    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [March 11, 1999]
    [Pages 350-354]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Declaration of Antigua
    March 11, 1999

        We, the Presidents of Costa Rica,
    El Salvador, the United States of America,
    Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the
    Dominican Republic, and the Prime Minister
    of Belize, meeting in Antigua, Guatemala, on March
    11, 1999, welcome the special opportunity afforded by this meeting to
    secure a prosperous future for our peoples after the devastation wrought
    by Hurricanes Mitch and Georges.
        Hurricane Mitch was the worst disaster in the history of our
    Hemisphere, killing nearly 10,000 people, affecting at least 6 million
    others, and causing property damage totaling approximately $6 billion.
    Aware of the enormous impact on our countries of this disaster, we are
    meeting to combine efforts to rebuild and transform the region in such a
    way as to bring swifter development that will ensure the prosperity of
    all our citizens.
        For the first time in the history of our region, all our countries
    are enjoying peace, stability, democracy, and freedom. Preserving these
    achievements requires decisive, forward-looking action in order to avoid
    jeopardizing the stability

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    of our countries achieved through great sacrifice and to stay on the
    course of progress.
        In a spirit of solidarity, the Central American Presidents gathered
    for a special, emergency meeting in Comalapa, El Salvador, on November
    9, 1998, to appeal to the international community for solidarity and to
    adopt joint decisions on how best to coordinate our efforts to help one
    another in the task of rebuilding and transformation.
        Despite the tragedy we face, we recognize that the current situation
    also offers a unique opportunity to reconstruct our economies, transform
    our societies, and lay the economic foundation for sustained growth to
    prepare our nations to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
    With our own efforts and with the staunch, sustained support of the
    international community, we will overcome the challenges ahead.
        The Central American nations and the Dominican Republic deeply
    appreciate the strong show of support, generosity, and solidarity to our
    peoples, and the valuable cooperation and emergency assistance provided
    by the international community. We take this opportunity to express
    particular gratitude for the speedy, timely response of the people and
    the Government of the United States of America. The President of the
    United States of America reiterates his commitment to contribute efforts
    to transform and rebuild Central America and the Dominican Republic.

    Reconstruction and Transformation

        We welcome the opportunity this Summit offers to intensify the frank
    dialogue we began in San Jose. We reaffirm the values we share as
    peoples and nations, based on democracy, the free market, respect for
    human rights and fundamental freedoms, the effective rule of law, the
    campaign against international crime, and our commitment to
    environmental protection.
        Based on these values, the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador,
    the United States of America, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and the Vice
    President of Guatemala, met in Washington, D.C., on December 11, 1998,
    to agree on mechanisms to rebuild and transform the region, and at that
    time received encouraging support and solidarity from the people and the
    Government of the United States of America.
        Aware that our efforts should be complemented by long-term support
    from financial institutions, the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador,
    Honduras, and Nicaragua, and the Vice President of Guatemala, met in
    Washington, D.C., on December 10-11, 1998, to report to the
    international community, at the Consultative Group convened by the
    Inter-American Development Bank, on the magnitude of the damage and to
    establish mechanisms for effective coordination with donors, thereby
    ensuring the resources necessary to begin the difficult task of
    rebuilding and transforming our countries.
        We agree that the effective, lasting transformation of the region
    means enhancing democracy; promoting sustained economic growth as the
    best antidote for poverty; strengthening the rule of law and national
    reconciliation; ensuring the full effectiveness of human rights;
    strengthening judicial systems and good governance; fostering
    transparency; combating international crime; approaching in a humane
    manner the issue of migration; expanding trade and investment
    opportunities; supporting debt relief and financial cooperation; and
    implementing a program of sustainable development that includes natural
    disaster prevention.
        The Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
    Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, and the Prime Minister of Belize,
    reaffirm our determination to achieve the rapid rebuilding and
    transformation of our countries with a view to establishing prosperous
    societies with equal opportunity for all.
        We agree to underscore the importance of obtaining, during this
    initial rebuilding phase, non-reimbursable funds and concessionary lines
    of credit to finance programs in those areas most essential for
    economic, agricultural, and industrial recovery and for the
    reintegration of the people affected into the productive life of our
    countries. To that end, the Presidents of Central America and the
    Dominican Republic and the Prime Minister of Belize express appreciation
    for the request for special funds for rebuilding Central America that
    President Clinton sent to his Congress, and again call upon the
    international community and international financial institutions to lend
    their firm support to the efforts to rebuild Central America.

    Debt Relief and Financial Cooperation

        The Presidents of Central America and the Dominican Republic and the
    Prime Minister of Belize welcome the commitment by the President of the
    United States of America to provide debt relief to Nicaragua and
    Honduras, whose

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    economies were especially devastated by Hurricane Mitch. Debt relief is
    critical to building a sustainable path to development for these
    countries as they work to rebuild and transform their economies.
        The Presidents of Central America and the Dominican Republic and the
    Prime Minister of Belize view with approval the support provided by the
    United States of America within the Paris Club to extend a moratorium on
    debt servicing for Honduras and Nicaragua over the next two to three
    years, which will free up vital resources for reconstruction and
    transformation efforts. The President of the United States of America
    reiterated his commitment to play a leadership role in providing
    comprehensive external debt reduction for Honduras and Nicaragua under
    the Paris Club and consideration of eligibility under the Highly
    Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. In addition, the President of
    the United States has requested authority for a $25 million contribution
    to the Central America emergency trust fund in order to help pay debt
    service to the international financial institutions.
        The President of the United States of America expressed his
    determination to support and contribute to both bilateral and
    multilateral initiatives, in order to obtain the maximum additional
    resources needed on an urgent and concessionary basis at the May 1999
    meeting of the Consultative Group in Stockholm, Sweden. That meeting
    will be a pivotal event in donor coordination and in confirming pledges
    of resources for the reconstruction and transformation of the region.
    The Presidents of Central America and the Dominican Republic and the
    Prime Minister of Belize expressed their appreciation for the
    determination by the United States of America to increase substantially
    bilateral aid programs for the reconstruction of their countries.

    Trade and Investment

        We recognize that the formulation of a comprehensive program of
    reconstruction and economic recovery for the region in the wake of
    Hurricanes Mitch and Georges would be incomplete without the
    consideration of trade and investment as essential components for
    economic development, regional integration, and prosperity. It is
    through commercial opportunities generated by better and more secure
    markets that sustainable development, long-term political and economic
    stability, and, therefore, widespread human development in the region
    can be achieved. We recognize that creating incentives for increased
    trade and investment will be advanced by our adherence to commitments
    agreed upon in multilateral trade negotiations such as in the World
    Trade Organization.
        Two-way trade between the United States of America and its neighbors
    in Central America and the Caribbean has grown rapidly in this decade
    and has been highly beneficial for both sides. This reflects the
    continued success and relevance of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
    in promoting greater trade flows and investment and generating
    employment in the United States of America as well as in the region.
    Free market economies and private sector participation are essential to
    rebuilding our countries, consolidating democracy, and promoting closer
    economic relations. As we approach the new millennium, we are determined
    to rededicate our commitment to open markets and to strengthen even more
    this mutually beneficial relationship.
        We are aware of the importance of strengthening relationships that
    have developed in the areas of textiles and clothing, not only because
    of the enormous benefits for the United States of America and the
    nations of the Caribbean Basin, but also as a way of ensuring our mutual
    competitiveness in the context of the world market as we approach the
    year 2005.
        President Clinton expressed his determination to work actively with
    the United States Congress to enhance the Caribbean Basin Initiative in
    a manner that responds effectively to the needs of the countries of the
    region. These enhancements should help prepare for the creation of a
    region of shared prosperity among Central America, the Dominican
    Republic, and the United States of America.
        We welcome President Clinton's commitment to send the Bilateral
    Investment Treaties with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua to the
    United States Senate for ratification. These treaties send a positive
    signal of the region's openness to foreign investment and its
    determination to protect property rights and to forge a partnership with
    business to rebuild and transform the economies victimized by Hurricane
    Mitch.
        The leaders praised the excellent beginning to the negotiations for
    the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The governments of the
    United States of America, the Central American

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    countries, and the Dominican Republic affirmed their commitment to work
    together to achieve concrete progress in the FTAA negotiations,
    including by implementing a series of business facilitation measures.
    For this purpose, the governments will consult on cooperative efforts
    they can undertake to help the countries of the region to advance in
    this direction. In this regard, we highlight transparency as an
    important element of the FTAA process. We, therefore, look forward to
    the ongoing work of the Committee of Government Representatives on the
    Participation of Civil Society.

    Migration

        We recognize that the effects of Hurricanes Mitch and Georges on
    Central America and the Dominican Republic have caused suffering for
    their population and have further complicated social and economic
    conditions for an adequate reintegration of their repatriated citizens.
    In this regard, the Presidents of the Central American countries and the
    Dominican Republic and the Prime Minister of Belize express appreciation
    for the temporary measures already taken by the Government of the United
    States of America aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of
    repatriations to the region, and we reaffirm our commitment to
    maintaining dialogue at the highest level with a view to finding humane
    and permanent solutions to the problems of migration.
        Taking into account the origins, manifestations, and social,
    economic, and political effects of migration, and bearing in mind the
    interdependence of our countries, the Government of the United States of
    America will consider initiatives to address the disparities created by
    the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA). We
    recognize that migrants contribute to the development and prosperity of
    their region of origin and of their new country of residence and also
    recognize that, in order for these benefits to be realized, migration
    should be orderly. We will also cooperate to address disorderly
    emigration and its consequences. We affirm our belief that long-term
    reconstruction, investment, trade, and assistance should include joint
    efforts to create sustainable employment opportunities that would
    provide alternatives to the need for future emigration.
        We recognize the difficulties some repatriated citizens face as they
    reintegrate into their countries of origin and the socioeconomic
    implications this may entail for their countries. For this reason, we
    will pay special attention to the matter and will explore and encourage
    the adoption of new and comprehensive cooperative measures to ensure
    that they are treated appropriately, such as the signing of prisoner
    transfer treaties and memoranda of understanding on deportation
    procedures, to facilitate the reintegration of repatriated persons, with
    special emphasis on their well-being and on respect for their dignity
    and human rights.
        We reiterate that illicit trafficking in persons is an affront to
    human dignity and reaffirm our commitment to increase cooperation in
    order to combat and punish this abominable practice. We commend the
    adoption of new laws in several countries against illicit trafficking in
    persons and urge other countries to implement similar measures. Our
    governments will continue multilateral cooperation in the Regional
    Conference on Migration and in other fora in order to exchange
    information and coordinate actions on migration matters in our
    countries. We will seek to establish mechanisms to share information and
    mutually collaborate to stop the organized smuggling of persons.

    Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Human Rights

        We applaud the achievement in the region of peace with harmony,
    mutual cooperation, and full respect for human rights. The end of
    internal conflicts in Central America has opened the way to
    reconciliation and the establishment of just, equitable societies that
    provide better opportunities for our peoples.
        At this time of challenge and renewal, we reaffirm our commitment to
    continue the process of profound transformation, meeting the needs of
    our pluralistic democracies, based on strict respect for human rights,
    the effectiveness of the rule of law, mutual respect, the strengthening
    of local governments, and a more equitable and participatory civil
    society. We will continue doing our utmost to achieve economic well-
    being and the comprehensive development of our countries, and to
    preserve social peace, progress, and stability. We will also continue
    observing and promoting the rights of workers, including the elimination
    of any exploitative forms of child labor, in accordance with our
    respective Constitutions and with the Conventions of the International
    Labor Organization, as respectively ratified by our governments. In
    addition, working together within the Summit

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    of the Americas process and the Organization of American States, we will
    endeavor to strengthen democracy and to increase prosperity throughout
    the Hemisphere.
        We will work together to restore and create greater opportunities
    for the population affected by the hurricanes and to meet their needs
    with alacrity in order to prevent regional security from being
    threatened by the establishment of criminal networks. We will continue
    enhancing cooperation among our countries in the campaign against drug
    trafficking and organized crime.
        We reaffirm our determination to bolster mutual legal assistance and
    information sharing arrangements that will deny safe haven to criminals.
    We support the modernization of extradition treaties and their vigorous
    application, within the legal framework of each country, to prevent
    impunity and to ensure that criminals are severely punished, in
    accordance with the severity of the crime committed. We will continue to
    modernize our laws against drug trafficking and money laundering and
    jointly seek opportunities to assist one another, through education,
    training, and technical support to prevent drug abuse. For these
    purposes, we are intensifying our efforts to execute the plan of action
    developed from the San Jose Summit.

    Sustainable Development

        The economic reconstruction of Central America and the Dominican
    Republic must address basic priorities such as reducing poverty,
    ensuring human development, and satisfying basic human needs with a
    sustainable management of natural resources. The region's sustainable
    development depends on overcoming obstacles such as imbalances in
    patterns of production, consumption, and human settlement; accelerated
    population growth; and high levels of poverty.
        We have before us an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild the region
    and create jobs through domestic and foreign investment. We also have
    the opportunity of investing wisely, using sustainably our natural
    resources to ensure the well-being of present and future generations.
        We recognize that global climate change has the potential to cause
    more frequent and severe natural disasters and thus recognize the need
    for all Parties to meet their responsibilities under the United Nations
    Framework Convention on Climate Change. Industrialized countries should
    reduce their emissions and developing countries should participate
    meaningfully in global efforts to address climate change.
        We underscore the continuing leadership of Central America in
    advancing implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change
    and in the evolution of the Clean Development Mechanism for
    implementation of climate-friendly projects, including clean energy
    development and the enhancement of carbon sinks. Building on the
    commitment of the San Jose Declaration, we recognize the importance of
    the actions that are being developed in Central America with the
    participation of our private sectors, especially those that will permit
    the concession of credits and other initiatives that will mitigate
    greenhouse gas emissions.
        Recognizing the impact of climatic disturbances in the region, we
    agree that key components in the mitigation of disasters and in
    sustainable development include improved management of watersheds,
    reforestation, preservation of coastal wetlands, and efforts to prevent
    soil erosion through improved farming practices. It is, therefore,
    important to strengthen mechanisms of cooperation in the areas of
    natural disaster prevention and mitigation through education, training,
    institutional strengthening, and the transfer of technology.
        We, the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, the United States of
    America, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, and the Prime
    Minister of Belize, express our sincere gratitude for the hospitality
    shown to us by the people and Government of Guatemala during our sojourn
    in this historic city.

    Note: The joint statement was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary but was not issued as a White House press release. An original
    was not available for verification of the content of this joint
    statement.