    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 17, 1991]
    [Pages 389-390]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Toasts at the State Dinner for President Violeta Chamorro of Nicaragua
    April 17, 1991

        President Bush. Ladies and gentlemen, we can get all this out of the
    way early. It is a distinct privilege for Barbara and me to salute this
    evening an extraordinary leader of honor, compassion, and courage.
        With the greatest admiration, we welcome to the White House
    Nicaragua's President, Violeta Chamorro. Or, as I hear she was known by
    her growing family, or the family growing up, Madre Superiora.
    [Laughter] For those of you who don't speak good Spanish--[laughter]--
    that means ``Mother Superior.'' For even as a young girl, Violeta could
    get her brothers and sisters standing at attention as she cracked her
    benevolent whip to get her family's house in order.
        Well, now, this ``Mother Superior'' is getting her nation's house in
    order, and we honor her for it. We honor her as the conciliator who is
    forging a future of peace and unity for her beleaguered land, as the
    elect-

    [[Page 390]]

    ed leader who ended a bitter civil war and who replaced a repressive and
    undemocratic regime, as the President whom history will acclaim as the
    liberator of not only her country's government but also of its
    heartbeat, its spirit.
        Her people call her Dona Violeta, a name of affection and respect.
    And as I've come to know her I've understood, for she personifies the
    blend of resolve and compassion that inspires a nation to become the
    best it can be. I'll tell you something that impresses me. Not only is
    she working resolutely to bring about tangible reforms expanding
    democracy and economic opportunity, but she's also embarked on what she
    terms a quest to restore moral values. What a powerful goal in this
    age--the most important goal there is.
        And under the courageous and idealistic example of President
    Chamorro, Nicaragua is rediscovering the meaning of its coat of arms,
    the beautiful symbol embossed in the center of its flag: a triangle for
    equality, a rainbow for peace, and a shower of light for liberty shining
    throughout the land, liberty that's embodied by Violeta Chamorro and by
    her late husband and inspiration, Pedro Joaquin. He used to own a boat
    named Santa Libertad, glorious liberty.
        Well, the world now watches as his widow steers her own Santa
    Libertad, her ship of state, bound for a bright horizon that promises
    freedom, respect, and dignity for every person in her land. On a shelf
    in President Chamorro's office is a plaque of a prayer she tries to live
    by. A prayer that, in fact, reminds me of her. The words are by St.
    Francis: ``Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is
    hatred let me sow love. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is
    darkness, light. For it is in giving that we receive, and it is in
    pardoning that we are pardoned.''
        Dona Violeta, you are an instrument of peace. Through your goals of
    reconciliation and liberty, you bring vision to your nation, you bring
    hope to the world. And so, may I ask that we rise and drink to the
    health--Madam President, to your health and to that of your proud and
    courageous land. May God bless you.
        President Chamorro. Please sit down. My dear friend, President of
    the United States of America, Mr. George Bush; her excellency, Mrs.
    Barbara Bush; ladies and gentlemen. Through an impressive worldwide
    plebiscite, the 20th century has taught us that one cannot build
    paradise by oppressing men and women. If there is to be happiness on
    Earth, there must first be liberty.
        For almost a century, Nicaragua has struggled against dictatorships
    and militarism. It has fought for that sacred principle that gives men
    and women dignity and rights. Nicaragua has recovered its democracy. And
    I believe that we must complement this victory by reestablishing ties
    and a relationship with the nation that is the leader of democracy.
        I am sure that you, my dear friend, Don George, who fought in World
    War II and lived through the horrors of war, share with me the anxious
    desire to banish violence. For it was violence that ended the life of my
    husband, Pedro Joaquin. I am sure that you share with me the desire to
    establish peace through dialog as well as new social paths with all
    sectors of the population.
        That is why, Mr. President, we are going to build the 21st century
    from the painful experiences of this century so full of war and hatred.
    Our American democracies should serve as an example to the rest of the
    world of countries that are good and true neighbors. In the Americas of
    the future, there should be no division because the Americas are now the
    continent of hope.
        Before concluding, my dear friends, Mr. President--Don George, I
    would like to thank all of you for the warmth and kindness you've
    extended to me. I offer you my friendship. Wait. [Laughter]
        Mr. President, I toast with you and with all of those present here
    to the permanent friendship between two democracies united by their
    common faith in liberty and the dignity of mankind. Thank you.

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 8:10 p.m. in the State
                            Dining Room at the White House. In his remarks,
                            he referred to President Chamorro's late
                            husband, Pedro Joaquin Chamorro. President
                            Chamorro spoke in Spanish, and her remarks were
                            translated by an interpreter.