Bob Dole 1996 On the Issues
Where
Bob Dole Stands on Foreign Policy
A
Firm Hand in the Oval Office
Our nation needs a President who can articulate and implement a consistent
foreign policy. The President of the world's only superpower must be steadfast
in his support of American policies and America's friends and allies. The
President must mean what he says, say what he means, and stick to it. Bill
Clinton's vacillation and indecisiveness undermines our position at any
negotiation -- whether on security or trade matters.
America Is and Must Remain the Leader of the
Free World
We did not win the Cold War without allies and friends, nor should we
contemplate facing future challenges without them. At the end of the Gulf War,
America was respected by friend and foe alike. Bill Clinton has squandered this
legacy. It must be recaptured. America's allies and friends must have their
confidence in us restored. Potential enemies must know that we will stand up to
protect our interests.
Foreign Policy That Puts American Interests
First
The proven principle of "peace through strength" will guide Bob
Dole's foreign policy. Leadership in support of America's vital national
interests will be his course of action. Our chief goals will be to maintain
U.S. economic, political, and military access to key regions, promote
democratization, thwart the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and
their delivery systems, and punish those states and movements that plan or
conduct terrorist act against American citizens.
- Neither the United Nations,
nor any other international organization or foreign country, will set
America's foreign policy agenda. Paring down the U.N. bureaucracy and
genuine U.N. reform will be a high priority.
- Foreign aid will be offered
only as a precise targeted instrument of American foreign policy, designed
to advance specific U.S. foreign policy goals. It will not be an
international welfare program.
- The United States must once
again lead the North Atlantic Alliance. The Dole administration will
ensure that the enlargement of NATO to include the Central and East
European democracies will be rapid, with Poland, Hungary, and the Czech
Republic being admitted by 1998.
- America has a distinct
national interest in a firm security relationship with a democratic Russia
that respects the sovereignty and independence of its neighbors. The Dole
administration will seek cooperation with Russia, but will not paper over
differences or ignore behavior that is inconsistent with Russia's
international obligations.
- American policy toward China
will reflect our continuing desire to promote economic and political
liberalization in that country. At the same time, we will not tolerate
efforts by China to intimidate Taiwan or any other of its neighbors. The
Dole Administration will be committed to reviving American leadership in
Asia.
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Bob Dole's main priority will be to ensure that the Bosnian people are
provided with enough weapons and sufficient training to defend themselves
against potential future aggression. Bob Dole will also promote an
approach that supports the democratic process in Bosnia and brings
indicted war criminals to justice.
- America will continue to
work closely with our friends and allies in the Middle East toward
promoting the strengthening of democracy and rule of law, the acceleration
of economic development and the extension of peace. We reaffirm our
commitment to the territorial integrity of all of the states in the
region, as well as our special relationship with out democratic ally,
Israel.
- Only through a policy of
relentless pressure on Castro's regime can we protect U.S. interests,
prompt economic and democratic political reform in Cuba, and help the
Cuban people. The Dole administration will continue to maintain an embargo
on Cuba, until the Cuban people are free from dictatorship.
A Better America
The end of the Cold War closes one chapter in our history and presents us with
new challenges to consolidate freedom and U.S. interests around the world. In
also confronts our great nation with new dangers. Terrorism is on the rise,
both at home and abroad. America must have a leader who not only acts decisively
to prevent terror, but acts swiftly to seek and punish perpetrators. Terrorists
and those who support them must pay a high price for their evil deeds. As we
move into the next century, we must keep in mind that America has proven that
it can meet the greatest of challenges and conquer the greatest of threats.
Source: Bob Dole 1996 Official Campaign Web Site |
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