Proc. 7540 Title 3--The President Proclamation 7540 of April 12, 2002 Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2002 By the President of the United States o/America A Proclamation Pan America comprises a set of regional relationships that connects the na- tions of the Western Hemisphere in an increasingly interdependent net- work of commercial and cultural communities. Every nation in Pan Amer- ica, with one notable exception, is committed to promoting freedom, de- mocracy, and the rule of law. Over the past year, the Pan American nations have become increasingly united in purpose, seeking to ensure the preser- vation of the freedoms inherent in democracy, to promote good governance, to enhance economic development across the hemisphere, to protect human rights, and to combat terrorism, transnational crime, and narcotics trafficking. Continued progress in achieving these goals will greatly im- prove the future of the Americas. As a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation that binds us together as citizens of North, Central, and South America, the Pan American nations have built a common front against the threat of terrorism. Meeting in con- sultation on September 19, 2001, the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council invoked the Rio Treaty, declaring that the ter- rorist attacks of September 11, were attacks against all of the Americas. Later that same month, the OAS Foreign Ministers called for measures to strengthen hemispheric cooperation and adopted binding commitments, demonstrating that this hemisphere is prepared to guard the freedoms that form the foundation of democracy. This firm response to the terrorist acts followed another milestone for the region, namely, the adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. In approving this document by acclamation, the nations of the Western Hemi- sphere established democracy as the birthright of every person in the Americas. The words of this charter affirm that governments cannot be de- mocracies in name only, but must build upon the guiding principles of our time and struggle to ensure the preservation of essential civil liberties. Pan America's unprecedented spirit of cooperation bodes well for the 2004 Summit of the Americas, when we will have the opportunity to review our progress and renew commitments to enhancing hemispheric relationships. Communication, trade, travel, and advances in technology have all com- bined to produce unprecedented levels of integration and interdependence in the Western Hemisphere. And our continued efforts toward a Free Trade Area of the Americas exemplify our commitment to building a legal flame- work that opens the way to self-sustaining and wide-ranging prosperity. The free exchange of ideas and goods brings a unique vitality to our region, and serves as a catalyst for continuing economic development at the local and national levels. This past year provided sobering evidence that our freedoms are not free. We must continue to work together as a unified community to support and defend all peoples that are denied their rights and privileges by govern- ments that fail to respect the essential elements of democracy and human rights. In countering the threats of tyranny, poverty, and lawlessness, our 68
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