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Skriven 2004-11-16 23:32:56 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0411163) for Tue, 2004 Nov 16
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President Announces Nomination of Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 16, 2004

President Announces Nomination of Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State
The Roosevelt Room

President's Remarks
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12:33 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. I'm pleased to announce my nomination of Dr.
Condoleezza Rice to be America's Secretary of State. Condi Rice is already
known to all Americans, and to much of the world.

During the last four years I've relied on her counsel, benefited from her
great experience and appreciated her sound and steady judgment. And now I'm
honored that she has agreed to serve in my Cabinet. The Secretary of State
is America's face to the world. And in Dr. Rice, the world will see the
strength, the grace and the decency of our country.

Both Condi and I have been proud to serve with our friend, Secretary of
State Colin Powell. He has been one of the most effective and admired
diplomats in America's history. Secretary Powell has helped to rally the
world in a global war, has helped to resolve dangerous regional conflicts;
he's helped to confront the desperate challenges of hunger, poverty and
disease. He has been tireless and selfless and principled, and our entire
nation is grateful for his lifetime of service.

I'm also grateful that Steve Hadley has agreed to become my new National
Security Advisor. Steve served Presidents Nixon, Ford and Bush before me,
and he has done a superb job as Dr. Rice's deputy during these past four
years. Steve is a man of wisdom and good judgment. He has earned my trust
and I look forward to his continued vital service on my national security
team.

When confirmed by the Senate, Condoleezza Rice will take office at a
critical time for our country. We're a nation at war; we're leading a large
coalition against a determined enemy; we're putting in place new structures
and institutions to confront outlaw regimes, to oppose proliferation of
dangerous weapons and materials, and to break up terror networks.

The United States has undertaken a great calling of history to aid the
forces of reform and freedom in the broader Middle East so that that region
can grow in hope, instead of growing in anger. We're pursuing a positive
direction to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, an approach that honors the
peaceful aspirations of the Palestinian people through a democratic state,
and an approach that will ensure the security of our good friend, Israel.

Meeting all of these objectives will require wise and skillful leadership
at the Department of State, and Condi Rice is the right person for that
challenge. She's a recognized expert in international affairs, a
distinguished teacher and academic leader, and a public servant with years
of White House experience. She displays a commitment to excellence in every
aspect of her life, from shaping our strategy in the war on terror, to
coordinating national security policy across the government, to performing
classical music on stage. Above all, Dr. Rice has a deep, abiding belief in
the value and power of liberty, because she has seen freedom denied and
freedom reborn.

As a girl in the segregated South, Dr. Rice saw the promise of America
violated by racial discrimination and by the violence that comes from hate.
But she was taught by her mother, Angelina, and her father, the Reverend
John Rice, that human dignity is the gift of God, and that the ideals of
America would overcome oppression. That early wisdom has guided her through
life, and that truth has guided our nation to a better day.

I know that the Reverend and Mrs. Rice would be filled with pride to see
the daughter they raised in Birmingham, Alabama, chosen for the office
first held by Thomas Jefferson. Something tells me, however, they would not
be surprised. (Laughter.)

As many of you know, Condi's true ambition is beyond my power to grant.
(Laughter.) She would really like to be the commissioner of the National
Football League. I'm glad she's put those plans on hold once again. The
nation needs her. I urge the Senate to promptly confirm Condoleezza Rice as
America's 66th Secretary of State.

Congratulations. (Applause.)

DR. RICE: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. It has been an honor and a
privilege to work for you these past four years, in times of crisis,
decision and opportunity for our nation. Under your leadership, America is
fighting and winning the war on terror. You have marshaled great coalitions
that have liberated millions from tyranny, coalitions that are now helping
the Iraqi and Afghan people build democracies in the heart of the Muslim
world. And you have worked to widen the circle of prosperity and progress
in every corner of the world.

I look forward, with the consent of the Senate, to pursuing your hopeful
and ambitious agenda as Secretary of State. Mr. President, it is an honor
to be asked to serve your administration and my country once again.

And it is humbling to imagine succeeding my dear friend and mentor, Colin
Powell. He is one of the finest public servants our nation has ever
produced. Colin Powell has been a great and inspirational Secretary of
State. It was my honor to serve alongside him, and he will be missed.

It will, of course, be hard to leave the White House, and especially to
leave behind the terrific NSC staff who have served their President and
their country so ably in this most challenging of times. Yet, I can leave
confident in the knowledge that they will be led by the consummate
professional, a man I know and admire, my colleague and friend, Steve
Hadley.

Finally, let me say that in my 25 years of experience in foreign affairs,
both in and out of government, I have come to know the men and women of the
Department of State. I have the utmost admiration and respect for their
skill, their professionalism and their dedication. If I am confirmed by the
Senate, I look forward to working with the great people of the Foreign
Service and the Civil Service. And one of my highest priorities as
Secretary will be to ensure that they have all the tools necessary to carry
American diplomacy forward in the 21st century.

Mr. President, thank you again for this great opportunity, and for your
continued confidence in me.

THE PRESIDENT: Good job. Thank you all.

END 12:40 P.M. EST
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