PM Transcripts

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PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KE. ATING, MP
UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
On behalf of the Australian Government and people, I warmly
congratulate Governor Clinton on his election as President
of the United States of America.
Governor Clinton's great victory represents a clear mandate
for renewal and change. The American people have attached
great importance to this year's presidential election, as
demonstrated by the very high voter turn-out. They have
responded positively to Governor Clinton's call for revival
of America's domestic strength as a prerequisite for
competing in the global economy and exercising effective
international leadership.
It is important for Australia, and other members of the
international community, that the United States be confident
of its own strengths and values and sure of its role in the
world. This is especially critical in this time of profound
change in the international system.
The Government is encouraged by the moderate and
internationalist foreign policy stance that Governor Clinton
articulated durinig t: he campaign. He affirmed strong support
for the multilateral trading system.
on the immediate agenda, Australia attaches high priority to
an early and successful conclusion of the -Uruguay Round of
multilateral trade negotiations, and hopes the incoming
Administration will work hard in this direction.
The Government looks forward to working closely with the new
President and his Administration. At this time of change in
US political leadership, a point of continuity will be the
close ties of partnership and cooperation which Australia
and the United States have enjoyed for over half a century.
The Australian Government also pays its respects to
President Bush's achievements over the last four years.
The world will long remember his successful management of US
foreign policy during the challenging period as the Cold War
ended, and his very effective leadership of an international
coalition in response to Iraq's aggression towards Kuwait.
CANBERRA 4 NOVEMBER 1992