[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17455-17456]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9041]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 13, 1994]




                        Presidential Documents 



                Proclamation 6666 of April 8, 1994

 

Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Within the last few years, we have witnessed remarkable 
                changes around the globe. The defeat of oppression and 
                the ascendancy of democracy and free market systems 
                have brought a new world full of opportunities and 
                challenges. Nowhere has the march toward positive 
                change--political, economic, and social--been more 
                dramatic or more complete than in our own hemisphere.

                From North to South, more citizens of the Americas are 
                enjoying the fruits of liberty than ever before. 
                Principles fundamental to democracy, such as acceptance 
                of the rule of law and respect for human rights, 
                continue to gain ground. There is no question that this 
                hemisphere is well on its way to becoming a beacon of 
                liberty and democracy for the whole world.

                The interdependence of nations is greater than ever 
                because democracy, human rights, market economics, and 
                good governance are ideas that are rapidly maturing 
                throughout the Americas. They form an enduring 
                foundation for sustainable and mutually beneficial 
                economic growth and development. A renewed partnership 
                between nations of this hemisphere will further these 
                ideas, thus ensuring lasting security for future 
                generations.

                The approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement 
                was an historic achievement and one that is crucial in 
                this process. Beginning with Canada and Mexico, it will 
                build a bridge of greater economic and political 
                cooperation. It will serve as the model for our future 
                relationships with the region. It will advance the 
                vision of a community of nations committed to 
                democracy, bound together by open markets and rising 
                standards of living and dedicated to the peaceful 
                resolution of disputes.

                Over a century ago, representatives of the nations of 
                this hemisphere met in Washington to establish the 
                International Union of the American Republics. 
                Accepting the tenets of democracy, peace, security, and 
                prosperity, these member nations made a firm commitment 
                to mutual cooperation. The Union's successor, the 
                Organization of American States (OAS), has furthered 
                this commitment. I applaud and encourage the activity 
                of the OAS in this pursuit to ensure that worldwide 
                changes create a hemisphere of peace and prosperity.

                We can take great pride in accomplishments already 
                achieved in the Americas. But there is much work to be 
                done. Later this year, I will host a summit of the 
                democratically elected leaders of our hemisphere. The 
                Summit of the Americas will have two broad themes: 
                democracy and good governance; and trade expansion, 
                investment, and sustainable development. The Summit 
                will be an historic opportunity for our nations to 
                recognize explicitly this convergence of democratic and 
                free market values and to chart a course for the 
                future.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by the authority vested in me 
                by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, 
                do hereby proclaim Thursday, April 14, 1994, as ``Pan 
                American Day'' and the week of April 10 through April 
                16, 1994, as ``Pan American Week.'' I urge the 
                Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other 
                areas under the flag of the United States of America to 
                honor these observances with appropriate ceremonies and 
                activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and 
                eighteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-9041
Filed 4-11-94; 2:39 pm]
Billing code 3195-00-P