    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [December 10, 1994]
    [Page 2172]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 2172]]

    Remarks on Signing the CONCAUSA Agreement in Miami
    December 10, 1994

        Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. To my colleagues, the
    leaders of the Central American nations, I am very pleased to join you
    today in signing the Conjunto Centroamericano-USA or, in shorthand,
    CONCAUSA. The United States is proud to become a partner in your
    alliance to promote sustainable economic growth. This declaration is the
    product of farsighted leadership by the nations of Central America.
        A little over a year ago, when I hosted many of you at the White
    House, you proposed to establish an alliance for sustainable
    development. Just 9 months later you made good on your pledge. This
    alliance is a remarkable sign of the powerful transformation you have
    achieved in Central America. You have demonstrated strength and energy
    in bringing your people together to resolve conflicts peacefully and
    turning your attention to creating new economic opportunity in your
    nations.
        As the Vice President said, this alliance is already demonstrating
    that democracy, economic growth, and concern for the environment are
    complementary goals. Now, through CONCAUSA, all our nations will
    cooperate on a wide range of concrete programs. These include supporting
    protected areas from northern Guatemala to eastern Panama, phasing out
    the use of lead in gasoline, and strengthening environmental laws and
    enforcement.
        We will also work to harmonize environmental rules to facilitate
    trade and investment. And I am committed to seeking prompt congressional
    passage of the interim trade program.
        Your Excellencies, the United States is proud to join your
    partnership to promote sustainable development. This is a new day of
    cooperation between the United States and Central America, and we urge
    other nations to follow our lead. So many of the challenges we face know
    no borders, and we must unite to meet them.
        Now I'd like to invite to the microphone the Secretary of the
    Central American nations, President Figueres.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 5 p.m. on the East Terrace at
    Vizcaya. In his remarks, he referred to President Jose Maria Figueres of
    Costa Rica.