We have great resources and dynamic peoples. Prosperity strengthens democracy. Throughout the hemisphere, democracy is on the move. Nearly all the governments in the Caribbean Basin are now democracies. Freedom and respect for human rights gives the fullest expression to the meaning of life, and democracy also advances peace.
Democracies live easier with each other.
And as we grow closer to each other, more neighborly, we can become a force for good in the world more than anyone could dream at this time. I'm pleased that we now have substantial agreement on the important elements of a replenishment of the Inter-American Development Bank. And of course the Caribbean Basin Initiative is a central and critical feature of this policy. Its importance was underscored by everyone I met. I promised that my administration would do its best to gain passage of the free trade and investment proposals in the initiative in this session of Congress.