Bill Clinton: “It's an honor for me to welcome Bishop Tutu here. As every American knows, he has been a real leader in the fight for…”

“It's an honor for me to welcome Bishop Tutu here. As every American knows, he has been a real leader in the fight for democracy and for an end to apartheid in South Africa. Almost a decade ago he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. And I want to assure him here today that the United States remains committed to the creation of a nonracial democracy in South Africa. I also want to discuss a decision that I know has been very important to Bishop Tutu and to other leaders for democracy and human rights in Africa. Today I am pleased to announce the United States recognition of the Government of Angola. This decision reflects the high priority that our administration places on democracy. In 1992, after years of bitter civil war, the people of Angola held a multiparty election that the United States, the United Nations, and others monitored and considered free and fair. Since taking office on January 20th, I have tried to use the possibility of United States recognition as a leverage towards promoting an end to the civil war and hostilities and hopefully the participation of all relevant political groups in the Government of Angola. Sadly, the party that lost the election, UNITA, resumed the fighting before the electoral process could even be completed. And UNITA has now refused to sign the peace agreement currently on the table. The Angolan Government, by contrast, has agreed to sign that peace agreement, has sworn in a democratically elected national assembly, and has offered participation by UNITA at all levels of government. Today we recognize those achievements by recognizing the Government of the Republic of Angola. It is my hope that UNITA will accept a negotiated settlement and that it will be part of this government. I intend to continue working closely with the Government of Angola and with UNITA to achieve a lasting peace settlement and a vibrant democracy there. I hope the efforts of the United States have been helpful. I am confident that the Government of Angola has more than earned the recognition that the United States extends today.”