    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 14, 1999]
    [Pages 1213-1214]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Legislation To Provide Assistance to African
    Nations
    July 14, 1999

        This week Congress has a chance to pass a bill that can transform
    our relationship with an entire continent for the better. The African
    growth and opportunity act promises a new partnership with Africa based
    on mutual respect and mutual responsibility.
        Last week African nations signed two significant documents: a cease-
    fire in Congo and a peace agreement ending the war in Sierra Leone. With
    these agreements and with democratic government in Nigeria and a new
    leadership in South Africa, we have an historic opportunity. The United
    States must do everything we can right now to support the efforts
    Africans are making to build democracy and respect for human rights,
    advance peace, and lay the foundation for prosperity and growth.
        This bill supports education and job creation so that all of
    Africa's children can grow up educated and productive. It supports
    better health care and the flow of ideas and technology that will help
    Africa's doctors save more lives.
        This bill has strong bipartisan support in Congress, nearly
    unanimous support from the nations of Africa, and brings together a
    broad group of concerned citizens on both continents, from Jack
    Kemp and Andrew Young to
    the African Association of Women Entrepreneurs. It represents an effort
    to build a partnership with

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    African nations that involves listening and working with them. It serves
    America's national interests in creating new markets for American goods
    and services; in building strong, reliable, and democratic partners
    overseas; and in creating a more prosperous and stable world. I urge
    Congress to seize this opportunity by passing the African growth and
    opportunity act.