23 November 2002
Bush Says Romania Will Strengthen NATO
(Country's spirit of freedom is vital, says president in TV interview)
(1260)
Romania's membership in NATO will help implement the vision of a
Europe that is free, whole, and at peace, President George W. Bush
said in an interview with Romanian television on November 23, 2002.
In addition to being an active participant in the war against
terrorism, President Bush added, Romania -- as a nation that has
experienced oppression -- will bring a fresh spirit of freedom to the
Atlantic Alliance.
The president stressed the importance of freedom as a universal right
of Romanians and people everywhere. "It's not American's gift to the
world," President Bush said. "Freedom is God given. And we believe
that when people have a taste of freedom, they will demand the
institutions necessary to make sure freedom lasts."
President Bush said that NATO must be strong and capable enough to
deal with emerging threats, notably global terrorism. "It is a threat
not only to the United States, but it's a threat to any country which
embraces freedom," Bush said. "No one is immune from global terror.
And therefore -- but we're more likely to succeed if we work
together."
When asked what message he would convey to the Romanian people,
President Bush answered: "The message is, for a long time you
struggled; you're now free, and you've got a great friend in the
United States of America."
Following is the transcript of President Bush's interview with TVR of
Romania:
(begin transcript)
Office of the Press Secretary
The White House
November 23, 2002
Interview of the President by TVR of Romania
Q: So, first of all, may I remark, sir, that you are the fist
President of the United States who grants an interview to the public
television. And I thank you very much for that.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I'm honored. Thank you. And I'm so looking
forward to coming to Romania. It's going to be an exciting trip for
Laura and me.
Q: To what extent, sir, Romania's candidacy has helped to implement
your vision of a broad, robust NATO expansion?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I believe in the concept of Europe
-- free, whole and at peace. And I think the fact that Romania will be
a part of NATO recognizes that vision.
Secondly, Romania will be an active participate in the war against
terror. And as we change the NATO strategy to reflect the true threats
we face, Romania will work alongside the United States and other
nations to make the world more peaceful.
Thirdly, I think it's very important for us to recognize that new
countries which had lived under a totalitarian state will bring a
breath of fresh air, a vigor to the relationship because you remember
the difference between freedom and a non-free state. You remember the
difference between -- you've seen the difference between good and
evil. And that spirit, that strong determination for freedom is
important in this alliance.
Q: Sir, more than 80 percent of Romania's population supports NATO
membership of my country. How important is this popular support in
promoting America's policy towards a world of freedom and prosperity?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, you got to understand some of my
view on freedom, it's not American's gift to the world. See, freedom
is God -- is God given. And -- but we believe so strongly in freedom
that we believe that when people have a taste of freedom, they will
demand the institutions necessary to make sure freedom lasts.
And the Romanian people want to be free. People everywhere want to be
free if they've seen the other side. And so the fact that Romania is a
strong supporter of NATO really reflects more about Romania than it
does reflect about us. What we want to do is we want to have an
alliance that is strong enough and capable enough to meet the true
threats that we all face. And global terror is a threat. Believe me,
it is a threat.
It is a threat not only to the United States, but it's a threat to any
country which embraces freedom. No one is immune from global terror.
And therefore -- but we're more likely to succeed if we work together,
which means work to cut off money; work to cut off access; work to
share intelligence; and if need be, work together in the military way
to defeat terror.
Q: What are the challenges facing the common people, the taxpayers
once Romania is a part of NATO?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, the biggest problem that is going to face the
taxpayers is to make sure the economy grows. But that's the problem we
all face. I mean, we want to make sure people work. The most important
criterion for success of any country -- NATO or otherwise -- is: Can
people find a job? Will the economies flourish? Will open markets be
able to yield the fruits of the labor for the common person? And the
answer is, yes.
Romania is on its way to reform. We've got to be patient with Romania
because Romania has come from a history of state-dominated --
state-dominated industry, which failed. And it failed to provide for
the people. And so the reforms to the marketplace are going to take
time. But the reforms will yield -- will yield great prosperity, in my
judgment. And it's a matter of time for that to happen.
Q: What do the United States expect from their new allies, from
Romania and the others?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, we expect friendship. We expect that concept that
says if one of us is attacked, we're all attacked. That works both
ways. If Romania is attacked, the alliance comes to Romania's defense.
If another country is attacked, we all go to that country's defense.
That common defense will help make the world more peaceful.
Secondly, as we develop a new strategy as to how to face the new
threats of the 21st century, a new military strategy, Romania will be
called upon to do its part, as will the United States. And together,
the sum of our parts will be significant in terms of keeping the
peace.
Q: What is going to be the message you will deliver to the Romanian
people when you meet some of the inhabitants in the city of Bucharest?
THE PRESIDENT: The message is, for a long time you struggled; you're
now free, and you've got a great friend in the United States of
America.
Q: Mr. President, it's been a great honor and privilege to interview
you. Thank you very much for sharing your views with our public.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I am so looking forward to coming. It's going to
be an honor to be there. I have -- I'm working on my speech to the
Romanian people. It's going to be a powerful moment for me and my
wife, to see the people and to be in the famous square and to look at
the statues of people who represent freedom. And it's going to be one
of the highlights of my presidency.
Q: You'll be most welcome, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.
Q: Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Good to meet you.
Q: Good to meet you, sir, and I hope you'll have a very good and
successful trip.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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