[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 207 (Monday, October 27, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55723-55724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-28618]


      

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 7044--United Nations Day, 1997
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 207 / Monday, October 27, 1997 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 7044 of October 23, 1997

                
United Nations Day, 1997

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In April of 1945, representatives of 50 nations 
                gathered in San Francisco for the United Nations 
                Conference on International Organization. The leaders 
                assembled for that historic meeting were not idle 
                dreamers. They were experienced statesmen and hard 
                realists, horrified by the staggering destruction and 
                human misery wrought by two world wars, and convinced 
                that the conduct of international affairs must change. 
                The United Nations Charter that emerged from their 
                deliberations was a document both wise and hopeful--
                wise in its recognition that lasting peace comes only 
                with respect for the dignity and value of every human 
                being, and hopeful in its determination to protect 
                future generations from the affliction of war.

                As with all human enterprises, the United Nations has 
                had its share of failure and success in the 5 decades 
                since its Charter was ratified. But no one can dispute 
                that the U.N. has worked to make the world a better 
                place. Human suffering knows no borders, and men and 
                women of goodwill from nations across the globe have 
                dedicated their skills and energy to U.N. programs 
                committed to relieving such suffering. For half a 
                century, the organizations and programs of the United 
                Nations have fought hunger and disease, defended human 
                rights, provided disaster relief, taught sustainable 
                development, and cared for refugees.

                The United Nations has also fulfilled its mission as a 
                force for peace in the world. For 50 years, it has 
                helped to avert another world war and prevent nuclear 
                holocaust. Today, it continues working to keep nations 
                like El Salvador, Haiti, Cyprus, and Bosnia from 
                further bloodshed. It serves as a voice for the 
                international community in defining acceptable behavior 
                and punishing those states that ignore the most basic 
                global norms of conduct. And the United Nations has 
                become a vital international crossroads, where men and 
                women of every race, culture, religion, and ethnic 
                background can come together to share their common 
                hopes and dreams.

                The leaders who gathered in San Francisco so many years 
                ago would scarcely recognize our world today. For the 
                first time in history, more than half the world's 
                people freely choose their own governments. Free 
                markets are expanding, bringing with them exciting 
                opportunities for growth and prosperity. The satellite 
                and the microchip have revolutionized human 
                communication, changing forever the way we live and 
                work and interact. In this new global community, the 
                U.N. mission is as important as it was in the waning 
                days of World War II--pursuing peace and security, 
                promoting human rights, and striving to help move 
                people from poverty to prosperity.

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                We in the United States must continue our efforts to 
                help the United Nations rise to the challenges of our 
                time. Thanks to an ongoing reform process, we have seen 
                substantial improvements in management, administrative 
                accountability, and the setting of priorities by the 
                U.N. This progress has set the stage for broader 
                efforts to ensure that the United Nations is fully 
                prepared to continue to pursue the goals laid down in 
                its Charter.

                As we observe United Nations Day this year, let us 
                remember all those whose foresight and determination 
                created this great international institution, and let 
                us thank all those who, with courage and conviction, 
                continue to fulfill its vital missions.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim Friday, October 24, 1997, as 
                United Nations Day. I encourage all Americans to 
                acquaint themselves with the activities and 
                accomplishments of the United Nations, and to observe 
                this day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and 
                activities furthering the goal of international 
                cooperation.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-third day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-second.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 97-28618
Filed 10-24-97; 11:00 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P