    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 18, 2002]
    [Pages 2202-2203]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Jose Maria Aznar of Spain
    December 18, 2002

        President Bush. Welcome. I'll make a statement; the President will
    make a statement. That will be all we'll be doing today.
        It is my great honor to welcome my good personal friend and a friend
    of the United States Jose Maria Aznar to the Casa Blanca. He is one of
    the world's strongest leaders when it comes to our mutual concerns about
    keeping the peace and fighting terror. He understands the first--he
    understands firsthand the consequences of terror activity. And today,
    Mr. President, we join you in the mourning of loss of life for a
    policeman in your country who was killed.
        I also want to take a moment to express our deepest sympathy for the
    people of Galicia. We understand the concern and the heartfelt worry
    about the effects of the oilspill. President Aznar said, ``Nunca mas,''
    and I believe him. And I want to thank him for his leadership. And I'm
    glad he's back here.
        Bienvenidos.
        President Aznar. I begin by thanking President Bush very warmly for
    his very kind invitation once again.
        I'd also like to thank President Bush for his solidarity and
    particularly for the cooperation shown to Spain by all levels of the
    U.S. administration in the light of the environmental disaster caused by
    the sunken oil tanker off the coast of Spain.
        And can I say that in all the meetings I've had with representatives
    of your administration, we have received offers of unconditional support
    in helping cope with that disaster, and that support is ongoing and will
    continue. And I'd like to thank President Bush for the personal impetus
    that he has given in that cooperation.
        Spain and the United States are working together within a framework
    of very solid and close cooperation and confidence. And I am determined
    that this will continue to be the case in the future in the fight
    against terrorism, in the fight against weapons of mass destruction, and
    in this overriding objective of defending a world of freedom, justice,
    and stability.
        Gracias, senor.
        President Bush. Vamos a verles.

    [[Page 2203]]

        Q. Why shouldn't Senator Lott resign, sir?
        President Bush. Vamos a verles en la fiesta en la noche.
        Q. No comprende.
        President Bush. I said, I'll see you at the party tonight.
        Q. I thought that meant questions.
        President Bush. See you at the party tonight.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:22 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. President Aznar spoke in Spanish, and his remarks were translated
    by an interpreter. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks. A portion of these remarks
    could not be verified because the tape was incomplete.