    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 25, 2000]
    [Page 776]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Legislation To Encourage Free and Fair Elections in
    Peru
    April 25, 2000

        Today I have signed into law S.J.Res. 43, expressing the sense of
    the Congress on the importance of free, fair, and democratic elections
    in Peru. Transparent elections are the foundation of a democratic
    society.
        The people of Peru will go to the polls in the near future for a
    second and final round to choose their president. I urge that the
    concerns about the electoral process underscored by the Organization of
    American States mission to Peru, and by the U.S. Congress in this
    resolution, be fully addressed in preparations for the second round. The
    democratic countries of this hemisphere are united in our hope that the
    election be conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and statesmanlike
    manner. Democracy is strengthened when all Peruvians have the
    opportunity to debate and determine the future of Peru.
        The people of the United States look forward to continuing the
    excellent relationship we have enjoyed with the Peruvian people and
    their democratically elected leaders and to strengthening the bonds that
    unite our countries.

                                                          William J. Clinton

     The White House,

     April 25, 2000.

    Note: S.J. Res. 43, approved April 25, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
    186.