THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam)
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For Immediate Release
November 15, 2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
On November 13, I signed the instrument of ratification for the
Convention to Combat Desertification. Degradation of dry lands affects
hundreds of millions of people around the world, especially in Africa. The
Convention will help countries marshal the resources needed to mitigate the
effects of desertification. It will enhance the effectiveness of foreign
assistance and promote a strong role for non-governmental organizations.
Finally, it properly places affected local communities at the heart of
international efforts to meet this critical challenge. I look forward to
working with our partners in Africa and around the world to implement this
innovative international agreement. I commend the Senate for its approval
of this important treaty.
30-30-30
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