    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 15 (Monday, April 17, 2000)]
    [Page 785]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message on the Celebration of Jubilee 2000

    April 7, 2000

        Warm greetings to everyone gathered in our nation's capital to
    celebrate Jubilee 2000. You can take pride in being a part of this
    extraordinary grassroots effort to reduce the debt of the world's most
    impoverished countries. Your work is helping to raise awareness and put
    this issue at the forefront of the national agenda.
        In too many countries around the world today, excessive debt and
    unwise economic policies divert crucial resources from health,
    education, environment, and other social investments. Every year, two-
    thirds of the world's heavily-indebted poor countries (HIPC) spend more
    on debt service than on health or education. At the same time, basic
    human needs go unmet. In these countries, one in ten children dies
    before his or her first birthday, one in three children is malnourished,
    and the average adult has had only three years of schooling. This is
    wrong.
        Last year, we worked with other creditor nations to reach agreement
    on a plan to triple the debt relief available for the world's poorest
    nations. The Cologne Debt Initiative promises to reduce more than 70
    percent of the total debt of these countries, enabling them to commit
    additional resources to the health and education of their people. Thanks
    to your efforts and the efforts of a bipartisan group in Congress, we
    have made significant progress in lifting the burden of debt from half a
    billion people around the world. This year we must build on that
    progress. For debt relief to move forward, Congress must take action on
    my request to cover the remaining cost of the U.S. share of debt relief.
        I applaud each of you for your commitment to Jubilee 2000. Let us
    say today that no nation on this Earth should be forced to choose
    between feeding and educating children or paying interest on excessive
    debt. Let us say that no children--no matter where they are born--should
    be deprived of the opportunity to reach their full potential.
        Best wishes for a memorable event and continued success in your
    efforts.
                                                      Bill Clinton

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    April 9.