This is very much in keeping with the spirit of openness, tolerance and democracy, which we hope the International Village will promote. I mentioned earlier that one of the reasons this International Village is so important is because it is an educational village. Through education, people learn how to develop a strong economy. They also learn what democracy means, how to build democratic institutions, and what their rights and responsibilities are as citizens of a democracy. The knowledge people gain through education and books provides them the basis on which to make decisions about their future - the kinds of decisions citizens of a democracy must make.
Democracy begins with respect for the individual and tolerance of individual differences.
A successful democracy depends on the commitment of all its citizens to build and protect democratic institutions. We hope our American Studies Library will contribute in a small way to the growth of democracy in Indonesia. They help people develop their own vision of the future. Let me close by again congratulating University of Surabaya Rector Anton Prijatno for having the wonderful vision to create this International Village and for having the leadership to bring it to fruition. We look forward to working with you and with our international partners in this Village to help promote democracy and peace, in Indonesia and throughout the world.