Text 4212, 115 rader
Skriven 2007-03-12 23:33:06 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0703123) for Mon, 2007 Mar 12
====================================================

===========================================================================
President Bush and President Berger of Guatemala Participate in Arrival
Ceremony
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 12, 2007

President Bush and President Berger of Guatemala Participate in Arrival
Ceremony Patio de la Paz The National Palace Guatemala City, Guatemala

˙˙White House News

˙˙˙˙˙ President's Trip to Latin America

1:55 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT BERGER: (As translated.) Dear friends, welcome all. On behalf of
my government, and on behalf of the people of Guatemala, I am pleased to
welcome President George W. Bush, his wife, and his distinguished
delegation in our country.

We celebrate that President Bush decided to include Guatemala in his tour
throughout Latin America. We welcome you with affection in this multiethnic
and plural-lingual country, where many cultures live together, where the
strong features of modernity, and where, after a lengthy and painful
conflict that divided us during 14 years, we are, with determination,
following the path of reconciliation, in search for building a plural,
democratic, tolerant and participatory society.

Our historic relationship with the United States of America, at times
troubled, date far back. We are pleased to confirm that in recent decades
this relationship matured, and is today characterized by further
interactions that are respectful and broad in scope.

We share values, including, of course, representative democracy and social
justice. We also share interests that through last year with the entry into
force of the free trade agreement between the Central American countries
and the Dominican Republic on the one hand, and the United States of
America on the other hand.

And we would be remiss if we do not recall that at present it is estimated
that approximately 10 percent of our population lives in the United States
of America. Upon the integration of the labor markets of both nations *

As is the case in every mature relationship, once in a while differences of
opinion arise. For example, with regard to the issue of migrants, and
particularly those who have been deported without clear justification. But
as is also the case in every mature relationship, what brings us together
exceeds by far those differences. We value that relationship, and we shall
make efforts in order to enhance and extend it, as we shall make efforts to
address the differences that we find between us with a constructive spirit.

We shall take advantage of our conversations today, that will take place
within a framework of cordiality and openness, to address topics of mutual
interest -- fighting poverty, respect for human rights, and a frontal fight
against organized crime, as well as Central America's economic integration.
We shall also review the strengths and weaknesses of our own evolution
since the signature of our peace accord.

I finish by reiterating our recognition to President Bush for his
persistence in having been able to put forth the free trade agreement, and
also for his initiative to promote an integrated migratory reform, that we
trust will culminate with your approval, Mr. President. These two
initiatives will certainly contribute to bring our two nations even closer
together.

Once again, President Bush, First Lady, Madam Laura Bush, and members of
your delegation, welcome to Guatemala. (Applause.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Senor Presidente, gracias por su bienvenidos a este pais,
pais bella. I thank you and the First Lady for treating Laura and me with
such grand hospitality. This is my first official visit to Guatemala, and
we thank the people of this country for their magnificent hospitality.

I'm honored to stand in the historic courtyard where the 1996 peace accords
were signed. The accords mark the end of 36 years of internal conflict, and
the beginning of a more hopeful future for Guatemala.

Guatemala is a proud country with a rich culture. This morning, Laura and I
toured the highlands where the ancient Mayans built a great civilization
many centuries ago. This beautiful land is now the home of Central
America's largest democracy. You've built a diverse and vibrant nation, and
the people of the United States admire your determination and your
resilience.

Our two countries share many values. We both believe good governments must
be accountable to the people they serve and subject to the rule of law. We
both believe free enterprise and hard work help lead to prosperity, and we
both believe our nations have a responsibility to spread opportunity and
advance the cause of social justice.

The United States and Guatemala are partners in this important work. We're
working together to improve access to education and health care to give
Guatemalans a safe and legal path to jobs in the United States, and to lift
millions of people out of poverty by expanding trade. The ties between our
two countries have never been stronger or more important.

Mr. President, Laura and I appreciate the invitation to visit your country.
We appreciate the time we spent with you and your very accomplished wife.
You're a man of vision and courage. You understand that real leadership
requires making tough choices that serve your nation well in the long-term.

I appreciate your unwavering commitment to your people, Mr. President, and
I look forward to working with you to build a better future for both our
countries.

Muchas gracias, mi amigo. (Applause.)

END 1:17 P.M. (Local)
===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/03/20070312-3.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)