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THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
               (Aboard Air Force One en route to Japan)
_________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                      July 20, 2000

                      STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT

At today's unprecedented meeting in Tokyo, G8 leaders met with leaders from developing nations and representatives from the private sector and international development institutions. While I regret that I was unable to participate, I look forward to hearing from Secretary Summers and my G8 colleagues about the discussion and working to ensure that everyone benefits from the global economy.

Building on last year's Cologne Debt Initiative, the Okinawa Summit will create a framework to fight infectious disease, increase access to basic education, and expand opportunity through information technology. Despite a stronger global economy, too many people around the world live every day without essential health care, basic literacy, or the opportunity to share in the benefits of modern technology. I am committed to continuing to work closely with America's partners in the G8 and the developing world to address these issues, reduce poverty, fight infectious disease, and increase opportunity for all.

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