Congratulating the people and Governments of Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, and Uruguay for completing their recent and successful democratic national elections.

Congratulates: (1) the people and Governments of Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, and Uruguay for the successful completion of democratic multiparty elections for President; and (2) Presidents Fernando de La Rua of Argentina, Jorge Battle of Uruguay, Alfonso Portillo of Guatemala, and Ricardo Lagos of Chile on their recent election victories and their strong commitment to democracy and free-market oriented economies.

Commends all the citizens and political parties of those countries for their participation in the democratic process.

Reaffirms U.S. friendship with each nation and an unequivocal commitment to encouraging democracy and peaceful development throughout Latin America.