[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.