    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 18, 2002]
    [Pages 2114-2115]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 2114]]

    Interview With TVR of Romania
    November 18, 2002

        Q. So, first of all, may I remark, sir, that you are the first
    President of the United States who grants an interview to the public
    television. And I thank you very much for that.
        The President. Well, I'm honored. Thank you. And I'm so looking
    forward to coming to Romania. It's going to be an exciting trip for
    Laura and me.

    Romania's Role in NATO

        Q. To what extent, sir, Romania's candidacy has helped to implement
    your vision of a broad, robust NATO expansion?
        The President. Well, first of all, I believe in the concept of
    Europe, free, whole, and at peace. And I think the fact that Romania
    will be a part of NATO recognizes that vision.
        Secondly, Romania will be an active participate in the war against
    terror. And as we change the NATO strategy to reflect the true threats
    we face, Romania will work alongside the United States and other nations
    to make the world more peaceful.
        Thirdly, I think it's very important for us to recognize that new
    countries that--admitted countries which had lived under a totalitarian
    state will bring a breath of fresh air, a vigor to the relationship
    because you remember the difference between freedom and a nonfree state.
    You remember the difference between--you've seen the difference between
    good and evil. And that spirit, that strong determination for freedom is
    important in this Alliance.

    Romanian Popular Support for NATO

        Q. Sir, more than 80 percent of Romania's population supports NATO
    membership of my country. How important is this popular support in
    promoting America's policy towards a world of freedom and prosperity?
        The President. Well, first of all, you've got to understand some of
    my view on freedom. It's not American's gift to the world. See, freedom
    is God--is God-given. And--but we believe so strongly in freedom that we
    believe that when people have a taste of freedom, they will demand the
    institutions necessary to make sure freedom lasts. And the Romanian
    people want to be free. People everywhere want to be free if they've
    seen the other side. And so the fact that Romania is a strong supporter
    of NATO really reflects more about Romania than it does reflect about
    us.
        What we want to do is we want to have an Alliance that is strong
    enough and capable enough to meet the true threats that we all face. And
    global terror is a threat. Believe me, it is a threat. It is a threat
    not only to the United States, but it's a threat to any country which
    embraces freedom. No one is immune from global terror. And therefore--
    but we're more likely to succeed if we work together, which means work
    to cut off money, work to cut off access, work to share intelligence,
    and if need be, work together in the military way to defeat terror.

    Romanian Economy

        Q. What are the challenges facing the common people, the taxpayers,
    once Romania is a part of NATO?
        The President. Well, the biggest problem that is going to face the
    taxpayers is to make sure the economy grows. But that's the problem we
    all face. I mean, we want to make sure people work. The most important
    criterion for success of any country, NATO or otherwise, is: Can people
    find a job? Will the economies flourish? Will open markets be able to
    yield the fruits of the labor for the common person? And the answer is
    yes.

    [[Page 2115]]

        Romania is on its way to reform. We've got to be patient with
    Romania because Romania has come from a history of state-dominated--
    state-dominated industry, which failed, and it failed to provide for the
    people. And so the reforms to the marketplace are going to take time.
    But the reforms will yield--will yield great prosperity, in my judgment.
    And it's a matter of time for that to happen.

    Expectations of New NATO Members

        Q. What do the United States expect from their new Allies, from
    Romania and the others?
        The President. Well, we expect friendship. We expect that concept
    that says, if one of us is attacked, we're all attacked. That works both
    ways. If Romania is attacked, the Alliance comes to Romania's defense.
    If another country is attacked, we all go to that country's defense.
    That common defense will help make the world more peaceful.
        Secondly, as we develop a new strategy as to how to face the new
    threats of the 21st century, a new military strategy, Romania 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 of keeping the peace.

    President's Upcoming Visit to Romania

        Q. What is going to be the message you will deliver to the Romanian
    people when you meet some of the inhabitants in the city of Bucharest?
        The President. The message is: For a long time you struggled; you're
    now free. And you've got a great friend in the United States of America.
        Q. Mr. President, it's been a great honor and privilege to interview
    you. Thank you very much for sharing your views with our public.
        The President. Well, I am so looking forward to coming. It's going
    to be an honor to be there. I have--I'm working on my speech to the
    Romanian people. It's going to be a powerful moment for me and my wife,
    to see the people and to be in the famous square and to look at the
    statues of people who represent freedom. And it's going to be one of the
    highlights of my Presidency.
        Q. You'll be most welcome, sir.
        The President. Thank you, sir.
        Q. Thank you.
        The President. Good to meet you.
        Q. Good to meet you, sir, and I hope you'll have a very good and
    successful trip.
        The President. Thank you, sir.

    Note: The interview was taped at 1:39 p.m. in the Library at the White
    House, and the transcript was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on November 23. A tape was not available for verification of
    the content of this interview.