gave a decisive personal contribution to the relations between our two countries in a moment of a great deal of uncertainty. Now almost 4 years after your visit, Brazil is a different country, a new country. Conciliation and changes helped us achieve a peaceful transition to a free, democratic government. We are growing fast again. We are meeting our obligations. Our people have more jobs and better wages. We believe, like you, in free enterprise as the basis for development. We know that political freedom cannot survive when economic freedom no longer exists. You once said that Brazil was a force in favor of moderation and balance. We are proud of that record. We will dedicate all our efforts to continuing to be a force for stability and peace. Our meeting will mark a fresh start for our relations, relations that are based on common goals and the values earned on a mutual respect for our differences. To Mrs. Reagan, Marly and I wish to express our most friendly greetings, thanking her for the very warm welcome with which we are being distinguished. Mr. President, in Brazil we say that the man who has a friend has two souls. Brazil and the United States-two souls on one single destiny, the destiny of friendship. Thank you. Note: President Reagan spoke at 10:10 a.m. at the South Portico of the White House, where President Sarney was accorded a formal welcome with full military honors. Following the ceremony, the two Presidents met in the Oval Office. Brazil-United States Panel on Cooperation in Science and Technology Statement by the Principal Deputy Press Presidents José Sarney and Ronald Reagan, recognizing the important role of scientific research in sustaining economic growth and prosperity, agreed to undertake a special initiative for implementation of the U.S.-Brazil Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology. The Presidents decided to establish a high-level panel-composed equally of eminent scientists, engineers, and governmental authorities from each country-to present recommendations and suggestions of topics for bilateral cooperation in science and technology, focusing on selected priority areas of mutual strength and benefit. The binational panel will also suggest procedures to encourage and facilitate engagement of the private sectors of their countries. Cooperative projects would be financed jointly through resources to be allocated for this purpose by both countries. The Presidents agreed that the panel on science and technology should begin its work, following bilateral consultations, within 60 days. The panel's report and recommendations will constitute an initial agenda for convening the joint commission provided for under the U.S.-Brazil Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology. Commission on Civil Rights Appointment of Murray Friedman as a Member, and Designation as Vice Chairman. September 10, 1986 The President today announced his intention to appoint Murray Friedman to be a member of the Commission on Civil Rights for the remainder of the 6-year term expiring December 5, 1989. He would succeed Morris B. Abram. Upon appointment he will be designated Vice Chairman. Since 1959 Dr. Friedman has been Middle Atlantic States director, American Jewish Committee, in Philadelphia, PA. Previously he was an intergroup relations official, Virginia-North Carolina regional director, Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith in Richmond, VA, 1954-1959. Dr. Friedman graduated from Brooklyn College (B.A., 1949), New York University (M.A., 1949), and Georgetown University (Ph.D., 1958). He is married, has three children, and resides in Cheltenham, PA. Dr. Friedman was born September 15, 1926, in New York City. Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries Appointment of Seven Members, and The President today announced his intention to appoint the following individuals to be members of the Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries for the period of the 1987 fiscal year of the Federal Government: James L. Ferguson, of New York. He would succeed Nicholas F. Brady, and upon appointment he will be designated Chairman. Since 1973 Mr. Ferguson has been chairman and CEO, General Foods Corp. He graduated from Hamilton College (A.B., 1949) and Harvard University (M.B.A., 1951). Mr. Ferguson was born March 16, 1926, in Evanston, IL, and now resides in New York City. C. Todd Conover, of California. He would succeed Alexander B. Trowbridge. Since 1985 Mr. Conover has been vice chairman and a member of the board of directors of Equitec Financial Group, Inc. Previously he was U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, 1982-1985. He graduated from Yale University (B.A., 1960) and the University of California (M.B.A., 1965). Mr. Conover was born October 13, 1939, in Bronxville, NY, and now resides in Lafayette, CA. Appointed by the President of the Senate: Russell W. Meyer, Jr., of Kansas. Appointed by the Speaker of the House of John J. Creedon, of New York. Appointed by the Chief Justice of the James Lynn, of Connecticut. Robert Clare, of New Jersey. President's Committee on Mental Retardation Appointment of Lucia L. Abell as a Member. September 10, 1986 The President today announced his intention to appoint Lucia L. Abell to be a member of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation for a term expiring May 11, 1989. She would succeed Elsie D. Helsel. Mrs. Abell has served in a variety of financial and administrative positions for the Sociedad Aeronautico de Medellin in Medellin, Colombia; with Companie Colombiano de Seguros in Medellin, Colombia; with the Bank of America in Los Angeles, CA; and with the First National City Bank of New York in Medellin, Colombia. She graduated from the Instituto Isabel la Catolica, 1955, diploma del experto en comercio. Mrs. Abell is married, has three children, and resides in Alexandria, VA. She was born December 3, 1937, in Colombia, South America. National Highway Safety Advisory Committee Appointment of Five Members. September 10, 1986 The President today announced his intention to appoint the following individuals to be members of the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee: For a term expiring March 15, 1987: Guy E. Cantwell, of Indiana. He would succeed Frank A. Ursomarso. Since 1965 Mr. Cantwell has been vice president and head of highway and civil engineering, Fink Roberts & Petrie, Inc. He was born June 14, 1941, in Indianapolis, IN, and resides there today. For terms expiring March 15, 1989: director, the Traffic Institute in Evanston, IL. He was born December 25, 1933, in Wyandotte, MI, and resides in Lincolnshire, IL. Glen Craig, of California. He would succeed Peter Griskivich. Since 1983 Mr. Craig has been director of the division of law enforcement, California Department of Justice in Sacramento. He was born January 8, 1933, in Lindsay, CA, and now resides in Rancho Marieta, CA. Joanne Corday Kozberg, of California. She would succeed Thomas Kallay. Mrs. Kozberg is currently a consultant to Senator Pete Wilson in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley (B.A., 1966) and Occidental College (M.A., 1969). Mrs. Kozberg was born July 4, 1944, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and now resides in Beverly Hills, CA. Sterling G. Sechrist, of Ohio. He would succeed George A. Luciano. Since 1980 Mr. Sechrist has been commissioner of Medina County in Ohio. He was born January 23, 1919, in Wadsworth, OH, and resides there today. National Hispanic Heritage Week, 1986 Proclamation 5522. September 10, 1986 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation National Hispanic Heritage Week provides an opportunity for all Americans to recognize and celebrate the great and varied contributions Hispanic Americans have made and continue to make to this country. As a Nation of immigrants founded on universal ideals, America's vision of freedom based on God-given rights embraces all the people of the world. Throughout our history, we have been fortunate in attracting to our shores immigrants from every part of the world. Their values, energies, and spirit have enriched America's culture and added to her dynamism and prosperity. No part of our national mosaic better exemplifies this tradition than America's numerous citizens of Hispanic heritage. Their love of freedom is reflected daily in their abundant economic, cultural, and political vitality. Their profound religious faith nourishes the spirit of a Nation whose first principle is the God-given dignity of the human person. Through hard work Hispanics have done much to contribute to the betterment of their families and their communities. Many have played important roles as leaders in American society. Their ties to the nations of Latin America form an important part of the bond between America and its neighbors to the South, many of whom are enjoying a renaissance of freedom and democratic government. The roots of their culture bind us also to democratic Spain and its great cultural legacy. For all these reasons, we rejoice in the strength and inspiration America derives from its citizens of Hispanic heritage. In recognition of the many achievements of the Hispanic American Community, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved September 17, 1968 (Public Law 90-498), authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the week that includes September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning September 14, 1986, as National Hispanic Heritage Week, in recognition of the Hispanic individuals, families, and communities that enrich our national life. I call upon the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. Ronald Reagan [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:34 p.m., September 10, 1986] Lupus Awareness Month, 1986 Proclamation 5523. September 10, 1986 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus or SLE) is an inflammatory disease of connective tissue, which can produce changes in the structure and function of the skin, joints, and internal organs. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but evidence suggests that the disease may result from a disorder in the body's production of antibodies (proteins that fight invading organisms). In lupus, abnormal antibodies are produced that react against the patient's own tissue. More than 500,000 Americans have the disease. Ninety percent of these victims are women in their childbearing years. Although research has yet to find a cure for lupus, the outlook has vastly improved. Patients are living longer, more normal lives as a result of increased awareness of the disease, improved diagnostic methods, and more effective therapy. As a result of advances from biomedical research, positive findings have emerged from such diverse studies projects as on defects in the immune system; research on genetic and environmental factors influencing the disease and its complications; studies aimed at developing improved treatment, including new drugs and techniques; and research in epidemiology and data systems. In order for us to take advantage of the knowledge already gained, public awareness of the symptoms and treatment of lupus-and of the need for continuing scientific research-remains essential. The Federal government and private voluntary organizations have developed a strong and enduring partnership committed to research on lupus. Working together, our objective must be to uncover the cause and find a cure for this devastating disease. The Congress, by Public Law 99-365, has designated the month of October 1986 as "Lupus Awareness Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1986 as Lupus Awareness Month. I urge the people of the United States and educational, philanthropic, scientific, medical, and health care organizations and professionals to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. Ronald Reagan [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:35 p.m., September 10, 1986] National Employ the Handicapped Week, 1986 Proclamation 5524. September 10, 1986 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During the past decade, our Nation has seen increased awareness of the capabilities of workers with disabilities. We have demonstrated a greater commitment to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all Americans. This awareness has led to actions by people with disabilities, by business, by organized labor, and by government at all levels to encourage the full integration of workers with disabilities into the American work force. This cooperative and unified action has enabled people with disabilities to forge ahead-as leaders, as employers and employees, as team members, as vital members of American society. Medical and technological developments, coupled with new awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities, can lead to greater and more fruitful participation of all Americans in our work force. The first full week in October of each year is National Employ the Handicapped Week. During these seven days, we emphasize our recognition of the changing roles of people with disabilities in America today. Their aspirations and demonstrated ability to meet challenges and make the most of opportunities have resulted in changing the way the Nation thinks about handicaps and disabilities. Let us recognize through our actions, as well as our words, that people with disabilities are first of all our fellow citizens, who happen to be disabled. The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36) U.S.C. 155), has called for the designation of the first full week in October of each year as "National Employ the Handicapped Week." This special week is a time for all Americans to join together to renew their dedication to meeting the goal of full opportunities for disabled citizens. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning October 5, 1986, as National Employ the Handicapped Week. I urge all governors, mayors, other public officials, leaders in business and labor, and private citizens to help meet the challenge of insuring equal employment opportunities and full citizenship rights and privileges for people with disabilities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. Ronald Reagan [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:36 p.m., September 10, 1986] Visit of President José Sarney Costa of Brazil Toasts at the State Dinner. September 10, 1986 President Reagan. President Sarney, distinguished guests, it's a pleasure to have you here tonight. Our meetings today were businesslike and productive. The spirit of amicability and good will that were so evident throughout our sessions bodes well for the future. One of the benefits of such meetings, as we had today, is that they provide the opportunity for leaders to get to know each other. And in this case it was a delight. President Sarney is the leader of a great nation, sophisticated in the ways of politics and economics, yet a person with the heart of a poet-truly a Renaissance man. Having been in the profession I was in for a good part of my life, it's an honor to have here this evening an individual whose interests lie not just with politics but also the arts. We believe in freedom not only because it reflects the most moral system of human interaction, not only because it leads to economic progress but also because it nourishes the artistic and creative spirit of man. President Sarney has said, “Literature and politics are inspired in the conscience of liberty." When one thinks of Brazil, it's difficult not to hear the sounds of music or the sight of joyous dance. Of course, Brazil is much more than that-and the sounds of construction and building are clearly evident today. And after speaking with President Sarney, one cannot doubt that the richness of Brazil's soul is alive and well. President Sarney has faced great challenges since his first day as President. Following the tragic death of Dr. Tancredo Neves-a powerful event in the life of your nation-your countrymen and, yes, the rest of the world looked to you. Even in the best of circumstances, this would have been an awesome responsibility during this time of great transition. It required a truly remarkable leader, a man of vision and principle. President Sarney, I'm certain that you agree that, on occasion, the magnitude of problems faced by a head of state seem a bit overwhelming. If you'll permit an informal American expression on such a formal occasion, I usually put it this way: When you're up to your neck in alligators, it's hard to remember your original purpose was to drain the swamp. [Laughter] |