October 8, 1999
Clinton questions independence movements
MONT-TREMBLANT, Que. (CP) -- U.S. President Bill Clinton delivered
a stinging criticism of independence movements around the world Friday,
saying that even in the worst situations -- like East Timor -- remaining part of
a federation is preferable.........
"It seems to me that the suggestion that a people of a given ethnic group or
tribal group or religious group can only have a meaningful political existence
if they are an independent nation . . . is a questionable assertion in a global
economy where co-operation pays greater benefits in every area of life than
destructive competition," Clinton told a rapt audience of about 700.
His 45-minute speech held up federalism as the system best equipped to
advance humanity and self-government. East Timor has been beset by
violence since residents of the Indonesian territory voted for independence.
"If every racial and ethnic and religious group that occupies a specific piece
of land . . . became a separate nation, we might have 800 countries in
world, we may have a difficult time having a functioning economy or
functioning global polity," Clinton said.
"Maybe we'd have 8,000 (countries). How low can you go?" .......
Clinton, who earlier Friday opened a new U.S. embassy in the heart of
Ottawa, acknowledged in his speech that federations -- even his own -- are
faced with constant challenges and need to constantly evolve.
"I believe we will be looking for ways . . . to integrate our operations, for
mutual interest, without giving up our sovereignty. And where there are
dissatisfied groups in sections of countries, we should be looking for ways to
satisfy anxieties and legitimate complaints without disintegration."