    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [May 9, 1996]
    [Pages 715-716]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming President Konstandinos Stephanopoulos of Greece
    May 9, 1996

        President Stephanopoulos, members of the Greek delegation,
    distinguished guests. On behalf of the American people, I am delighted
    to welcome President Stephanopoulos to the White House. It is an honor
    to return the warm hospitality the people of Greece showed the First
    Lady when she visited their wonderful country in March.
        Two thousand five hundred years ago, the birth of democracy in
    Greece lit the landscape of Western civilization. Greek architecture,
    poetry, philosophy, and law set new standards for human achievement and
    new measures for human progress. Today, we Americans share with Greece
    the glory of that ancient legacy. We join with Greece, our ally and our
    friend, in raising democracy's flag around the world. For a half
    century, from World War II to the Persian Gulf, our nations have stood
    together in defense of shared ideals. Now we are working to build a
    bright future of security, prosperity, and peace. The strengthening of
    our relations in recent years has paved the way to closer cooperation to
    the benefit of our own people and all the world. In Bosnia, our soldiers
    serve side by side to help the peace take hold. Throughout the Balkans,
    from Albania to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, America looks
    to Greece to be a force of peace and stability.
        And we must stand as one against the deadly scourge of terrorism.
    May I express, once more, on behalf of all Americans our deep
    condolences to the families and friends of the 17 Greek citizens who
    were murdered in Cairo last month.
        The partnership between America and Greece is reinforced by the
    bonds of family. All across our country, Americans of Greek descent have
    added to the richness and the warmth of America's quilt. The values they
    have brought here to their adopted home--love of family, faith, and
    community, taking responsibility, working

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    hard--have flourished in America, and they have helped America to
    flourish.
        Mr. President, among the countless gifts that Greece has shared with
    the world, few capture the human heart like the Olympics. This year, the
    United States is proud to host the centennial of the modern Olympic
    games. The torch that Hillary had the honor to kindle when she visited
    your country in Olympia carries the spirit of the past, the promise of
    this moment, and our common hopes for the future. May its flame burn as
    strong as the enduring ties between America and Greece.
        Again, Mr. President, we welcome you and ask for your remarks.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:13 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.