    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 18, 1998]
    [Page 986]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Excerpt of Videotaped Remarks on the United States-Iran World Cup Game
    June 18, 1998

        The World Cup is beloved across our planet because it offers a
    chance for people from around the world to be judged not by the place
    they grew up, the color of their skin, or the way they choose to worship
    but by their spirit, skill, and strength.
        As we cheer today's game between American and Iranian athletes, I
    hope it can be another step toward ending the estrangement between our
    nations. I am pleased that over the last year, President
    Khatami and I have both worked to encourage
    more people-to-people exchanges and to help our citizens develop a
    better understanding of each other's rich civilizations.

    Note: The President's remarks were videotaped at approximately 11 a.m.
    in the Cabinet Room on June 18 for broadcast on Univision on June 21,
    and the partial transcript was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on June 18. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of these remarks.