Text 3022, 67 rader
Skriven 2006-07-14 23:33:46 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0607145) for Fri, 2006 Jul 14
====================================================
===========================================================================
President Participates in Roundtable Discussion with Civil Society in
Russia
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 14, 2006

President Participates in Roundtable Discussion with Civil Society in
Russia
Counsel General's Residence
St. Petersburg, Russia


˙˙˙˙˙ President's Trip to Germany and Russia

4:06 P.M. (L)

THE PRESIDENT: Ambassador, thank you for setting up this meeting. I've just
had a really interesting meeting. I've been meeting with young, vibrant
Russian activists who, first, love their country, secondly, care deeply
about the form of government of the country, and, third, care deeply about
the human condition in their country.

These folks come from a variety of different NGOs and civic groups,
representing a variety of issues -- all bound together to be involved in
their governments, in their countries, so that it's the best it can
possibly be.

I spent a lot of time listening to their concerns. I assured them that the
United States of America cares about the form of government in Russia, that
we believe in the universal values embedded in democracy. We believe in
rule of law, we believe in human rights, we believe everybody has a right
to be treated equally.

I explained to them that our own government and our country took a while to
evolve, but, nevertheless, it's important to be aiming toward a better
tomorrow.

I hope my visit here was encouraging to them; it certainly was
instructional for me. I explained to them my strategy of dealing with
Vladimir Putin, who is my friend. Some asked me to deliver messages, which
I'd be more than happy to do. I explained to them that it's in the U.S.
interests to remain engaged with Russia. Russia is a great country, with a
fantastic future, and that the foreign policy of my administration will be
to work with Russia to solve common problems, and, at the same time, be in
a position where we can have a frank exchange of ideas and philosophies and
views.

I told the young leaders here that this has been a very enriching
experience for me. I shared the thought -- shared the idea that I'm the
father of 24-year-old twin daughters, I'm looking at some folks here at the
table who are their age. I'm impressed by their courage and their idealism
and their desire to make their societies a better place.

So I want to thank you all for your visit. Thank you for your frank
exchanges. I will you all the very best, and I ask for God's blessings on
the people of Russia.

END 4:08 P.M. (L)

===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060714-5.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)