[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 41 (Monday, October 16, 2000)]
[Page 2455]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement Congratulating South Korean President Kim Dae-jung on Winning 
Nobel Peace Prize

October 13, 2000

    I congratulate President Kim Dae-jung on his selection as the winner 
of this year's Nobel Peace Prize. I can think of few leaders who have 
done so much over so many years to earn this honor. It is a fitting 
tribute to his courage in promoting peace and reconciliation on the 
Korean Peninsula and to his lifelong dedication to the principle that 
peace depends on respect for human rights.
    This Prize not only celebrates what President Kim has accomplished; 
it inspires those of us who cherish peace and freedom to help him 
realize his vision. Since his historic summit with Chairman Kim Chong-
il, prospects for a better future on the Korean Peninsula have risen 
greatly. The American people will stand with the people of Korea until 
the sunshine of peace and freedom illuminates the entire Korean 
Peninsula.