[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 15 (Monday, April 18, 1994)]
[Pages 768-769]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6666--Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 1994

April 8, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

    Within the last few years, we have witnessed remarkable changes 
around the globe. The defeat of oppression and the ascendancy of 
democracy and free market systems have brought a new world full of 
opportunities and challenges. Nowhere has the march toward positive 
change--political, economic, and social--been more dramatic or more 
complete than in our own hemisphere.
    From North to South, more citizens of the Americas are enjoying the 
fruits of liberty than ever before. Principles fundamental to democracy, 
such as acceptance of the rule of law and respect for human rights, 
continue to gain ground. There is no question that this hemisphere is 
well on its way to becoming a beacon of liberty and democracy for the 
whole world.

[[Page 769]]

    The interdependence of nations is greater than ever because 
democracy, human rights, market economics, and good governance are ideas 
that are rapidly maturing throughout the Americas. They form an enduring 
foundation for sustainable and mutually beneficial economic growth and 
development. A renewed partnership between nations of this hemisphere 
will further these ideas, thus ensuring lasting security for future 
generations.
    The approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement was an 
historic achievement and one that is crucial in this process. Beginning 
with Canada and Mexico, it will build a bridge of greater economic and 
political cooperation. It will serve as the model for our future 
relationships with the region. It will advance the vision of a community 
of nations committed to democracy, bound together by open markets and 
rising standards of living and dedicated to the peaceful resolution of 
disputes.
    Over a century ago, representatives of the nations of this 
hemisphere met in Washington to establish the International Union of the 
American Republics. Accepting the tenets of democracy, peace, security, 
and prosperity, these member nations made a firm commitment to mutual 
cooperation. The Union's successor, the Organization of American States 
(OAS), has furthered this commitment. I applaud and encourage the 
activity of the OAS in this pursuit to ensure that worldwide changes 
create a hemisphere of peace and prosperity.
    We can take great pride in accomplishments already achieved in the 
Americas. But there is much work to be done. Later this year, I will 
host a summit of the democratically elected leaders of our hemisphere. 
The Summit of the Americas will have two broad themes: democracy and 
good governance; and trade expansion, investment, and sustainable 
development. The Summit will be an historic opportunity for our nations 
to recognize explicitly this convergence of democratic and free market 
values and to chart a course for the future.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, April 14, 
1994, as ``Pan American Day'' and the week of April 10 through April 16, 
1994, as ``Pan American Week.'' I urge the Governors of the 50 States, 
the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other 
areas under the flag of the United States of America to honor these 
observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:39 p.m., April 11, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 9, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
April 13.