FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, February 28, 2003

Peace Corps Director to Help Launch Digital Freedom Initiative

Joins Commerce Secretary, USA Freedom Corps, USAID, and Tech Industry Leaders In Launch

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2003—U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans will launch the Digital Freedom Initiative (DFI), a bold and innovative approach toward global economic growth and poverty reduction.

The DFI seeks to leverage the leadership of the U.S. government and the capabilities and ingenuity of America\'s leading private sector companies with the vision and energy of entrepreneurs throughout the developing world. The initiative will be pioneered in Senegal, a democratic secular Muslim country, and Senegalese President Wade will make remarks via video.

When:
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Press must be cleared by White House

Where:
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Room 450

What:
Launch of Digital Freedom Initiative followed by media availability

Participants:
U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans
USA Freedom Corps Director John Bridgeland
USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios
Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez
Hewlett Packard Chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina
Cisco Systems Chairman John Morgridge
President, Institute for Liberty and Democracy, Hernando de Soto

Note:
Members of the press without White House press credentials who want to cover the event must fax your name (as it appears on your driver\'s license), social security number and date of birth on company letterhead to (202) 456-9720 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3. You do not need to confirm receipt. You will be cleared for access to the White House via the Northwest Gate and will proceed to the Press Briefing Room. You must be in the Press Briefing Room by 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4.

Media contacts:
Barbara Daly
Press Secretary
202.692.2230

Marta Metelko
Deputy Press Secretary
202.692.2230

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