Jimmy Carter

We are very excited and pleased to see the move of the leaders of your country toward democratic elections.

There has never been a larger project in the history of the world.

The upcoming elections next year will be open and free and will be a model to everyone on the universality of the right to vote.

We reemphasized our appreciation to the people of Ecuador for supplying oil to our country during the 1973 embargo.

I think a joint statement has already been issued to you just recently, concerning a very important agreement.

This agreement serves the mutual interest of both countries and the national interest of each.

We are both hopeful the project will be approved.

This joint undertaking will be the largest single private energy project in history.

This joint United States and Canadian system could deliver more than 3 1/2 billion cubic feet per day of Alaskan and, later on, Canadian gas.

I believe that when the details of the agreement are described within the next few days, that the Americans and Canadians will be pleased at the progress that we have made.

It tests the character and the will of the American people to do what's fair, what's right, what's decent.

I don't, obviously, predict war.

We have decided to embark together on this historic project which holds the promise of great benefits to both countries.

I think a failure to ratify the treaty would have very serious consequences.

I think my own position would be enhanced if the treaty is ratified.

I believe that we'll always look back upon this event as the first step toward even greater progress and greater friendship.

We will have a chance during this 3 or 4 days to meet with all of you leaders who have come from your own great countries.

I think this demonstrates the importance of the treaty to Panama.

This has not always been apparent to our neighbors, but I think the American people feel this deep within them.

Many of you seated at this table have made known for years your own strong feelings about the Panama Canal Treaty of 1903.

The people of our country look upon President Perez as a great leader in this hemisphere and also, of course, the leader of one of the great democracies of the world.

This agreement thus forms a new partnership to insure that this vital waterway, so important to all of us, will continue to be well operated, safe, and open to shipping by all nations, now and in the future.

If any agreement between two nations is to last, it must serve the best interests of both nations.

President Perez has developed into one of my best personal friends and is a great counselor and adviser for me on matters that concern the nations of the Caribbean and Central and South America.

I am grateful to all of you leaders for coming here to give our people an expression of your interest and your support.