Jimmy Carter

Democracy is not merely right and just.

I am delighted to be here in Paris, the Queen of Cities.

We are also grateful that France maintains and improves its forces that are essential for defense.

Democracy unleashes the innate creative energy of each of us.

We defend these values because they are right, because there is no higher purpose for the state than to preserve these rights for its citizens.

The rights of the individual inherently stand higher than the claims or demands of the state.

Existing stockpiles of nuclear weapons must be reduced and eventually eliminated, and the danger of proliferation of nuclear weapons must be arrested.

The primary purpose of my trip and this visit is peace.

The declaration that we have just signed, or will sign, commits to paper what has long been written in our hearts.

Nations, like individuals, are morally responsible for their actions.

We declare that war is not an acceptable means to settle political disputes.

Every human being is entitled to life and liberty, to freedom from want and, without threat or coercion, to freedom of expression and worship.

The ties which bind us together are strong and unbreakable.

Above all else, we affirm that states, like individuals, bear moral responsibilities for their acts.

At the heart of the friendship between India and the United States is our determination that the moral values of our people must also guide the actions of the states.

We share an unwavering faith in the democratic form of government, which guarantees to all citizens fundamental freedoms under law.

I feel that I am among my own people and know that my steps will not be hindered.

I think the reason for this is that my family has grown to respect and to love India in the last 10 years.

India is a special place because of Gandhi, because of Nehru, because of Desai and others.

I am an important representative here in India, one of our closest and most valued friends in the largest democracy on Earth.

We share a common measurement of greatness, not power or pomp or ceremony or uniforms or outward show of greatness.

Today was fulfilled in my life a long ambition to visit the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

We are partners in a noble effort to exemplify the finest hopes and aspirations of the American people throughout the Earth.

You represent the United States here on American soil and in your every contact with the people who look to you and say, 'There goes a representative of America.'

The world looks to us for the maintenance of peace and for mutual progress and for the solution of some of the economic and social ills that afflict the world.