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hostility that once led both our countries to Russia’s offensive nuclear weapons. I reit- keep thousands of nuclear weapons on hair erate our pledge to reduce our own nuclear trigger alert, pointed at each other. The grim arsenal between 1,700 and 2,200 operation- theory was that neither side would launch ally deployed strategic nuclear weapons. a nuclear attack because it knew the other President Putin and I have also agreed that would respond, thereby destroying both. my decision to withdraw from the treaty will Today, as the events of September the not, in any way, undermine our new relation- 11th made all too clear, the greatest threats ship or Russian security. to both our countries come not from each As President Putin said in Crawford, we other or other big powers in the world but are on the path to a fundamentally different from terrorists who strike without warning relationship. The cold war is long gone. or rogue states who seek weapons of mass Today we leave behind one of its last vestiges. destruction. But this is not a day for looking back. This We know that the terrorists and some of is a day for looking forward with hope and those who support them seek the ability to anticipation of greater prosperity and peace deliver death and destruction to our doorstep for Russians, for Americans, and for the en- via missile. And we must have the freedom tire world. and the flexibility to develop effective de- Thank you. fenses against those attacks. Defending the NOTE: The President spoke at 9:58 a.m. in the American people is my highest priority as Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, Commander in Chief, and I cannot and will he referred to President Vladimir Putin of Russia. not allow the United States to remain in a treaty that prevents us from developing ef- fective defenses. Remarks Honoring the At the same time, the United States and 2001 World Series Champion Russia have developed a new, much more Arizona Diamondbacks hopeful and constructive relationship. We December 13, 2001 are moving to replace mutually assured de- struction with mutual cooperation. Begin- The President. We were looking for a lit- ning in Ljubljana and continuing in meetings tle entertainment for tonight’s Christmas in Genoa, Shanghai, Washington, and party—[laughter]—but we didn’t find it. Crawford, President Putin and I developed [Laughter] common ground for a new strategic relation- I want to welcome the mighty ship. Russia is in the midst of a transition Diamondbacks to the White House. It didn’t to free markets and democracy. We are com- take you long to get here. I’m developing a mitted to forging strong economic ties be- severe case of trophy envy. [Laughter] We tween Russia and the United States and new were lucky to get out of last place with the bonds between Russia and our partners in Rangers, and here you are—thanks, in part, NATO. NATO has made clear its desire to to you. But I do want to congratulate you identify and pursue opportunities for joint all. action at 20. First, let me say welcome to the Arizona I look forward to visiting Moscow to con- delegation. I’m glad to see the Senator and tinue our discussions as we seek a formal way Members of the United States Congress to express a new strategic relationship that here. Thank you all for coming. will last long beyond our individual adminis- It’s an amazing year, obviously, for our trations, providing a foundation for peace for country. And the World Series couldn’t have the years to come. come at a better time. It gave the American We’re already working closely together as people a chance to think about something the world rallies in the war against terrorism. other than the war. And what a fabulous I appreciate so much President Putin’s im- World Series it was. portant advice and cooperation as we fight I want to thank—I want to congratulate to dismantle the Al Qaida network in Afghan- Bob Brenly, rookie of the year. [Laughter] istan. I appreciate his commitment to reduce What a great job he did. [Laughter] I still

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think I remember meeting you after throw- [At this point, Jerry Colangelo, Arizona ing out that ball. I was about 5 feet off the Diamondbacks chairman and chief executive ground; I went with kind of a rising slider. officer, made brief remarks, and pitchers [Laughter] But it was an amazing experience, Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson presented and Bob was there with Joe Torre. And I the President with a gift.] really felt proud to be an American at that The President. Thanks. You can just stay moment. I know the players did, as well. down there, and I’ll stand here—[laugh- I want to congratulate the vice president ter]—kind of like the jockey. [Laughter] and general manager, Joe Garagiola, Jr.—I’m Curt, thanks; I love the relationship you have always suspicious of guys who’s got a famous with your son. [Inaudible] Thank you all. father. [Laughter] And Rich Dozer; and of course, Jerry, I want to congratulate you and NOTE: The President spoke at 1:50 p.m. in the the ownership group; and all the great play- East Room at the White House. In his remarks, ers. he referred to Bob Brenly, manager, Joe The players gave us a fabulous Series. I Garagiola, Jr., vice president and general man- can’t think of a better way to end a World ager, Rich Dozer, president, and Matt Williams, Series, particularly in a time of national need, infielder, Arizona Diamondbacks; and Joe Torre, than in the bottom of the ninth, in the sev- manager, New York Yankees. enth game—everybody watching in the country, people cheering one way or the Message on the Observance of Eid other, such joy and jubilation. al-Fitr So I want to thank the players. I also par- ticularly want to thank the players for going December 13, 2001 to Ground Zero. I know Matt Williams’ quote I am pleased to send greetings and best was one that caught my attention, when he wishes to those across the globe who are cele- said, ‘‘We’re glad to get a chance to shake brating Eid al-Fitr. the hands and talk to some of the true Amer- For Muslims, the Eid is a festive occasion, ican heroes.’’ celebrating service rendered to God during It really meant a lot to the people of New the holy month of Ramadan. During this spe- York to see the Diamondbacks, kind of the cial time, it is also a tradition to help those foe of the mighty Yankees, go to Ground in need. Performing acts of charity remains Zero and to thank those people whose lives a tradition common across many faiths, chal- were hurting a lot, people who had spent lenging each of us to make a positive dif- enormous amounts of energy trying to rescue ference in the lives of others through gen- a fallen brother or sister because of what the erosity, kindness, and compassion. enemy had done. And I really want to thank Today, due to drought and dictatorship, you all for doing that. It was a true class act; millions of people in Afghanistan are hungry not only a great baseball team but you’re ob- and face the prospect of a harsh winter. viously a group of really fine human beings. Americans are working with many nations to And for that the Nation is grateful, and thank provide food, medicine, and clothing to the you. people of Afghanistan. We resolve to work God bless the players here and their fami- in partnership with other nations to assist lies. It’s a fabulous time of year, as you can with rebuilding their nation. see. The White House is just majestic in its The teachings of many faiths share much beauty. It’s a special honor to be the Presi- in common. And people of many faiths are dent of the United States at any time. It’s united in our commitments to love our fami- especially a special honor to be at a time lies, to protect our children, and to build a when our Nation is bound together for a more peaceful world. In the coming year, let common cause, and that’s to fight and win us resolve to seize opportunities to work to- the war against terror. gether in a spirit of friendship and coopera- So welcome to the White House, con- tion. Through our combined efforts, we can gratulations, and may God bless you all. end terrorism and rid our civilization of the

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