    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [April 8, 1997]
    [Page 412]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting the Report of the
    National Endowment for Democracy
    April 8, 1997

    To the Congress of the United States:
        Pursuant to the provisions of section 504(h) of Public Law 98-164,
    as amended (22 U.S.C. 4413(i)), I transmit herewith the 13th Annual
    Report of the National Endowment for Democracy, which covers fiscal year
    1996.
        The report demonstrates the National Endowment for Democracy's
    unique contribution to the task of promoting democracy worldwide. The
    Endowment has helped consolidate emerging democracies--from South Africa
    to the former Soviet Union--and has lent its hand to grass-roots
    activists in repressive countries--such as Cuba, Burma, or Nigeria. In
    each instance, it has been able to act in ways that government agencies
    could not.
        Through its everyday efforts, the Endowment provides evidence of the
    universality of the democratic ideal and of the benefits to our Nation
    of our continued international engagement. The Endowment has received
    and should continue to receive strong bipartisan support.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    April 8, 1997.