[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 19 (Monday, May 13, 1996)]
[Pages 821-822]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Welcoming President Konstandinos Stephanopoulos of Greece

May 9, 1996

    President Stephanopoulos, members of the Greek delegation, 
distinguished guests, on behalf of the American people, I am delighted 
to welcome President Stepha- nopoulos to the White House.
    It is an honor to return the warm hospitality the people of Greece 
showed the First Lady when she visited their wonderful country in March.
    Two thousand five hundred years ago, the birth of democracy in 
Greece lit the landscape of Western civilization. Greek architecture, 
poetry, philosophy and law set new standards for human achievement and 
new measures for human progress. Today, we Americans share with Greece 
the glory of that ancient legacy. We join with Greece, our ally and our 
friend, in raising democracy's flag around the world.
    For a half century, from World War II to the Persian Gulf, our 
nations have stood together in defense of shared ideals. Now, we are 
working to build a bright future of security, prosperity, and peace. The 
strengthening of our relations in recent years has paved the way to 
closer cooperation to the benefit of our own people and all the world.
    In Bosnia, our soldiers serve side-by-side to help the peace take 
hold. Throughout the Balkans, from Albania to the former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia, America looks to Greece to be a force of peace 
and stability. And we must stand as one against the deadly scourge of 
terrorism. May I express, once more, on behalf of all Americans our deep 
condolences to the families and friends of the 17 Greek citizens who 
were murdered in Cairo last month.
    The partnership between America and Greece is reinforced by the 
bonds of family. All across our country, Americans of Greek descent have 
added to the richness and the warmth of America's quilt. The values they 
have brought here to their adopted home--love of family, faith and 
community, taking responsibility, working hard--have flourished in 
America, and they have helped America to flourish.
    Mr. President, among the countless gifts that Greece has shared with 
the world, few capture the human heart like the Olympics. This year, the 
United States is proud to host the centennial of the modern Olympic 
games. The torch that Hillary had the honor to kindle when she visited 
your country in Olympia, carries the spirit of the past, the promise of 
this moment, and our common hopes for the future. May its flame burn as 
strong as the enduring ties between America and Greece.

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    Again, Mr. President, we welcome you and ask for your remarks.

Note: The President spoke at 10:13 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House.