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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 9, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Medal of Freedom for Helmut Kohl

The President will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Helmut Kohl at the White House on April 20. The Medal of Freedom is this nation's highest civilian honor, and it is a fitting tribute to Dr. Kohl's extraordinary legacy of leadership. During his sixteen year tenure, the former Chancellor championed a strong relationship with the United States, and with all people who cherish freedom. Americans owe him a great debt of friendship.

With uncommon vision and unstinting courage, Dr. Kohl led the reunification of Germany while striving for deeper European integration, transatlantic solidarity, and human dignity everywhere. Americans are grateful for the untiring efforts of a man who not only presided over a great moment in history, but helped to bring it about.

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