| • Message of Congratulations From the President
of the U.S., Bill Clinton
• Message of Congratulations From the President
of China, Jiang Zemin
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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
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| I am delighted to welcome the China Disabled Persons' Federation Performing
Arts Troupe to the United States.
The performing arts have the power to evoke in each of us a deeper understanding of our lives and of the world around us. They encourage independence, enhance our sense of self-worth, and provide an avenue for all people to learn and develop creative talents and skills. And, perhaps most important, the arts give us the power to transcend barriers of language, culture, race, and disability, allowing us to understand and appreciate humankind's diversity as well as the goals and values we share. The talented artists and performers of this extraordinary troupe reflect both the capabilities of people with disabilities and the tremendous benefits we all gain from their full participation in our society. They also challenge us to recognize outmoded stereotypes and destructive attitudes that too often hinder citizens with disabilities in the quest to reach their full potential. I thank all those participating in the China Disabled Persons' Federation Performing Arts Troupe for their role in building bridges of understanding among the peoples of the world and in strengthening the depth and breadth of U.S.-China relations. Best wishes for a wonderful visit to the United States. |
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| One tenth of the world's population are people with disabilities. They
are entitled to human dignity, rights, and have value, possessing the desire
and ability to participate in social life. They too are equal in the creation
of both material and spiritual wealth for mankind.
Special art is a new flower blossoming in the garden of human arts. It is also a living demonstration of the love of life and artistic pursuits of people with disabilities. The artistic creativity of the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe is, in one respect, a reflection of the strong determination and perseverance of the Chinese nation and the strong willpower of the world's people with disabilities in creating life. Such a spirit of bravely pursuing and creating a better life should be followed by all human beings. I hope that the performances of the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe in the United States becomes a tour of the arts presenting Chinese culture and a tour of friendship across the Pacific. I wish these performances in the United States every success! |
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