Promoting Freedom And Democracy In This Hemisphere

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On June 6th, The President Visited Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Where He Delivered Remarks Before The General Assembly Of The Organization Of American States (OAS). This is the first time since 1974 that the United States has played host to OAS.

The Americas Have An Obligation To Affirm And Strengthen This Hemisphere's Long Tradition Of Liberty.

* In The Americas Of The 21st Century, Democracy Is The Rule Rather Than The Exception. In 1974, the last time the United States hosted OAS (Organization of American States), 10 of 23 member states had democratically elected governments. Today all 34 member states of the OAS have democratic, constitutional governments, and only one country in this Hemisphere sits outside this society of democratic nations.

* Freedom Is On The March Around The World. In the last 18 months, we have seen freedom take hold in Georgia, Ukraine, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Lebanon. Across Central Asia and the broader Middle East, a new generation of those who are demanding freedom has emerged, and they will have it.

* Free Elections Are Only The First Step. While each nation must follow its own course, according to its own history, all free and successful democracies must be built on free institutions that guarantee transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. These institutions, together with the habits of liberty, will advance peace and prosperity across the Americas.

* From New Democracies To Free Societies. The Americas have a common and historic mission to promote and defend the right to democracy and the dream of freedom by helping new democracies. To ensure a better tomorrow for everyone, people must see that, in a democratic society, their hard work and enterprise are rewarded. This requires equal opportunity and equality before the law, but also the chance for social mobility.

* The United States Is Working To Make These Opportunities Real. The United States has launched a number of initiatives including the Millennium Challenge Account, which ties development aid to political and economic reform, as well as measures that offer more credit to small businesses, support additional medical treatment for people with HIV, and deny safe-haven to corrupt officials.

The U.S. - Central American - Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) Will Advance Democracy, Strengthen Security, And Promote Prosperity In Central America.

* Expanded Trade Opportunities Will Improve Life In Central America. CAFTA will buttress democratic reforms, secure better labor conditions for Central American workers, and boost economic growth throughout the region. By reducing trade barriers, CAFTA will help eliminate the scourge of poverty, giving the poor and marginalized access to higher quality goods at lower prices and the chance to offer their talents to new employers on world markets.

* CAFTA Will Level The Playing Field For American Workers, Farmers, And Ranchers. Eighty percent of imports from Central America and the Dominican Republic already enter the United States duty free, while U.S. products still face hefty tariffs. Under CAFTA, about 80 percent of U.S. exports to CAFTA nations will become duty free immediately, with the remaining barriers phased out quickly.

* CAFTA Is Essential To The Stability And Freedom Of America's Neighbors. By supporting CAFTA, the United States can forge stronger bonds with those countries in the region who stand for democracy and freedom, who are fighting corruption and crime, and who believe in the rule of law. The agreement will also help bind our countries together in countering the threat of criminal gangs, drug traffickers, and terrorists.