    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 21, 2001]
    [Pages 886-887]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 886]]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Jacques Chirac of France in Genoa, Italy
    July 21, 2001

        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you for coming by. I'm looking
    forward to our discussion. The meetings have been very productive here
    in Genoa. We've discussed a lot of important issues and agreed upon--had
    some important agreements, starting with the need to advance trade in
    the new round of global trade discussions.
        We also understand that countries such as France and the United
    States must assume more responsibility, helping nations help themselves,
    particularly on the continent of Africa. We had a fantastic meeting last
    night with some of the continent's leaders. President Chirac was most
    eloquent about Africa and our responsibilities, and world leaders agreed
    with him, and I do too.
        And as well, I'm very concerned about the violence. It's a tragic
    loss of life that occurred. It's also tragic that many police officers
    have been hurt, men and women who are trying to protect democratically
    elected leaders and our necessary right to be able to discuss our common
    problems.
        In Washington, DC, Mr. President, I said as clearly as I could, and
    I'll say it here again, those who claim to represent the voices of the
    poor aren't doing so. Those protesters who try to shut down our talks on
    trade and aid don't represent the poor, as far as I'm concerned.
        I appreciate the work of the Italian Government, the mayor of
    Genoa, the good people of this country for
    providing a secure atmosphere where the G-8, democratically elected
    leaders, as well as leaders from Africa, Central America, Asia--leaders
    who represent the poor of the world could come--the poor of the world,
    by the way, who spoke very clearly and eloquently about the need for
    nations such as ours to open up our markets, nations such as ours to
    help develop education infrastructures, nations such as ours to forgive
    debt----
        President Chirac. And health.
        President Bush. ----and health, absolutely, and health. So this has
    been a very productive meeting. It's been productive because we've met
    and agreed. It's also very productive because it gives me a chance to
    continue dialog with a friend such as Jacques Chirac.
        People may not remember, but even before I became sworn in as
    President, in between the election, when it finally ended, and my
    swearing-in, the first world leader I met with was President Chirac. I
    knew him to be a man of principle. He articulated his principles to me
    then, and he continues to do so, for which I am most grateful.
        So Mr. President, thank you for being here. I'm honored to have you.
        President Chirac. Merci. I must say that I absolutely share the
    feelings expressed by President Bush as concerns the efficiency of the
    organization of the summit, the efficiency which has been somewhat
    overshadowed by the events. But it was, indeed, a very positive summit.
    And it has enabled us to become aware of the problems of populations of
    Asia and Africa.
        Last night at dinner was very instructive. We have spoken with
    mainly African leaders who have decided to take greater control over
    their own destiny, and we have pledged ourselves to support them in
    their desire for sustainable development.
        Obviously, we have all been traumatized by the events. I shall not
    give any judgment, except to say that the elected leaders of our
    countries have to consider the problems that have brought tens of
    thousands of our compatriots, mainly from European countries, to
    demonstrate--to demonstrate their concern, to demonstrate their wish

    [[Page 887]]

    to change. And my last thoughts will be for the people of Genoa, who
    have been, indeed, as traumatized as we have by the events in the city.
        President Bush. Thank you, Mr. President.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:06 p.m. at the Jolly Marina Hotel. In his
    remarks, he referred to Mayor Giuseppe Pericu of Genoa. President Chirac
    spoke in French, and his remarks were translated by an interpreter.