    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 12, 1999]
    [Pages 2084-2085]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Legislation on Trade With Southeast Europe
    November 12, 1999

        Today I instructed the Office of the United States Trade
    Representative to transmit to Congress the southeast Europe trade
    preference act (``SETPA''), which would authorize expansion of

    [[Page 2085]]

    duty-free treatment to a much broader range of imports from the region
    for 5 years. This legislation implements in part a trade expansion
    initiative that I launched at the Sarajevo summit in July. This
    initiative is an important part of the broader Stability Pact developed
    by the United States, our European allies and partners, and others to
    speed the economic development and democratization of southeast Europe
    and advance its integration into an undivided Europe. Along with trade
    benefits provided by European nations, these efforts can help the
    countries of the region achieve long-term economic growth. This, in
    turn, will strengthen the region's stability and reduce the risk of
    another destructive conflict.