobel Prize, lavishes praise on the 55-year-old
that the Grameen Bank's default rate is 2 per cent,
winner of the 1984 Magsaysay prize for community
low compared to the nation's commercial banks, and
service and the 1994 World Food Prize
that the good repayment rate is attributable to gen-
"I was just blown away," Clinton told an inter-
.Simply put, the bank targets women because it
viewer last year. "He made enterprise work. He pro-
considers them more reliable than men.
moted discipline, not dependence." That is the name
Mrs. Clinton and Yunus are in full agreement that
of the game these days in Washington, where the
children order the priorities of women, making them
new Conservative Congress is wrestling with the
less likely to waste money and more willing to use it
knotty issue of welfare reform.
for household improvements.
American lawmakers who want to move people
That proposition seems as likely to be true in Pine
off the welfare rolls and into jobs might well view
Bluff as it is in Jobra.
The Independent
US First Lady Hillary Clinton speaks with a group of women at a Grameen Bank village in Jessore (See also Page 1). - Reuter photo
I
Ahmed, Managing Director, on behalf of Beximco Media Ltd, 17 Dhanmondi R/A, Road No. 2. Dhaka-1205 and printed by him from Dialog
.
News & Commercial Office: Rahman Mansion (3rd Floor). 161 Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Phone (PABX): 860761, 860762, 2
The Independent
Clinton to visit Bangladesh, Hillary tells the Independent
ments of women who had been
helped by small loans from the
Grameen Bank.
"I am overwhelmed," she told
Grameen Bank a model for
The Independent after hearing re-
silient village women tell their
stories of how they had improved
the lives of their families by hard
work and with the aid of small
other countries to follow
loans.
Mrs. Clinton and Chelsea were
greeted by Yunus, an old friend
whose bank inspired a similar
RISHIPARA (Jhenidah), Apr 3:
project in Arkansas when Presi-
from A.Hossain
American First Lady Hillary Clin-
and clapped hands as the women
dent Bill Clinton was governor of
ton told The Independent today
Special to the Independent
were singing songs greeting the
that state, one of America's poor-
distinguished guests,
est.
she is overwhelmed with the
I will brief him on the success
band before he was President.
success of the poverty alleviation
It was a full day for the First
"I am very happy to see for my-
story of the bank," she said, add-
She said she would return to
project n/n by the Grameen Bank
Lady, who charmed villagers who
self what I have been hearing and
ing. that the President could not
the practice of law when her
welcomed her historic visit with
and said it is a model for others to
reading about," Mrs. Clinton told
make time to make this trip with
husband leaves the White House.
follow
singing and dancing by children
women beneficiaries of the bank
her.
Dr. Yunus was acting as a trans-
She spoke to this correspon-
and moving demonstrations by
project.
Clinton has said that Dr. Yunus
lator when the women were talk-
poor women of the dignity of
"President Clinton and I would
dent in a thatched house here,
deserves the Nobel Prize for his
braving scorching heat. She per-
ing to the First Lady near their
work.
like to open similar projects in 40
innovative approach to poverty al-
thatched houses. The women,
spired but seemed to ignore the
Obviously impressed by the
states in the United States," she
leviation for distressed millions in
heat as she walked about 600
who were once destitute, seemed
diligence of her bests and de-
said. "We have already started in
the least developed countries.
yards from the metalled road to
surprised to see her freely talking
lighted by their friendliness, Mrs.
Arkansas."
"I'm proud of our daughter
reach the shed constructed under
to them and answering their ques-
Clinton responded warmly, espe-
Mrs. Clinton and Chelsea were
Chelsea, Hillary said when asked
tions.
the Grameen Bank project.
cially to the women and children,
charmed by a children's drama
.
Her 15year old daughter Chel-
Hillary honours Yunus a story
I am a woman just like you,"
the focus of her South Asia tour.
portraying Bangladeshi village life.
in 'Newsmaker' column on
she reassured the women.
sea appeared excited and smiled
Much of the talk during her
The children sang folk and patri-
during the four-hour visit to the
page 16
Young girls welcomed the First
tour of villages near Jessore was
otic songs.
bank projects
Lady by putting red tip: on Hil-
of projects that improve the lot
The Clintons toured stalls dis-
why the Clintons did not go for
The blond, First Lady
lary's forehead, while they
of the poor, but there were
playing handicrafts and other
more children. She disclosed that
and her daughter donned cotton
greeted Chelsea with a green one.
lighter moments, as when the
products made by the loan recipi-
she had plans for one or two
Hillary and Chelsea defied strict
sarees in a pattern called Grameen
honoured guest cheerfully draped
ents.
more children but abandoned the
Cheque.
security and protocol by eating
herself in the sari.
Mrs. Clinton's motorcade took
idea with Chelsea stealing the
Hillary told this correspondent
puffed rice, locally called
"I don't know how to wear it
her to Uttar Churamankathi to
limelight.
that the Grameen Bank project
Moori," which was offered by the
she said, "but I would love to."
visit one of the nation's 29,000
Women beneficiaries of the
women.
founded by her friend Dr Yunus is
Thousands of villagers lined the
schools operated by the Bangla-
Grameen Bank project took the
being replicated in President Clin-
The First Lady ignored FBI se-
road from the Jessore Air Base to
desh Rural Advancement Com-
First Lady by surprise when they
on's home state.
cret agents when they were trying
the villages to see Mrs. Clinton,
mitte (BRAC).
asked how she carned her bread
to block her way to the place
but many of them saw only her
"This
She disclosed that President
is
a
remarkable
in the United States.
where the puffed rice was being
tightly guarded motorcade.
linton would visit Bangladesh in
achievment," Mrs. Clinton said. "I
She said she had earned money
prepared She won the hearts of
he near future to see for himself
Mrs. Clinton appeared genu-
am happy to see the performance
since she was 13. She added that
he Grame Bank project
2,200 inhabitants of Rishipara
inely moved by the accomplish-
of the children."
she earned more than her hus-
when she freely mixed with them
See Page 16 Col 8
The first lady and Chelsea sat
on a bench to watch a class con-
ducted at a girls' secondary
school. She introduced her daugh-
ter, a tenth grader, to the class.
Using a world map to demon-
strate, she said, "I have come all
the way from my country to ac-
quaint myself with your country."
She also witnessed a "Food for
Education" programme at a
school where food was distrib-
uted. The programme seeks to
increase enrollment.
The Independent
Before leaving Jessore for
Dhaka, Mrs. Clinton posed for
photographs with Bangladesh and
U.S. military personnel taking part
in
a
joint
exercise
to
for
The Independent
Here and There
Hillary's mother, daughter
visit Ahsan Manzil
an INDEPENDENT report
The old mother of the US First Lady Hillary
French traders. The French mercenaries built
Rodham Clinton and only child Chelsea yesterday
their business house here.
visited the Ahsan Manzil to have a look into the
Khawja Alimullah, father of Khawja Abdul Gani
rich past of Bangladesh.
bought this building from the French traders in
Hillary's mother is currently accompanying
1835. He renovated the old building and shifted
Hillary on three-nation tour but yesterday did not
his residence from Begum Bazar to the Ahsan
go to Jessore district in Bangladesh to see for her-
Manzil after making it fit to live in.
self the Grameen Bank projects because of old age.
Nawab Abdul Gani rebuilt the building in 1872
According to officials, Hillary's mother was
and named it Ahsan Manzil after his beloved son
enchanted the relies being preserved in the Ahsan
Khawja Ahsan Ullah.
Manzil.
A devas-
The Ahsan
tating
Manzil, which
cyclone on 7
was turned
April, 1888
into a muse-
caused a
um recently is
heavy dam-
attracting a
age to the
huge number
building.
of visitors
The tall
from home
dome of the
and abroad
two-storied
everyday.
building
It is now a
drew atten-
number one
tion of the
tourist spot.
people from
The museum
the far-flung
is contributing
areas.
Ahsan Manzil museum
a mentionable
Adorned
amount of revenues to the government exchequer
with natural charm and beauty the Ahsan Manzil
every year.
has two parts. The domed eastern part is called
This building will remain as a milestone in pre-
'Rangmahal' while the western residential side
serving the historic and glorious past of our nation
'Janana' or 'Andarmahal'. Moreover, the whole
for the future generation.
building is again divided into two equal parts. The
Ahsan Manzil is situated on the northern bank of
sky-scrapping eight-corner dome is based on the
the river Buriganga. Once it was the residence of
round room at the centre.
the Nawabs of Dhaka. This building is a witness to
The drawing room, library and three guest
many events. Many historical, political, economic,
rooms are at the eastern side on the first floor
social and cultural decisions of the sub-continent
while the dance room, Hindustani room, and some
especially those of undivided Bengal were adopted
residential rooms are at the western side on the
at this Ahsan Manzil at the end of the 19th century.
same floor.
Hence the building has a great contribution to
The dining hall is at the eastern side on the
the development of the sub-continent and the
ground floor while the billiard room, darbar hall,
undivided Bengal. Therefore, the Ahsan Manzil has
toshakhana are at the west. The spacious verandah
a long historical background. Even the distin-
is extended toward the south.
guished guests from the overseas countries took
The Ahsan Manzil was going to be destroyed for
hospitality of the Nawabs and stayed in the Ahsan
ever due to carelessness but at last this historic and
Manzil.
traditional building was preserved. Work for turn-
Filtered water and electricity were supplied to
ing this building into a museum started on 11
the Manzil first and with this effort the journey of
April, 1985 at the instruction of the government.
the old Dhaka toward the modern age and devel-
In fact. work on this project began in March. 1986.
opment started. In the middle of the 18th century.
The Ahsan Manzil was turned into a complete
Sheikh Enayetullah, the then zaminder of Jalalpur
museum at a cost of Tk 1357.94 lakh after long
pargana (now.Faridpur-Barisal) built a pleasure
six years. The museum has 23 galleries in its 31
house named 'Kangmahal' in place of the today's
rooms. The Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia
Ahsan Manzil. After his death his son Sheikh
inaugurated the Ahsan Manzil Museum on 20
Matiullah sold this entertainment house to the
September, 1992.
Clinton, Hillary stared at each
other before they fell in love
Special to The INDEPENDENT
The solution to Clinton's
to the East Coast in the summer
dilemma-how to combine social
THIRD PART
of 1975 confirmed for Hillary
activism and a legal career-pre-
sented itself in the figure of the
civil rights lawyer and Yale
alumna Marian Wright Edelman.
the first black woman to pass
the bar exam in Mississippi.
After Edelman gave a speech at
Yale in the spring of 1970 about
her work in behalf of the poor
and children's rights, Clinton
volunteered to work for
Edelman's Washington Research
Project, the congressional lobby-
ing and advocacy group that
later became the Children's
Defense Fund.
Edelman could not afford to
pay her for her services, so
Clinton applied for a Law
Student Civil Rights Research
Council grant. obtained a
stipend, and spent the summer
of 1970 in Washington D.C.,
interviewing the families of
migrant labourers and reporting
her findings to Senator Walter F.
Mondale's subcommittee. Back
at Yale, she augmented her
knowledge of the nascent chil-
dren's rights field with classes
on child psychology and family
law. Scheduled to graduate in
1972, she prolonged her educa-
tion for a year in order to work
at Yale's Child Study Center,
where she helped research a
book by Anna Freud, Joseph
Goldstein. and Albert Solnit enti-
tled Beyond the Best Interests of
the Child (1973). During her
final year at Yale, Clinton also
performed legal research for the
Carnegie Council on Children.
specialising in the rights of chil-
dren to education and medical
care.
Meanwhile. in her second
Is it a repeat of what they did at university?
year at Yale Hillary Clinton had
same class in 1973, the couple
met her future husband, Bill
had spent the summer of 1972
forty-three lawyers, Clinton was
In the summer of 1974 Bill
Clinton, at the law library.
in San Antonio, Texas, where
put in charge of legal proce-
Clinton had launched a bid for a
According to the often-repeated
Bill had run George S.
dures.
seat in the House of
story of their first meeting, the
McGovern's presidential cam-
She impressed her peers with
Representatives from Arkansas's
two of them stared at each other
paign and Hillary had registered
her objectivity and her ability to
Third Congressional District, a
from opposite ends of a long
Hispanic voters.
distinguish advocacy from judi-
Republican stronghold Hillary
corridor in the library until
For several months after her
cial guidance. Her colleagues
became his unofficial campaign
Hillary approached Bill and said.
graduation, Hillary worked as a
found her to be energetic, emo-
manager when she demonstrated
"Look, if you're going to keep
staff attorney for the Children's
tionally supportive, and cooper-
her remarkable organising skills.
staring at me, and I'm going to
Defense Fund in Cambridge.
ative. When the impeachment
Although Bill Clinton lost the elec-
keep staring back. I think we
Massachussetts while Bill taught
staff was disbanded following
tion to the Republican incum-
should at least know each other.
at the University of Arkansas
Nixon's resignation, on August
bent, John Paul Hammerschmidt
I'm Hillary Rodham.
School of Law in Favetteville.
8. 1974, Clinton was deluged
by four percentage points, he
What's your-name?" From
They kept in touch by telephone
with offers of high-paying jobs at
came closer to defeating
then on. Hillary and Bill were
and occasional visits. In January
prestigious law firms on the East
Hammerschmidt than any
inseparable. As well matched
1974 Hillary Clinton moved to
Coast in addition to an invitation
Democrat before or since. During
temperamentally as they were
Washington, D.C., at the behest
to return to her post at the
the campaign, Hillary had made
intellectually. both were equally
of John Doar. the special coun-
Children's Defense Fund. To the
extensive contacts throughout the
dedicated to public service.
sel to the House Judiciary
state and discovered that she
Having spent the previous year
Committee. who was in charge
dismay of her friends and family.
enjoyed teaching criminal law.
in Oxford. England on a Rhodes
of the committee inquiry into
she instead joined Bill Clinton on
running a legal-services clinic. and
scholarship. Bill Clinton was
the impeachment of President
the faculty of the University of
doing prison projects and advoca-
then in his first year of law
Richard Nixon. One of only
Arkansas School of Law in
cy work in the quiet college town
school Before graduating in the
three women on the staff of
Favetteville in September 1974.
in the Ozark Mountains. Visits to
1/2
friends and family in Illinois and
that she was not missing any
thing by remaining in Arkansas.
In announcing the birth of a
Upon her return to Favetteville
daughter to Bill Clinton and
in August. Bill surprised her
Hillary Rodham. the governor
with a house and a proposal of
offended some of his more tradi-
marriage. When they were wed.
tional constituents. who began
on October 11. 1975. Hillary
to carp that something must be
retained her maiden name, a
wrong with his marriage if his
decision that would surface as a
wife would not take his name.
controversial issue in her hus-
Compounding his problems in
band's subsequent political cam-
1980. the year Ronald Reagan
paigns.
would sweep Republicans into
After Bill Clinton was elected
office in a nationwide landslide,
state attorney general in 1976.
was President Carter's decision
he and Hillary moved to Little
to intern 18,000 Cuban refugees
Rock, where she taught law as
at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. After
an adjunct professor at the
some of them rioted that sum-
University of Arkansas and
mer, Bill Clinton's Republican
directed the school's legal-aid
opponent, Frank White, played
clinic.
on racist sentiments in his cam-
Earlier that year she had
paign and unseated Clinton,
impressed Jimmy Carter with
who fell into a period of
her work on his presidential
despair. He traveled the slate
campaign, which Bill had direct-
apologising for his mistakes and
ed in Arkansas. In 1977
asking voters to forgive him,
President Carter appointed her
which they did by returning him
to the board of directors of the
to office in 1982.
Legal Services Corporation, a
Washington-based organisation
that provides federal funds to
legal-aid bureau throughout the
United States. In the same year
she founded and presided over
the Arkansas Advocates for
Children and Families, a non-
profit legal advocacy group
whose mandate was to identify
the problems facing low-income
children, and she was among
the first female associates hired
by Rose Law Firm, where her
salary enabled her and Bill to
buy a house in the upper-mid-
A toddler feeling safe in embrace of Hillary
dle-class suburb of Hillcrest.
In 1978 Hillary campaigned
for Bill in his first run for gover-
nor, which he won by defeating
his Republican opponent, A
Lynn Lowe, by a margin of
almost two to one Hillary, who
had recently been named to the
board of directors of the
Children's Defense Fund, con-
tinued to work at Rose Law Firm
after the election, giving
Arkansas something it had never
had: a working first lady. After
moving into the governor's man-
sion, Bill appointed Hillary
chairperson of the Rural Health
Advisory Committee, whose
members dealt with the prob-
lems involved with providing
health care in isolated areas.
Neither Hillary's retention of her
last name nor her assumption of
official duties engendered much
controversy at that time. In early
1980 she was made a partner at
Rose Law Firm and gave birth to
Chelsea Victoria Clinton, who
was named after the song
"Chelsea Morning."
WHEN THE TWO MOST BEAUTIFUL LADIES MEET The US First Lady Hillary Clinton welcom-
ing Prime Minister Khaleda to an American reception Sundav. the US envoy David N. Merill is
also seen with them.