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- I hope I can count on the people of Vieques to participate when the vote occurs. I also hope I can count on your cooperation to implement the measure I have outlined to allow the training of our troops to continue in a responsible and much more limited manner during this period while addressing the long-time concerns of the residents of La Isla Nena (la EES-la NEN-ya).
Puerto Ricans and the people of Vieques have contributed greatly to our country's security. And I very grateful for that. I hope that all of us can work together with our Congress, to implement this plan. Thank you and God Bless You.
[And I thank Governor Rossello for his unceasing effort to work at this resolution to the impasse.]
[Handwritten note: "If the 6hr'ts Governor M R"]
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Orzulak
# PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
## VIDEO REMARKS TO THE
## PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO
## CONCERNING NAVY TRAINING ON VIEQUES
## JANUARY 31, 2000
My fellow citizens: last April, there was a tragic accident at the Navy range on Vieques. I mourned the loss to the family of David Sanes (SAN-ness), and the suffering of the others injured that day.
That terrible accident focused attention on the longstanding concerns of the island about training operations there. For many residents, it re-opened old wounds about the effect that training was having on quality of life. These concerns cover a wide range of issues – from safety and health to the economy and the environment. They reflect a distrust that, unfortunately, has been building for decades.
The accident led to a strong view in the Commonwealth that the Navy should end its training operations in Vieques. I understand that view.
At the same time, as Commander in Chief, I cannot send our servicemen and women into harm's way if they have not been adequately trained. I know that Puerto Rico understands that as well as anybody. Puerto Rico has a proud heritage of sending its sons and daughters to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. You have never turned your back on your duty to share in the burden of defending our country. Some of you have even trained on Vieques.
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