[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-

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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.