Statement on Signing the Israel-U.S. Radio Relay Station
Site Agreement
(February 18, 1987)
Well, I want to welcome Minister Yaacobi, and Director-General
Gov, Professor Rubenstein, and all the other distinguished guests. And
I'm delighted that the exchange of letters between myself and then-Prime
Minister Peres some 2 1/2 years ago has now come to fruition in this
agreement for a relay station in Israel, through which the reach and
clarity of the Voice of America, Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Europe
will be so significantly enhanced. Peoples throughout the Eastern blocs
will be the beneficiaries.
My administration, with the kind of bipartisan congressional
backing that I would certainly welcome for all our programs, remains
dedicated to the long overdue modernization of our international broadcasting
capability. Israel's fine gesture has now made a major contribution
to that worldwide effort. With this signing, our special historical
relationship will be given another dimension. We could not be happier
in this partnership with Israel, because it will result in the broader
dissemination of those values which we have in common. We stand now
together in promoting the exchange of information and ideas throughout
the world, as we have stood before and will continue to stand as partners
in seeking the free movement of people and the promotion of democratic
values and beliefs.
Our international broadcasts are dedicated to presenting,
through news and features, an objective picture of American society
and, through commentary, a clear statement of American policies and
positions on major world issues. To those deprived of the right to express
or experience a diversity of views in their own societies, we offer
the chance to hear such. At the bottom of it all lies the conviction
that the fewer the barriers to communication in the world, the better
the chance for success in international relations. I have often expressed
that as it's better to be talking to each other than instead of talking
about each other.
We owe the Government of Israel our gratitude for being
host to the site, and I ask its distinguished representatives here today
to convey that to Prime Minister Shamir and others in their government
who played major roles in advancing the project. To the negotiators
on both sides, my congratulations. And to all of you, my best wishes
for the future of this new cooperative venture.
And now, I think we shall all witness the signing.
Let me know if you need any old movies.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |