[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 15 (Monday, April 15, 1996)]
[Page 652]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6884--Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 1996

April 11, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Today, the nations of the Western Hemisphere share a greater 
commitment to peace and democracy than they have at any other time in 
history. This consensus has at its core the ideas that liberalized 
markets work, that democracy is the foremost means of protecting 
individual human rights, that free trade is the best mechanism to 
promote growth, and that all of these principles combine to offer hope 
for improving people's lives. The interdependence of our many countries 
ensures our united efforts toward these common goals.
    We have seen remarkable success from hemispheric cooperation in 
recent years--from migration issues, to counter-narcotics measures, to 
promoting trade. This cooperative spirit energized the Summit of the 
Americas in 1994, where representatives from 34 democratically-elected 
governments committed themselves to democratic principles, effective 
governance, sustainable economic growth, and a cleaner global 
environment. This historic gathering recognized that peace and economic 
prosperity in any one country are contingent on the health of its 
neighbors.
    We can also take pride in our hemisphere's abilities to address the 
challenges of our rapidly changing world. The Mexican financial crisis 
that shook markets last year was contained and reversed because of U.S.-
led international support and the region's governments' redoubled 
commitment to economic reform. Similarly, the progress toward resolving 
the border dispute between Peru and Ecuador demonstrated the dedication 
of the Guarantors of the Rio Protocol and others to keeping our 
hemisphere on a steady course. Nevertheless, recent violations of 
international law and human rights are sad reminders that one country 
continues to refuse to join our family of democratic nations.
    As we approach the next century, let us celebrate our achievements 
and maintain high expectations for the continued progress of our 
hemispheric partnerships. In doing so, we can ensure that the Americas 
will continue to prosper, integrate, and solve problems in a 
cooperative, mutually beneficial manner.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 14, 
1996, as Pan American Day and April 14 through April 20, 1996, as Pan 
American Week. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of all other areas under 
the flag of the United States to honor these observances with 
appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of 
April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 15, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 12, and it will be published in the Federal Register 
on April 16.