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Skriven 2006-03-04 23:33:10 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (060304) for Sat, 2006 Mar 4
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President's Radio Address
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For Immediate Release
March 4, 2006

President's Radio Address


ÿÿÿÿÿAudio
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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I have been traveling this past week in South
Asia on a trip to Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.

My first stop was Afghanistan, and I was thrilled to see firsthand the
incredible transformation that has taken place there. Before September the
11th, 2001, Afghanistan was ruled by a cruel regime that oppressed its
people, brutalized women, and gave safe haven to the terrorists who
attacked America.

Today, the terror camps have been shut down; women are working; boys and
girls are back in school; and 25 million people have now tasted freedom.
The Afghan people are building a vibrant young democracy that is an ally in
the war on terror. And America is proud to have such a determined partner
in the cause of freedom.

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I was pleased to visit with President Karzai and members of his cabinet and
government. I told them America will stand with the Afghan people as they
build a free society and fight our common enemies, and we will see the
mission through without wavering.

I was honored to visit our troops at Bagram Air Base who are serving on the
front lines of the war on terror. It was a privilege to thank them in
person for their courage and for the sacrifice of their families back home.
These fine Americans are standing watch for liberty halfway across the
world, and I told them that all Americans were proud of them.

The next stop on my trip was India. Like America, India has endured
terrorist attacks on its own soil. Like America, India is a democracy that
understands the best way to ensure peace is to advance freedom. And like
America, India is working to help nations like Afghanistan build the
institutions of a free and democratic society.

Relations between the United States and India have never been better. One
important aspect of this partnership is working together to meet the energy
needs of our growing economies, especially through the use of clean and
safe nuclear power. On my trip, the United States and India reached an
historic agreement to share civilian nuclear technology as India brings its
civilian nuclear programs under the safeguards of the International Atomic
Energy Agency. This agreement is good for American security because it will
bring India's civilian nuclear program into the international
nonproliferation mainstream.

The agreement also is good for the American economy. The agreement will
help meet India's surging energy needs, and that will lessen India's
growing demand for other energy supplies and help restrain energy prices
for American consumers.

Another important aspect of this partnership is the growing trade between
our two countries. In the past 10 years, India has passed economic reforms
that have opened its door to trade and helped raised the living standards
for millions of its people. In my meetings with Prime Minister Singh, I
made clear that trade between our countries must be free and fair. I know
that America's workers can compete with anyone, any time, anywhere so long
as the rules are fair.

Ultimately, the best way to create jobs for Americans is to expand markets
for American products. Today, India is one of the fastest-growing export
markets. India has now a growing middle class that is estimated at 300
million people -- more than the entire population of the United States.
Middle class Indians are buying home appliances from American companies
like Whirlpool. Younger Indians are enjoying McCurry meals from McDonald's.
And Air India has recently ordered 68 planes from Boeing. Last year,
exports to India grew by more than 30 percent. And all this trade is
creating jobs and opportunity in America. So we will continue to work to
level the playing field for our workers, farmers, and businesses -- and
deliver a better life for all Americans.

The final stop on my trip was Pakistan, another important ally in the war
on terror. After September the 11th, 2001, President Musharraf understood
that he had to make a fundamental choice. He could turn a blind eye and
leave his people hostage to the terrorists, or he could join the free world
in fighting the terrorists.

President Musharraf made the right choice for his people, and America
appreciates his leadership. Since he joined the fight against terror,
President Musharraf has faced several attempts on his life, yet President
Musharraf has not faltered. He understands that the terrorists are a threat
to the peace and security of the Pakistani people and the world.

Our relations with Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan will enhance the
security of our country. By working with these leaders and the people of
these three nations, we're seizing the opportunities this new century
offers and helping to lay the foundations of peace and prosperity for
generations to come.
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