The nations of the world should savor the fruits of the victory over totalitarianism: free markets, free elections, free peoples. But we must not grow complacent; we cannot presume that the fight for freedom is fully won. No peace can be permanent unless it is backed by the leadership of great nations.

- President Bill Clinton
May 5, 1998

Today, President Clinton attends the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (ITC) in Washington, DC. In his remarks, the President emphasizes the need for continued involvement and leadership in the global community to ensure America's security and prosperity. In particular, he stresses the importance of maintaining America's commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations (U.N.).

International Leadership. As the world enters the Information Age, it is undergoing great change. We are becoming increasingly intertwined in the global community, dependent on a global economy. By involving itself in and helping lead the global community, America has the opportunity to help shape this change. President Clinton is calling on America to embrace its obligations of leadership and use this time as an opportunity to build a better future for all.

NATO: Strengthening Security and Democracy. Last week's vote by the Senate to admit Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO was a milestone on the road to an undivided, democratic, and peaceful Europe. The addition of these democracies to the alliance will strengthen NATO, expand the zone of stability in Europe and reduce the chances American men and women will ever again be called into Europe for battle. The vote should be seen as a bipartisan foundation for an active U.S. role in the world.

IMF: Supporting Financial Stability And Self-Sustaining Growth. Now Congress has another opportunity to protect our national interest and fulfill America's responsibilities to the global community. It should provide funding to pay for America's share of support to the IMF. In the emerging new economy, America's prosperity -- and American jobs -- are more closely linked to the health of the world economy than ever. President Clinton is calling on Congress to give the International Monetary Fund the resources it needs to contain economic crises around the world to better ensure global economic stability and American prosperity.

United Nations: Building A Peaceful, More Productive World. President Clinton is also calling on Congress to authorize funding to pay our debt to the United Nations. For fifty years, America has fought for peace and security as part of the United Nations. As one of its founders, as its host country, and as a believer in its mission and its ideals, America must remain faithful to its commitment to help support the United Nations. America is a country that pays its bills.