    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [May 19, 1993]
    [Pages 704-705]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With
    Archbishop Desmond Tutu
    May 19, 1993

    Angola

        The President. It's an honor for me to welcome Bishop Tutu here. As
    every American knows, he has been a real leader in the fight for
    democracy and for an end to apartheid in South Africa. Almost a decade
    ago he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. And I want to assure
    him here today that the United States remains committed to the creation
    of a nonracial democracy in South Africa.
        I also want to discuss a decision that I know has been very
    important to Bishop Tutu and to other leaders for democracy and human
    rights in Africa. Today I am pleased to announce the United States
    recognition of the Government of Angola. This decision reflects the high
    priority that our administration places on democracy.
        In 1992, after years of bitter civil war, the people of Angola held
    a multiparty election that the United States, the United Nations, and
    others monitored and considered free and fair. Since taking office on
    January 20th, I have tried to use the possibility of United States
    recognition as a leverage towards promoting an end to the civil war and
    hostilities and hopefully the participation of all relevant political
    groups in the Government of Angola.
        Sadly, the party that lost the election, UNITA, resumed the fighting
    before the electoral process could even be completed. And UNITA has now
    refused to sign the peace agreement currently on the table. The Angolan
    Government, by contrast, has agreed to sign that peace agreement, has
    sworn in a democratically elected national assembly, and has offered
    participation by UNITA at all levels of government.
        Today we recognize those achievements by recognizing the Government
    of the Republic of Angola. It is my hope that UNITA will accept a
    negotiated settlement and that it will be part of this government. I
    intend to continue working closely with the Government of Angola and
    with UNITA to achieve a lasting peace settlement and a vibrant democracy
    there. I hope the efforts of the United States have been helpful. I am
    confident that the Government of Angola has more than earned the
    recognition that the United States extends today.
        Q. Mr. President, human rights sources are--how do you plan to
    approach the occupation of East Timor by Indonesia, sir? Could you
    elaborate on that--how do you plan to approach

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    the problem of the East Timor?
        The President. I don't want to talk about it today. We have
    discussed it, and we may have more to say about it later.
        The Vice President. I think just before your question Bishop Tutu
    was about to say something.
        Archbishop Tutu. Well, I just want to say how deeply thrilled I am
    at the President's announcement, because I have been speaking with the
    Assistant Secretary of State and Assistant Secretary for Africa
    yesterday and said I couldn't understand how the United States could not
    recognize a government that was democratically elected. And they were
    very cagey in their responses. And I am really over the moon in a sense
    because I was going to raise this issue with the President in my
    capacity as President of the All Africa Conference of Churches in our
    appeal to the administration to reward democracy. And this is happening,
    and I am certain it will help the process in our continent where not all
    countries have had a good record on human rights. And I am very, very
    thrilled. If my complexion was different you would probably see better.
    [Laughter]
        Q. [Inaudible]--what message are you going to--the President about
    South Africa--the situation in South Africa today?
        Archbishop Tutu. Well, I haven't yet spoken. I would have hoped we
    would do that and talk with you afterwards because, I mean, I don't
    think it is fair to say, I am going to say to the President--and I
    haven't said it yet.

    White House Travel Office

        Q. Mr. President, can we ask you if you feel you were fair in
    summarily dismissing some employees of this Government of long standing
    without a hearing and leaving the impression perhaps that they may have
    committed criminal acts?
        The President. I don't know. I'll have to refer to the Chief of
    Staff about that.
        Q. We're speaking about the Travel Office, sir.
        The President. I know. All I know about it is that I was told that
    the people who were in charge of administering in the White House found
    serious problems there and thought there was no alternative. I'll have
    to refer to them for any other questions. That is literally all I know
    about it. I know nothing else about it.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:37 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. Archbishop Tutu referred to George Moose, Assistant Secretary of
    State for Africa. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of this exchange.