    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [January 23, 1998]
    [Page 109]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Receiving the Interim Report of the Secretary of State's
    Special Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad
    January 23, 1998

        I welcome the report of the Committee, which my administration
    established in November 1996 to advise us on means to combat religious
    persecution and intolerance abroad.
        I am pleased that the Committee has recognized the considerable
    efforts we have already made to raise the profile of these issues and
    invigorate our advocacy, and we will carefully study the Committee's
    recommendations on how we can do more.
        This distinguished group of Americans is playing a critical role in
    our effort to promote religious freedom abroad, and we look forward to a
    continued and close collaboration as the Committee prepares its final
    report in the months to come.