President Moscoso, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honor to lead the distinguished delegation that is here today representing the United States of America, as we proudly fulfill our final and major obligation under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. Thank you, President Moscoso and the people of Panama, for your kindness in receiving us so warmly on this historic day.
Today is truly a special day.
For people the world over, today is a day of new beginnings. A day in which we celebrate the end of the 20 th century and in which we greet the dawn of a new millenium with hopeful anticipation. Here, in Panama, we are privileged to celebrate more than just the turning of a page on the calendar and the hopeful promise of a new day. As of 12 noon this day, full control of the Panama Canal will pass from the United States to the sovereign nation of Panama, uniting the whole of her territory under one flag for the first time since the birth of the Republic of Panama in 1903. For Panama this is indeed a proud and important day.