    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
    [Page 300]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement Following a Meeting With Southern African Leaders

    February 26, 2002

        Today I met with three Presidents who can help bring peace and
    prosperity to southern Africa. Presidents dos Santos of Angola, Chissano
    of Mozambique, and Mogae of Botswana and I discussed our common
    interests in working with each other and through the Southern African
    Development Community to bring greater peace, prosperity, and stability
    to the region.
        I reiterated that expanding trade is the surest path to sustainable
    development. I commended the three Presidents' leadership in developing
    a regional strategy to combat HIV/AIDS and promote economic integration.
    As part of that effort, I asked the Presidents to join my call for the
    World Bank to begin providing 50 percent of its assistance to the
    world's poorest nations in the form of grants rather than loans.
        The three Presidents also discussed the tragic wars in Angola and
    the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We agreed that peace is within
    reach of both countries. I urged President dos Santos to move quickly
    toward achieving a cease-fire in Angola. And we agreed that all parties
    have an obligation to seize this moment to end the war and develop
    Angola's vast wealth to the benefit of the Angolan people. President dos
    Santos has it within his power to end 26 years of fighting by reaching
    out to all Angolans willing to lay down their arms. Angolans deserve no
    less.
        Finally, I commend the work of former President Masire, President
    Mbeki, and other SADC leaders--including Presidents dos Santos,
    Chissano, and Mogae--on the Inter-Congolese Dialogue in South Africa. I
    remain committed to working with the leaders of southern Africa to
    achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

    Note: The statement referred to former President Quett K.J. Masire of
    Botswana and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.