[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.