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that there’s a process where we can collabo- of the Balkans, a region for whose fate and rate and share information in a very trans- future I feel responsible. parent way, which I think will be beneficial. President Bush. Thank you. And I would hope that the Russians would see the meetings as beneficial and out of the NOTE: The President’s news conference began at meetings realize our true intent, and hope- 10:35 a.m. at the National Museum of Archae- fully design systems that protect us all. ology. In his remarks, he referred to former Presi- dent Martti Ahtisaari of Finland, United Nations President Parvanov. I would like to Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the begin by saying that we welcome the strategic Future Status Process of Kosovo. President dialog, and it was described as a strategic dia- Parvanov and some reporters spoke in Bulgarian, log by both leaders, both by President Bush and their remarks were translated by an inter- and by Putin, a dialog which started within preter. the framework of G–8. We Bulgarians would accept any solution that would provide more Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by guarantees, more security guarantees, more guarantees of the indivisibility of the security President Georgi Parvanov of of the Euro-Atlantic space—any solution that Bulgaria in Sofia has been achieved, hammered out through June 11, 2007 dialog and in transparency, and any solution that is not directed against a third country, Mrs. Parvanova, Prime Minister, Mr. notably Russia in this case. Speaker, members of the Government, and distinguished guests: Laura and I are thrilled I would take the liberty of paraphrasing to be with you, and we’re really happy to something that was said in Prague—hope- be in your country. fully my source was reliable; the President You know, sitting here in this beautiful would correct me if I’m wrong or impre- museum reminds me of the great history of cise—the Bulgarians must not choose be- Bulgaria. And it was important for me to be tween their friendship with the United States with leaders who are still writing a history and that with Russia. The Bulgarians should of this important country. And for a person and can maintain friendly relations with both who was raised in the deserts of Texas, this countries. Just as I am a friend with George is a magnificent view. It reminds me of the and a friend with Vladimir, we could main- beauty of your country. I was telling the tain, within the context of our Euro-Atlantic President, my only regret is that we didn’t orientation, friendly relations with both with- have this meeting on the beaches. out diluting the things, without losing sight I congratulate you on your admission into of our strategic priorities. We should main- the EU. A lot of people said, there is no way tain relations with everyone who thinks like- that Bulgaria can do the necessary things to wise. join the EU. And you proved the critics This means the same approach would wrong. We’re proud to be a member of apply to the energy, the infrastructure NATO with you. Bulgaria is a valued ally of sphere. This is why Bulgaria maintains—has all of us in NATO and a valued ally of the maintained active relations with Russia on United States. the major infrastructure, or rather energy I thank you for your strong stand for free- projects. dom. I thank you for helping spread liberty I myself, earlier today, offered to President into places like Iraq and Afghanistan, where Bush a clearer, firmer commitment by Amer- people want to live a peaceful and free life. ican companies to the energy project. Chev- I appreciate the sacrifices the people of this ron, in respect of Bourgas-Alexandroupolis, country have made to support the troops and or AMBO—I’m not going to list them all their families. I firmly believe that the actions here—this is an investment in peace and the we’re taking are laying the foundation of security of the region. This is a geostrategic peace for generations to come. I think people contribution. And I’m saying this both as the will look back at this moment in history and President of Bulgaria, but also as a citizen say, thank God there were people who still

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stood strong for liberty and freedom as the thing we can do is to invite students to come alternative to tyranny and oppression. to our country. You’ll see what America is We discussed a lot of issues. I appreciated really like when you come. But you don’t your leader’s advice on Kosovo. It’s impor- have to, you know, just come to America to tant advice, and I took it seriously. Kosovo study. You can study all over the world, and must be independent. And I thank them for then go back to your countries and become their advice as to how to best achieve that. productive citizens and apply what you’ve I made it clear the visa policy needs to learned and help your countries grow, be- be changed. And I care deeply about the Bul- cause the potential in this part of the world garian nurses. We’re working on a strategy is wide open. We kind of have to do a little to make sure that these nurses come home political work in some places, but it’s wide as quickly as possible. open. And we wish you all the very best. I’m We had a constructive, candid, important honored to be with you. conversations today. Our friendship is strong, and we intend to keep it that way. Stanko, why don’t you share some thoughts So I’d like to propose a toast to the Presi- with us. dent, his good wife, to the people of Bulgaria, Stanko Stankov. Well, I have to—I mean, and to the friendship between the United I agree with the point about education. There States and Bulgaria. are many challenges here in the region, espe- cially after Bulgaria now entered European NOTE: The President spoke at approximately Union. And this period of transition, I think, 12:36 p.m. in Sunny Hall at the National Museum is going to be best dealt with by having a of History. In his remarks, he referred to Zorka good education and having competent peo- Petrova Parvanova, wife of President Parvanov; ple who can stand up to the challenge and Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev of Bulgaria; and just face it the proper way. Georgi Georgiev Pirinski, chairman, Bulgarian National Assembly. The transcript released by the The President. So, Stanko, what was your Office of the Press Secretary also included the major? remarks of President Parvanov. Mr. Stankov. My major was business ad- ministration. Remarks at the American University The President. Oh, that’s right. Yeah. And in Bulgaria in Sofia so what are you going to do? June 11, 2007 Mr. Stankov. Oh, first I’m going to do some work here in Bulgaria, because I need The President. Well, listen, thank you all some work experience before I apply to a for introducing yourselves. I want to thank grad school in the United States—that’s you very much, Olga, for giving me a chance where I hope to apply. And after I do this to visit with these students. work for 2 or 3 years, I’m going to go prob- First of all, I’m looking forward to hearing ably to the States and study, do my masters about your stories and your dreams. There’s there. And after that, well, we’ll see. no question that education is what’s going The President. And have you found a job? to help change the world; it certainly change Mr. Stankov. Yes, I’m being interviewed your personal lives. But it also has the oppor- still. And tomorrow I have a very important tunity to change regions in the world. And interview. [Laughter] My next job interview. I am excited that all of you have had a chance [Laughter] to go to higher education and that you aspire beyond your current education to achieve The President. Well, if the interviewer is new things, new dreams—Michigan State listening—[laughter]—Stanko is looking for Law School—I mean, Michigan Law School, a little work. [Laughter] It’ll make your excuse me, or mathematics. I mean, it’s up- mother happy when you find a job, won’t it? lifting for me to be with you. Mr. Stankov. Yes, she will be happy. America strongly supports education ini- The President. That’s good. Well, thank tiatives at home and abroad. I think the best you very much, Stanko. Thank you all.

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