    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 3, 2000]
    [Page 825]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on World Press Freedom Day
    May 3, 2000

        On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I want to salute
    journalists in every country who dedicate their lives--and risk their
    lives--to increase our understanding of the world and to shine a
    spotlight in support of truth and accountability.
        This past year around the world, from Colombia to Chechnya to Sierra
    Leone, more than 30 journalists were killed, many more were imprisoned,
    and more than 100 nations still exert forms of harassment that inhibit
    press freedom. Right now, Governments in Iran and Serbia are cracking
    down on journalists, closing news organizations, and trying to block a
    public dialog that is so essential to human rights and freedom.
        As a nation long blessed with liberty, the United States has a
    responsibility to stand with those who are upholding the values we
    cherish, to speak up for press freedom, and to speak out against
    repression, so that journalists can do their jobs without risk or
    restraint and citizens have the knowledge they need to exercise the
    power of self-government.