Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Nov. 23 2085

Mr. President, and America Two generations of bitter tyranny ended, and share common values and common chal- all the world witnessed the courage of Roma- lenges. We will join together to open mar- nia, the courage that set you free. kets, to build a new relationship with Russia, Since those days of liberation, Romania to confront global terrorism, and to stop the has made an historic journey. Instead of ha- proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. tred, you have chosen tolerance. Instead of Europe and America face unprecedented destructive rivalry with your neighbors, you dangers to our security, and we will face have chosen reconciliation. Instead of state these dangers together. control, you have chosen free markets and The Romanian people have made a great rule of law. And instead of dictatorship, you effort to meet the standards of NATO mem- have built a proud and working democracy. bership. That effort is succeeding. America The path of freedom you’ve chosen is not respects all that you have done and all that easy, but it’s the only path worth taking. I you will do in the cause of freedom. And know that your hardship did not end with America will be your partner in continuing your oppression. America respects your the work of reform. labor, your patience, your daily determina- On behalf of the American people, I tion to find a better life. Your effort has been proudly affirm the close relationship between recognized by an offer to NATO member- our countries, and I thank you for the honor ship. We welcome Romania into NATO. of this award. May God bless Romania. NATO’s invitation to join was also a vote of confidence that you will continue the hard NOTE: The President spoke at 3:47 p.m. at work of political, economic, and military re- . In his remarks, he referred to President Ion Iliescu and Prime Minister Adrian form. And as you do, you will have partners Nastase of Romania. in all the nations of NATO. The promises of our Alliance are sacred, and we will keep our pledges to all the nations that join us. Remarks to the People of Romania in Should any danger threaten Romania— should any nation threaten Romania, the November 23, 2002 United States of America and NATO will be by your side. As a NATO Ally, you can have Salut! Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. this confidence: No one will be able to take President. Thank you for being out here in away the freedom of your country. the rain. Thank you for such a warm wel- NATO membership will make Romania come. Laura and I are honored to be in this more secure, and Romania will add to the great country. As we started speaking, a rain- strength of the NATO Alliance as we face bow appeared. God is smiling on us today. unprecedented new dangers. Already, our I’m proud to stand in this great square and troops are serving side by side in Afghanistan. to bring the good wishes of the American Already, Romania has joined the global coali- people. Today we reaffirm the friendship be- tion against terror. And we thank you very tween your country and mine. I’m honored much. to carry a message to the people of Romania: The world has suffered enough from fanat- We proudly invite you to join NATO, the ics who seek to impose their will through fear great alliance of freedom. and murder. The NATO Alliance and the civ- All around us are reminders of Romania’s ilized world are confronting the new enemies history and the culture we share. Close by of freedom, and we will prevail. is a church, three centuries old, a symbol of Your country also brings moral clarity to the faith that overcomes all oppression. In our NATO Alliance. You value freedom be- this square we see monuments of Romanian cause you have lived without it. You know patriots who lost their lives in liberty—for the difference between good and evil be- the liber