[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 19 (Monday, May 13, 2002)]
[Pages 743-744]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Congress on the Restoration of Normal Trade Relations 
Treatment to the Products of Afghanistan

May 3, 2002

To the Congress of the United States:

    Public Law 99-190, 99 Stat. 1319, which took effect on December 19, 
1985, authorized the President to deny normal trade relations (NTR) 
tariff treatment to the products of Afghanistan. On January 31, 1986, 
President Reagan issued a proclamation denying NTR treatment to 
Afghanistan.
    I have determined that it is appropriate to restore NTR treatment to 
the products of Afghanistan. Restoration of NTR treatment will support 
U.S. efforts to normalize relations with Afghanistan and facilitate 
increased trade with the United States, which could contribute to 
economic growth and assist Afghanistan in rebuilding its economy. 
Therefore, in accordance with section 118 of

[[Page 744]]

Public Law 99-190, I hereby provide notice that I have issued the 
attached proclamation restoring NTR tariff treatment to the products of 
Afghanistan. The Proclamation shall take effect 30 days after it is 
published in the Federal Register.
                                                George W. Bush
 The White House,
 May 3, 2002.

Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.