    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [April 2, 1996]
    [Page 528]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro of Italy
    April 2, 1996

        President Scalfaro, Mariana Scalfaro, members of the Italian
    delegation, distinguished guests: On behalf of the American people, I am
    delighted to welcome President Scalfaro to the United States. It is an
    honor to return the gracious hospitality the people of Italy showed to
    Hillary and me in Rome and Naples in 1994.
        America and Italy are joined by friendship, family, and values. Our
    Founding Fathers drew inspiration from the thinkers of ancient Rome to
    build a new republic based on laws and rooted in liberty and justice.
    Thomas Jefferson was moved by the ideas of his friend Filippo Mazzei to
    write the immortal phrase, ``All men are created equal.'' Constantino
    Brumidi, an artist from Rome, labored for 25 years on the frescoes that
    adorn our Nation's Capital. Generations of Italian-Americans have
    contributed beyond measure to America's greatness, enriching our
    Nation's character with their spirit and the strength of their heritage.
        America and Italy stood together for half a century to safeguard
    Europe's freedom and advance our common ideals. Now with the end of the
    cold war, the United States looks to Italy as a valued partner more than
    ever, from keeping the peace in troubled regions to building an
    undivided Europe.
        Earlier this year I visited Aviano Air Base, where the United States
    and Italy work together to contain the conflict in Bosnia and provide a
    lifeline to the Bosnian people. Now we are joined in a common support of
    the peace that is taking hold in Bosnia. I know I speak for all
    Americans when I thank the people of Italy, its leaders, its troops, and
    its citizens for the enormous effort they have made to bring peace to
    the people of Bosnia.
        I also thank Italy for its support for our common efforts to achieve
    peace in the Middle East and for its role in the recent conference at
    Sharm al-Sheikh in Egypt.
        Italy and the United States stand together as well in the fight
    against the forces of hatred and violence--the organized criminals, the
    drug traffickers, the terrorists who have brought pain and destruction
    to Italians and Americans alike.
        Mr. President, the bonds between our people stretch across the
    centuries. They extend from the hearts of our neighborhoods to the
    distant reaches of the heavens where America and Italy now are
    cooperating on the international space station. As I said in Rome, and I
    say again, we, Italians and Americans, are now and forever alleati,
    amici, una famiglia--allies, friends, a family.
        Welcome to the White House. Welcome to America.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:15 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.