Warsaw June 27, 1996.

President Clinton Calls Radio Free Europe Archives
a Living Monument to Polish-American Friendship
(wersja angielska)

President Clinton has called the American presentation of historic Radio Free Europe tapes to Poland a "living monument to the eternal friendship between our peoples and our countries."

Following is the text of the President's statement, as released by the American Embassy in Warsaw June 27:

"Today, Poles and Americans gather together in the heart of old Warsaw to celebrate another milestone in the enduring friendship between our nations.

For more than 40 years, we worked together as partners in Radio Free Europe, helping to preserve and promote freedom of expression in Poland and the shared ideals of democracy that bring our countries and peoples toghter. During some of the darkest hours of contemporary Polish history, Radio Free Europe served as a beacon of hope that enabled many of Poland's greatest artists and leaders to broadcast words of inspiration to their fellow citizens. Thankfully, this voice of Polish independence has been preserved on audio tape, a record that documents a proud march toward democracy. It is a unique part of the Polish culural heritage.

We can all be proud of the triumph of democracy in Poland and the role that Radio Free Europe played in making this day possible. I am honored to offer to Poland, as a gift from Radio Free Europe and the American people, a full collection of these unique tapes. I hope that this gift from the Radio Free Europe archives will serve as a living monument to the eternal friendship between our peoples and our countries."