Communications to Congress-Continued Science and technology report, message-487 Alaskan oil spill, Federal cleanup assistance- Interviews With the News Media News Conference, April 7 (No. 7)—499 Panama, continuation of the U.S. national Proclamations National Child Care Awareness Week-465 National Former Prisoners of War Day-506 Statements Other Than Presidential El Salvador, meeting with President-elect Pan American flight 103, meeting with representatives of the bombing victims' Semiautomatic weapons, suspension of Soviet Central American policy-489 Venezuela, meeting with President Pérez-465 Acts approved by the President-511 Checklist of White House press releases-511 Digest of other White House announcements— Nominations submitted to the Senate-509 Editor's Note: A quarterly index to Issues 4-13 is being printed under separate cover and distributed WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Register, The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- tions prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished There are no restrictions on the republication of material ap- Week Ending Friday, April 7, 1989 Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Meeting With President Carlos Andrés Pérez of Venezuela April 1, 1989 President Bush this morning had breakfast in the Residence with Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez. The breakfast and meeting focused on the Venezuelan debt situation. President Pérez described the economic reforms being undertaken in Venezuela. President Bush encouraged President Pérez to continue those reforms. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Central America and the new United States bipartisan agreement. President Bush emphasized keeping diplomatic pressure on the Sandinistas, and he asked for Venezuelan support in that effort. The breakfast and meeting began at 8 a.m. and lasted approximately 90 minutes. Participating on the U.S. side were the President, Vice President Quayle, Secretary of State James Baker, Secretary of the Treasury Nicholas Brady, Chief of Staff John Sununu, national security adviser Brent Scowcroft, and Bernard Aronson, Assistant Secretary of State-designate for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, and Robert Pasterino from the National Security Council staff. Participating from the Venezuelan side were President Pérez, Foreign Minister Enrique Tejera-Paris, Minister of Planning Miguel Rodriguez, Chief of Staff Reinaldo Figueredo, Ambassador to the United States Valentín Hernández, and Ambassador-designate to the United States Simón Alberto Consalvi. Proclamation 5948-National Child By the President of the United States A Proclamation Parents have no greater responsibility than their children-the precious persons entrusted to their care and protection. For millions of American families, child care is an increasingly important issue. With an increasing number of single-parent families and the proportion of mothers who work outside the home in two-parent families rising, more and more parents are seeking help in caring for their children. The majority of those needing child care turn to family members, friends, or neighbors. Others seek support from an array of nonprofit and proprietary child care providers operating in the country today. Churches and church-affiliated programs also play a vital role in caring for our Nation's children, providing quality day care and the religious atmosphere that many parents desire. Increasing the range of child care options available to parents-particularly those who head families of modest means-will benefit the Nation's children, their parents, and the country as a whole. Parents need options that allow them to make the child care arrangements that best meet their families' needs and preferences. "National Child Care Awareness Week" is a time when we recognize the importance of quality child care and applaud the dedicated and concerned individuals who provide that care. It is also a time to renew our efforts to be creative and energetic in increasing the variety of child care arrangements available to parents. We must always remember that parents are best able to make decisions about their children's care and should have the ability to do so freely. As we celebrate "National Child Care Awareness Week," let us rededicate ourselves to improving care for the children of America. Let us also recognize that while the specific child care requirements of families differ, the provision of loving and supportive care is a need all children share. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 50, has designated the week beginning April 2, 1989, as "National Child Care Awareness Week" and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this occasion. Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning April 2, 1989, as National Child Care Awareness Week. I call upon all Americans to join with me in honoring the parents, relatives, schools, churches, and commercial child care providers who accept the enormously important responsibility of helping to care for our children. National Child Care Awareness Week affords us a welcome opportunity to offer them recognition and encouragement. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. George Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:27 p.m., April 3, 1989] Note: The proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on April 3. Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Representatives of the Families of the Victims of Pan American Flight 103 April 3, 1989 President Bush met this morning for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes with rep resentatives of the families of victims of Pan Am Flight 103. President Bush expressed his sorrow and deep concern with respect to the families of the victims of this tragic incident. President Bush said he had read some of the letters from families and was generally aware of their concerns. The following representatives attended: Burt Ammerman, Joe Horgan, Paul Hudson, Wendy Geibler, and Vicki Cummock. The group discussed their concern for airport security and various efforts that might be taken to improve it. They had discussed these matters with Secretary of Transportation Samuel Skinner. Secretary Skinner will address many of these concerns, along with other announcements on airport security, at a press conference later today. The group also discussed the Government's liaison with them in the aftermath of the incident. President Bush asked Secretary Skinner to remain in contact with the group and to keep them advised of security issues of concern to them. The meeting was sensitive, solemn, and productive. The families appreciated the President's sincerity and the opportunity to discuss the issue with him. Also attending the meeting were Secretary Skinner, Governor Sununu [Chief of Staff to the President], and General Scowcroft [Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs]. Remarks Following Discussions With President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt April 3, 1989 President Bush. Well, it was a special pleasure for me to welcome our good friend, President Hosni Mubarak, to the White House this morning. Our personal relationship goes back several years, from the days we were both Vice Presidents, then through my visit to Cairo in 1986, and then our most recent meeting in Tokyo in February. I am glad for this early opportunity to discuss with President Mubarak the vital interest of my administration in moving the peace process forward. Egypt's pivotal role in the Middle East and our strong bilateral partnership remain key to achieving that goal. President Mubarak's visit is particularly timely. For over 15 years, Egypt has been our partner in the peace process, and 10 years ago, Egypt and Israel signed their historic treaty of peace. Egypt's continued commitment to expanding that peace is a source of great encouragement for all of us who seek a comprehensive resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The reemergence of Egypt as a respected leader of the Arab world attests to President Mubarak's statesmanship and ability, as well as to Egypt's wisdom in pursuing the path of peace. In our discussions, we spent a considerable amount of time talking about the Middle East peace process. We share a sense of urgency to move toward a comprehensive settlement through direct negotiations. Ten years of peace between Egypt and Israel demonstrate that peace works, and it can work for Israelis and Palestinians as well. There's a need now for creativity, demonstrable commitment and the application of sound principles-creativity in order to look again at old problems and then devise imaginative ways of solving them; commitment to face the challenges and risks of making peace rather than throwing up our hands and giving up; and adherence to sound principles, like the United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. A new atmosphere must be created where Israelis and Arabs feel each other's willingness to compromise so that both sides can win. Violence can give way to dialog once both sides understand that the dialog will offer political gain. Egypt and the United States share the goals of security for Israel, the end of the occupation, and achievement of Palestinian political rights. These are the promises held out by a sustained commitment to a negotiated settlement towards which a properly structured international conference could play a useful role at an appropriate time. We also had a chance to review some important elements of our own bilateral relationship. They've been sealed at the highest levels, these special ties that we have with Egypt. They're forged by the global imperatives of peace, stability, and development in the region. They are strong and flexible, reaffirmed by every administration, and resilient to withstand turbulent times for the region and for the world. President Mubarak enjoys our full support as he implements courageous reform meas ures to strengthen Egypt's economy for future generations. And under the inspired stewardship of President Mubarak, Egypt has grown in stature and in strength, and we in the United States welcome this development. We are proud of our partnership with Egypt, and I look forward to working closely with President Mubarak in carrying out our common vision of peace, stability, and development in the Middle East. Mr. President. President Mubarak. Once again, I meet with my old friend, President Bush, in an atmosphere of genuine friendship and mutual understanding. I have known the President for many years, and I have always found him a man of honor and commitment. His vast experience and profound understanding of international problems have been skillfully employed for the good of his country and the cause of world peace. Today we discussed a wide range of issues of common concern. Naturally, we focused on matters related to the bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East. I'm happy to say that we concluded this round of talks with a note of optimism and hope. We are quite satisfied with the state of U.S.Egyptian cooperation. Our steadily increasing interaction between our two peoples constitutes a cornerstone of the policy of our two countries. We are equally determined to cement this friendship even further. As President Bush said, our commitment to the promotion of peace in the Middle East is a paramount one that takes priority over any other concern. To us, peace is not only a cherished ideal but also a practical necessity. We believe that the area stands at an historic crossroads that is certain to affect the future of many generations. It's our sacred duty to exert maximum effort in order to widen the scope of peace and remove the remaining obstacles to a just and a comprehensive settlement. The past few months have witnessed several breakthroughs. The PLO [Palestine Liberation Organization] has accepted unequivocally the requirements for peace. An Arab consensus has emerged in favor of peace and reconciliation. The United States initiated a dialog with the PLO, thus enabling itself to communicate directly with all parties to the conflict. A majority of the Israeli people is shaping up in support of peace. Worldly powers are adopting constructive policies designed to help the parties reach agreement. In short, the situation is right for an active effort more than ever before. The United States has contributed greatly to the process of bringing about this remarkable change. It remains highly qualified to play a pivotal role during the months ahead. We found ourselves in agreement on most issues at stake. Together, we believe that for any settlement to be durable it should be a comprehensive one that addresses all aspects of the dispute, particularly the Palestinian problem. That settlement should be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and all Arab parties within the framework of the international peace conference. The basis of the negotiation is Security Council Resolution 242 and 338: the principle of land for peace, security for all parties concerned, and the realization of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people. We are both opposed to the annexation of the occupied territories as firmly as we stand against any irredentist claims and vengeful acts. We reject the policies that result in the continuation of violence and escalation of tension. I discussed with President Bush some ideas designed to activate the peace process and to facilitate starting the negotiations. On the other hand, we expressed deep concern over recent developments in Lebanon and agreed to double our efforts in order to help the Lebanese people put an end to their tragedy and resume their peaceful mission. Last, but not least, we discussed certain African problems. And I was pleased to find President Bush aware of the urgent need for a concerted action on southern Africa and the debt problem. Again, I enjoyed the meeting with our dear friend, President Bush, today, and I'm looking forward to pursuing with him our friendly talks tomorrow. Thank you. Note: President Bush spoke at 12:10 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House, following a meeting with President Mubarak in the Oval Office. After their remarks, the two Presidents attended a pre-game luncheon, and President Bush threw the first pitch of the opening game of the season for the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, MD. Nomination of Alan Charles Raul To Be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture April 3, 1989 The President today announced his intention to nominate Alan Charles Raul to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. He would succeed Christopher Hicks. Since 1988 Mr. Raul has been General Counsel for the Office of Management and Budget in Washington, DC. Prior to this he was Associate Counsel to the President at the White House, 1986–1988. He was an associate with Debevoise & Plimpton in New York City and Washington, DC, 19811986. He has also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Malcolm R. Wilkey, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, 1980-1981. Mr. Raul graduated from Harvard College (A.B., 1975), Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government (M.P.A., 1977), and Yale Law School (J.D., 1980). He was born September 9, 1954, in the Bronx, NY. Mr. Raul is married to Mary Tinsley Raul, and they currently reside in Washington, DC. Remarks at a Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty April 4, 1989 Your Excellencies and fellow citizens, 40 years ago today, some of the most accomplished and farsighted statesmen of their or any other generation-men such as Robert Schuman and Lester Pearson, Paul-Henri Spaak, Dean Acheson, Ernest Bevin-gathered here in Washington under the watchful eye of Harry Truman to take an historic step. They signed a solemn declaration of |