TEXT: ALBRIGHT 1/12 REMARKS ON ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-CHINA TIES
(Peaceful political expression neither crime nor threat)Washington -- The United States is "profoundly distressed" by China's recent imprisonment of several political activists, according to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
"Organized and peaceful political expression is not a crime or a threat; it is a right that is universally recognized and fundamental to the freedom and dignity of every human being," Albright said in remarks at a January 12 reception at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington, D.C.
"We urge China not only to embrace in word, but also to observe in deed, the principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which it has signed. And we underline President Clinton's observation in Beijing that, in this Information Age, the future wealth and well-being of any nation will depend on the ability of its people to think, speak, associate and worship freely," she said.
Following is the official text of Albright's remarks:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
January 13, 1999Remarks and Toast of
Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright
Reception at the Embassy of the People's Republic of ChinaJanuary 12, 1999
Washington, D.C.
Mr. Ambassador and Honored Guests,
We commemorate tonight the 20th anniversary of the normalization of relations between our two countries.
On a personal level, this brings back memories for me. Twenty years ago, I was a member of the staff of the National Security Council in the Carter Administration. And I was proud to be part of a decision to bring China and the United States closer together that I felt then and feel now is critical to the future of the entire Asia Pacific region and the world.
Shortly before normalization, I traveled to China in the company of then-Senator Edmund Muskie. Since that time, it is remarkable how much has changed. Back then, in China everyone dressed the same, in Mao jackets~. Of course, back then, quite a few Americans also dressed in Mao jackets.
Twenty years ago, a great wall of mutual suspicion and ignorance separated our two countries. We scarcely knew each other. Our leaders had only met a handful of times. Our dealings were shaped by Cold War politics. There was little trade or travel back and forth, and the visit of a ping pong team was a major event.
On fundamental issues, such as economics and controlling the spread of nuclear weapons, our philosophies were completely different. And on human rights, we were so far apart there was nothing to discuss.
Since then, the ties between our governments and our peoples have deepened dramatically. This is due, in no small measure, to the strategic dialogue upon which Presidents Clinton and Jiang embarked in recognition of the enormous importance of our relationship.
This dialogue is designed to help us cooperate where our interests coincide, and to narrow differences wherever they exist. It has made possible a pair of historic summits in Washington and Beijing.
It has allowed us to work together in areas of vital significance, such as nuclear proliferation, stability on the Korean Peninsula, international terror and the resolution of global problems.
It has helped us engage seriously on economic matters. And it has allowed us to speak frankly to each other, in the knowledge that our relations will be stronger if we are honest about our disagreements.
It is in that spirit, Mr. Ambassador, that I will speak frankly tonight, as your leaders do with us.
I am here this evening as a representative of the American people. I could not fairly represent them if I did not emphasize America's belief that organized and peaceful political expression is not a crime or a threat; it is a right that is universally recognized and fundamental to the freedom and dignity of every human being.
Accordingly, we are profoundly distressed by the unjustified prison sentences recently imposed upon a number of Chinese who tried to exercise that right.
We urge China not only to embrace in word, but also to observe in deed, the principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which it has signed.
And we underline President Clinton's observation in Beijing that, in this Information Age, the future wealth and well-being of any nation will depend on the ability of its people to think, speak, associate and worship freely.
Mr. Ambassador, when you and I served together in New York, as permanent representatives to the United Nations, we had the opportunity to sympathize with each other concerning the endless nature of Security Council meetings, to compare notes and impressions over many a cordial meal, and to talk often.
And we agreed that, although our two nations would not always see eye to eye, it was essential to both that we strive to establish the broadest possible common ground.
Over the years, our two countries have progressed far in that direction. Let us vow tonight to move further down that road.
As governments, let us continue our dialogue in the interests of developing a close and lasting relationship based on shared interests, a common pursuit of security, prosperity and peace, respect for human dignity and support for the rule of law.
As peoples, let us continue to expand our contacts and communications across the full spectrum of human activity, so that our mutual understanding deepens and the ties between our citizens grow ever stronger.
We know from the experience of this century that openness and a commitment to truth are the foundation of enduring friendship; and the building blocks of a better future.
Tonight, let us raise our glasses to the pursuit of just such a friendship and just such a future. So that we may create a 21st century that is rich in accomplishment and security, liberty and happiness, for all the people of China and the United States.
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