    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 1, 1999]
    [Page 2189]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 2189]]

    Exchange With Reporters in Seattle
    December 1, 1999

    Disruption of the Seattle Round

        Q. Mr. President, what message do the violence and protests send to
    the WTO officials and delegates here?
        The President. Let me say this: I think that the WTO officials are
    quite well aware that the violence is not representative of how the
    American people feel, that nearly 100 percent of our people abhor what
    was done and condemn it. We don't believe in violence. We don't believe
    in people who keep other people from meeting. We don't like that.
        I think that what the WTO people are here is to pay attention to the
    nonviolent protests and should open the process and find a way to
    legitimately consider the grievances of the poorest nations, as well as
    those of us who believe that we have to give greater concern to the
    environment and to labor standards and our trade measures. And I think--
    that's what I think they should listen to. They should give no
    consideration to the violent people because nobody supports them, nobody
    believes in it, and what they did was wrong. It was just vandalism.
        Q. Can a peaceful message go through?
        The President. I hope so. That's more up to you, than me. [Laughter]
        Thank you.

    Note: The exchange began at 1:07 p.m. while the President greeted the
    crowd at the ropeline following his remarks at the Port of Seattle. A
    tape was not available for verification of the content of this exchange.