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Remarks by the President to the Citizens of Romania - Bucharest, Romania
Saturday, November 23, 2002
(4:35 P.M. Local)
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary

Braving a cold rain, thousands of Romanian citizens came to Revolution Square to hear President Bush speak Nov. 23. "I know that your hardship did not end with your oppression. America respects your labor, your patience, your daily determination to find a better life. Your effort has been recognized by an offer to NATO membership. We welcome Romania into NATO," said President Bush.
Image Credit: Paul Morse -- Office of the Press Secretary.

“The world has suffered enough from fanatics who seek to impose their will through fear and murder. The NATO Alliance and the civilized world are confronting the new enemies of freedom, and we will prevail.”

BUCHAREST, Romania-- OPS
PRESIDENT BUSH: Salut! (Applause.) Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for being out here in the rain. Thank you for such a warm welcome. Laura and I are honored to be in this great country. (Applause.) As we started speaking, a rainbow appeared. (Applause.) God is smiling on us today. (Applause.)

I'm proud to stand in this great square and to bring the good wishes of the American people. (Applause.) Today we reaffirm the friendship between your country and mine. I'm honored to carry a message to the people of Romania: We proudly invite you to join NATO, the great alliance of freedom. (Applause.)

All around us are reminders of Romania's history and the culture we share. Close by is a church, three centuries old, a symbol of the faith that overcomes all oppression. In this square we see monuments of Romanian patriots who lost their lives in liberty -- for the liberty of your nation. (Applause.) And here, in December of 1989, you broke the silence of your captivity. From that balcony, the dictator heard your voices and faltered -- and fled. Two generations of bitter tyranny ended, and all the world witnessed the courage of Romania, the courage that set you free. (Applause.)

Since those days of liberation, Romania has made an historic journey. Instead of hatred, you have chosen tolerance. Instead of destructive rivalry with your neighbors, you have chosen reconciliation. Instead of state control, you have chosen free markets and rule of law. And instead of dictatorship, you have built a proud and working democracy. (Applause.)
(More: WhiteHouse.gov News Source)
2002 © Office of the Press Secretary.

Dan