Bob Dole: “news reports indicate that President Clinton is on the verge of making a decision about normalizing relations with…”

“news reports indicate that President Clinton is on the verge of making a decision about normalizing relations with Vietnam. I understand an announcement may come as soon as tomorrow. Secretary of State Warren Christopher has recommended normalization. Many Vietnam veterans support normalization--including a bipartisan group of veterans in the Senate, led by the senior Senator from Arizona, John McCain. Many oppose normalization as well. Just as the Vietnam war divided Americans in the 1960's and 1970's, the issue of how to finalize peace with Vietnam divides Americans today. At the outset, let me observe that there are men and women of good will on both sides of this issue. No one should question the motives of advocates or opponents of normalization. We share similar goals: Obtaining the fullest possible accounting for American prisoners of war and missing in action; continuing the healing process in the aftermath of our most divisive war; fostering respect for human rights and political liberty in Vietnam.”