    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [April 11, 1999]
    [Page 536]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Observance of Orthodox Easter
    April 11, 1999

        I wish to send a warm message of greetings today to the 6 million
    Orthodox Christian Americans and the quarter-billion Orthodox Christians
    around the world, as they gather to proclaim that ``Christ has risen.''
        I know the feeling of joy that comes on Easter Sunday, when we
    celebrate the miracle of Jesus' Resurrection and His gift to us of
    eternal life. Yet I also understand that on this particular Easter
    Sunday, the joy Orthodox Christians feel may be mixed with other
    emotions: with sadness over the tragic events in and around Kosovo, and
    with fear for those whose lives may still be in danger. The majority of
    those forced from Kosovo in the last 2 weeks are Muslim, but among them
    are Catholics and Orthodox Christians, too. Our hearts and prayers must
    go out to all who have suffered. We hope and pray for the restoration of
    peace and a resolution based on democracy and tolerance.
        On this holiest of days, when Orthodox Christians celebrate the
    triumph of life over death, of hope over despair, let us recommit to
    seeking peace, human rights, and an end to suffering for people around
    the world.