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

Romania is on its way to reform. We’ve you meet some of the inhabitants in the got to be patient with Romania because city of Bucharest? Romania has come from a history of state- The President. The message is: For a dominated—state-dominated industry, long time you struggled; you’re now free. which failed, and it failed to provide for And you’ve got a great friend in the United the people. And so the reforms to the mar- States of America. ketplace are going to take time. But the Q. Mr. President, it’s been a great honor reforms will yield—will yield great pros- and privilege to interview you. Thank you perity, in my judgment. And it’s a matter very much for sharing your views with our of time for that to happen. public. Expectations of New NATO Members The President. Well, I am so looking for- ward to coming. It’s going to be an honor Q. What do the United States expect to be there. I have—I’m working on my from their new Allies, from Romania and speech to the Romanian people. It’s going the others? to be a powerful moment for me and my The President. Well, we expect friend- wife, to see the people and to be in the ship. We expect that concept that says, if famous square and to look at the statues one of us is attacked, we’re all attacked. of people who represent freedom. And it’s That works both ways. If Romania is at- going to be one of the highlights of my tacked, the Alliance comes to Romania’s Presidency. defense. If another country is attacked, we Q. You’ll be most welcome, sir. all go to that country’s defense. That com- The President. Thank you, sir. mon defense will help make the world Q. Thank you. more peaceful. The President. Good to meet you. Secondly, as we develop a new strategy Q. Good to meet you, sir, and I hope as to how to face the new threats of the you’ll have a very good and successful trip. 21st century, a new military strategy, Roma- The President. Thank you, sir. nia will be called upon to do its part, as will the United States. And together, the sum of our parts will be significant in terms NOTE: The interview was taped at 1:39 p.m. of keeping the peace. in the Library at the White House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the President’s Upcoming Visit to Romania Press Secretary on November 23. A tape was Q. What is going to be the message you not available for verification of the content will deliver to the Romanian people when of this interview.

Remarks on Receiving the Order of Vytautas the Great in Vilnius, Lithuania November 23, 2002

Mr. President, thank you very much. It’s I want to thank the members of the Gov- an honor to receive this award. And it’s ernment who are here as well, the Prime an honor to be the first United States Minister, the Speaker, other members of President to come to Lithuania. Laura and your Cabinet. I are honored to be here. This is a great day for Lithuania. It shows the Lithuanians’ commitment to

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freedom, to religious tolerance. It shows be joining with America in the NATO Alli- the Lithuanians’ courage is being rewarded ance. I’m proud of your accomplishments, by membership in one of the greatest alli- and my country is proud to call you friend. ances ever formed. May God bless the people of Lithuania. The NATO Alliance will be stronger with Lithuania’s presence. Not only will you help militarily, but as importantly, your presence NOTE: The President spoke at 8:24 a.m. at will help lift, invigorate the spirit of the the Prezidentura. In his remarks, he referred European North Atlantic Alliance. After all, to President Valdas Adamkus and Prime Lithuania represents to me the courage of Minister Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas of people standing in the face of tyranny and Lithuania; and Speaker of the Lithuanian demanding freedom. Parliament Arturas Paulauskas. A tape was There are thousands of Americans today not available for verification of the content who rejoice at the fact that Lithuania will of these remarks.

The President’s Radio Address November 23, 2002

Good morning. I’m speaking to you from to put the right people in the right place Europe, where this week I am meeting at the right time in defense of our country. with NATO Allies and friends to discuss Congress also acted to protect the Na- terrorism and other threats to our shared tion’s ports and coasts by passing port secu- security. rity legislation. With this law, we will add It has also been an important week at port security agents, restrict access to sen- home on Capitol Hill. After 2 years of sitive areas, and require ships to provide achievements, which included tax relief and more information about the cargo, crew, education reform, the last days of this ses- and passengers they carry. These measures sion of Congress brought additional historic will help keep terrorists and their weapons progress. Soon after I return from Europe, out of America. I will sign several important new laws that In addition, Congress passed terrorism help secure the homeland and create jobs. insurance legislation to help protect our Republicans and Democrats approved a economy from any future terrorist attack. Department of Homeland Security that will This new important law will lower insur- unite dozens of Federal agencies and nearly ance premiums and get many real estate 170,000 Federal workers behind a single, and construction projects that had been put overriding mission, keeping Americans safe. on hold moving again, creating thousands This new Department will coordinate our of hardhat jobs. response to any future emergency. It will On my trip this week here in Europe, help us know who’s coming into our coun- I’m consulting with our friends and NATO try and who’s going out. This new Depart- Allies about the new threats to freedom ment will bring together the best intel- that we face together. Today, the United ligence information about our vulnerabilities to terrorist attack so that we States is joined by more than 90 nations can act quickly to protect America. I appre- in a global coalition against terrorism, shar- ciate the Congress listening to my concerns ing intelligence, cutting off terrorist fi- and retaining the authority of the President nance, and pursuing the terrorists where

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