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Skriven 2005-02-21 23:33:06 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050221) for Mon, 2005 Feb 21
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President Discusses American and European Alliance in Belgium
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 21, 2005

President Discusses American and European Alliance in Belgium
Concert Noble
Brussels, Belgium



2:08 P.M. (Local)

THE PRESIDENT: Guy, or Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your kind
introduction and thank you for your warm hospitality. Distinguished guests
and ladies and gentlemen. Laura and I are really glad to be back. I'm
really pleased to visit Brussels again, the capital of a beautiful nation,
the seat of the European Union and the NATO Alliance. The United States and
Belgium are close allies, and we will always be warm friends.

You know, on this journey to Europe I follow in some large footsteps. More
than two centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin arrived on this continent to
great acclaim. An observer wrote, "His reputation was more universal than
Leibnitz or Newton, Frederick or Voltaire, and his character more beloved
and esteemed than any or all of them." The observer went on to say, "There
was scarcely a peasant or a citizen who did not consider him as a friend to
human kind." I have been hoping for a similar reception -- (laughter) --
but Secretary Rice told me I should be a realist. (Laughter.)

I appreciate the opportunity, in this great hall, to speak to the peoples
of Europe. For more than 60 years, our nations stood together to face great
challenges of history. Together, we opposed totalitarian ideologies with
our might and with our patience. Together, we united this continent with
our democratic values. And together we mark, year by year, the
anniversaries of freedom -- from D-Day, to the liberation of death camps,
to the victories of conscience in 1989. Our transatlantic alliance
frustrated the plans of dictators, served the highest ideals of humanity,
and set a violent century on a new and better course. And as time goes by,
we must never forget our shared achievements.

Yet, our relationship is founded on more than nostalgia. In a new century,
the alliance of Europe and North America is the main pillar of our
security. Our robust trade is one of the engines of the world's economy.
Our example of economic and political freedom gives hope to millions who
are weary of poverty and oppression. In all these ways, our strong
friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe -- and no
temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth
will ever divide us. (Applause.)

Today, America and Europe face a moment of consequence and opportunity.
Together we can once again set history on a hopeful course -- away from
poverty and despair, and toward development and the dignity of self-rule;
away from resentment and violence, and toward justice and the peaceful
settlement of differences. Seizing this moment requires idealism: We must
see in every person the right and the capacity to live in freedom. Seizing
this moment requires realism: We must act wisely and deliberately in the
face of complex challenges. And seizing this moment also requires
cooperation, because when Europe and America stand together, no problem can
stand against us. As past debates fade, as great duties become clear, let
us begin a new era of transatlantic unity.

Our greatest opportunity and immediate goal is peace in the Middle East.
After many false starts, and dashed hopes, and stolen lives, a settlement
of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is now within reach.
America and Europe have made a moral commitment: We will not stand by as
another generation in the Holy Land grows up in an atmosphere of violence
and hopelessness. America and Europe also share a strategic interest: By
helping to build a lasting peace, we will remove an unsettled grievance
that is used to stir hatred and violence across the Middle East.

Our efforts are guided by a clear vision: We're determined to see two
democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and
security. (Applause.) The Palestinian people deserve a government that is
representative, honest and peaceful. The people of Israel need an end to
terror and a reliable, steadfast partner for peace. And the world must not
rest until there is a just and lasting resolution of this conflict.

All the parties have responsibilities to meet. Arab states must end
incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for
terrorism, stop their support for extremist education, and establish normal
relations with Israel. Palestinian leaders must confront and dismantle
terrorist groups, fight corruption, encourage free enterprise, and rest
true authority with the people. Only a democracy can serve the hopes of
Palestinians, and make Israel secure, and raise the flag of a free
Palestine. A successful Palestinian democracy should be Israel's top goal
as well. So Israel must freeze settlement activity, help Palestinians build
a thriving economy, and ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly
viable, with contiguous territory on the West Bank. A state of scattered
territories will not work. (Applause.) As Palestinian leaders assume
responsibility for Gaza and increasingly larger territory, we will help
them build the economic and political and security institutions needed to
govern effec

These vital steps are also difficult steps, because progress requires new
trust, and because terrorists will do all they can to destroy that trust.
Yet we are moving forward in practical ways. Next month in London, Prime
Minister Blair will host a conference to help the Palestinian people build
the democratic institutions of their state. President Abbas has the
opportunity to put forward a strategy of reform, which can and will gain
financial support from the international community -- including financial
support. I hope he will seize the moment. I have asked Secretary Rice to
attend the conference, and to convey America's strong support for the
Palestinian people as they build a democratic state. And I appreciate the
prominent role that Prime Minister Blair and other European leaders are
playing in the cause of peace.

We seek peace between Israel and Palestine for its own sake. We also know
that a free and peaceful Palestine can add to the momentum of reform
throughout the broader Middle East. In the long run, we cannot live in
peace and safety if the Middle East continues to produce ideologies of
murder, and terrorists who seek the deadliest weapons. Regimes that
terrorize their own people will not hesitate to support terror abroad. A
status quo of tyranny and hopelessness in the Middle East -- the false
stability of dictatorship and stagnation -- can only lead to deeper
resentment in a troubled region, and further tragedy in free nations. The
future of our nations, and the future of the Middle East, are linked -- and
our peace depends on their hope and development and freedom.

Lasting, successful reform in the broader Middle East will not be imposed
from the outside; it must be chosen from within. Governments must choose to
fight corruption, abandon old habits of control, protect the rights of
conscience and the rights of minorities. Governments must invest in the
health and education of their people, and take responsibility for solving
problems instead of simply blaming others. Citizens must choose to hold
their governments accountable. The path isn't always easy, as any free
people can testify -- yet there's reason for confidence. Ultimately, men
and women who seek the success of their nation will reject an ideology of
oppression, anger, and fear. Ultimately, men and women will embrace
participation and progress -- and we are seeing the evidence in an arc of
reform from Morocco to Bahrain to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our challenge is to encourage this progress by taking up the duties of
great democracies. We must be on the side of democratic reformers, we must
encourage democratic movements, and support democratic transitions in
practical ways.

Europe and America should not expect or demand that reforms come all at
once -- that didn't happen in our own histories. My country took many years
to include minorities and women in the full promise of America -- and that
struggle hasn't ended. Yet, while our expectations must be realistic, our
ideals must be firm and they must be clear. We must expect higher standards
from our friends and partners in the Middle East. The government of Saudi
Arabia can demonstrate its leadership in the region by expanding the role
of its people in determining their future. And the great and proud nation
of Egypt, which showed the way toward peace in the Middle East, can now
show the way toward democracy in the Middle East.

Our shared commitment to democratic progress is being tested in Lebanon --
a once-thriving country that now suffers under the influence of an
oppressive neighbor. Just as the Syrian regime must take stronger action to
stop those who support violence and subversion in Iraq, and must end its
support for terrorist groups seeking to destroy the hope of peace between
Israelis and Palestinians, Syria must also end its occupation of Lebanon.
(Applause.)

The Lebanese people have the right to be free, and the United States and
Europe share an interest in a democratic, independent Lebanon. My nation
and France worked to pass Security Council Resolution 1559, which demands
that Lebanon's sovereignty be respected, that foreign troops and agents be
withdrawn, and that free elections be conducted without foreign
interference. In the last several months, the world has seen men and women
voting in historic elections, from Kabul to Ramallah to Baghdad -- and
without Syrian interference, Lebanon's parliamentary elections in the
spring can be another milestone of liberty.

Our commitment to democratic progress is being honored in Afghanistan. That
country is building a democracy that reflects Afghan traditions and
history, and shows the way for other nations in the region. The elected
president is working to disarm and demobilize militias in preparation for
the National Assembly elections to be held this spring. And the Afghan
people know the world is with them. After all, Germany is providing vital
police training. The UK is helping to fight drug trade. Italy is giving
assistance on judicial reform. NATO's growing security mission is commanded
by a Turkish General. European governments are helping Afghanistan to
succeed -- and America appreciates your leadership.

Together, we must make clear to the Iraqi people that the world is also
with them -- because they have certainly shown their character to the
world. An Iraqi man who lost a leg in a car bombing last year made sure he
was there to vote on January the 30th. He said, "I would have crawled here
if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried
to kill me. Today I am voting for peace." Every vote cast in Iraq was an
act of defiance against terror, and the Iraqi people have earned our
respect. (Applause.)

Some European nations joined the fight to liberate Iraq, while others did
not. Yet all of us recognize courage when we see it -- and we saw it in the
Iraqi people. And all nations now have an interest in the success of a free
and democratic Iraq, which will fight terror, which will be a beacon of
freedom, and which will be a source of true stability in the region. In the
coming months, Iraq's newly elected assembly will carry out the important
work of establishing a government, providing security, enhancing basic
services, and writing a democratic constitution. Now is the time for
established democracies to give tangible political, economic and security
assistance to the world's newest democracy.

In Iran, the free world shares a common goal: For the sake of peace, the
Iranian regime must end its support for terrorism, and must not develop
nuclear weapons. (Applause.) In safeguarding the security of free nations,
no option can be taken permanently off the table. Iran, however, is
different from Iraq. We're in the early stages of diplomacy. The United
States is a member of the IAEA Board of Governors, which has taken the lead
on this issue. We're working closely with Britain, France and Germany as
they oppose Iran's nuclear ambitions, and as they insist that Tehran comply
with international law. The results of this approach now depend largely on
Iran. We also look for Iran to finally deliver on promised reform. The time
has arrived for the Iranian regime to listen to the Iranian people, and
respect their rights, and join in the movement toward liberty that is
taking place all around them.

Across the Middle East -- from the Palestinian Territories, to Lebanon, to
Iraq, to Iran -- I believe that the advance of freedom within nations will
build the peace among nations. And one reason for this belief is the
experience of Europe. In two world wars, Europe saw the aggressive nature
of tyranny, and the terrible cost of mistrust and division. In the Cold
War, Europe saw the so-called stability of Yalta was a constant source of
injustice and fear. And Europe also saw how the rise of democratic
movements like Solidarity could part an Iron Curtain drawn by tyrants. The
spread of freedom has helped to resolve old disputes, and the enlargement
of NATO and the European Union have made partners out of former rivals.
America supports Europe's democratic unity for the same reason we support
the spread of democracy in the Middle East -- because freedom leads to
peace. And America supports a strong Europe because we need a strong
partner in the hard work of advancing freedom in the world. (Applause.)

European leaders demonstrated this vision in Ukraine. Presidents
Kwasniewski of Poland and Adamkus of Lithuania, Javier Solana of the EU,
helped to resolve the election crisis and bring Ukraine back into the camp
of freedom. As a free government takes hold in that country, and as the
government of President Yushchenko pursues vital reforms, Ukraine should be
welcomed by the Euro-Atlantic family. We must support new democracies, and
so members of our alliance must continue to reach out to Georgia, where
last year peaceful protests overturned a stolen election, and unleashed the
forces of democratic change.

I also believe that Russia's future lies within the family of Europe and
the transatlantic community. America supports WTO membership for Russia,
because meeting WTO standards will strengthen the gains of freedom and
prosperity in that country. Yet, for Russia to make progress as a European
nation, the Russian government must renew a commitment to democracy and the
rule of law. We recognize that reform will not happen overnight. We must
always remind Russia, however, that our alliance stands for a free press, a
vital opposition, the sharing of power, and the rule of law -- and the
United States and all European countries should place democratic reform at
the heart of their dialogue with Russia. (Applause.)

As we seek freedom in other nations, we must also work to renew the values
that make freedom possible. As I said in my Inaugural Address, we cannot
carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.
We must reject anti-Semitism from any source, and we must condemn violence
such as we have witnessed in the Netherlands. All our nations must work to
integrate minorities into the mainstream of society, and to teach the value
of tolerance to each new generation.

The nations in our great alliance have many advantages and blessings. We
also have a call beyond our comfort: We must raise our sights to the wider
world. Our ideals and our interests lead in the same direction: By bringing
progress and hope to nations in need, we can improve many lives, and lift
up failing states, and remove the causes and sanctuaries of terror.

Our alliance is determined to promote development, and integrate developing
nations into the world economy. And the measure of our success must be the
results we achieve, not merely the resources we spend. Together, we created
the Monterrey Consensus, which links new aid from developed nations to real
reform in developing ones. This strategy is working. Throughout the
developing world, governments are confronting corruption, the rule of law
is taking root, and people are enjoying new freedoms. Developed nations
have responded by increasing assistance by a third. Through the Millennium
Challenge Account, my nation is increasing our aid to developing nations
that govern justly, expand economic freedom, and invest in the education
and health of their people. While still providing humanitarian assistance
and support, developed nations are taking a wiser approach to other aid.
Instead of subsidizing failure year after year, we must reward progress and
improve lives.

Our alliance is determined to encourage commerce among nations, because
open markets create jobs, and lift income, and draw whole nations into an
expanding circle of freedom and opportunity. Europe and America will
continue to increase trade, as we do so, we'll resolve our trade
disagreements in a cooperative spirit -- and we should share the benefits
of fair and free trade with others. That's why we'll continue to advance
the Doha Development Agenda, and bring global trade talks to a successful
conclusion. We should all pursue fiscal policies in our nations -- sound
fiscal policies of low taxes and fiscal restraint and reform that promote a
stable world financial system and foster economic growth.

Our alliance is determined to show good stewardship of the earth -- and
that requires addressing the serious, long-term challenge of global climate
change. All of us expressed our views on the Kyoto protocol -- and now we
must work together on the way forward. Emerging technologies such as
hydrogen-powered vehicles, electricity from renewable energy sources, clean
coal technology, will encourage economic growth that is environmentally
responsible. By researching, by developing, by promoting new technologies
across the world, all nations, including the developing countries can
advance economically, while slowing the growth in global greenhouse gases
and avoid pollutants that undermines public health. All of us can use the
power of human ingenuity to improve the environment for generations to
come.

Our alliance is determined to meet natural disaster, famine, and disease
with swift and compassionate help. As we meet today, American and European
personnel are aiding the victims of the tsunami in Asia. Our combined
financial commitment to tsunami relief and reconstruction is nearly $4
billion. We're working through the Global Fund to combat AIDS and other
diseases across the world. And America's Emergency Plan has focused
additional resources on nations where the needs are greatest. Through all
these efforts, we encourage stability and progress, build a firmer basis
for democratic institutions -- and, above all, we fulfill a moral duty to
heal the sick, and feed the hungry, and comfort the afflicted.

Our alliance is also determined to defend our security -- because we refuse
to live in a world dominated by fear. Terrorist movements seek to
intimidate free peoples and reverse the course of history by committing
dramatic acts of murder. We will not be intimidated, and the terrorists
will not stop the march of freedom. I thank the nations of Europe for your
strong cooperation in the war on terror. Together, we have disrupted
terrorist financing, strengthened intelligence sharing, enhanced our law
enforcement cooperation, and improved the security of international
commerce and travel.

We're pursuing terrorists wherever they hide. German authorities recently
arrested two terrorists plotting to attack American interests in Iraq. Both
will be prosecuted under new German laws, enacted after the September the
11th. Just last week, the United Nations added Muhsin al-Fadhli to its al
Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee list. This man is a known al Qaeda
operative and Zarqawi associate, provided support to the terrorists who
conducted the 2002 bombing of a French oil tanker. Working together,
America, France and other nations will bring him to justice. For the sake
of the security of our people, for the sake of peace, we will be relentless
in chasing down the ideologues of hate.

On September the 11th, America turned first to our immediate security, and
to the pursuit of an enemy -- and that vital work goes on. We also found
that a narrow definition of security is not enough. While confronting a
present threat, we have accepted the long-term challenge of spreading hope
and liberty and prosperity as the great alternatives to terror. As we
defeat the agents of terror, we will also remove the sources of terror.

This strategy is not American strategy, or European strategy, or Western
strategy. Spreading liberty for the sake of peace is the cause of all
mankind. This approach not only reduces a danger to free peoples; it honors
the dignity of all peoples, by placing human rights and human freedom at
the center of our agenda. And our alliance has the ability, and the duty,
to tip the balance of history in favor of freedom.

We know there are many obstacles, and we know the road is long. Albert
Camus said that, "Freedom is a long-distance race." We're in that race for
the duration -- and there is reason for optimism. Oppression is not the
wave of the future; it is the desperate tactic of a few backward-looking
men. Democratic nations grow in strength because they reward and respect
the creative gifts of their people. And freedom is the direction of
history, because freedom is the permanent hope of humanity.

America holds these values because of ideals long held on this continent.
We proudly stand in the tradition of the Magna Carta, the Declaration of
the Rights of Man, and the North Atlantic Treaty. The signers of that
Treaty pledged "To safeguard the freedom, common heritage, and civilization
of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual
liberty, and the rule of law." In this new century, the United States and
Europe reaffirm that commitment, and renew our great alliance of freedom.

May God bless you all. (Applause.)

END 2:39 P.M. (Local)

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